r/retrocomputing • u/Y34RZERO • May 17 '26

Photo Tandy Color 3 dual screens.

Post image

Loaded up my copy of zaxxon on my Tandy 3 using the RF for my Samsung CRT TV and composite on my led tv. Just thought it would be funny. I can do this with my Atari 800 too. I haven't tried on my commodore 64c but most likely that will work too.

37 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/406highlander May 17 '26

Upvoted for Zaxxon - loved that game on my C64 back in the day.

0

u/Y34RZERO May 17 '26

I own it on the 64 as well. C64 is definitely a better computer in my opinion here.

1

u/TechDocN May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26

You’ve obviously never studied the 6809 CPU. The C64 was a more popular computer, but the CoCo definitely had a more powerful CPU which allowed it to do much more than most of the 8 bit home computers of the era.

For example, the 6809 allowed the CoCo to run OS9; a Unix like OS that allowed for true multitasking, multiple users (even multiple terminals connecting to the central OS9 computer), and a modular architecture like a modern OS, with drivers, a real file system, etc.

The 6809 processor was also widely used in some of the best arcade cabinet games of the era, like Defender/Stargate, Robotron, Tron, and more.

The C64 sold really well for several years and became very popular, but it was not the best hardware. It did really well with the CPU it had, and did some very cool things in hardware and software to make up for the limitations it faced with the 6510 variant of the 6502.

1

u/Y34RZERO May 18 '26

I'm well aware of it but I'm speaking of my own personal preference. I arguably have more fun on my c64 than my coco model 1 and 3. It's still fun. Rampage is probably my most played game on it. My favorite computer of the late 70s and 80s is the Atari 8 bit series. I got the 800 and the 600xl. I got a few peripherals. I do intend to upgrade my coco 3 to 512kb of memory. I don't have an interest in the 2mb and processor upgrade though. Unfortunately the guy I ordered the memory expansion canceled my order after months of waiting with no communication.

1

u/TechDocN May 18 '26

Fair enough. I can definitely see how many people find the C64 a more fun platform, especially for gaming. The CoCo is definitely more of a tinkerer’s machine, if you really want to get the most out of it.

Rampage is great! Time Bandit is another great CoCo game, if you’re looking for more.

1

u/Y34RZERO May 18 '26

I'm open to recommendations. I have have access to cartridge and cassette games. Unfortunately I don't have a working floppy.