Compare Atari 7800 Plus vs Valve Steam Machine
In this technical comparison between the Atari 7800 Plus and the Valve Steam Machine, 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 $749 USD (512 GB) / $899 USD (2 TB).
| Specifications |
Atari 7800 Plus |
Valve Steam Machine |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | November 2024 | - |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | Rockchip RK3128 SoC (Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A7) | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 (6-core / 12-thread) up to 4.8 GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-400 MP2 | Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 (28 Compute Units) |
| GPU Power | Optimized for high-accuracy 8-bit emulation | Approx. 10.5 Teraflops (Comparable to an RTX 4060 / RX 7600) |
| RAM | 256 MB DDR3 | 16 GB DDR5 (System) + 8 GB GDDR6 (Dedicated VRAM) |
| Storage | 256 MB eMMC (Internal firmware only) | 512 GB or 2 TB NVMe SSD (User-upgradeable 2230/2280 slots) |
| Expandable | No internal storage; relies on physical game cartridges | High-speed microSD card slot; External USB storage |
| Disc Drive | None (Physical Cartridge Slot for 2600 and 7800 games) | None (Digital only) |
| Video Output | ||
| Resolution | 720p HD (via HDMI) | Native 4K (2160p); 8K support via DisplayPort |
| Max FPS | 60 FPS | Up to 240 FPS (via DisplayPort 1.4); 120 FPS (via HDMI 2.0) |
| HDR | No | HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support |
| VRR | No | AMD FreeSync Premium |
| Ray Tracing | No --- Display Features: Toggle switch on the back for 4:3 (Original) or 16:9 (Widescreen) | Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing (RDNA 3) |
| Audio | ||
| Formats | Two-channel Stereo via HDMI | Multichannel Linear PCM, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Headphones | No direct jack; uses HDMI audio or 3rd-party adapters | 3.5mm jack on controller; USB-C and Bluetooth audio support |
| Connectivity | ||
| HDMI | 1x HDMI Out | 1x HDMI 2.0 (with CEC support) |
| USB | USB-C (for Power and Firmware updates) | 2x USB-A 3.2 (Front), 2x USB-A 2.0 (Rear), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Rear) |
| Ethernet | No | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | No | Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Used for the included wireless controller (via 2.4GHz USB adapter) --- Legacy Ports: 2x DB9 (9-pin) ports for original Atari joysticks/paddles | Bluetooth 5.3 (Dedicated antenna) |
| Services | ||
| Online Multiplayer | No | Free (Steam Networking) |
| Cloud Saves | No | Steam Cloud (Free) |
| Subscription | No | None required (Access to Steam Store, EA Play) |
| Remote Play | No -- Emulation Engine: Uses Stella (for 2600 games) and ProSystem (for 7800 games) | Steam Remote Play / Steam Link |
| Controller | ||
| Included | 1x CX78+ Wireless Gamepad | Standard in bundles (or sold separately) |
| Features | Two-button design, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C rechargeable, includes DB9 adapter for use on original 1980s hardware | Dual haptic trackpads, TMR Magnetic Sticks (no drift), 4 back buttons, Gyro, Capacitive touch sensors |
| Compatibility | ||
| Backward | Native support for nearly all original Atari 2600 and Atari 7800 cartridges | Full Steam Library (via Proton/SteamOS); plays thousands of Windows games |
| VR Support | No | Full support for Valve Index and the new Steam Frame headset |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 9" x 6.5" x 2.3" (Approx. 80% the size of the original 7800) | 6.1 x 6.4 x 6.0 inches (156 x 162 x 152 mm) — Compact cube design |
| Weight | 17.5 oz (1.09 lbs) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Color | Black with silver trim (Retro ProSystem aesthetic) | Matte Black with customizable 17-LED RGB strip |
| Power | ||
| Consumption | Low-power draw; powered via USB-C (5V) | 300W Internal Power Supply (Max draw approx. 150-180W) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Console, Wireless CX78+ Gamepad, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest (7800 Cartridge), HDMI Cable, USB-C Power Cable | Console, Steam Controller 2, Charging Puck, HDMI 2.0 cable, AC Power cord |
| Price | $129.99 / £99.99 | $749 USD (512 GB) / $899 USD (2 TB) |
| Full Details | 7800 Plus - Full Specifications | Steam Machine - Full Specifications |