Atari 2600 (1977-1991)
October 7, 2008 - 9:28 am - Posted by Sean
Considered the grand father of video game consoles, the Atari 2600, originally the Atari VCS, was the first to significantly penetrate the home market.
The system got off to a slow start upon its release in 1977, but its popularity soared with the release of faithful arcade translations like Space Invaders and Asteroids.
By the beginning of the 1980′s, the 2600 was a legitimate phenomenon, making Atari one of the most recognized brand names in the world.
The system offered several practical innovations, including removable cartridges, detachable controllers, different types of controllers, and the ability to select game “variations” from a single cartridge.
Although many technically-superior consoles were released during the 1980′s, the Atari 2600 remained in production in one form or another long after most of its competitors had folded, all the way up until 1991.
Built like tanks, Atari 2600′s are highly durable, and it’s not hard to find one in good working condition. Compared to newer consoles like the NES, the system has aged extremely well.
Due to its massive popularity and remarkable lifespan, the Atari 2600 is an ideal system for collectors.
Literally hundreds of titles were produced for the system, including an extensive list of legitimate classics including:
- Adventure
- Pitfall
- Space Invaders
- Missile Command
- Battlezone
- Asteroids
- Frogger
Fortunately, the best titles are cheap and easy to find, and all instruction manuals are available online.
The cartridges work like new after a proper cleaning, although the condition of the label may vary. Most games are easy to play and provide timeless fun.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive but fun classic game console, consider picking up an Atari 2600.
Ooooh, this takes me back. From the nostalgic wood grain front, to the satisfying switches on top, the Old Skool(tm) 2600 enclosure beats the doorstop model of the 80s by all measures (except for size).
@Tony: The first released model of the 2600 had 6 switches on the front which came out in 1977. It’s also called a heavy sixer.
The following year, they did another 6 switcher which was basically the same but didn’t have all the “heavy” shielding inside, so it’s just a sixer.
The photo I posted is the 1980 model with 4 switches on the front. The 2 switches removed and put on the back are the difficulty switches.
Apparently Atari did this to save money on production costs… but functionality wise, all 3 units are exactly the same.
We had an Atari growing up as kids. It was a Christmas gift from my grand parents. I loved playing Combat and Bowling on the Atari.
@Eric: My grand parents had an Atari too. My grandpa liked playing Combat and Pac-Man.
I also enjoyed Combat and Bowling. I plan on doing a review of Bowling in the near future.
This post reminded me of something I’ve meant to tell you. Did you know that the DS has a paddle wheel controller now?
@Luke: I didn’t know that the Nintendo DS had a paddle wheel controller. At the present time, I don’t even own a DS.