Atari 2600

The Atari 2600 was the first successful game console. Also known as the VCS for Video Computer System.

It was released in 1977 at a price of $200, but initially it sold slowly. It would have completely destroyed the company, but the new owner, Warner Communications, helped out the system after Nolan Bushnell left. Atari rapidly scooped up licenses, including: Space Invaders from Taito, Pac Man, E.T. (video game), and others. By 1979, it was the best selling Christmas present (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content. Like all consoles, it was badly hurt by the video game crash of 1983, but managed to survive. The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until at least 1988, and continued to sell in PAL version in Asian nations until the early 1990s. Videogames for it are still made for it today by hobbyists.

Atari 2600 Specs:

• CPU: MOS Technologies 6507
• Video Processor: None
• Audio Processor: None
• RAM: 128 bytes
• Storage: Cartridges: 4K Max

See also: List of Atari 2600 games