Atari 5200 facts for kids
Atarti 5200 system and game cartridge
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| Manufacturer | Atari Inc. |
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| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Second generation |
| Retail availability | November 1982 (United States) |
| Discontinued | 1984 |
| Media | ROM cartridge |
| CPU | MOS 6502C @ 1.79 MHz |
| Controller input | Joystick Trak-Ball |
| Predecessor | Atari 2600 |
| Successor | Atari 7800 |
The Atari 5200 SuperSystem, often called just the Atari 5200, was a video game console released in 1982. It was made by Atari Inc. The company hoped it would replace their very popular Atari 2600 console. Atari wanted the 5200 to compete with the Intellivision, but it ended up competing more with the ColecoVision.
The Atari 5200 was built using parts similar to Atari Inc.'s 400/800 computers. Even though the inside parts were almost the same, the game programs were not. Some design problems made the 5200 difficult to use. These problems led to it not selling very well.
Contents
What was the Atari 5200's design like?
The Atari 5200 was based on the Atari 400 computer. This made it easy for Atari Inc. to build and sell the console quickly.
While it was being designed, the Atari 5200 was called the "Atari Video System X." Atari used a secret name, or codename, "Pam," for the project. This name came from a female employee at Atari. Some people thought "Pam" stood for "Personal Arcade Machine." This was because many games for the system were like games found in arcades. Some rare "Atari Video System X" machines still exist. They are exactly the same as the Atari 5200 inside.
The first version of the 5200, released in 1982, had four controller ports. Most other game systems at that time only had two. The 5200 also came with a special new controller. It had an analog joystick, a number pad, and two fire buttons on each side. It also had game function keys for Start, Pause, and Reset. Another special feature was the first automatic TV switchbox. Older game systems needed you to manually slide a switch to play. This box also connected the game's power supply. A single cable from the 5200 carried both power and the TV signal.
In 1983, a new version of the Atari 5200 came out. This one had two controller ports instead of four. Atari went back to using a separate power supply and a manual TV switch. It also had changes to the game cartridge slot. This allowed it to work with an adapter for Atari 2600 games. This adapter was made for the two-port version. However, some four-port consoles were made later with these changes. You can spot them by an asterisk in their serial number.
How were the Atari 5200 controllers?
The early designs for the controller's electrical parts used a "yoke and gimbal" system. This came from radio control systems for model airplanes. This design gave good control and was very reliable. However, the actual controllers sold with the game were quite different. Many people on the design team were disappointed.
The analog joystick used a weak rubber part instead of springs to make the stick return to the center. This meant many joysticks would not center properly. Another big problem was that the stick did not move smoothly. This made playing games awkward. However, the controllers did have a pause button. This was new at the time, but it later became a standard feature on almost all game systems. Other companies also made replacement joysticks.
Atari Inc. also released the Pro-Line Trak-Ball controller for the system. This was useful for games like Centipede and Defender. Atari was also working on a paddle controller and a better self-centering joystick. But these were never released.
Some online game reviewers have shown how frustrating the Atari 5200 controllers can be. They often point out that the joysticks and Trak-Ball do not work well. One reviewer even called them the worst game console controllers ever. The website IGN ranked the Atari 5200 controller as the 10th worst video game controller.
Why was the Atari 5200 not a success?
The Atari 5200 could not play games made for the very popular Atari 2600. An adapter was later released in 1983. This allowed the 5200 to play all Atari 2600 games. It even used the more reliable 2600 controllers.
Another problem was that Atari Inc. did not focus much on the 5200. Most of their attention went to the older Atari 2600. The 5200 also faced tough competition from the ColecoVision. Plus, the video game market was starting to slow down.
At one point, Atari Inc. planned to make a smaller, cheaper version of the 5200. It would not have the storage bin for controllers. This project was called the "Atari 5100." Only a few working models were made before the project was stopped.
On May 21, 1984, Atari announced that the 5200 was no longer being made. This happened when they introduced the Atari 7800. Reports say that over 1 million Atari 5200 units were sold in total.
What were the first games for the Atari 5200?
- Super Breakout
- Galaxian
- Space Invaders
- Asteroids (Prototype)
Images for kids
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The Atari 5200 system with its controller, game cartridges, and packaging.
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The 5200's large size is partly because it has storage for controllers in the back.
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The second version of the 5200.
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The Atari 5200 controller that came with the console.
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The Pro-Line Track Ball controller.
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The 5200 is powered by a 1.79 MHz 6502C CPU.
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A diagram of the joystick from its patent.
See also
In Spanish: Atari 5200 para niños
