Atari 2600 - Second Generation Console

Overview

In 1977, Atari introduced the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), though it was most often referred to as the Atari 2600 or the 2600.

The console was powered by MOS Technologies 6502 processor providing the Atari 2600 with a significant advantage over its competitors and the previous generation game consoles.

First-generation game consoles had the games hard wired to the console. The cartridges simply unlocked the games using jumpers in the cartridge. Most of these console were limited to 12 games or less. PONG only came with the single game: Pong.

Using the 6502 processor as the core, the Atari 2600 had limited memory, but the guts of the games were included on ROM chips inside the game cartridges offering an unlimited number of games.

The console very quickly solidified itself as the console to beat. While the 2600 did not have the best graphics and sound of any console, Atari had several restrictive contracts that guaranteed all arcade hits and popular games ported or developed for the Atari 2600 could not be ported or developed for other consoles.

The 2600 was the longest selling console when production stopped in 1992. And while the console stopped production in 1992, games continued to be developed for the console even today.

With millions of units sold, there is still a healthy market of Atari 2600 games and consoles on ebay and at garage sales across the world.

Date Range: 1977 - 1992

Release Price: US $199

Second-generation video game consoles were a major step forward. Each game had a processor on its printed circuit board. For the first time, consoles were not limited by the games pre-programmed into the console. This was a huge evolutionary step as it opened up development outside of console manufacturer's in-house development.

While Atari did not have a console in this generation, much of what became the Atari 2600, was developed during this period.

The Major Players and the Atari 2600

Coleco was a first-generation superstar and had a good start in the second generation with the Colecovision console. However, while the Colecovision had superior colour graphics than most consoles, it could not compete successfully against the Atari 2600.

The Atari 2600's graphics were lacking compared to many consoles, but Atari had exclusive agreements with Arcade game developers that resulted in the 2600 having most of the popular games. As a result, the 2600 sold millions of units before it was discontinued in 1992 and forced many better consoles out of the market.