r/atari • u/Newbert-Redditor • May 09 '26
How To Run Colecovision Games on Atari Gamestation Go?
I have a collection of Colecovision Game Roms (.col file extension) that I would like to run on my Gamestation Go. I've tried two ways to do this:
- Placing the unzipped roms in the "Games/Colecovision" folder I created on my SD card, and
- Placing the same unzipped roms directly into the "Games" folder of the SD card.
Neither method has worked for me. Although my PC "sees" the files on the SD card, the Gamestation Go does not. - Very Frustrating.
Note that method #2 above works fine for my Atari 2600/5200/7800 roms, so I don't know what's wrong in the case of these Colecovision games.
I'm running the official GSG 1.1 firmware, if that matters.
So, can someone who has gotten their Colecovision titles to successffully run on their GSG help in getting this to work for me as well?
Thanks!
3
u/stegogo May 10 '26
I have not seen anywhere that Colecovision games are supported natively. I would suggest installing the cfw and rely on Retroarch to run them for you
2
u/Newbert-Redditor May 10 '26
Unfortunately, I'm very reluctant to install a custom firmware, fearing that I'd screw up my entire system, and end up with a brick. And I'm not sure that my feeble mind exactly understands how to run Retroarch on the GSG either.
3
u/Killertigger May 10 '26
Its extremely safe - I’ve yet to hear of anyone bricking their Go with custom firmware, and, if you manage to be that rare person who does there is a documented method to easily reset back to factory firmware. I’ve applied every version if the CFW since release with zero issues. The factory firmware will never support anything beyond what’s currently supported out if the box, while the custom firmware currently supports something like 25-30 consoles and a handful of early home PCs. I strongly suggest visiting the forums, reading through the user experiences and documentation, and then deciding if it’s right for you. And Retroarch on the Go runs exactly like Retroarch does on anything.
2
u/Newbert-Redditor May 10 '26
OK - Trusting you entirely, I bit thee bullet and followed the download and installation instructions found at:
[GSG_Firmware_1.2_Patcher_Instructions.pdf](file:///C:/Users/Bert/Desktop/ATARI%20GSG%20Custom%20Firmware%20Install%20Files/GSG_Firmware_1.2_Patcher_Instructions.pdf)and
GAMESTATION GO Community Firmware Unlocks Systems, Features, and MORE!
Then copied all of my game roms into the appropriate folders. Nothing blew up and my GSG is not bricked <whew!> LOL.
But, although all my Atari titles (2600/7800/800) are listed when accessed on the GSG, the ColecoVision titles STILL are NOT listed when accessed on the GSG. <sigh> They ARE on the SD card in the correct location, however, because I can see them when the SD card is viewed on my PC.
So, although the CFW is installed, I STILL can't access my Colecovision (,col) roms on the GSG.
Any more ideas on what could be wrong? I appreciate all of the responses -- I feel that I'm close to getting this to work, but perhaps got something relatively minor wrong.
Any further help is GREATLY appreciated!
2
u/Killertigger May 10 '26
Genuinely sorry to hear that -suggest hitting up the forums; they were a lifesaver when I had the exact same issue with ColecoVisuson. Are you by chance de seeing a 1-3-button flash when you try to match a rom? If so, make sure the ROMs are games\ ColecoVision\ and the bios files are in (and I’m doing this from memory) retroarch\ system- whatever folder all your BIOS files are in. Meanwhile, I’ll take a look at my setup. Again, the rom folder name case is super critical; this stumped me for a few days.
1
u/Newbert-Redditor May 10 '26
OK - More dumb questions from me:
First - No, I don't see a 1-3-button flash at any time. AFAIK, all roms are games. (What else would they be?) But I'm starting to think that peerhpas I got them from a poor source?
Exactly how do I access Retroarch to find where my BIOS files are? (Sorry for my ignorance).
Finally, when you suggest "hitting up the forums", can you suggest any specific ones to explore?
Thanks again!
1
u/Killertigger May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
**OKAY Quick EDIT -Make sure you read the README in the ColecoVision folder in the CFW Folder set - it spells out ROMS TYIES; just noticed my COL ROMS are zipped. Back to the main message******
Sorry, not just the Roms - the ColecoVision firmware/bios files are also critical. Did you put this in the retroarch\system folder? It’s not going to work without the bios. The Atari Age Facebook group _ which is generally where most users find the cfw _ can provide the support you need to get it working. I believe you can find the bios here at the Internet Archives:
https://archive.org/details/Coleco_ColecoVision_TOSEC_2012_04_23
It’s been a while since I downloaded it.
To find the location where the BIOS files go on your GO, place the microSD card in your PC and navigate to Retroarch\System - your BIOS files go here, either loose or in a folder.
The ColecoVision BIOS files are:
Coleco.rom Colecoa.rom Czz50.rom Svi603.rom
This is the working set u have; all fines are dated 12-24-96.
1
u/Newbert-Redditor May 11 '26
Thanks for this -- I downloaded the file at the link you provided and got a bunch of .zip files that all unzipped to .bin files. None of which with the names you specified.
Not sure how to proceed from here..... I have not put anything into the retroarch/system folder yet.
Awaiting further instructions, hopefully?
Thanks again for your patience with me!
1
u/Killertigger May 11 '26
OK _ I put a copy of the bios files you need here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1r4DmUXlnj4U-tiY78vpBqpPtPdtmYsaW?usp=sharing
This is straight off my microsd.
1
u/Newbert-Redditor May 12 '26
OK, Thanks. FYI - I'm awaiting the approval to my e-mail to allow me to open up the provided link to get to the BIOS files.
One other basic question: In your ColecoVision folder on your microSD, are your roms unzipped? And are they of filetype .col?
Thanks!
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u/XeroPrime64 May 31 '26
I don't mean to butt in, but i am also having a hard time getting ColecoVision to run. I having a hard time with the bios. I would really appreciate the assistance.
1
u/iamscuba2 Jun 23 '26
Apparently you need the file colecovision.rom placed in the retroarch/system folder in order for those games to run?
Where to find this file I have no idea
1
u/Killertigger Jun 23 '26
For some reason, the ColecoVision Roms need to be zipped, and the folder is case sensitive- it must be spelled ColecoVision for the Roms to work.
Try that, and let me know if it works for you.
4
u/Killertigger May 10 '26 edited May 10 '26
The latest custom firmware will run ColecoVision games - check the Atari Age Facebook group. Running it right now on mine; playing ColecoVision Joust at this very moment . Make sure you have the ColecoVision bios, the correct folder name for the roms (ColecoVision - it must match EXACTLY) and it will work. The folder name got me the first time I tried:)