Atari · 1977

Used Atari 2600 consoles and games

Atari released the Video Computer System around September 1977, with two joysticks and Combat in the box. The 2600 name came from its part number, CX2600, and Atari only put it on the case in 1982. Inside sit a 6507 processor, 128 bytes of RAM and a TIA chip with no frame buffer, so programmers drew each line as the TV's beam passed. The first consoles were built in Sunnyvale, California. Then production moved overseas, the case got lighter, two switches moved to the back in 1980, the woodgrain went in 1982, and the 2600 Jr. shrank it all in 1986. Production ended in 1992 after an estimated 30 million units. Every stock 2600 puts out RF only, so the hookup matters as much as the console you pick.

6 models we cover.