Atari 2600

Release: October, 1977

In 1976, Atari designers started putting together their next big project. "Stella", as it was called was going to be their new multi-game console. The system was being developed by Cyan Engineering, a development group that Atari had acquired. Due to low budget, however, the company was sold to Warner Communications for $28 Million U.S. in October. A year later, the legendary Atari 2600 was born.

The original package contained the system, two joysticks, two paddle controls, an AC adapter and a tv switch, as well as the game cartridge: Combat.

The original release of the console was under the name Video Computer System or VCS. The system was not an instant success and fell victim to price wars with Fairchild, makers of the Channel F. Within the first two years, 800,000 consoles were sold, although the company experienced losses having produced over one million units.

1979, however, was a golden year for Atari as two things happened. First, Fairchild abandoned the market under the impression that video gaming was on the way out. Second, the market began to realize the capabilities of Atari's system, both in the library of games available, and in the potential for programmers to produce and publish their own games. Over one million Atari 2600 consoles were sold in 1979.

Variations

Atari produced another version of the 2600 in 1982: The Atari 2700. This device, also known as the Remote Control VCS, was a wireless version of the console but was never released. The company also created the Atari 2800, a Japan-only model of the device. The 2800 never really picked up in Japan, however, due to the release of the Nintendo Famicom, which would eventually come to North America as the NES.

1983 Crash

In 1983, the video game market suddenly crashed, resulting in losses for every company attempting to market gaming machines. There were a number of causes for this, but among them was one on Atari's front. Because anyone could publish a game for Atari's system, there were a ton of low-quality games out there that were released by those jumping on the gaming bandwagon for a quick buck. Among them were the high-profile titles E.T. and Pac-Man, which were both failures in terms of quality.

Despite its radical decline, the Atari 2600 has been a major influence in the video gaming world, and a popular item for collectors and those interested in 'retro' gaming.

Upgrades & Accessories

Driving Controllers

For the game Indy500.

Keyboard:

A keyboard controller was released for use with the BASIC programming cartridge, and for some games.

Children's Controller

Released for a Sesame Street game series.

Atari 2600 JR.

A smaller, cheaper remake of the Atari 2600, the Atari 2600 JR. was released in 1986. It introduced through an ad campaign designed to bring attention back to the 2600.

Top Games

• Space Invaders
  
• Asteroids
  
• Pitfall!