List of supported the Atari Gamestation Pro consoles

People on Facebook and Forums keep asking for a compatibility list for the AGSP, so I made one.
Default Firmware 1.10 and updated 1.20

Game Platform	file extension
Atari 2600	.a26
Atari 5200	.a52
Atari 7800	.a72
--
Nintendo Gameboy	.gb
Nintendo Gameboy Advance	.gba
Nintendo Gameboy Color	.gbc
Nintendo NES	.nes
--
Sega genesis	.bin
Sega cd	.bin/cue
--
TurboGrafx-16	.pce
--
Mame/arcade	.zip

Updated Firmware 1.30 adds

Game Platform	file extension
Nintendo Super NES	.sfc
--
Sega Master System	.sms

Updated Firmware 1.30c adds

Game Platform	file extension
Atari 400/800	.atr or .com
Atari ST games	zip, .st, .stx, .m3u
Atari Lynx
Atari Jaguar
CBM
PET
C64
Intellivsion
Oddyssey 2
ColecoVision

I have tested Atari 2600, 7800, NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. I have tried over a hundred ROMs without a failure yet.

The Atari Gamestation pro

The Atari/MyArcade Gamestation pro has become my primary console. So much so, I'm thinking about shelving many of my other game consoles. I'm beginning to see this is an underrated console. The system plays Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 7800, Genesis, NES, SNES, Game Boy, MAME Arcade, as well as several other game systems. With Firmware "1.30c", there are ways of making Odyssey2 and Intellivision games run on the console. Really almost any 8-bit or 16-bit game console. Plus the amount of controllers that people have made run on the console is impressive too. If some could get PS1 and PS2 to run this would be my one console, but I'm not holding my breath as I really don't know the amount of horse power under the hood of this console.

As long as you put the games in the "Games" folder of the root of the micro SD card and use the correct extensions for the BIN/ROM file, the system plays thousands of different games across all these systems.

For example (not a complete list): .a26 for Atari 2600 .a52 for Atari 5200 .a78 for Atari 7800 .gb for Game Boy .gba for Game Boy Advanced .gbc for Game Boy Color .nes for NES .bin for Sega Genesis .gg for Sega Game Gear for updated firmware 1.30 [vendor] .sfc for Super Nintendo .sms for Sega Master System

Another Pickup and more about last weeks Illinois Game Conference 2024

 I finally picked up KC munchkin for the Odyssey 2 this weekend.  My find list is now complete. I never owned that game, but it is the first game I played on that system.  Picked it up for $8 .

I have my TI-99/4A hooked up.  Let's face it -  How cool is it that in 1981 the TI had made a  computer with a16 bit processor and S-Video out!  Unlike everything else of that era, I don't need an RF demodulation.  Here is a photo of it hooked to a 60 inch monitor via HDMI. Better than that CRT TV I had when I was a kid.  But hey I guess it did me fine back then.

Here are some photos of my last week pickups. Yes there are duplicates of stuff I already owned, BUT, some of these are for display and not playing. The TI I had been wanting for some time.  Someone sold it to my for $60 and I could not turn that down.  Tore the TI down and apart - and it was amazingly clean on the inside.

And here are some pics of the Illinois Game Conference in Bloomington IL.  This conference was the best one yet! It has grown every year, so I'm curious about next years.

Illinois Game Con in Bloomington IL

 Spent most of my day at the 2024 Illinois Game Con in Bloomington IL.  I was quite impressed with how much this conference has grown.  My biggest pickup was a TI-99/4A computer, but I did pickup Atari 7800 Centipede, PlayStation Sammy Sosa game, and a few 2600 cartridges. 

I picked up some Pokemon and Spider-Man gifts for family.  My son picked up a few games and a Dream Cast.   

The foot traffic was very high and the vendors were pretty good.  More standup arcade machines were there.  The tunnel between buildings was an awesome idea.

 

Ranking Atari Arcade ports - Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong for 2600 receives 3.5 out of 5 stars

Only two levels of the four were included as only a 4k cartridge was made by Coleco. 

The game has primitive graphics and the system was capable of better graphics.  Really, I can let most of the graphics slide, but the Donkey Kong ape is given no effort at all. 

Despite the horribly drawn ape, the game play does stay fairly true.  The game feels like Donkey Kong.

Several unofficial modern versions of 2600 Donkey Kong have show what this game could have been - and it is a whole lot more than this.  But expectations were much lower for the 2600 when this was released.

Donkey Kong was not made for the Atari 5200  

Donkey Kong for the Atari 8-bit systems receives 4 out of 5 stars

The 8 bit version of Donkey Kong is a huge improvement over the 2600.  The game looks very much more like the arcade version and this has all 4 level screens.  Many more details are added from the arcade version.  Noticeable is the fact that there is one less of the platform girder beams (6 instead of 7) and Donkey Kong is on the right side instead of the left - even the 2600 got those two details correct.

On the other hand, the sound is really good and there are the cut scenes.  This version tries to stay true in many ways.

Donkey Kong for the Atari 7800 receives 4 out of 5 stars

This version adds all the visual details the Atari 8-bit couldn't like the barrel detail as they roll down ladders and characters that most closely resemble the arcade.  Also has the same amount of girder beams as the arcade version.  So why does the 7800 only get 4 out of 5 stars also?  There are only 3 level screens instead of 4 and the sound is sub par to other versions.   

Conclusion.  All three games are great and a lot of fun, but I would rather play the Atari 8-bit or 7800 over the 2600.

In 2018, Playsoft re-released Donkey Kong for the 8-bit Atari computers.  This version improved the graphics greatly - I think making this the one to get for the 8-bit and helping edge out the 7800 version.

[Image credit indieretronews.com]

 

Illinois Game Con 2023

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023 AT 9 AM – 5 PM
Illinois Game Con 2023
1106 Interstate Dr, Bloomington, IL 61705

Game Room room update, Pitfall II

This spring, I have had a trickle of Star Wars, Cubs décor, and D&D stuff come to the game room.  As far as game system, mainly just have the Atari 7800, Sony PlayStation 4, and Sony PlayStation 2 setup for games along side of the Arcade 1Up.

I finally found Pitfall II for the Atari 2600.  Paying $25 plus tax is not ideal, but I also realized this cartridge does not pop up often.  I was so excited to map out a learn this game, but alas after trying both consoles and cleaning the cartridge... the cartridge is dead.  I find it hard to believe it was not tested. :(

I'll see if they will honor the exchange.

MyArcade Atari GameStation Plus

 OK, I'm going to admit I'm excited about the team up between MyArcade and Atari for the new mini console - Atari GameStation.  

* What I know:

- This is a mini console.

- Comes with two wireless, LED joy sticks with several buttons (including trigger button)

- 200+ built-in game ROMs, all from 2600, 7800, and Arcade.

- Two USB ports on the front of the console

- Price point at $99 dollars

- Released June 2023

* What I am excited for:

- 7800 and Arcade ROMs

- Joy sticks 

* What I am not excited for:

- I don't need more 2600 games.  I have an Atari 2600 with tons of games.  The console and games are already easy to acquire. Like everyone else, I also already have an Atari Flashback packed with 2600 games.  It would have been nice to have Jaguar and 5200 games on this.

- No paddle controller or track ball available.  Breakout, Tempest, Centipede, and and other such games sometimes play better on other controllers than joy sticks. 

Great, but cheap golf games pickups and another working joystick.

Purchased these two PlayStation 2 Tiger Woods PGA for total $8. Enjoyed the PGA Tour 07 for PlayStation so much, I figured these were worth the risk at only $4 each.

I had picked this Atari 7800 Pro system joystick up on e-bay on the cheep as non working.  Only one direction was not working  - the left movement was not working.  Took the thing apart and cleanup a mostly already really clean joystick.  Works great!  For something this old, I was amazed at it's condition inside.  That said, I still enjoy using 2600 joysticks more, even for 7800 games.

 

Arcade titles in collection

100 Top Arcade games that I have in my collection.  Not in any paticular order.
    Game                 Year   Link                                                                     .
#1  Dig Dug              1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Dig%20Dug
#2  Pac-Man              1980   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Pac-Man
#3  Donkey Kong          1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Donkey%20kong
#4  Smash TV             1990   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Smash
#5  Frogger              1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Frogger
#6  Galaga               1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Galaga
#7  Robotron: 2084       1982   https://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Robotron
#8  BurgerTime           1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Burger
#9  Tapper               1983   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Tapper
#10 Golden Axe           1989   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Golden%20Axe
#11 Space Invaders       1978   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Space%20Invaders
#12 Joust                1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Joust
#13 Ms. Pac-Man          1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Ms.%20Pac-Man
#14 Defender             1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Defender
#15 Spy Hunter           1983   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Spy%20Hunter
#16 Donkey Kong Jr.      1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Donkey%20Kong%20j
#17 Asteroids            1979   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Asteroids
#18 Pole Position        1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Pole%20Position
#19 Stargate             1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Stargate
#20 Galaxian             1979   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Galaxian
#21 Gauntlet             1985   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Gauntlet
#22 Tempest              1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Tempest
#23 Pong                 1972   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Pong
#24 Double Dragon        1987   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Double%20Dragon
#25 Centipede            1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Centipede
#26 Battlezone           1980   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Battlezone
#27 Xevious              1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Xevious
#28 Missile Command      1980   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Missile%20command
#29 Berzerk              1980   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Berzerk
#30 Arkanoid             1986   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Arkanoid
#31 Zaxxon               1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Zaxxon
#32 Q-bert               1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Q-bert
#34 Millipede            1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Millipede
#35 Street Fighter       1987   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Street%20Fighter
#36 Gorf                 1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Gorf
#37 Elevator Action      1983   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Elevator%20Action
#38 Space Fury           1981   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Space Fury
#39 Rally-X              1980   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Rally
#40 Choplifter           1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=choplifter
#41 Popeye               1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Popeye
#42 Gravitar             1982   http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Gravitar
#43 Turtles
#44 Space Panic
#45 Venture
#46 Pole Position II
#47 Pepper II
#48 Jungle Hunt
#49 Frenzy
#50 Bump n Jump          1982     http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=bump
#51 Mappy
#52 720 
#53 Rolling Thunder 
#54 Klax  
#55 Marble Madness
#56 Paperboy             1984                           
#57 Rampage              1986               
#58 Rampart              1990 
#59 RoadBlasters         1987    
#60 Rompers              
#61 The Tower of Druaga  19 
#62 King and Balloon
#63 Mortal Kombat
#64 Super Breakout
#65 Warlords
#66 Black Widow
#67 Asteroids Deluxe
#68 1942
#69 Mario Bros
#70 Ninja Turtles  
#71 Snow Bros
#72 Mortal Kombat II 
#73 Golden Axe II
#74 Altered Beast
#75 Sinistar
#76 Mortal Kombat III 
#78 Vanguard
#79 Polaris
#80 Night Driver
#81 Dodge Em             1979
#82 Crystal Castles
#83 Breakout
#84 Jr. Pac-Man
#85 Marble Madness       1985

Another 7800 game

 I finally picked up Joust for the Atari 7800 system.  I remember the first time seeing this on the 7800 in a department store, I was just in owe.  My Joust collection is now at 6 different versions:

http://mrgibson.com/GameRoom/games_db.php?syst=%20&game=Joust

Huge weekly pick this week

First, I want to ackknowledge that today is the 18th aniversary of Tracy's Death. Went to the grave with my children with with Tracy.

Items that I picked up for game room over the week, including today:

First on the break down, Dice:
- 7 dice set, hand crafted silver with gold accent
- 2 dice set, hand crafted green onyx

Next, Video game system and games.

- Atari 7800 ProSystem Console. I have been wanting this for a long time.

- Additional 10 Controllers:
- - 4 Atari 2600 paddle controllers.
- - 4 Atari 2600 joystick controllers.
- - 2 Atari 7800 joystick contollers.



- 17 Games including
- - Donkey Kong for Atari 2600 varient A (Coleco)
- - Donkey Kong for Atari 2600 varient B (Atari)
- - Donkey Kong Junior for Atari 2600
- - Jr Pac-Man for 2600
- - Pitfall for 2600
- - Warplock for 2600
- - Frogger for 2600
- - Dig Dug for Atari 7800
- - Pole Position II for Atari 7800

Dig Dug port reviews

Just reviewing versions from old classic systems. Many modern ports are near identical.  
So here are 8 Dig Dugs they should not have bothered making.  And 8 really good ports.

First, the list of bad Dig Dugs:

#1 Atari 2600 - horrible play, horrible graphics. Rocks are squares. Other than main

character, none of the other characters look close to arcade.


[Atari 2600 version screen shot]

#2 Apple II - bad play, bad graphics
#3 MSDOS - accurate and good play, bad graphics
#4 Intellivision - expected better from them.
#5 VIC20 - good play, not the best graphics
#6 Atari 800 - surprisingly bad for that system
#7 Atari 5200 - graphics are capable of being better.  little effort on design team.
#8 TI994A - some of the graphics could have been detailed better


Good Dig Dugs

#1 Sega Dreamcast - Perfect in most ways from opening screen on.


[Sega Dreamcast version screen shot]

#2 Nintendo 64 - Perfect.  same graphics, play, and development as the Sega Dreamcast.
#3 Windows - very good in strange and different way
#4 Nintendo Family Computer - Perfect as it can get.
#5 Nintendo NES - very good and accurate.  Worst part is that NES graphic flicker.
#6 Atari 7800 - One of the best Arcade clones of the game.  Little higher resolutions and they 
   would have nailed it.


[Atari 7800 version screen shot]

#7 Commodore 64 - well done over all, sore weird graphic glitches
#8 ColecoVision -  Nailed the game play, graphics not so much

Centipede 7800

Just a little blurb about Centipede for the Atari 7800. I like the games so I personally give this version 4 out of 5 stars. Much, much, better looking with improvement over Atari 2600. But... not as much of the feel as the TI994A version to the arcade. Even the Atari 5200 version looks a lot closer to the arcade version. I get it. Just like Asteroids, the Atari 7800 group was trying to add something different like 3d shaded mushrooms. Their goal was to "modernize" the Arcade favorites. Yet looking and playing the game, I feel they still could have done a little better. I have seen what the 7800 is actually capable of.