Compare Atari 7800 Plus vs Microsoft Xbox Series S
In this technical comparison between the Atari 7800 Plus and the Microsoft Xbox Series S, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
Choosing between these two Home Consoles models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $129.99 / £99.99 and 512GB: $299.99 USD / €299.99 / £249.99 --- 1TB: $349.99 USD / €349.99 / £299.99.
| Specifications |
Atari 7800 Plus |
Microsoft Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
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|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | November 2024 | November 2020 |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | Rockchip RK3128 SoC (Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A7) | 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU |
| GPU | ARM Mali-400 MP2 | 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU |
| GPU Power | Optimized for high-accuracy 8-bit emulation | 4.0 TFLOPS |
| RAM | 256 MB DDR3 | 10GB GDDR6 (8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s) |
| Storage | 256 MB eMMC (Internal firmware only) | 512GB or 1TB Custom NVMe SSD |
| Expandable | No internal storage; relies on physical game cartridges | Support for Seagate/Western Digital Expansion Card; External USB 3.1 HDD support Disc Drive: None (All-Digital) |
| Disc Drive | None (Physical Cartridge Slot for 2600 and 7800 games) | None (All-Digital) |
| Video Output | ||
| Resolution | 720p HD (via HDMI) | 1440p (Gaming target); 4K upscaling for games; 4K native for media streaming |
| Max FPS | 60 FPS | Up to 120 FPS |
| HDR | No | Dolby Vision, HDR10, Auto HDR |
| VRR | No | Yes (AMD FreeSync & HDMI VRR) |
| Ray Tracing | No --- Display Features: Toggle switch on the back for 4:3 (Original) or 16:9 (Widescreen) | Yes (Hardware-accelerated) |
| Audio | ||
| Formats | Two-channel Stereo via HDMI | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Windows Sonic, 7.1 LPCM |
| Headphones | No direct jack; uses HDMI audio or 3rd-party adapters | 3.5mm Jack (on controller) or Xbox Wireless Protocol |
| Connectivity | ||
| HDMI | 1x HDMI Out | 1x HDMI 2.1 Port |
| USB | USB-C (for Power and Firmware updates) | 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports (1 front, 2 back) |
| Ethernet | No | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | No | 802.11ac dual band (Wi-Fi 5) |
| Bluetooth | Used for the included wireless controller (via 2.4GHz USB adapter) --- Legacy Ports: 2x DB9 (9-pin) ports for original Atari joysticks/paddles | None for audio (Uses Xbox Wireless Radio; Bluetooth 5.0 is in the controller only) |
| Services | ||
| Online Multiplayer | No | Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate required |
| Cloud Saves | No | Free (No subscription required) |
| Subscription | No | Xbox Game Pass, EA Play |
| Remote Play | No -- Emulation Engine: Uses Stella (for 2600 games) and ProSystem (for 7800 games) | Yes (via Xbox app) |
| Controller | ||
| Included | 1x CX78+ Wireless Gamepad | 1x Xbox Wireless Controller |
| Features | Two-button design, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C rechargeable, includes DB9 adapter for use on original 1980s hardware | Share button, Hybrid D-pad, Textured grips, AA Battery powered (included) |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward | Native support for nearly all original Atari 2600 and Atari 7800 cartridges | Digital versions of thousands of Xbox, 360, and One games |
| VR Support | No | No |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 9" x 6.5" x 2.3" (Approx. 80% the size of the original 7800) | 65mm x 151mm x 275mm (Smallest Xbox ever) |
| Weight | 17.5 oz (1.09 lbs) | 4.25 lbs |
| Color | Black with silver trim (Retro ProSystem aesthetic) | Robot White (512GB/1TB) or Carbon Black (1TB) |
| Power | ||
| Consumption | Low-power draw; powered via USB-C (5V) | 165W (Maximum rated power; typical gaming draw is ~75W) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Console, Wireless CX78+ Gamepad, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest (7800 Cartridge), HDMI Cable, USB-C Power Cable | Console, Xbox Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI Cable, Power Cord |
| Price | $129.99 / £99.99 | 512GB: $299.99 USD / €299.99 / £249.99 --- 1TB: $349.99 USD / €349.99 / £299.99 |
| Full Details | 7800 Plus - Full Specifications | Xbox Series S - Full Specifications |