Atari's 1982 SuperSystem reached the TV over RF, but the original four-controller-port model did it in an unusually awkward way: a single captive cable carries both power and the RF signal to a proprietary, failure-prone automatic switchbox that then feeds the television by coaxial antenna. The four joystick ports use a 15-pin connector unique to the 5200 rather than the industry-standard 9-pin Atari plug. The 1983 two-port revision added a normal DC power jack and a standard RF switchbox.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Atari
- Release Year
- 1982
- Model Number
- CX-5200 (4-port)
- Category
- Gaming Console
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF Antenna Input (Coaxial) | 1 | — | — | RF to TV (via switchbox) | RF output reaches the TV over coaxial antenna through the proprietary automatic switchbox |
Same ports, other brands
Notes & Compatibility
Output to the TV is RF (coaxial antenna) — modeled as the RF antenna connection, matching how other RF-era consoles are handled. The 1982 four-port model has NO discrete RF or power jack: a single captive cable feeds a proprietary automatic switchbox that supplies both power and RF (kept in prose). The four controller ports use a 5200-specific 15-pin connector (proprietary, not the standard DE-9 Atari joystick port) — kept in prose, not modeled. The 1983 two-port revision differs (separate DC power jack + standard RF switchbox). On the four-port model the switchbox also delivers power, so a broken switchbox (or a bent pin in its plug) looks like a dead console: check it first. A TV without an analogue tuner needs an analogue RF demodulator after the switchbox.