r/atari • u/ExistingHoneydew8197 • 8d ago
Opinions needed please!
Found this listed for sale. I went through price chart and checked everything as much as I could. It comes out to around $650 in value. The price seems good, and I’d like to buy. Is this worth it? Should I make an offer or buy outright? Please help me decide haha. Thank you!!
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u/joehigashi83 8d ago
Look up known issues for the 5200 and weight the pros and cons. Kind of why I’ve held off.
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u/tiggerclaw 8d ago
Atari 5200 is one of those consoles that I feel is much better to emulate.
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u/lazygerm 7d ago
Or you could pre-order that new Retro Games Ltd Atari 800XL computer.
Most of the same games, since the 5200 was an Atari 400 computer.
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u/tiggerclaw 7d ago
Yeah, but doesn’t that also use an emulator?
Emulation isn’t bad. I like it.
And actually I’m thinking of ordering the 800XL.
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u/fariqcheaux 7d ago
My original Atari 5200 analog stick controllers do no center properly. Emulators are easier to control with modern controllers.
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u/Lendyman 7d ago
I love my 5200. But be aware you WILL be doing work on its controller if they are still stock. No getting around it.
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u/CavediverNY 8d ago
If you buy it, the first thing you need to do is reach out to Best Electronics in California and ask about their controller rebuild kits and their "gold" controllers. I did this on my 7800 and my 2600 and it is amazing!
I only bought one 5200 in the box over the years, as I recall, mine was silver… I think I might have a later release, I'm curious if what you are showing is the Gen one?
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u/_RexDart 8d ago
Very curious about the condition of the 5200 controller(s) because those things are annoying
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u/therealduckie 7d ago
You say it's $650 in value but neither you nor the images show how much they are asking for it.
No way would I pay more than $200 for all that, though.
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u/FAMICOMASTER 6d ago
That's a really nice set, better shape and more games than mine came with. If you like the 5200, go for it! It's got a lovely library in my opinion.
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u/Perna1985 5d ago
I finally bought a 5200 after wishing I had one for close to a decade. The controller really ruins the system you need to find the adapters and use aftermarket controllers. Other than that they're actually a lot of fun. The only thing is once you take it out of the package and start using it it's eventually going to be worth less than you paid
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u/siliconlore 7d ago
I very much enjoy my 5200. You will need to either rebuild the controllers or buy a set of Wico ones. (The Wico sticks are amazing.) There is also a calibration pot inside that should be tweaked to get the controllers dialed in.
One fun fact is the track ball for the 5200 is truly analog and apparently games like Missile Command are excellent with the 5200 track ball.
The 5200 is a nostalgia system that appeals most to anyone who wanted a Colecovision, Intellivision or 5200 back in the early 80's.
For anyone that enjoys completeness collecting, the 5200 has a low count of original carts so it is possible to get a complete set.
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u/sjimmi3 8d ago
What is th goal I have an Atari 400 mini just for fun I never play it cause it's just a set piece. Enjoying those low quality games is only fun in an arcade or on a proper simulated handheld in my option.
As an investment well whatever they want to give you get. So not really.
If you won't play it don't buy it.
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u/Scoth42 8d ago
Are you looking to buy to "invest" or to play? And do you think they'll hold value?