Features:

- Compatible with Atari 7800 console
- Supports up to 32GB Fat 32 memory
- Allows homebrew game testing and playing
- Play all software using a single cartridge
- Micro SD card required (not included)

Description:

The RetroHQ Atari 7800 GameDrive is an essential tool for retro game enthusiasts and developers alike, bringing your latest creations to life on original hardware. With a convenient microSD card slot, this versatile cartridge lets you easily load, test, and play software directly on the Atari 7800 console.

You can also use the GameDrive to explore a growing library of license-free, open-source games, as the renewed interest in retro gaming continues to inspire enthusiasts to create exciting new projects. It's the perfect companion for testing fresh ideas and enjoying classic gameplay with ease.

The 7800GD has all the additional audio support you'll ever need, including DUAL POKEY compatible audio, YM2151 compatible audio, COVOX compatible audio for sampled sound and BupChip compatible audio for blasting sampled music.

It also features a unique RGB video and audio out port on the cartridge iteself allowing you to play software titles in glorious RGB using a compatible Mega Drive 2 style video cable!*

As if all of this wasn't enough, the 7800GD also allows you to break into your games, save your state, load previous states, enable cheats or just return to the main menu and load another software title. And to make all of this even easier, there is also the Mega 7800 which allows you to use Mega Drive and MasterSystem controllers on the 7800 and access game breaking features at the touch of a button!

Software developers can test code on the fly thanks to the built in serial port on the side, which allows you to upload and run code directly from a PC.

7800Basic has support for uploading to the 7800GD and will have support for using the Mega 7800 within your own homebrew games!

* Please note: The 7800GD only provides an RGB video output, only RGB SCART and component video cables are compatible. Composite video cables will not work. Many modern televisions have issues with video signals from old consoles like the 7800, for best compatibility a CRT is recommended or a good quality up-scaler such as the RetroTink5x Pro when used with a modern television. Other upscalers can work, but will be very dependant on your speicifc television

To play software on the Atari 7800 console, they must first be loaded onto a micro SD card using a PC or Mac capable of working in Fat 16 or Fat 32 format.

Any memory card up to 32GB in size can be used with the 7800 cart as long as it is FAT16 or FAT32 formatted.

Hardware Compatibility

Atari 7800, NTSC and PAL
FAT16 or FAT32 memory cards
High Score Cartridge (HSC) Support
POKEY audio
YM2151 audio
COVOX audio
BupChip audio
Mega 7800 support
Serial debug port for developers
CRT's and good upscalers (RetroTink5x Pro recommended)

Software Compatibility:

Wide support - extensively tested for compatibility
Non-ARM based homebrew
No compatibility issues known

Usage instructions:

Insert the memory card into the 7800GD, then insert the cartridge ito the game slot and power on your console, the cartridge will boot to the software title selection screen.

The menu screen displays the folders and recognised files on your memory card, allowing you to navigate the folder structure and select a title to play.

Firmware Updates:

Periodically you may wish to check for firmware updates. To do this, press the start button when instructed to do so as the cartridge is booting.

A screen similar to the initial firmware setup screen will be displayed with QR code and website address.

Either scan the QR code or visit the website manually to check for a firmware update.

Updates to the firmware will be available from the RetroHQ website if required.

LEGAL NOTICE: Product Use Disclaimer and Limitations of Liability

USE OF THIS PRODUCT

This product is intended exclusively for homebrew development and the use of legally obtained, open-source software. It is designed to support independent developers and hobbyists who wish to create and play original content on retro gaming consoles. We do not condone, support, or encourage the use of this product for piracy or any form of copyright infringement.

COPYRIGHTED CONTENT

Downloading or playing copies of games, software or other media without the copyright holder’s permission may violate copyright laws in your country, even if you own the original version. Please ensure that any media used with this product complies fully with local copyright laws.

BACK-UP AND PERSONAL USE

In some jurisdictions, creating personal back-ups of games is permitted, while in others it may be restricted. Using ROMs of games that you did not personally back up, even if you own a physical copy, may infringe on the copyright holder’s rights, we advise all customers to familiarize themselves with local laws and restrictions before using any back-up media.

LIMITED SUPPORT

Our customer support for this product is limited to legitimate uses, such as homebrew development or playing authorized open-source games, we do not provide support for any other use of this product.

MODIFICATION & USE

Any unauthorized modification or use of this product outside its intended purpose will void all manufacturer and retailer warranties. This product should be used only as intended, any other use is unsupported and may result in damage or functionality issues.