Atari 2600

Summary

The Atari 2600, originally released as the Atari VCS (Video Computer System), was among the first consoles to use interchangeable cartridges containing independently programmed games. Sales were initially slow after its 1977 launch, but rose sharply after the first two years. Atari ultimately sold around 30 million units, overshadowing the other consoles of its era.

The production of the system lasted almost 15 years until Atari stopped it in 1992. In the meantime, revised versions have been released over and over. The models are commonly named after their exterior: the black console is called “Darth Vader”, while the smallest is called “Junior”. In addition, the number of toggle switches helps in the distinction, because there is the console with four or six switches.