Atari 7800:Atari 7800 Model Differences: Difference between revisions

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(Removed the bit about the 1984 California test launch as there is no evidence for it; it seems that all the 1984 7800s were sold during the console's launch in 1986 and into 1987)
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'''Page content & researching taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-home/3rd_generation/atari_7800 io55.net's Atari 7800 page] with permission, in collaboration.'''
'''Page content & researching taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-home/3rd_generation/atari_7800 io55.net's Atari 7800 page] with permission, in collaboration.'''


There are two released models of the 2600, and two minor/internal revisions for one of the models.
There are two released models of the 7800, and two minor/internal revisions for one of the models.


== Models and Revisions ==
== Models and Revisions ==
''Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.''
''Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.''


=== 7800 (1984) ===
=== 7800 with expansion port (1984/1986-1987) ===


The original run of the 7800, which had to cease production later that year due to contractual disputes. Sold only in southern California at first. Upon the 1986 relaunch, all overstock from the 1984 run was sold, but it is unknown if sales were still limited to California or not. The only noteworthy difference to the later run, is the presence of an unused expansion port on the left side.
The original run of the 7800 from 1984, which had to cease production during the year due to contractual disputes and a change in corporate ownership. These consoles were produced at Atari factories in El Paso, Texas and Taiwan, though none were sold until the 7800's launch in May 1986. The only noteworthy difference to later runs is the presence of an unused expansion port on the left side, originally intended for a planned LaserDisc add-on.


=== 7800 (1986-1992) ===
=== 7800 without expansion port (1987-1992) ===


Identical to the 1984 run 7800, except the expansion port is now gone.
Identical to the 1984-manufactured 7800s, except the expansion port is now gone.


==== Atari 7800 without expansion, with indent (1986-19??) ====
==== Expansion port indent (1987) ====


Outside of a minor motherboard change, this Atari 7800 version has no expansion port anymore. However, there is an indent located where the port used to be. This version may have a minor incompatibility with “Dark Chambers”, a 2600 game.
Outside of a minor motherboard change, this version of the console has no expansion port, with only an indent located where the port used to be. This version may have a compatibility issue with the 2600 version of “Dark Chambers".


==== Atari 7800 without expansion or indent (198?-1992) ====
==== No indent (1987-1992) ====
Same as above, except either a small outline or nothing at all replaces the expansion port indent. The aforementioned “Dark Chambers” defect may not exist; however, games using FE-bank switching may be incompatible instead (Centipede, Kool-Aid Man, etc). Most of these variants were manufactured in Taiwan with later units being manufactured in China.


The exact same as above, except either a small outline or nothing at all replaces the expansion port indent. Aforementioned “Dark Chambers” defect may not exist, however, games using FE-bank switching may be incompatible instead (Centipede, Kool-Aid Man, etc.)
All PAL 7800s are of this variant, as the console was not launched in PAL regions until 1989.


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 06:19, 14 February 2022

Page content & researching taken from io55.net's Atari 7800 page with permission, in collaboration.

There are two released models of the 7800, and two minor/internal revisions for one of the models.

Models and Revisions

Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.

7800 with expansion port (1984/1986-1987)

The original run of the 7800 from 1984, which had to cease production during the year due to contractual disputes and a change in corporate ownership. These consoles were produced at Atari factories in El Paso, Texas and Taiwan, though none were sold until the 7800's launch in May 1986. The only noteworthy difference to later runs is the presence of an unused expansion port on the left side, originally intended for a planned LaserDisc add-on.

7800 without expansion port (1987-1992)

Identical to the 1984-manufactured 7800s, except the expansion port is now gone.

Expansion port indent (1987)

Outside of a minor motherboard change, this version of the console has no expansion port, with only an indent located where the port used to be. This version may have a compatibility issue with the 2600 version of “Dark Chambers".

No indent (1987-1992)

Same as above, except either a small outline or nothing at all replaces the expansion port indent. The aforementioned “Dark Chambers” defect may not exist; however, games using FE-bank switching may be incompatible instead (Centipede, Kool-Aid Man, etc). Most of these variants were manufactured in Taiwan with later units being manufactured in China.

All PAL 7800s are of this variant, as the console was not launched in PAL regions until 1989.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_7800#System_revisions

http://www.ataricompendium.com/game_library/easter_eggs/7800/78prosystem.html

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