Atari: Arcade Invader » Atari 2600

Atari 2600 - Revision history (83 unread)

68.62.16.149: /* Hardware */

Posted: March 14th, 2010, 11:31am PDT by 68.62.16.149

Hardware

← Previous revision	Revision as of 18:31, 14 March 2010
Line 82:	Line 82:
	The video hardware gave the 2600 a reputation as one of the most complex machines in the world to program, but those programmers who understood it realized that such direct control over the video picture was also a source of flexibility. One advantage the 2600 had over more powerful competitors such as the [[ColecoVision]] was that the 2600 had no protection against altering settings in mid-line. For example, although each sprite nominally had only one color, it was possible to color the rows differently by changing the sprite's color as it was drawn. If the two hardware sprites were not enough for a game, a developer could share one sprite among several objects (as with the ghosts in ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'') or draw software sprites, which was only a little more difficult than drawing a fixed playfield. The ''[[Pitfall!]]'' screenshot below demonstrates some of these tricks: the player is a multi-color sprite, one sprite is multiplexed for the logs and the scorpion, and the swinging vine is drawn by shifting the position of the "ball" on each scan line. Despite the hardware limitations, many Atari 2600 games have a lot of action on the screen, creating an engaging experience.		The video hardware gave the 2600 a reputation as one of the most complex machines in the world to program, but those programmers who understood it realized that such direct control over the video picture was also a source of flexibility. One advantage the 2600 had over more powerful competitors such as the [[ColecoVision]] was that the 2600 had no protection against altering settings in mid-line. For example, although each sprite nominally had only one color, it was possible to color the rows differently by changing the sprite's color as it was drawn. If the two hardware sprites were not enough for a game, a developer could share one sprite among several objects (as with the ghosts in ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'') or draw software sprites, which was only a little more difficult than drawing a fixed playfield. The ''[[Pitfall!]]'' screenshot below demonstrates some of these tricks: the player is a multi-color sprite, one sprite is multiplexed for the logs and the scorpion, and the swinging vine is drawn by shifting the position of the "ball" on each scan line. Despite the hardware limitations, many Atari 2600 games have a lot of action on the screen, creating an engaging experience.

-	Additionally, the 2600 supported several types of input devices (joysticks, paddles, keyboards, etc.) and third-party peripherals, and many of these peripherals were interchangeable with the ''[[MSX]]'' and several other Japanese systems. In some cases, it is possible to use the Atari joysticks with the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Mega Drive\|Mega Drive/Genesis]], though functionality may be limited. However Master System and Genesis controllers work quite well on the 2600.	+	Additionally, the 2600 supported several types of input devices (joysticks, paddles, keyboards, etc.) and third-party peripherals, and many of these peripherals were interchangeable with the ''[[MSX]]'' and several other Japanese systems. In some cases, it is possible to use the Atari joysticks with the [[Sega Master System]] and [[Sega Mega Drive\|Mega Drive/Genesis]], though functionality may be limited. Conversely, Master System and Genesis controllers work quite well on the 2600.

	=== Color and graphics ===		=== Color and graphics ===

Delete

SmackBot: /* Emulation */Date maintenance tags and general fixes: build 402:

Posted: March 14th, 2010, 6:37am PDT by SmackBot

Emulation: Date maintenance tags and general fixes: build 402:

← Previous revision	Revision as of 13:37, 14 March 2010
Line 164:	Line 164:

	=== Emulation ===		=== Emulation ===
-	{{refimprove-section}}	+	{{Refimprovesect\|date=March 2010}}
	Atari 2600 emulation is available for most major [[operating system]]s and is now very accurate. Despite the relative simplicity of the 2600 system, it is not an easy system to emulate. While it does not require a lot of computational power to emulate the 2600, it is hard to accurately do so. For example, because of the lack of a [[frame buffer]], 2600 [[Video game console emulator\|emulators]] must not only emulate the console, but the television as well. Due to the longevity of the system, many 2600 games used undocumented features, and even exploited bugs in the [[Computer hardware\|hardware]] to squeeze the most out of the system, doing things even the original designers would deem impossible (a notable example is the starfield of the game ''[[Cosmic Ark]]''). It took some time for the emulator programmers to mature their software to properly emulate the undocumented features, bugs and quirks of the system.		Atari 2600 emulation is available for most major [[operating system]]s and is now very accurate. Despite the relative simplicity of the 2600 system, it is not an easy system to emulate. While it does not require a lot of computational power to emulate the 2600, it is hard to accurately do so. For example, because of the lack of a [[frame buffer]], 2600 [[Video game console emulator\|emulators]] must not only emulate the console, but the television as well. Due to the longevity of the system, many 2600 games used undocumented features, and even exploited bugs in the [[Computer hardware\|hardware]] to squeeze the most out of the system, doing things even the original designers would deem impossible (a notable example is the starfield of the game ''[[Cosmic Ark]]''). It took some time for the emulator programmers to mature their software to properly emulate the undocumented features, bugs and quirks of the system.

Delete

Ost316: Repairing external link using Checklinks and making basic wikEd fixes

Posted: March 12th, 2010, 1:55pm PST by Ost316

Repairing external link using Checklinks and making basic wikEd fixes

Show changes

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MaxDel: /* See also */

Posted: March 10th, 2010, 11:17am PST by MaxDel

62.232.208.134: /* Hardware */

Posted: March 10th, 2010, 8:51am PST by 62.232.208.134

Hardware

← Previous revision	Revision as of 16:51, 10 March 2010
Line 70:	Line 70:
	== Design ==	== Design ==
	=== Hardware ===	=== Hardware ===
-	check out my you youtube my user name is bluedude3011
-
	The basic layout of the 2600 is fairly similar to most consoles and home computers of the era. The CPU was the [[MOS Technology 6507]], a cut-down version of the [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]], running at 1.19 [[megahertz\|MHz]] in the 2600. The 6507 included fewer memory address pins —13 instead of 16 —and no external interrupts to fit into a smaller 28-pin package. Smaller packaging was, and still is, an important factor in overall system cost, and since memory was very expensive at the time, the 6507's small 8 [[kilobyte\|kB]] of maximum external memory space wasn't going to be used up anyway. In fact, memory was so expensive they couldn't imagine using up even 4 [[kilobyte\|kB]], and when they got a deal on 24-pin connectors for the cartridge socket, they were only too happy to thereby limit the games to 4K.<ref name="cartridge-socket">The cartridge connector's 24 pins were allocated to one supply voltage line, two ground lines, 8 data lines, and 13 address lines. However, the uppermost address line was used as a so-called [[chip select]] for the cartridge's ROM chip, leaving only 12 address lines for the chip's game program. Thus, without special "hardware tricks" built into the cartridge, an Atari 2600 game could occupy a maximum address space of 4K.</ref> Later games got around this limitation with [[bank switching]].	The basic layout of the 2600 is fairly similar to most consoles and home computers of the era. The CPU was the [[MOS Technology 6507]], a cut-down version of the [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]], running at 1.19 [[megahertz\|MHz]] in the 2600. The 6507 included fewer memory address pins —13 instead of 16 —and no external interrupts to fit into a smaller 28-pin package. Smaller packaging was, and still is, an important factor in overall system cost, and since memory was very expensive at the time, the 6507's small 8 [[kilobyte\|kB]] of maximum external memory space wasn't going to be used up anyway. In fact, memory was so expensive they couldn't imagine using up even 4 [[kilobyte\|kB]], and when they got a deal on 24-pin connectors for the cartridge socket, they were only too happy to thereby limit the games to 4K.<ref name="cartridge-socket">The cartridge connector's 24 pins were allocated to one supply voltage line, two ground lines, 8 data lines, and 13 address lines. However, the uppermost address line was used as a so-called [[chip select]] for the cartridge's ROM chip, leaving only 12 address lines for the chip's game program. Thus, without special "hardware tricks" built into the cartridge, an Atari 2600 game could occupy a maximum address space of 4K.</ref> Later games got around this limitation with [[bank switching]].

Delete

Bluedude3011: /* Hardware */

Posted: March 10th, 2010, 7:44am PST by Bluedude3011

Hardware

← Previous revision	Revision as of 15:44, 10 March 2010
Line 70:	Line 70:
	== Design ==		== Design ==
	=== Hardware ===		=== Hardware ===
-	{{Main\|Atari 2600 hardware}}	+	check out my you youtube my user name is bluedude3011

	The basic layout of the 2600 is fairly similar to most consoles and home computers of the era. The CPU was the [[MOS Technology 6507]], a cut-down version of the [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]], running at 1.19 [[megahertz\|MHz]] in the 2600. The 6507 included fewer memory address pins —13 instead of 16 —and no external interrupts to fit into a smaller 28-pin package. Smaller packaging was, and still is, an important factor in overall system cost, and since memory was very expensive at the time, the 6507's small 8 [[kilobyte\|kB]] of maximum external memory space wasn't going to be used up anyway. In fact, memory was so expensive they couldn't imagine using up even 4 [[kilobyte\|kB]], and when they got a deal on 24-pin connectors for the cartridge socket, they were only too happy to thereby limit the games to 4K.<ref name="cartridge-socket">The cartridge connector's 24 pins were allocated to one supply voltage line, two ground lines, 8 data lines, and 13 address lines. However, the uppermost address line was used as a so-called [[chip select]] for the cartridge's ROM chip, leaving only 12 address lines for the chip's game program. Thus, without special "hardware tricks" built into the cartridge, an Atari 2600 game could occupy a maximum address space of 4K.</ref> Later games got around this limitation with [[bank switching]].		The basic layout of the 2600 is fairly similar to most consoles and home computers of the era. The CPU was the [[MOS Technology 6507]], a cut-down version of the [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]], running at 1.19 [[megahertz\|MHz]] in the 2600. The 6507 included fewer memory address pins —13 instead of 16 —and no external interrupts to fit into a smaller 28-pin package. Smaller packaging was, and still is, an important factor in overall system cost, and since memory was very expensive at the time, the 6507's small 8 [[kilobyte\|kB]] of maximum external memory space wasn't going to be used up anyway. In fact, memory was so expensive they couldn't imagine using up even 4 [[kilobyte\|kB]], and when they got a deal on 24-pin connectors for the cartridge socket, they were only too happy to thereby limit the games to 4K.<ref name="cartridge-socket">The cartridge connector's 24 pins were allocated to one supply voltage line, two ground lines, 8 data lines, and 13 address lines. However, the uppermost address line was used as a so-called [[chip select]] for the cartridge's ROM chip, leaving only 12 address lines for the chip's game program. Thus, without special "hardware tricks" built into the cartridge, an Atari 2600 game could occupy a maximum address space of 4K.</ref> Later games got around this limitation with [[bank switching]].

Delete

Nascar1996: Reverted edits by Bluedude3011 to last revision by Aruton (HG)

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 1:04pm PST by Nascar1996

Reverted edits by Bluedude3011 to last revision by Aruton (HG)

← Previous revision	Revision as of 21:04, 9 March 2010
Line 23:	Line 23:
	The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>		The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>

-	bluedude3011's youtube is awsome	+	== History ==
	+
	+	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}
	+
	+	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.
	+
	+	In August 1976, [[Fairchild Semiconductor]] released their own [[CPU]]-based system, the [[Channel F\|Video Entertainment System]]. Stella was still not ready for production, but it was clear that it needed to be before there were a number of "me too" products filling up the market – which had happened after they released [[Pong]]. Atari Inc. simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own Pong systems were cooling. [[Nolan Bushnell]] eventually turned to [[Time Warner\|Warner Communications]], and sold the company to them in 1976 for [[US$]]28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible.
	+
	+	Key to the eventual success of the machine was the hiring of [[Jay Miner]], a chip designer who managed to squeeze an entire [[breadboard]] of equipment making up the TIA into a single chip. Once that was completed and debugged, the system was ready for shipping. By the time it was released in 1977, the development had cost about US$100 million.
	+
	+	=== Launch and success ===
	+	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}
	+
	+	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2010}}
	+
	+	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.
	+
	+	For the first year of production, the VCS was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured there had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all six switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>
	+
	+	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than ''Pong'', and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the VCS gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the VCS was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}
	+
	+	Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The VCS and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.
	+
	+	In 1980, the VCS was given a minor revision in which the left and right difficulty switches were moved to the back of the console, leaving four switches on the front. Other than this, these four-switch consoles looked nearly identical to the earlier six-switch models. In 1982, another version of the four-switch console was released without woodgrain. They were nicknamed "[[Darth Vader]]" consoles due to their all-black appearance. These were also the first consoles to be officially called "Atari 2600", as the [[Atari 5200]] was released the same year.
	+
	+	During this period, Atari Inc. expanded the 2600 family with two other compatible consoles. They designed the [[Atari 2700]], a wireless version of the console that was never released because of a design flaw.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Curt \|last=Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html \|title=Atari 2700 Wireless VCS \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> The company also built a sleeker version of the machine dubbed the [[Atari 2800]] to sell directly to the [[Japan]]ese market in early 1983, but it suffered from competition with the newly released [[Nintendo]] [[Nintendo Entertainment System\|Famicom]].
	+
	+	In a survey mentioned by [[Jeff Rovin]] it is reported that more stores reported breakdowns of the Atari 2600 system than any other, and that Atari repair centers seemed to have the most trouble with consoles manufactured in 1980. In one case it is stated that a system was repaired five times before static electricity from a carpet was discovered as having caused the problem. The controllers were also a source of breakage because of the way they could be gripped by a player holding it with their fist, allowing players to get carried away and over control, which was less likely with other systems released at the time, such as the [[Odyssey 2]], which had controllers that were nearly half its size.<ref>"The Complete Guide to Conquering Video Games" by Jeff Rovin, [[Collier Books]], 1982 pages 7, 9, 11</ref>
	+
	+	=== Sears Tele-Games 2600s ===
	+
	+	[[Image:Sears tele games video arcade.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Early Atari 2600 that was branded "Tele-Games" and sold by Sears]]
	+	Atari Inc. also continued their [[Original equipment manufacturer\|OEM]] relationship with Sears under the latter's Tele-Games brand label, which started in 1975 with the original [[Pong]]. Sears released several versions of the 2600 as the Sears Video Arcade series from 1977 to 1983. These include the Rev. A "Heavy Sixer" model in 1977, the Rev. B "4 switch" model in 1980, and the US version of the Atari 2800 branded as the Sears Video Arcade II in 1983.<ref name="atariage">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = AtariAge - 2600 Consoles and Clones \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref> Sears also released their own versions of Atari Inc.'s games under the Tele-Games brand, which included the Tele-Games branded variations of text and picture labels. Three games were also produced by Atari Inc. for Sears as exclusive releases under the Tele-Games brand: Steeplechase, Stellar Track, Submarine Commander.<ref name="searscartridge">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = Atari 2600 - Sears — Picture Label Variation \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref>
	+
	+	=== Decline ===
	+	During this period, Atari Inc. continued to grow until it had one of the largest [[research and development\|R&D]] divisions in [[Silicon Valley]]. However, it spent much of its R&D budget on projects that seemed rather out of place at a video game (or even home computer) company; many of these projects never saw the light of day. Meanwhile, several attempts to bring out newer consoles failed for one reason or another, although Atari Inc.'s [[home computer]] systems, the [[Atari 8-bit family]], sold reasonably, if not spectacularly. Warner was more than happy anyway, as it seemed to have no end to the sales of the 2600, and Atari Inc. was responsible for over half of the company's income.
	+
	+	The programmers of many of Atari Inc.'s biggest hits grew disgruntled with the company for not crediting game developers and many left the company and formed their own independent software companies. The most prominent and longest-lasting of these third-party developers was [[Activision]], founded in 1980, whose titles quickly became more popular than those of Atari Inc. itself. Atari Inc. attempted to block third-party development for the 2600 in court but failed,{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}} and soon other publishers, such as [[Imagic]] and [[Coleco]], entered the market. Atari Inc. suffered from an image problem when a company named [[Mystique (company)\|Mystique]] produced a number of [[Pornography\|pornographic]] games for the 2600. The most notorious of these, ''[[Custer's Revenge]]'', caused a large number of protests from women's and [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]] groups<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.atarihq.com/2678/3party/mystique.html \|title=AGH - Third Party Profile: Mystique \|publisher=AtariHQ.com \|date= \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> because it depicts [[George Armstrong Custer\|General George Armstrong Custer]] raping a bound Native American woman.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Fragmaster \|url=http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=282 \|title=Custer's Revenge \|publisher=Classic Gaming \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> Atari Inc. sued Mystique in court over the release of the game.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Lauren \|last=Gonzalez \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-3.html \|title=When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy \|pages=3 \|publisher=GameSpot \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>
	+
	+	Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984. Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''.
	+
	+	====Atari 2600 Jr.====
	+	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
	+	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Bluedude3011: /* History */

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 1:04pm PST by Bluedude3011

History

← Previous revision	Revision as of 21:04, 9 March 2010
Line 23:	Line 23:
	The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>		The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>

-	== History ==	+	bluedude3011's youtube is awsome
-
-	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}
-
-	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.
-
-	In August 1976, [[Fairchild Semiconductor]] released their own [[CPU]]-based system, the [[Channel F\|Video Entertainment System]]. Stella was still not ready for production, but it was clear that it needed to be before there were a number of "me too" products filling up the market – which had happened after they released [[Pong]]. Atari Inc. simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own Pong systems were cooling. [[Nolan Bushnell]] eventually turned to [[Time Warner\|Warner Communications]], and sold the company to them in 1976 for [[US$]]28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible.
-
-	Key to the eventual success of the machine was the hiring of [[Jay Miner]], a chip designer who managed to squeeze an entire [[breadboard]] of equipment making up the TIA into a single chip. Once that was completed and debugged, the system was ready for shipping. By the time it was released in 1977, the development had cost about US$100 million.
-
-	=== Launch and success ===
-	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}
-
-	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2010}}
-
-	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.
-
-	For the first year of production, the VCS was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured there had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all six switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>
-
-	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than ''Pong'', and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the VCS gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the VCS was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}
-
-	Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The VCS and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.
-
-	In 1980, the VCS was given a minor revision in which the left and right difficulty switches were moved to the back of the console, leaving four switches on the front. Other than this, these four-switch consoles looked nearly identical to the earlier six-switch models. In 1982, another version of the four-switch console was released without woodgrain. They were nicknamed "[[Darth Vader]]" consoles due to their all-black appearance. These were also the first consoles to be officially called "Atari 2600", as the [[Atari 5200]] was released the same year.
-
-	During this period, Atari Inc. expanded the 2600 family with two other compatible consoles. They designed the [[Atari 2700]], a wireless version of the console that was never released because of a design flaw.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Curt \|last=Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html \|title=Atari 2700 Wireless VCS \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> The company also built a sleeker version of the machine dubbed the [[Atari 2800]] to sell directly to the [[Japan]]ese market in early 1983, but it suffered from competition with the newly released [[Nintendo]] [[Nintendo Entertainment System\|Famicom]].
-
-	In a survey mentioned by [[Jeff Rovin]] it is reported that more stores reported breakdowns of the Atari 2600 system than any other, and that Atari repair centers seemed to have the most trouble with consoles manufactured in 1980. In one case it is stated that a system was repaired five times before static electricity from a carpet was discovered as having caused the problem. The controllers were also a source of breakage because of the way they could be gripped by a player holding it with their fist, allowing players to get carried away and over control, which was less likely with other systems released at the time, such as the [[Odyssey 2]], which had controllers that were nearly half its size.<ref>"The Complete Guide to Conquering Video Games" by Jeff Rovin, [[Collier Books]], 1982 pages 7, 9, 11</ref>
-
-	=== Sears Tele-Games 2600s ===
-
-	[[Image:Sears tele games video arcade.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Early Atari 2600 that was branded "Tele-Games" and sold by Sears]]
-	Atari Inc. also continued their [[Original equipment manufacturer\|OEM]] relationship with Sears under the latter's Tele-Games brand label, which started in 1975 with the original [[Pong]]. Sears released several versions of the 2600 as the Sears Video Arcade series from 1977 to 1983. These include the Rev. A "Heavy Sixer" model in 1977, the Rev. B "4 switch" model in 1980, and the US version of the Atari 2800 branded as the Sears Video Arcade II in 1983.<ref name="atariage">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = AtariAge - 2600 Consoles and Clones \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref> Sears also released their own versions of Atari Inc.'s games under the Tele-Games brand, which included the Tele-Games branded variations of text and picture labels. Three games were also produced by Atari Inc. for Sears as exclusive releases under the Tele-Games brand: Steeplechase, Stellar Track, Submarine Commander.<ref name="searscartridge">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = Atari 2600 - Sears — Picture Label Variation \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref>
-
-	=== Decline ===
-	During this period, Atari Inc. continued to grow until it had one of the largest [[research and development\|R&D]] divisions in [[Silicon Valley]]. However, it spent much of its R&D budget on projects that seemed rather out of place at a video game (or even home computer) company; many of these projects never saw the light of day. Meanwhile, several attempts to bring out newer consoles failed for one reason or another, although Atari Inc.'s [[home computer]] systems, the [[Atari 8-bit family]], sold reasonably, if not spectacularly. Warner was more than happy anyway, as it seemed to have no end to the sales of the 2600, and Atari Inc. was responsible for over half of the company's income.
-
-	The programmers of many of Atari Inc.'s biggest hits grew disgruntled with the company for not crediting game developers and many left the company and formed their own independent software companies. The most prominent and longest-lasting of these third-party developers was [[Activision]], founded in 1980, whose titles quickly became more popular than those of Atari Inc. itself. Atari Inc. attempted to block third-party development for the 2600 in court but failed,{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}} and soon other publishers, such as [[Imagic]] and [[Coleco]], entered the market. Atari Inc. suffered from an image problem when a company named [[Mystique (company)\|Mystique]] produced a number of [[Pornography\|pornographic]] games for the 2600. The most notorious of these, ''[[Custer's Revenge]]'', caused a large number of protests from women's and [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]] groups<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.atarihq.com/2678/3party/mystique.html \|title=AGH - Third Party Profile: Mystique \|publisher=AtariHQ.com \|date= \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> because it depicts [[George Armstrong Custer\|General George Armstrong Custer]] raping a bound Native American woman.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Fragmaster \|url=http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=282 \|title=Custer's Revenge \|publisher=Classic Gaming \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> Atari Inc. sued Mystique in court over the release of the game.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Lauren \|last=Gonzalez \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-3.html \|title=When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy \|pages=3 \|publisher=GameSpot \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>
-
-	Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984. Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''.
-
-	====Atari 2600 Jr.====
-	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
-	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Aruton: Reverted edits by Bluedude3011 to last revision by Asher196 (HG)

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 1:02pm PST by Aruton

Reverted edits by Bluedude3011 to last revision by Asher196 (HG)

← Previous revision	Revision as of 21:02, 9 March 2010
Line 25:	Line 25:
	== History ==		== History ==

-	check out my awsome youtube videos my username is bluedude3011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	+	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}
	+
	+	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.
	+
	+	In August 1976, [[Fairchild Semiconductor]] released their own [[CPU]]-based system, the [[Channel F\|Video Entertainment System]]. Stella was still not ready for production, but it was clear that it needed to be before there were a number of "me too" products filling up the market – which had happened after they released [[Pong]]. Atari Inc. simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own Pong systems were cooling. [[Nolan Bushnell]] eventually turned to [[Time Warner\|Warner Communications]], and sold the company to them in 1976 for [[US$]]28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible.
	+
	+	Key to the eventual success of the machine was the hiring of [[Jay Miner]], a chip designer who managed to squeeze an entire [[breadboard]] of equipment making up the TIA into a single chip. Once that was completed and debugged, the system was ready for shipping. By the time it was released in 1977, the development had cost about US$100 million.
	+
	+	=== Launch and success ===
	+	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}
	+
	+	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2010}}
	+
	+	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.
	+
	+	For the first year of production, the VCS was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured there had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all six switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>
	+
	+	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than ''Pong'', and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the VCS gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the VCS was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}
	+
	+	Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The VCS and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.
	+
	+	In 1980, the VCS was given a minor revision in which the left and right difficulty switches were moved to the back of the console, leaving four switches on the front. Other than this, these four-switch consoles looked nearly identical to the earlier six-switch models. In 1982, another version of the four-switch console was released without woodgrain. They were nicknamed "[[Darth Vader]]" consoles due to their all-black appearance. These were also the first consoles to be officially called "Atari 2600", as the [[Atari 5200]] was released the same year.
	+
	+	During this period, Atari Inc. expanded the 2600 family with two other compatible consoles. They designed the [[Atari 2700]], a wireless version of the console that was never released because of a design flaw.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Curt \|last=Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html \|title=Atari 2700 Wireless VCS \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> The company also built a sleeker version of the machine dubbed the [[Atari 2800]] to sell directly to the [[Japan]]ese market in early 1983, but it suffered from competition with the newly released [[Nintendo]] [[Nintendo Entertainment System\|Famicom]].
	+
	+	In a survey mentioned by [[Jeff Rovin]] it is reported that more stores reported breakdowns of the Atari 2600 system than any other, and that Atari repair centers seemed to have the most trouble with consoles manufactured in 1980. In one case it is stated that a system was repaired five times before static electricity from a carpet was discovered as having caused the problem. The controllers were also a source of breakage because of the way they could be gripped by a player holding it with their fist, allowing players to get carried away and over control, which was less likely with other systems released at the time, such as the [[Odyssey 2]], which had controllers that were nearly half its size.<ref>"The Complete Guide to Conquering Video Games" by Jeff Rovin, [[Collier Books]], 1982 pages 7, 9, 11</ref>
	+
	+	=== Sears Tele-Games 2600s ===
	+
	+	[[Image:Sears tele games video arcade.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Early Atari 2600 that was branded "Tele-Games" and sold by Sears]]
	+	Atari Inc. also continued their [[Original equipment manufacturer\|OEM]] relationship with Sears under the latter's Tele-Games brand label, which started in 1975 with the original [[Pong]]. Sears released several versions of the 2600 as the Sears Video Arcade series from 1977 to 1983. These include the Rev. A "Heavy Sixer" model in 1977, the Rev. B "4 switch" model in 1980, and the US version of the Atari 2800 branded as the Sears Video Arcade II in 1983.<ref name="atariage">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = AtariAge - 2600 Consoles and Clones \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref> Sears also released their own versions of Atari Inc.'s games under the Tele-Games brand, which included the Tele-Games branded variations of text and picture labels. Three games were also produced by Atari Inc. for Sears as exclusive releases under the Tele-Games brand: Steeplechase, Stellar Track, Submarine Commander.<ref name="searscartridge">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = Atari 2600 - Sears — Picture Label Variation \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref>
	+
	+	=== Decline ===
	+	During this period, Atari Inc. continued to grow until it had one of the largest [[research and development\|R&D]] divisions in [[Silicon Valley]]. However, it spent much of its R&D budget on projects that seemed rather out of place at a video game (or even home computer) company; many of these projects never saw the light of day. Meanwhile, several attempts to bring out newer consoles failed for one reason or another, although Atari Inc.'s [[home computer]] systems, the [[Atari 8-bit family]], sold reasonably, if not spectacularly. Warner was more than happy anyway, as it seemed to have no end to the sales of the 2600, and Atari Inc. was responsible for over half of the company's income.
	+
	+	The programmers of many of Atari Inc.'s biggest hits grew disgruntled with the company for not crediting game developers and many left the company and formed their own independent software companies. The most prominent and longest-lasting of these third-party developers was [[Activision]], founded in 1980, whose titles quickly became more popular than those of Atari Inc. itself. Atari Inc. attempted to block third-party development for the 2600 in court but failed,{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}} and soon other publishers, such as [[Imagic]] and [[Coleco]], entered the market. Atari Inc. suffered from an image problem when a company named [[Mystique (company)\|Mystique]] produced a number of [[Pornography\|pornographic]] games for the 2600. The most notorious of these, ''[[Custer's Revenge]]'', caused a large number of protests from women's and [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]] groups<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.atarihq.com/2678/3party/mystique.html \|title=AGH - Third Party Profile: Mystique \|publisher=AtariHQ.com \|date= \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> because it depicts [[George Armstrong Custer\|General George Armstrong Custer]] raping a bound Native American woman.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Fragmaster \|url=http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=282 \|title=Custer's Revenge \|publisher=Classic Gaming \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> Atari Inc. sued Mystique in court over the release of the game.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Lauren \|last=Gonzalez \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-3.html \|title=When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy \|pages=3 \|publisher=GameSpot \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>
	+
	+	Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984. Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''.
	+
	+	====Atari 2600 Jr.====
	+	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
	+	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Bluedude3011: /* History */

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 1:02pm PST by Bluedude3011

History

← Previous revision	Revision as of 21:02, 9 March 2010
Line 25:	Line 25:
	== History ==		== History ==

-	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}	+	check out my awsome youtube videos my username is bluedude3011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
-	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.
-
-	In August 1976, [[Fairchild Semiconductor]] released their own [[CPU]]-based system, the [[Channel F\|Video Entertainment System]]. Stella was still not ready for production, but it was clear that it needed to be before there were a number of "me too" products filling up the market – which had happened after they released [[Pong]]. Atari Inc. simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own Pong systems were cooling. [[Nolan Bushnell]] eventually turned to [[Time Warner\|Warner Communications]], and sold the company to them in 1976 for [[US$]]28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible.
-
-	Key to the eventual success of the machine was the hiring of [[Jay Miner]], a chip designer who managed to squeeze an entire [[breadboard]] of equipment making up the TIA into a single chip. Once that was completed and debugged, the system was ready for shipping. By the time it was released in 1977, the development had cost about US$100 million.
-
-	=== Launch and success ===
-	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}
-
-	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2010}}
-
-	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.
-
-	For the first year of production, the VCS was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured there had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all six switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>
-
-	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than ''Pong'', and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the VCS gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the VCS was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}
-
-	Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The VCS and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.
-
-	In 1980, the VCS was given a minor revision in which the left and right difficulty switches were moved to the back of the console, leaving four switches on the front. Other than this, these four-switch consoles looked nearly identical to the earlier six-switch models. In 1982, another version of the four-switch console was released without woodgrain. They were nicknamed "[[Darth Vader]]" consoles due to their all-black appearance. These were also the first consoles to be officially called "Atari 2600", as the [[Atari 5200]] was released the same year.
-
-	During this period, Atari Inc. expanded the 2600 family with two other compatible consoles. They designed the [[Atari 2700]], a wireless version of the console that was never released because of a design flaw.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Curt \|last=Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html \|title=Atari 2700 Wireless VCS \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> The company also built a sleeker version of the machine dubbed the [[Atari 2800]] to sell directly to the [[Japan]]ese market in early 1983, but it suffered from competition with the newly released [[Nintendo]] [[Nintendo Entertainment System\|Famicom]].
-
-	In a survey mentioned by [[Jeff Rovin]] it is reported that more stores reported breakdowns of the Atari 2600 system than any other, and that Atari repair centers seemed to have the most trouble with consoles manufactured in 1980. In one case it is stated that a system was repaired five times before static electricity from a carpet was discovered as having caused the problem. The controllers were also a source of breakage because of the way they could be gripped by a player holding it with their fist, allowing players to get carried away and over control, which was less likely with other systems released at the time, such as the [[Odyssey 2]], which had controllers that were nearly half its size.<ref>"The Complete Guide to Conquering Video Games" by Jeff Rovin, [[Collier Books]], 1982 pages 7, 9, 11</ref>
-
-	=== Sears Tele-Games 2600s ===
-
-	[[Image:Sears tele games video arcade.jpg\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Early Atari 2600 that was branded "Tele-Games" and sold by Sears]]
-	Atari Inc. also continued their [[Original equipment manufacturer\|OEM]] relationship with Sears under the latter's Tele-Games brand label, which started in 1975 with the original [[Pong]]. Sears released several versions of the 2600 as the Sears Video Arcade series from 1977 to 1983. These include the Rev. A "Heavy Sixer" model in 1977, the Rev. B "4 switch" model in 1980, and the US version of the Atari 2800 branded as the Sears Video Arcade II in 1983.<ref name="atariage">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = AtariAge - 2600 Consoles and Clones \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref> Sears also released their own versions of Atari Inc.'s games under the Tele-Games brand, which included the Tele-Games branded variations of text and picture labels. Three games were also produced by Atari Inc. for Sears as exclusive releases under the Tele-Games brand: Steeplechase, Stellar Track, Submarine Commander.<ref name="searscartridge">{{cite web \| url = [www.atariage.com] \| title = Atari 2600 - Sears — Picture Label Variation \| last = Yarusso \| first = Albert \| work=atariage.com \| accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref>
-
-	=== Decline ===
-	During this period, Atari Inc. continued to grow until it had one of the largest [[research and development\|R&D]] divisions in [[Silicon Valley]]. However, it spent much of its R&D budget on projects that seemed rather out of place at a video game (or even home computer) company; many of these projects never saw the light of day. Meanwhile, several attempts to bring out newer consoles failed for one reason or another, although Atari Inc.'s [[home computer]] systems, the [[Atari 8-bit family]], sold reasonably, if not spectacularly. Warner was more than happy anyway, as it seemed to have no end to the sales of the 2600, and Atari Inc. was responsible for over half of the company's income.
-
-	The programmers of many of Atari Inc.'s biggest hits grew disgruntled with the company for not crediting game developers and many left the company and formed their own independent software companies. The most prominent and longest-lasting of these third-party developers was [[Activision]], founded in 1980, whose titles quickly became more popular than those of Atari Inc. itself. Atari Inc. attempted to block third-party development for the 2600 in court but failed,{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}} and soon other publishers, such as [[Imagic]] and [[Coleco]], entered the market. Atari Inc. suffered from an image problem when a company named [[Mystique (company)\|Mystique]] produced a number of [[Pornography\|pornographic]] games for the 2600. The most notorious of these, ''[[Custer's Revenge]]'', caused a large number of protests from women's and [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]] groups<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.atarihq.com/2678/3party/mystique.html \|title=AGH - Third Party Profile: Mystique \|publisher=AtariHQ.com \|date= \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> because it depicts [[George Armstrong Custer\|General George Armstrong Custer]] raping a bound Native American woman.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Fragmaster \|url=http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=282 \|title=Custer's Revenge \|publisher=Classic Gaming \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> Atari Inc. sued Mystique in court over the release of the game.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Lauren \|last=Gonzalez \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-3.html \|title=When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy \|pages=3 \|publisher=GameSpot \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>
-
-	Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984. Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''.
-
-	====Atari 2600 Jr.====
-	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
-	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Asher196: Reverted edits by Bluedude3011 (talk) to last version by ClueBot

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 12:30pm PST by Asher196

Reverted edits by Bluedude3011 (talk) to last version by ClueBot

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:30, 9 March 2010
Line 66:	Line 66:
	====Atari 2600 Jr.====		====Atari 2600 Jr.====
	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]		[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
-	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.the atari 2600 is 40,000 years old. check out my you tube videos my user name is bluedude3011!!!!!!	+	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Bluedude3011: /* Atari 2000 */

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 12:23pm PST by Bluedude3011

Atari 2000

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:23, 9 March 2010
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	== Legacy ==		== Legacy ==
	===Atari 2000===		===Atari 2000===
-	The '''Atari 2000''' (model number CX-2000) is a [[prototype]] version of the Atari 2600 intended to be released as a cheaper alternative for children in 1982. Although identical in specification to the original 2600, the 2000 included built-in controllers and a different case design. The 2000 was originally intended to be black, but it was later recolored blue to appeal more to children. While Atari never officially stated the reason for not releasing the 2000, experts have cited the poor quality and durability of its built-in joysticks and the greater in-house popularity of the competing 2600jr design as the most likely reasons.<ref name="atari2000">{{cite web\|author=Curt Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2000/a2000.html \|title=The Atari CX-2000 Prototype \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>i love children	+	The '''Atari 2000''' (model number CX-2000) is a [[prototype]] version of the Atari 2600 intended to be released as a cheaper alternative for children in 1982. Although identical in specification to the original 2600, the 2000 included built-in controllers and a different case design. The 2000 was originally intended to be black, but it was later recolored blue to appeal more to children. While Atari never officially stated the reason for not releasing the 2000, experts have cited the poor quality and durability of its built-in joysticks and the greater in-house popularity of the competing 2600jr design as the most likely reasons.<ref name="atari2000">{{cite web\|author=Curt Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2000/a2000.html \|title=The Atari CX-2000 Prototype \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>

	===Atari 3200===		===Atari 3200===

Delete

Bluedude3011: /* Legacy */

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 12:23pm PST by Bluedude3011

Legacy

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:23, 9 March 2010
Line 139:	Line 139:
	== Legacy ==		== Legacy ==
	===Atari 2000===		===Atari 2000===
-	The '''Atari 2000''' (model number CX-2000) is a [[prototype]] version of the Atari 2600 intended to be released as a cheaper alternative for children in 1982. Although identical in specification to the original 2600, the 2000 included built-in controllers and a different case design. The 2000 was originally intended to be black, but it was later recolored blue to appeal more to children. While Atari never officially stated the reason for not releasing the 2000, experts have cited the poor quality and durability of its built-in joysticks and the greater in-house popularity of the competing 2600jr design as the most likely reasons.<ref name="atari2000">{{cite web\|author=Curt Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2000/a2000.html \|title=The Atari CX-2000 Prototype \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>	+	The '''Atari 2000''' (model number CX-2000) is a [[prototype]] version of the Atari 2600 intended to be released as a cheaper alternative for children in 1982. Although identical in specification to the original 2600, the 2000 included built-in controllers and a different case design. The 2000 was originally intended to be black, but it was later recolored blue to appeal more to children. While Atari never officially stated the reason for not releasing the 2000, experts have cited the poor quality and durability of its built-in joysticks and the greater in-house popularity of the competing 2600jr design as the most likely reasons.<ref name="atari2000">{{cite web\|author=Curt Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2000/a2000.html \|title=The Atari CX-2000 Prototype \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>i love children

	===Atari 3200===		===Atari 3200===

Delete

Bluedude3011: /* Atari 2600 Jr. */

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 12:20pm PST by Bluedude3011

Atari 2600 Jr.

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:20, 9 March 2010
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	====Atari 2600 Jr.====		====Atari 2600 Jr.====
	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]		[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
-	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.the atari 2600 is 40,000 years old.	+	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.the atari 2600 is 40,000 years old. check out my you tube videos my user name is bluedude3011!!!!!!

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Bluedude3011: /* History */

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 12:16pm PST by Bluedude3011

History

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:16, 9 March 2010
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	====Atari 2600 Jr.====		====Atari 2600 Jr.====
	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]		[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1984 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
-	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.	+	In 1984, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.the atari 2600 is 40,000 years old.

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Permalink for 'ClueBot: Reverting possible vandalism by Bluedude3011 to version by 94.71.41.56. False positive? Report it. Thanks, ClueBot. (562604) (Bot)'

ClueBot: Reverting possible vandalism by Bluedude3011 to version by 94.71.41.56. False positive? Report it. Thanks, ClueBot. (562604) (Bot)

Posted: March 9th, 2010, 8:09am PST by ClueBot

Reverting possible vandalism by Bluedude3011 to version by 94.71.41.56. False positive? Report it. Thanks, ClueBot. (562604) (Bot)

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Henryodell: Reverted edits by 99.238.133.185 (talk) to last version by 68.116.43.139

Posted: February 27th, 2010, 8:52pm PST by Henryodell

Reverted edits by 99.238.133.185 (talk) to last version by 68.116.43.139

← Previous revision	Revision as of 04:52, 28 February 2010
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	\| successor = [[Atari 5200]]	\| successor = [[Atari 5200]]
	}}	}}
-
-	Because when you see it you'll turn 2600 degrees and walk slightly to the right!

	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

Delete

99.238.133.185 at 03:21, 28 February 2010

Posted: February 27th, 2010, 7:21pm PST by 99.238.133.185

← Previous revision	Revision as of 03:21, 28 February 2010
Line 17:	Line 17:
	}}		}}

-	Because when you see it you'll turn around 7 times and walk slightly to the right!	+	Because when you see it you'll turn 2600 degrees and walk slightly to the right!

	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.		The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

Delete

99.238.133.185 at 03:20, 28 February 2010

Posted: February 27th, 2010, 7:20pm PST by 99.238.133.185

← Previous revision	Revision as of 03:20, 28 February 2010
Line 17:	Line 17:
	}}		}}

-	Because when you see it you'll turn 2600 degrees and walk slightly to the right!	+	Because when you see it you'll turn around 7 times and walk slightly to the right!

	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.		The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

Delete

99.238.133.185 at 03:19, 28 February 2010

Posted: February 27th, 2010, 7:19pm PST by 99.238.133.185

← Previous revision	Revision as of 03:19, 28 February 2010
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	\| successor = [[Atari 5200]]		\| successor = [[Atari 5200]]
	}}		}}
	+
	+	Because when you see it you'll turn 2600 degrees and walk slightly to the right!

	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.		The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

Delete

68.116.43.139: /* See also */ {{portal|Computer Science|Internet map 1024.jpg}}

Posted: February 26th, 2010, 4:46am PST by 68.116.43.139

See also: {{portal|Computer Science|Internet map 1024.jpg}}

← Previous revision	Revision as of 12:46, 26 February 2010
Line 192:	Line 192:

	== See also ==		== See also ==
-		+	{{portal\|Computer Science\|Internet map 1024.jpg}}
	* [[History of Atari]]		* [[History of Atari]]
	* [[List of Atari 2600 games]]		* [[List of Atari 2600 games]]

Delete

GRAND OUTCAST at 20:03, 25 February 2010

Posted: February 25th, 2010, 12:03pm PST by GRAND OUTCAST

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:03, 25 February 2010
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	\| type = [[Video game console]]		\| type = [[Video game console]]
	\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]		\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]
-	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October 1977\|EU=1978}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, 1983 ([[Atari 2800]])}}	+	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October 14th 1977\|EU=1978}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, 1983 ([[Atari 2800]])}}
	\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}		\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}
	\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]		\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]

Delete

75.17.113.60: Added a programmer for the Atari 2600. My proof comes from this page: http://www.arthurshall.com/x_adventure.shtml

Posted: February 23rd, 2010, 10:08am PST by 75.17.113.60

Added a programmer for the Atari 2600. My proof comes from this page: [www.arthurshall.com]

← Previous revision	Revision as of 18:08, 23 February 2010
Line 189:	Line 189:
	*[[Howard Scott Warshaw]]		*[[Howard Scott Warshaw]]
	*[[Bob Whitehead]]		*[[Bob Whitehead]]
	+	*[[Tom Reuterdahl]]

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Delete

SmackBot: Date maintenance tags and general fixes: build 400:

Posted: February 20th, 2010, 8:54pm PST by SmackBot

Date maintenance tags and general fixes: build 400:

← Previous revision	Revision as of 04:54, 21 February 2010
Line 36:	Line 36:
	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics.{{fact}}	+	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2010}}

	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.		When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.
Line 70:	Line 70:
	== Design ==		== Design ==
	=== Hardware ===		=== Hardware ===
-	{{main\|Atari 2600 hardware}}	+	{{Main\|Atari 2600 hardware}}

	The basic layout of the 2600 is fairly similar to most consoles and home computers of the era. The CPU was the [[MOS Technology 6507]], a cut-down version of the [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]], running at 1.19 [[megahertz\|MHz]] in the 2600. The 6507 included fewer memory address pins —13 instead of 16 —and no external interrupts to fit into a smaller 28-pin package. Smaller packaging was, and still is, an important factor in overall system cost, and since memory was very expensive at the time, the 6507's small 8 [[kilobyte\|kB]] of maximum external memory space wasn't going to be used up anyway. In fact, memory was so expensive they couldn't imagine using up even 4 [[kilobyte\|kB]], and when they got a deal on 24-pin connectors for the cartridge socket, they were only too happy to thereby limit the games to 4K.<ref name="cartridge-socket">The cartridge connector's 24 pins were allocated to one supply voltage line, two ground lines, 8 data lines, and 13 address lines. However, the uppermost address line was used as a so-called [[chip select]] for the cartridge's ROM chip, leaving only 12 address lines for the chip's game program. Thus, without special "hardware tricks" built into the cartridge, an Atari 2600 game could occupy a maximum address space of 4K.</ref> Later games got around this limitation with [[bank switching]].		The basic layout of the 2600 is fairly similar to most consoles and home computers of the era. The CPU was the [[MOS Technology 6507]], a cut-down version of the [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]], running at 1.19 [[megahertz\|MHz]] in the 2600. The 6507 included fewer memory address pins —13 instead of 16 —and no external interrupts to fit into a smaller 28-pin package. Smaller packaging was, and still is, an important factor in overall system cost, and since memory was very expensive at the time, the 6507's small 8 [[kilobyte\|kB]] of maximum external memory space wasn't going to be used up anyway. In fact, memory was so expensive they couldn't imagine using up even 4 [[kilobyte\|kB]], and when they got a deal on 24-pin connectors for the cartridge socket, they were only too happy to thereby limit the games to 4K.<ref name="cartridge-socket">The cartridge connector's 24 pins were allocated to one supply voltage line, two ground lines, 8 data lines, and 13 address lines. However, the uppermost address line was used as a so-called [[chip select]] for the cartridge's ROM chip, leaving only 12 address lines for the chip's game program. Thus, without special "hardware tricks" built into the cartridge, an Atari 2600 game could occupy a maximum address space of 4K.</ref> Later games got around this limitation with [[bank switching]].
Line 89:	Line 89:
	== Notable games ==		== Notable games ==
	[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]		[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]
-	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}	+	{{Main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}
-	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 prototype games}}	+	{{Main\|List of Atari 2600 prototype games}}
	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre<ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web		During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre<ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web
	\| last = Robinett		\| last = Robinett
Line 170:	Line 170:

	=== Homebrews ===		=== Homebrews ===
-	{{main\|Homebrew (video games)}}	+	{{Main\|Homebrew (video games)}}
	[[Image:Atari 2600 - Four Play.PNG\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Homebrew "Four Play" (2006)]]		[[Image:Atari 2600 - Four Play.PNG\|thumb\|right\|200px\|Homebrew "Four Play" (2006)]]

Delete

ThaddeusB: cleanup grammar & add {{fact}} tag

Posted: February 11th, 2010, 5:58pm PST by ThaddeusB

cleanup grammar & add {{fact}} tag

← Previous revision	Revision as of 01:58, 12 February 2010
Line 36:	Line 36:
	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics, which one portion of Dimerco has survived to become a Global shipping Corporation.	+	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics.{{fact}}

	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.		When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.

Delete

71.243.118.154: /* History */

Posted: February 8th, 2010, 10:50am PST by 71.243.118.154

History

← Previous revision	Revision as of 18:50, 8 February 2010
Line 36:	Line 36:
	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores.	+	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. This model was manufactured by Dimerco Electronics, which one portion of Dimerco has survived to become a Global shipping Corporation.

	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.		When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.

Delete

80.108.68.73: remove vandalism

Posted: February 7th, 2010, 10:16am PST by 80.108.68.73

remove vandalism

← Previous revision	Revision as of 18:16, 7 February 2010
Line 25:	Line 25:
	== History ==		== History ==

-	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] Dig Dug was the best selling game back then.To research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}	+	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}

	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.		Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.

Delete

173.48.238.6: /* History */

Posted: February 7th, 2010, 5:39am PST by 173.48.238.6

History

← Previous revision	Revision as of 13:39, 7 February 2010
Line 25:	Line 25:
	== History ==		== History ==

-	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]]Dig Dug was the best selling game back then.To research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}	+	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] Dig Dug was the best selling game back then.To research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}

	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.		Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.

Delete

173.48.238.6: /* History */

Posted: February 7th, 2010, 5:38am PST by 173.48.238.6

History

← Previous revision	Revision as of 13:38, 7 February 2010
Line 25:	Line 25:
	== History ==		== History ==

-	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}	+	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]]Dig Dug was the best selling game back then.To research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Citation needed\|date=November 2007}}

	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.		Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.

Delete

Ashley Pomeroy: /* Launch and success */ Tarted up; called it VCS until the point where it officially became the 2600

Posted: January 14th, 2010, 11:06am PST by Ashley Pomeroy

Launch and success: Tarted up; called it VCS until the point where it officially became the 2600

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:06, 14 January 2010
Line 36:	Line 36:
	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>	+	The unit was originally priced at US$199, and shipped with two joysticks and a ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]'' cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The VCS was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores.

-	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}	+	When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: ''Pong'' clones that had been made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines were sold off to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs.

-	Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The 2600 and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.	+	For the first year of production, the VCS was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured there had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all six switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>

-	In 1980, the Atari 2600 was given a minor revision in which the left and right difficulty switches were moved to the back of the console, leaving four switches on the front. Other than this, these four-switch consoles looked nearly identical to the earlier six-switch models. In 1982, another version of the four-switch console was released without woodgrain. They were nicknamed "[[Darth Vader]]" consoles due to their all-black appearance. These were also the first consoles to be officially called "Atari 2600", as the [[Atari 5200]] was released the same year.	+	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than ''Pong'', and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the VCS gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the VCS was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}
	+
	+	Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The VCS and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.
	+
	+	In 1980, the VCS was given a minor revision in which the left and right difficulty switches were moved to the back of the console, leaving four switches on the front. Other than this, these four-switch consoles looked nearly identical to the earlier six-switch models. In 1982, another version of the four-switch console was released without woodgrain. They were nicknamed "[[Darth Vader]]" consoles due to their all-black appearance. These were also the first consoles to be officially called "Atari 2600", as the [[Atari 5200]] was released the same year.

	During this period, Atari Inc. expanded the 2600 family with two other compatible consoles. They designed the [[Atari 2700]], a wireless version of the console that was never released because of a design flaw.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Curt \|last=Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html \|title=Atari 2700 Wireless VCS \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> The company also built a sleeker version of the machine dubbed the [[Atari 2800]] to sell directly to the [[Japan]]ese market in early 1983, but it suffered from competition with the newly released [[Nintendo]] [[Nintendo Entertainment System\|Famicom]].		During this period, Atari Inc. expanded the 2600 family with two other compatible consoles. They designed the [[Atari 2700]], a wireless version of the console that was never released because of a design flaw.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Curt \|last=Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html \|title=Atari 2700 Wireless VCS \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> The company also built a sleeker version of the machine dubbed the [[Atari 2800]] to sell directly to the [[Japan]]ese market in early 1983, but it suffered from competition with the newly released [[Nintendo]] [[Nintendo Entertainment System\|Famicom]].

-	In a survey mentioned by [[Jeff Rovin]] it is reported that more stores reported breakdowns of the Atari 2600 system than any other, and that Atari repair centers seemed to have the most trouble with consoles manufactured in 1980. In one case it is stated that a system was repaired five times before static electricity from a carpet was discovered as having caused the problem. The controllers were also a source of breakage because of the way they could be gripped by a player holding it with their fist, allowing players to get carried away and over control, which was less likely with others systems released at the time, such as the [[Odyssey 2]] with controllers which were nearly half its size.<ref>"The Complete Guide to Conquering Video Games" by Jeff Rovin, [[Collier Books]], 1982 pages 7, 9, 11</ref>	+	In a survey mentioned by [[Jeff Rovin]] it is reported that more stores reported breakdowns of the Atari 2600 system than any other, and that Atari repair centers seemed to have the most trouble with consoles manufactured in 1980. In one case it is stated that a system was repaired five times before static electricity from a carpet was discovered as having caused the problem. The controllers were also a source of breakage because of the way they could be gripped by a player holding it with their fist, allowing players to get carried away and over control, which was less likely with other systems released at the time, such as the [[Odyssey 2]], which had controllers that were nearly half its size.<ref>"The Complete Guide to Conquering Video Games" by Jeff Rovin, [[Collier Books]], 1982 pages 7, 9, 11</ref>

	=== Sears Tele-Games 2600s ===		=== Sears Tele-Games 2600s ===

Delete

Ashley Pomeroy at 19:02, 14 January 2010

Posted: January 14th, 2010, 11:02am PST by Ashley Pomeroy

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:02, 14 January 2010
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	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.		The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

-	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>	+	The console was originally sold as the '''Atari VCS''', for '''Video Computer System'''. Following the release of the [[Atari 5200]], in 1982, the VCS was renamed "Atari 2600", after the unit's Atari part number, CX2600. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

	The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>		The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>

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Brett705: /* Notable games */

Posted: January 3rd, 2010, 5:36am PST by Brett705

Notable games

← Previous revision	Revision as of 13:36, 3 January 2010
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	[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]		[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]
	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}		{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}
	+	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 prototype games}}
	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre<ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web		During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre<ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web
	\| last = Robinett		\| last = Robinett

Delete

YUL89YYZ: Disambiguate Little Brother to Little Brother (band) using popups

Posted: December 29th, 2009, 2:08am PST by YUL89YYZ

Disambiguate Little Brother to Little Brother (band) using popups

← Previous revision	Revision as of 10:08, 29 December 2009
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	=== In music ===		=== In music ===
-	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".	+	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother (band)\|Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".

	=== Emulation ===		=== Emulation ===

Delete

Permalink for '71.20.146.36: the rf shielding is exactly the same on the light sixer as the heavy this is a myth that they are thinner. all u have to do is weigh one or actually just look at one. lol'

71.20.146.36: the rf shielding is exactly the same on the light sixer as the heavy this is a myth that they are thinner. all u have to do is weigh one or actually just look at one. lol

Posted: December 17th, 2009, 9:51pm PST by 71.20.146.36

the rf shielding is exactly the same on the light sixer as the heavy this is a myth that they are thinner. all u have to do is weigh one or actually just look at one. lol

← Previous revision	Revision as of 05:51, 18 December 2009
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	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>	+	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>

	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}		Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}

Delete

Secret Saturdays: /* Atari 2600 Jr. */

Posted: December 13th, 2009, 9:06am PST by Secret Saturdays

Atari 2600 Jr.

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:06, 13 December 2009
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	====Atari 2600 Jr.====		====Atari 2600 Jr.====
	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1986 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]		[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1986 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
-	In 1986, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and [[Exus]]). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.	+	In 1986, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and Exus). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

	== Design ==		== Design ==

Delete

Secret Saturdays: /* Notable games */

Posted: December 12th, 2009, 7:11pm PST by Secret Saturdays

Notable games

← Previous revision	Revision as of 03:11, 13 December 2009
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	\| publisher = Atari Museum		\| publisher = Atari Museum
	\| url = [www.atarimuseum.com]		\| url = [www.atarimuseum.com]
-	\| accessdate = 2007-11-13}}</ref> are frequently blamed for contributing to the [[video game crash of 1983]].{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}	+	\| accessdate = 2007-11-13}}</ref> are frequently blamed for contributing to the [[video game crash of 1983]].
	{{-}}		{{-}}

Delete

79.215.187.145: reverted possible vandalism by 216.124.90.65 (talk)

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 9:25am PST by 79.215.187.145

reverted possible vandalism by 216.124.90.65 (talk)

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:25, 10 December 2009
Line 147:	Line 147:

	=== In music ===		=== In music ===
-	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music just like the Jonas Brothers (JB), and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".	+	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".

	=== Emulation ===		=== Emulation ===

Delete

216.124.90.65: /* In music */

Posted: December 10th, 2009, 9:23am PST by 216.124.90.65

In music

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:23, 10 December 2009
Line 147:	Line 147:

	=== In music ===		=== In music ===
-	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".	+	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music just like the Jonas Brothers (JB), and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".

	=== Emulation ===		=== Emulation ===

Delete

Twipley: /* Notable games */ —

Posted: December 8th, 2009, 11:49am PST by Twipley

Notable games: —

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:49, 8 December 2009
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	[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]		[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]
	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}		{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}
-	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre - <ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web	+	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre<ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web
	\| last = Robinett		\| last = Robinett
	\| first = Warren		\| first = Warren
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	\| title = Adventure for the Atari 2600 Video Game Console		\| title = Adventure for the Atari 2600 Video Game Console
	\| url = [www.warrenrobinett.com]		\| url = [www.warrenrobinett.com]
-	\| accessdate = 2007-10-11 }}</ref>	+	\| accessdate = 2007-10-11 }}</ref>—its creator, [[Warren Robinett]], also introduced the first widely known [[Easter egg (media)\|Easter egg]] to the gaming world),<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web
-	its creator, [[Warren Robinett]], also introduced the first widely known [[Easter egg (media)\|Easter egg]] to the gaming world),<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web
	\| last = Gouskos		\| last = Gouskos
	\| first = Carrie		\| first = Carrie

Delete

Grundle2600: /* Programmers */ expand section - remove expansion tag

Posted: December 3rd, 2009, 11:49pm PST by Grundle2600

Programmers: expand section - remove expansion tag

← Previous revision	Revision as of 07:49, 4 December 2009
Line 173:	Line 173:
	Games created for the Atari can be executed using either an emulator or copied directly to a blank cartridge making use of either a [[Programmable read-only memory\|PROM]] or [[EPROM]] chip. This allows the construction of homebrew cartridges that will run on an original Atari 2600.		Games created for the Atari can be executed using either an emulator or copied directly to a blank cartridge making use of either a [[Programmable read-only memory\|PROM]] or [[EPROM]] chip. This allows the construction of homebrew cartridges that will run on an original Atari 2600.

-	== Programmers ==	+	==Programmers==
-	{{expand-section}}	+	This is a partial, but not complete, list of Atari 2600 programmers:
-	Larry Kaplan was one of the top programmers on the Atari 2600.<ref name="rabayjr_com-jay_miner">{{cite web\|title=Jay Miner\|url=http://www.rabayjr.com/jay_miner.htm}} 090420 rabayjr.com</ref>	+
	+	*[[David Crane (programmer)\|David Crane]]
	+	*[[Todd Frye]]
	+	*[[Rob Fulop]]
	+	*[[Larry Kaplan]] was one of the top programmers on the Atari 2600.<ref name="rabayjr_com-jay_miner">{{cite web\|title=Jay Miner\|url=http://www.rabayjr.com/jay_miner.htm}} 090420 rabayjr.com</ref>
	+	*[[Alan Miller (game designer)\|Alan Miller]]
	+	*[[Warren Robinett]]
	+	*[[Carol Shaw (video game designer)\|Carol Shaw]]
	+	*[[Howard Scott Warshaw]]
	+	*[[Bob Whitehead]]

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Delete

Grundle2600: /* The ten biggest sellers */ format internal links

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 9:54pm PST by Grundle2600

The ten biggest sellers: format internal links

← Previous revision	Revision as of 05:54, 3 December 2009
Line 126:	Line 126:
	# [[Missile Command]]		# [[Missile Command]]
	# [[Demon Attack]]		# [[Demon Attack]]
-	# [[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (video game)]]	+	# [[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (video game)\|E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]
-	# [[Atlantis (video game)]]	+	# [[Atlantis (video game)\|Atlantis]]
	# [[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]		# [[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]
	# [[River Raid]]		# [[River Raid]]

Delete

Grundle2600: /* Notable games */ 10 biggest sellers

Posted: December 2nd, 2009, 9:52pm PST by Grundle2600

Notable games: 10 biggest sellers

← Previous revision	Revision as of 05:52, 3 December 2009
Line 118:	Line 118:
	\| accessdate = 2007-11-13}}</ref> are frequently blamed for contributing to the [[video game crash of 1983]].{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}		\| accessdate = 2007-11-13}}</ref> are frequently blamed for contributing to the [[video game crash of 1983]].{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}
	{{-}}		{{-}}
	+
	+	===The ten biggest sellers===
	+	The 10 biggest selling games for the Atari 2600 were:<ref> [retro.ign.com] Top 10 Best-Selling Atari 2600 Games], IGN, August 26, 2008</ref>
	+
	+	# [[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]
	+	# [[Pitfall!]]
	+	# [[Missile Command]]
	+	# [[Demon Attack]]
	+	# [[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (video game)]]
	+	# [[Atlantis (video game)]]
	+	# [[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]
	+	# [[River Raid]]
	+	# [[Kaboom! (video game)\|Kaboom!]]
	+	# [[Space Invaders]]

	== Legacy ==		== Legacy ==

Delete

24.223.197.220: /* Launch and success */

Posted: November 25th, 2009, 6:45am PST by 24.223.197.220

Launch and success

← Previous revision	Revision as of 14:45, 25 November 2009
Line 38:	Line 38:
	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>		The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>

-	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passed fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}	+	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}

	Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The 2600 and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.		Atari Inc. then licensed the smash [[video arcade\|arcade]] hit ''[[Space Invaders]]'' by [[Taito Corporation\|Taito]], which greatly increased the unit's popularity when it was released in January 1980, doubling sales again to over 2 million units. The 2600 and its cartridges were the main factor behind Atari Inc. grossing more than $2 billion in 1980. Sales then doubled again for the next two years, with almost 8 million units selling in 1982.

Delete

Wgungfu: Undid revision 327544359 by 96.253.88.192 (talk) RV possible vandalism

Posted: November 23rd, 2009, 1:49pm PST by Wgungfu

Undid revision 327544359 by 96.253.88.192 (talk) RV possible vandalism

← Previous revision	Revision as of 21:49, 23 November 2009
Line 135:	Line 135:
	=== In music ===		=== In music ===
	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".		Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".
	+
	+	=== Emulation ===
	+	Atari 2600 emulation is available for most major [[operating system]]s and is now very accurate. Despite the relative simplicity of the 2600 system, it is not an easy system to emulate. While it does not require a lot of computational power to emulate the 2600, it is hard to accurately do so. For example, because of the lack of a [[frame buffer]], 2600 [[Video game console emulator\|emulators]] must not only emulate the console, but the television as well. Due to the longevity of the system, many 2600 games used undocumented features, and even exploited bugs in the [[Computer hardware\|hardware]] to squeeze the most out of the system, doing things even the original designers would deem impossible (a notable example is the starfield of the game ''[[Cosmic Ark]]''). It took some time for the emulator programmers to mature their software to properly emulate the undocumented features, bugs and quirks of the system.
	+
	+	The [[MESS]] emulator supports recording and playing back of Atari 2600 emulation sessions. The Home Action Replay Page<ref> [www.homeactionreplay.org] Home Action Replay Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> (aka HARP) allows Atari 2600 users to archive their favorite play sessions of the Atari 2600 system and its games.
	+
	+	Some well known Atari 2600 emulators today are:
	+
	+	* [[Stella (emulator)\|Stella]] - An [[open source]], [[multiplatform]] emulator ([[Microsoft Windows\|Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]], [[Dreamcast]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Wii]], [[GP2X]]).
	+	* [[z26]] - Another open source, multiplatform customizable emulator (Windows, [[MS-DOS]], Linux)
	+	* [[PC Atari Emulator]] - Easy to use, very fast emulator (Windows, MS-DOS). Handles the Cosmic Ark starfield effect correctly.
	+	* [[MESS]] - the multi system emulator that supports all old Atari console systems
	+	* The Pocket VCS — PPC —Easy to use, very fast and emulator (Windows CE).{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}
	+	* GP2X-2600 - An emulator for the [[GP2X]] handheld console
	+	<!--all the statements in this section need cites, but I didn't want to clog it up with 4-8 "citation needed" tags-->

	=== Homebrews ===		=== Homebrews ===

Delete

96.253.88.192: /* Emulation */

Posted: November 23rd, 2009, 1:42pm PST by 96.253.88.192

Emulation

← Previous revision	Revision as of 21:42, 23 November 2009
Line 135:	Line 135:
	=== In music ===	=== In music ===
	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Citation needed\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".
-
-	=== Emulation ===
-	Atari 2600 emulation is available for most major [[operating system]]s and is now very accurate. Despite the relative simplicity of the 2600 system, it is not an easy system to emulate. While it does not require a lot of computational power to emulate the 2600, it is hard to accurately do so. For example, because of the lack of a [[frame buffer]], 2600 [[Video game console emulator\|emulators]] must not only emulate the console, but the television as well. Due to the longevity of the system, many 2600 games used undocumented features, and even exploited bugs in the [[Computer hardware\|hardware]] to squeeze the most out of the system, doing things even the original designers would deem impossible (a notable example is the starfield of the game ''[[Cosmic Ark]]''). It took some time for the emulator programmers to mature their software to properly emulate the undocumented features, bugs and quirks of the system.
-
-	The [[MESS]] emulator supports recording and playing back of Atari 2600 emulation sessions. The Home Action Replay Page<ref> [www.homeactionreplay.org] Home Action Replay Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> (aka HARP) allows Atari 2600 users to archive their favorite play sessions of the Atari 2600 system and its games.
-
-	Some well known Atari 2600 emulators today are:
-
-	* [[Stella (emulator)\|Stella]] - An [[open source]], [[multiplatform]] emulator ([[Microsoft Windows\|Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]], [[Dreamcast]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Wii]], [[GP2X]]).
-	* [[z26]] - Another open source, multiplatform customizable emulator (Windows, [[MS-DOS]], Linux)
-	* [[PC Atari Emulator]] - Easy to use, very fast emulator (Windows, MS-DOS). Handles the Cosmic Ark starfield effect correctly.
-	* [[MESS]] - the multi system emulator that supports all old Atari console systems
-	* The Pocket VCS — PPC —Easy to use, very fast and emulator (Windows CE).{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}
-	* GP2X-2600 - An emulator for the [[GP2X]] handheld console
-	<!--all the statements in this section need cites, but I didn't want to clog it up with 4-8 "citation needed" tags-->

	=== Homebrews ===	=== Homebrews ===

Delete

Hekerui: /* Notable games */ link directly

Posted: November 21st, 2009, 3:14am PST by Hekerui

Notable games: link directly

← Previous revision	Revision as of 11:14, 21 November 2009
Line 84:	Line 84:

	== Notable games ==		== Notable games ==
-	[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|250px\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]	+	[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]
	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}		{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}
-
	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre - <ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web		During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre - <ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web
	\| last = Robinett		\| last = Robinett
Line 111:	Line 110:
	\| publisher = 1UP.Com		\| publisher = 1UP.Com
	\| url = [www.1up.com]		\| url = [www.1up.com]
-	\| accessdate = 2007-11-08}}</ref> and [[Imagic]]'s ''[[Atlantis (video game)\|Atlantis]]''. However, two Atari published titles, ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]''<ref name="1up" /> and ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'',<ref name="sales">{{cite web	+	\| accessdate = 2007-11-08}}</ref> and [[Imagic]]'s ''[[Atlantis (video game)\|Atlantis]]''. However, two Atari published titles, ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (video game)\|E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]''<ref name="1up" /> and ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'',<ref name="sales">{{cite web
	\| last = Vendel		\| last = Vendel
	\| first = Curt		\| first = Curt

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TenPoundHammer: delink dates

Posted: November 12th, 2009, 12:38pm PST by TenPoundHammer

delink dates

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:38, 12 November 2009
Line 5:	Line 5:
	\| type = [[Video game console]]		\| type = [[Video game console]]
	\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]		\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]
-	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October {{vgy\|1977}}\|EU={{vgy\|1978}}}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, [[1983]] ([[Atari 2800]])}}	+	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October 1977\|EU=1978}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, 1983 ([[Atari 2800]])}}
	\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}		\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}
	\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]		\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]

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Wgungfu: Undid revision 323793916 by 92.235.33.156 (talk) RV spamming of non-notable site.

Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 3:56pm PST by Wgungfu

Undid revision 323793916 by 92.235.33.156 (talk) RV spamming of non-notable site.

← Previous revision	Revision as of 23:56, 3 November 2009
Line 198:	Line 198:
	* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]	* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]
	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]
-	* [www.retrogamingconsoles.com] Atari 2600] Overview at Retro Gaming Consoles
	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]

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92.235.33.156: /* External links */

Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 3:46pm PST by 92.235.33.156

External links

← Previous revision	Revision as of 23:46, 3 November 2009
Line 198:	Line 198:
	* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]		* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]
	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]		* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]
	+	* [www.retrogamingconsoles.com] Atari 2600] Overview at Retro Gaming Consoles
	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]		* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]

Delete

Rjwilmsi: cite web cleanup, Replaced: newspaper= → work=, using AWB

Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 11:09am PST by Rjwilmsi

cite web cleanup, Replaced: newspaper= → work=, using AWB

Show changes

Delete

GossamerBliss: spacing

Posted: November 1st, 2009, 10:40pm PST by GossamerBliss

spacing

← Previous revision	Revision as of 06:40, 2 November 2009
Line 145:	Line 145:
	Some well known Atari 2600 emulators today are:		Some well known Atari 2600 emulators today are:

-	* [[Stella (emulator)\|Stella]] - An [[open source]], [[multiplatform]] emulator ([[Microsoft Windows\|Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]],[[Dreamcast]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Wii]], [[GP2X]]).	+	* [[Stella (emulator)\|Stella]] - An [[open source]], [[multiplatform]] emulator ([[Microsoft Windows\|Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]], [[Dreamcast]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Wii]], [[GP2X]]).
	* [[z26]] - Another open source, multiplatform customizable emulator (Windows, [[MS-DOS]], Linux)		* [[z26]] - Another open source, multiplatform customizable emulator (Windows, [[MS-DOS]], Linux)
	* [[PC Atari Emulator]] - Easy to use, very fast emulator (Windows, MS-DOS). Handles the Cosmic Ark starfield effect correctly.		* [[PC Atari Emulator]] - Easy to use, very fast emulator (Windows, MS-DOS). Handles the Cosmic Ark starfield effect correctly.

Delete

Île flottant: /* Notable games */ removed an unsourced comment.

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 4:57pm PDT by Île flottant

Notable games: removed an unsourced comment.

← Previous revision	Revision as of 23:57, 31 October 2009
Line 87:	Line 87:
	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}		{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}

-	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles that would become some of the best-known video games of all time.{{Fact\|date=January 2008}} These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre - <ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web	+	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre - <ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web
	\| last = Robinett		\| last = Robinett
	\| first = Warren		\| first = Warren

Delete

Wgungfu: Undid revision 323129643 by 68.44.51.4 (talk) Already covered.

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 10:29am PDT by Wgungfu

Undid revision 323129643 by 68.44.51.4 (talk) Already covered.

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:29, 31 October 2009
Line 17:	Line 17:
	}}		}}

-	The '''Atari 2600''' (Known as the '''[[Atari 2800]]''' in [[Japan]]) is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	+	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>		Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

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68.44.51.4 at 17:23, 31 October 2009

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 10:23am PDT by 68.44.51.4

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:23, 31 October 2009
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	}}		}}

-	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	+	The '''Atari 2600''' (Known as the '''[[Atari 2800]]''' in [[Japan]]) is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>		Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

Delete

MystifiableUnknown: /* Decline */ added Atari 2600 Jr. title

Posted: October 18th, 2009, 11:10am PDT by MystifiableUnknown

Decline: added Atari 2600 Jr. title

← Previous revision	Revision as of 18:10, 18 October 2009
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	Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984. Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''.		Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984. Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''.

	+	====Atari 2600 Jr.====
	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1986 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]		[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1986 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
	In 1986, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and [[Exus]]). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Fact\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.		In 1986, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and [[Exus]]). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Fact\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

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71.181.44.254: /* Programmers */

Posted: October 18th, 2009, 11:05am PDT by 71.181.44.254

Programmers

← Previous revision	Revision as of 18:05, 18 October 2009
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	== Programmers ==		== Programmers ==
	+	{{expand-section}}
	Larry Kaplan was one of the top programmers on the Atari 2600. <ref name="rabayjr_com-jay_miner">{{cite web\|title=Jay Miner\|url=http://www.rabayjr.com/jay_miner.htm}} 090420 rabayjr.com</ref>		Larry Kaplan was one of the top programmers on the Atari 2600. <ref name="rabayjr_com-jay_miner">{{cite web\|title=Jay Miner\|url=http://www.rabayjr.com/jay_miner.htm}} 090420 rabayjr.com</ref>

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Wgungfu: Undid revision 318229633 by 95.62.133.101 (talk)

Posted: October 6th, 2009, 6:33am PDT by Wgungfu

Undid revision 318229633 by 95.62.133.101 (talk)

← Previous revision	Revision as of 13:33, 6 October 2009
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	* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]	* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]
	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]
-	* [www.atari2600.tk] ATARI 2600 Jr - graphic images]
	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]

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95.62.133.101: /* External links */

Posted: October 6th, 2009, 4:21am PDT by 95.62.133.101

External links

← Previous revision	Revision as of 11:21, 6 October 2009
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	* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]		* [www.videogamecritic.net] Review of Atari 2600 games]
	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]		* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]
	+	* [www.atari2600.tk] ATARI 2600 Jr - graphic images]
	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]		* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]

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Wgungfu: Undid revision 317829145 by 77.211.205.145 (talk)

Posted: October 4th, 2009, 11:04am PDT by Wgungfu

Undid revision 317829145 by 77.211.205.145 (talk)

← Previous revision	Revision as of 18:04, 4 October 2009
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	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]		* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]
	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]		* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]
-	* [www.atari2600.tk] ATARI 2600 Jr - PAL - new, unused, unopened]	+
	{{commons\|Category:Atari 2600\|Atari 2600}}		{{commons\|Category:Atari 2600\|Atari 2600}}
	{{Atari hardware}}		{{Atari hardware}}

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77.211.205.145: /* External links */

Posted: October 4th, 2009, 5:42am PDT by 77.211.205.145

External links

← Previous revision	Revision as of 12:42, 4 October 2009
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	* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]		* [bataribasic.com] batari Basic page]
	* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]		* [www.randomterrain.com] Visual batari Basic guide]
-		+	* [www.atari2600.tk] ATARI 2600 Jr - PAL - new, unused, unopened]
	{{commons\|Category:Atari 2600\|Atari 2600}}		{{commons\|Category:Atari 2600\|Atari 2600}}
	{{Atari hardware}}		{{Atari hardware}}

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Gargaj at 11:55, 22 September 2009

Posted: September 22nd, 2009, 4:55am PDT by Gargaj

← Previous revision	Revision as of 11:55, 22 September 2009
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	The programmers of many of Atari Inc.'s biggest hits grew disgruntled with the company for not crediting game developers and many left the company and formed their own independent software companies. The most prominent and longest-lasting of these third-party developers was [[Activision]], founded in 1980, whose titles quickly became more popular than those of Atari Inc. itself. Atari Inc. attempted to block third-party development for the 2600 in court but failed,{{Fact\|date=December 2007}} and soon other publishers, such as [[Imagic]] and [[Coleco]], entered the market. Atari Inc. suffered from an image problem when a company named [[Mystique (company)\|Mystique]] produced a number of [[Pornography\|pornographic]] games for the 2600. The most notorious of these, ''[[Custer's Revenge]]'', caused a large number of protests from women's and [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]] groups<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.atarihq.com/2678/3party/mystique.html \|title=AGH - Third Party Profile: Mystique \|publisher=AtariHQ.com \|date= \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> because it depicts [[George Armstrong Custer\|General George Armstrong Custer]] raping a bound Native American woman.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Fragmaster \|url=http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=282 \|title=Custer's Revenge \|publisher=Classic Gaming \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> Atari Inc. sued Mystique in court over the release of the game.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Lauren \|last=Gonzalez \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-3.html \|title=When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy \|pages=3 \|publisher=GameSpot \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>		The programmers of many of Atari Inc.'s biggest hits grew disgruntled with the company for not crediting game developers and many left the company and formed their own independent software companies. The most prominent and longest-lasting of these third-party developers was [[Activision]], founded in 1980, whose titles quickly became more popular than those of Atari Inc. itself. Atari Inc. attempted to block third-party development for the 2600 in court but failed,{{Fact\|date=December 2007}} and soon other publishers, such as [[Imagic]] and [[Coleco]], entered the market. Atari Inc. suffered from an image problem when a company named [[Mystique (company)\|Mystique]] produced a number of [[Pornography\|pornographic]] games for the 2600. The most notorious of these, ''[[Custer's Revenge]]'', caused a large number of protests from women's and [[Native Americans in the United States\|Native American]] groups<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.atarihq.com/2678/3party/mystique.html \|title=AGH - Third Party Profile: Mystique \|publisher=AtariHQ.com \|date= \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> because it depicts [[George Armstrong Custer\|General George Armstrong Custer]] raping a bound Native American woman.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Fragmaster \|url=http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=GameMuseum.Detail&id=282 \|title=Custer's Revenge \|publisher=Classic Gaming \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref> Atari Inc. sued Mystique in court over the release of the game.<ref>{{cite web\|first=Lauren \|last=Gonzalez \|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6090892/p-3.html \|title=When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy \|pages=3 \|publisher=GameSpot \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>

-	Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984.	+	Atari Inc. continued to scoop up licenses during the shelf life of the 2600, the most prominent of which included ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]'' and ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Atari 2600)\|E.T.]]'' Public disappointment with these two titles and the market saturation of poor third-party titles are cited as big reasons for the [[video game crash of 1983]]. Suddenly, Atari Inc.'s growth meant it was losing massive amounts of money during the crash, at one point about $10,000 a day. Warner quickly grew tired of supporting Atari Inc., and started looking for buyers in 1984. Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''.

-	Although not formally discontinued, the 2600 was de-emphasized for two years after Warner's 1984 sale of Atari Inc.'s Consumer Division to [[Commodore Business Machines]] founder [[Jack Tramiel]], who wanted to concentrate on [[home computer]]s. He froze all development of console games, including a [[Garfield (Atari 2600)\|2600 ''Garfield'' game]] and an Atari 5200 port of ''[[Super Pac-Man]]''. In 1986, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and [[Exus]]). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Fact\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.	+	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1986 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
	+	In 1986, a new version of the 2600 was released (although it was planned for release two years earlier). The new redesigned version of the 2600, unofficially referred to as the 2600 Jr., featured a smaller cost-reduced form factor with a modernized [[Atari 7800]]-like appearance. The redesigned 2600 was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $50) that had the ability to run a large collection of classic games. With its introduction came a resurgence in software development both from Atari Corp. and from a few third parties (notably, [[Activision]], [[Absolute Entertainment]], [[Froggo]], [[Epyx]], and [[Exus]]). The Atari 2600 continued to sell in the USA and Europe until 1990, and in Asia until the early 1990s. Its final Atari-licensed release was [[klax (computer game)\|KLAX]] in 1990. Over its lifetime, an estimated 40 million units were shipped, and its [[List of Atari 2600 games\|video game library]] reportedly numbers more than 900 titles with commercial games released for this system all the way until 1991. In [[Brazil]], the console became extremely popular in the mid-1980s. The Atari 2600 was officially retired by Atari Corp. on January 1, 1992,{{Fact\|date=January 2008}} making it the longest-lived home video game console (14 years, 2 months) in US game history.

	== Design ==		== Design ==
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	===Atari 2000===		===Atari 2000===
-	[[Image:Atari2600jr.jpg\|thumb\|225px\|right\|The Atari 2600 in its 1986 cost-reduced version, also known as the "2600 Jr."]]
	The '''Atari 2000''' (model number CX-2000) is a [[prototype]] version of the Atari 2600 intended to be released as a cheaper alternative for children in 1982. Although identical in specification to the original 2600, the 2000 included built-in controllers and a different case design. The 2000 was originally intended to be black, but it was later recolored blue to appeal more to children. While Atari never officially stated the reason for not releasing the 2000, experts have cited the poor quality and durability of its built-in joysticks and the greater in-house popularity of the competing 2600jr design as the most likely reasons.<ref name="atari2000">{{cite web\|author=Curt Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2000/a2000.html \|title=The Atari CX-2000 Prototype \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>		The '''Atari 2000''' (model number CX-2000) is a [[prototype]] version of the Atari 2600 intended to be released as a cheaper alternative for children in 1982. Although identical in specification to the original 2600, the 2000 included built-in controllers and a different case design. The 2000 was originally intended to be black, but it was later recolored blue to appeal more to children. While Atari never officially stated the reason for not releasing the 2000, experts have cited the poor quality and durability of its built-in joysticks and the greater in-house popularity of the competing 2600jr design as the most likely reasons.<ref name="atari2000">{{cite web\|author=Curt Vendel \|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2000/a2000.html \|title=The Atari CX-2000 Prototype \|publisher=Atari Museum \|accessdate=2009-07-06}}</ref>

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Denimadept: /* History */ fix term

Posted: September 21st, 2009, 12:36pm PDT by Denimadept

History: fix term

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:36, 21 September 2009
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	Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Fact\|date=November 2007}}		Atari Inc. had purchased an engineering think tank in 1973 called [[Cyan Engineering]] to research next-generation video game systems, and had been working on a prototype known as "Stella" (named after one of the engineers' bicycles) for some time. Unlike prior generations of machines that used custom [[Logic programming\|logic]] to play a small number of games, Stella's core was a complete [[Central processing unit\|CPU]], the famous [[MOS Technology]] [[MOS Technology 6502\|6502]] in a cost-reduced version, known as the [[MOS Technology 6507\|6507]]. It was combined with a [[Random Access Memory\|RAM]]-and-[[I/O]] chip, the [[MOS Technology 6532]], and a display and sound chip of their own design known as the '''[[Television Interface Adapter\|TIA]]''', for '''''T'''elevision '''I'''nterface '''A'''daptor''. Beyond those three, the first two versions of the machine contain just one more chip, a standard CMOS logic buffer [[Integrated circuit\|IC]], bringing the total chip count to the very low and cost-effective number of four. Some later versions of the console eliminated the buffer chip. {{Fact\|date=November 2007}}

-	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged ROM memory into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.	+	Programs for small computers were generally stored on cassette tape, disk or paper tape. By the early 1970s, [[Hewlett Packard]] manufactured desktop computers costing thousands of dollars such as the [[HP 9830]], which packaged Read Only Memory (ROM) into removable cartridges to add special programming features, and these were being considered for use in games. At first, the design was not going to be cartridge-based, but after seeing a "fake" cartridge system on another machine, they realized they could place the games on cartridges essentially for the price of the connector and packaging.

	In August 1976, [[Fairchild Semiconductor]] released their own [[CPU]]-based system, the [[Channel F\|Video Entertainment System]]. Stella was still not ready for production, but it was clear that it needed to be before there were a number of "me too" products filling up the market – which had happened after they released [[Pong]]. Atari Inc. simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own Pong systems were cooling. [[Nolan Bushnell]] eventually turned to [[Time Warner\|Warner Communications]], and sold the company to them in 1976 for [[US$]]28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible.		In August 1976, [[Fairchild Semiconductor]] released their own [[CPU]]-based system, the [[Channel F\|Video Entertainment System]]. Stella was still not ready for production, but it was clear that it needed to be before there were a number of "me too" products filling up the market – which had happened after they released [[Pong]]. Atari Inc. simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own Pong systems were cooling. [[Nolan Bushnell]] eventually turned to [[Time Warner\|Warner Communications]], and sold the company to them in 1976 for [[US$]]28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible.

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91.128.187.120: Undid revision 314333613 by Haydenpeek (talk)

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:54am PDT by 91.128.187.120

Undid revision 314333613 by Haydenpeek (talk)

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Haydenpeek: i made it better

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:52am PDT by Haydenpeek

i made it better

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ClueBot: Reverting possible vandalism by Haydenpeek to version by ThaddeusB. False positive? Report it. Thanks, ClueBot. (767670) (Bot)

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:49am PDT by ClueBot

Reverting possible vandalism by Haydenpeek to version by ThaddeusB. False positive? Report it. Thanks, ClueBot. (767670) (Bot)

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Haydenpeek at 12:49, 16 September 2009

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:49am PDT by Haydenpeek

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Haydenpeek at 12:45, 16 September 2009

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:45am PDT by Haydenpeek

← Previous revision	Revision as of 12:45, 16 September 2009
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	}}		}}

-	Atari 2600 games will be in January 1977 appeared 10 times, which is a model code for the hardware or the game is to support research in the first field to enter a new era of games, all of the microprocessor, rather than using non-dedicated hardware, to use this form to the Canal Ware however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	+	Atari 2600 games will be in January 1977 appeared 10 times, which is a model code for the hardware or the game is to support research in the first field to enter a new era of games, all of the microprocessor, rather than using non-dedicated hardware, to use this form to the Canal Ware however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public. DUDE I GOT DRUNK AND PLAYED MINE YESTERDAY.... SO FUN

	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>		Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

Delete

Haydenpeek at 12:44, 16 September 2009

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:44am PDT by Haydenpeek

← Previous revision	Revision as of 12:44, 16 September 2009
Line 17:	Line 17:
	}}		}}

-	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	+	Atari 2600 games will be in January 1977 appeared 10 times, which is a model code for the hardware or the game is to support research in the first field to enter a new era of games, all of the microprocessor, rather than using non-dedicated hardware, to use this form to the Canal Ware however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>		Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

Delete

ThaddeusB: Reverted good faith edits by 58.170.105.193; Test edit or ???. (TW)

Posted: September 13th, 2009, 6:17am PDT by ThaddeusB

Reverted good faith edits by 58.170.105.193; Test edit or ???. (TW)

← Previous revision	Revision as of 13:17, 13 September 2009
Line 17:	Line 17:
	}}		}}

-	Atari 2600 Games 10 will be published in January 1977. This is a universal code of access to hardware and ink cartridges for computer games, and will not chip dedicated hardware for the first time, format, high-speed Channel F inch console, all games; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	+	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>		Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

Delete

58.170.105.193 at 10:06, 13 September 2009

Posted: September 13th, 2009, 3:06am PDT by 58.170.105.193

← Previous revision	Revision as of 10:06, 13 September 2009
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	}}		}}

-	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	+	Atari 2600 Games 10 will be published in January 1977. This is a universal code of access to hardware and ink cartridges for computer games, and will not chip dedicated hardware for the first time, format, high-speed Channel F inch console, all games; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>		Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

Delete

Dancter: convert to wikilinks

Posted: August 28th, 2009, 1:00pm PDT by Dancter

convert to wikilinks

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:00, 28 August 2009
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	=== In music ===		=== In music ===
-	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [www.myspace.com] MIKE BISON], [[Bud Melvin]], [www.myspace.com] TEMPHUiBIS], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Fact\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".	+	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [[MIKE BISON]], [[Bud Melvin]], [[TEMPHUiBIS]], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Fact\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".

	=== Emulation ===		=== Emulation ===

Delete

Dancter: Reverted edits by 74.11.107.5 (talk) to last version by 67.239.10.227

Posted: August 28th, 2009, 12:57pm PDT by Dancter

Reverted edits by 74.11.107.5 (talk) to last version by 67.239.10.227

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:57, 28 August 2009
Line 136:	Line 136:
	=== In music ===	=== In music ===
	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [www.myspace.com] MIKE BISON], [[Bud Melvin]], [www.myspace.com] TEMPHUiBIS], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Fact\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [www.myspace.com] MIKE BISON], [[Bud Melvin]], [www.myspace.com] TEMPHUiBIS], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Fact\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".
-
-	In April of 2009, [[Sony Creative Software]] released "[[8 Bit Weapon]]: A Chiptune Odyssey" loop and sample Library. The library contains music loops and samples made by the band using various vintage computers and video game consoles, including the [[Atari 2600]].

	=== Emulation ===	=== Emulation ===

Delete

74.11.107.5: /* In music */

Posted: August 28th, 2009, 10:16am PDT by 74.11.107.5

In music

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:16, 28 August 2009
Line 136:	Line 136:
	=== In music ===		=== In music ===
	Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [www.myspace.com] MIKE BISON], [[Bud Melvin]], [www.myspace.com] TEMPHUiBIS], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Fact\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".		Many games for the Atari 2600 have detailed and easily identifiable music, and its distinctive sound makes it ideal for use in modern [[lo-fi]] and [[industrial music]]. In 2002, [[Dallas, Texas\|Dallas]] musician and visual artist [[Paul Slocum]] developed a cartridge called [[Synthcart]] for the Atari 2600, which allows the user to turn an Atari 2600 into a two-voice synthesizer and drum machine. Adapters have also been developed by amateurs enabling the Atari 2600's use with [[MIDI]] devices. A number of bands, such as [[8 Bit Weapon]], [www.myspace.com] MIKE BISON], [[Bud Melvin]], [www.myspace.com] TEMPHUiBIS], [[Black Moth Super Rainbow]] and The Squigs, as well as Slocum's own band [[Tree Wave]], use Synthcart to make modern music on the Atari 2600.{{Fact\|date=February 2007}} Some [[effects units]] like the [[MXR Blue Box]] are often cited for their ability to produce an Atari-like sound. Phonte from the hip-hop group [[Little Brother]], along with fellow lyricist Eccentric, formed a mock-group named Unheralded Symmetrics, and recorded a tribute to the system, entitled "Atari 2600".
	+
	+	In April of 2009, [[Sony Creative Software]] released "[[8 Bit Weapon]]: A Chiptune Odyssey" loop and sample Library. The library contains music loops and samples made by the band using various vintage computers and video game consoles, including the [[Atari 2600]].

	=== Emulation ===		=== Emulation ===

Delete

67.239.10.227 at 22:40, 22 August 2009

Posted: August 22nd, 2009, 3:40pm PDT by 67.239.10.227

← Previous revision	Revision as of 22:40, 22 August 2009
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	\| type = [[Video game console]]		\| type = [[Video game console]]
	\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]		\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]
-	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October {{vgy\|1977}}\|EU={{vgy\|1978}}}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, 1983 ([[Atari 2800]])}}	+	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October {{vgy\|1977}}\|EU={{vgy\|1978}}}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, [[1983]] ([[Atari 2800]])}}
	\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Fact\|date=January 2008}}		\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Fact\|date=January 2008}}
	\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]		\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]

Delete

Runtime: later

Posted: August 19th, 2009, 9:12pm PDT by Runtime

later

← Previous revision	Revision as of 04:12, 20 August 2009
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	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.		The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

-	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and subsequently ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>	+	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

	The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| newspaper= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>		The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| newspaper= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>

Delete

Wgungfu: Undid revision 307568810 by 66.222.38.117 (talk) Already covered in the article.

Posted: August 12th, 2009, 8:14am PDT by Wgungfu

Undid revision 307568810 by 66.222.38.117 (talk) Already covered in the article.

← Previous revision	Revision as of 15:14, 12 August 2009
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	Additionally, [[Benjamin Heckendorn]] has created several different versions of a portable 2600, created by cutting apart full-sized vintage units, adding screens and putting them into new enclosures.	Additionally, [[Benjamin Heckendorn]] has created several different versions of a portable 2600, created by cutting apart full-sized vintage units, adding screens and putting them into new enclosures.
-
-	===Atari 2600 jr===
-	The Atari 2600 Jr was released in 1986 as a cheapen down model for new gamers that couldn't afford the old "woody" model or for gamers whose "woody" model broke down. It was released and marketed for $20 (very cheap price for a good system). It didn't have very good success but sold some consoles, all to together it was a smart decision by Atari, inc.

	=== In music ===	=== In music ===

Delete

66.222.38.117: /* Clones and reissues */

Posted: August 12th, 2009, 8:09am PDT by 66.222.38.117

Clones and reissues

← Previous revision	Revision as of 15:09, 12 August 2009
Line 133:	Line 133:

	Additionally, [[Benjamin Heckendorn]] has created several different versions of a portable 2600, created by cutting apart full-sized vintage units, adding screens and putting them into new enclosures.		Additionally, [[Benjamin Heckendorn]] has created several different versions of a portable 2600, created by cutting apart full-sized vintage units, adding screens and putting them into new enclosures.
	+
	+	===Atari 2600 jr===
	+	The Atari 2600 Jr was released in 1986 as a cheapen down model for new gamers that couldn't afford the old "woody" model or for gamers whose "woody" model broke down. It was released and marketed for $20 (very cheap price for a good system). It didn't have very good success but sold some consoles, all to together it was a smart decision by Atari, inc.

	=== In music ===		=== In music ===

Delete

Wgungfu: Undid revision 306669119 by 69.242.8.237 (talk) RV vandalism

Posted: August 7th, 2009, 2:16pm PDT by Wgungfu

Undid revision 306669119 by 69.242.8.237 (talk) RV vandalism

← Previous revision	Revision as of 21:16, 7 August 2009
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	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The initial price was US$99 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>	+	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>

	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passed fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Fact\|date=December 2007}}		Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passed fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Fact\|date=December 2007}}

Delete

69.242.8.237: /* Launch and success */

Posted: August 7th, 2009, 1:55pm PDT by 69.242.8.237

Launch and success

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:55, 7 August 2009
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	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>	+	The initial price was US$99 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>

	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passed fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Fact\|date=December 2007}}		Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passed fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Fact\|date=December 2007}}

Delete

NatiSaidon at 19:45, 7 August 2009

Posted: August 7th, 2009, 12:45pm PDT by NatiSaidon

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:45, 7 August 2009
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	\| type = [[Video game console]]		\| type = [[Video game console]]
	\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]		\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]
-	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October {{vgy\|1977}}\|EU={{vgy\|1978}}}}	+	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October {{vgy\|1977}}\|EU={{vgy\|1978}}}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, 1983 ([[Atari 2800]])}}
	\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Fact\|date=January 2008}}		\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Fact\|date=January 2008}}
	\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]		\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]

Delete

69.171.158.140 at 08:08, 5 August 2009

Posted: August 5th, 2009, 1:08am PDT by 69.171.158.140

← Previous revision	Revision as of 08:08, 5 August 2009
Line 17:	Line 17:
	}}		}}

-	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]. However the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.	+	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and subsequently ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>		Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and subsequently ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

Delete

Philip Trueman: Reverted edits by 75.139.76.175 (talk) to last version by Danny galaga

Posted: August 3rd, 2009, 10:22am PDT by Philip Trueman

Reverted edits by 75.139.76.175 (talk) to last version by Danny galaga

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:22, 3 August 2009
Line 1:	Line 1:
-	'''THIS GAME CONSOUL IS SOOOOOO LAME!! (>.<)'''{{ infobox CVG system	+	{{ infobox CVG system
	\| image = [[Image:Atari2600a.JPG\|300px]]		\| image = [[Image:Atari2600a.JPG\|300px]]
	\| caption = Atari 2600 four-switch "wood veneer" version, dating from 1980-1982		\| caption = Atari 2600 four-switch "wood veneer" version, dating from 1980-1982

Delete

75.139.76.175 at 17:21, 3 August 2009

Posted: August 3rd, 2009, 10:21am PDT by 75.139.76.175

← Previous revision	Revision as of 17:21, 3 August 2009
Line 1:	Line 1:
-	{{ infobox CVG system	+	'''THIS GAME CONSOUL IS SOOOOOO LAME!! (>.<)'''{{ infobox CVG system
	\| image = [[Image:Atari2600a.JPG\|300px]]		\| image = [[Image:Atari2600a.JPG\|300px]]
	\| caption = Atari 2600 four-switch "wood veneer" version, dating from 1980-1982		\| caption = Atari 2600 four-switch "wood veneer" version, dating from 1980-1982

Delete

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:17, 10 March 2010
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	* [[TV Games]]		* [[TV Games]]
	* [[TV Boy]]		* [[TV Boy]]
	+	* [[Atari 2500]]

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==

← Previous revision	Revision as of 20:03, 25 February 2010
Line 5:	Line 5:
	\| type = [[Video game console]]		\| type = [[Video game console]]
	\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]		\| generation = [[History of video games (second-generation systems)\|Second generation]]
-	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October 1977\|EU=1978}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, 1983 ([[Atari 2800]])}}	+	\| lifespan = {{vgrelease\|NA=October 14th 1977\|EU=1978}} {{vgrelease\|JP=October, 1983 ([[Atari 2800]])}}
	\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}		\| discontinue = January 1, 1992{{Citation needed\|date=January 2008}}
	\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]		\| CPU = [[MOS Technology 6507\|MOS 6507]] @ 1.19 [[Megahertz\|MHz]]

← Previous revision	Revision as of 19:02, 14 January 2010
Line 19:	Line 19:
	The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.		The '''Atari 2600''' is a [[video game console]] released in October 1977. It is credited with popularizing the use of [[microprocessor]]-based hardware and [[cartridge (electronics)\|cartridges]] containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor [[dedicated console\|dedicated]] hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the [[Fairchild Channel F]]; however, the Atari 2600 is credited with making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

-	Originally known as the '''Atari VCS''' — for '''Video Computer System''' — the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced [[Atari 5200]]. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>	+	The console was originally sold as the '''Atari VCS''', for '''Video Computer System'''. Following the release of the [[Atari 5200]], in 1982, the VCS was renamed "Atari 2600", after the unit's Atari part number, CX2600. The 2600 was typically bundled with two [[joystick]] [[game controller\|controllers]], a conjoined pair of [[paddle (game controller)\|paddle]] controllers, and a cartridge game—initially ''[[Combat (video game)\|Combat]]''<ref name=combat>{{cite web \| last = Weesner \| first = Jason \| title =On Game Design: A History of Video Games \| date= 2007-01-11 \| url =http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/327/on_game_design_a_history_of_video_.php?page=3 \| accessdate = 2007-11-13 }}</ref> and later ''[[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)\|Pac-Man]]''.<ref name=2600pacman> [www.mr-atari.com] Image of box with Pac-Man sticker]</ref>

	The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>		The Atari 2600 was wildly successful. During the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, [[metonymy\|by extension]], for video games in general, similar to "Nintendo" and "PlayStation" in the later 1980s and 1990s respectively.<ref name=globe>{{cite web \| last = Edgers \| first = Geoff \| title =Atari and the deep history of video games\| date= 2009-03-08 \| work= [[Boston Globe]] \|url =http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/a_talk_with_nick_montfort \| accessdate = 2009-04-13 }}</ref>

← Previous revision	Revision as of 13:36, 3 January 2010
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	[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]		[[Image:A2600 Pitfall.png\|thumbnail\|right\|''[[Pitfall!]]'', one of the most popular third party games for the Atari 2600.]]
	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}		{{main\|List of Atari 2600 games}}
	+	{{main\|List of Atari 2600 prototype games}}
	During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre<ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web		During the console's lifetime, Atari Inc and Atari Corp. published many titles. These games include ''[[Adventure (Atari 2600)\|Adventure]]'' (often credited as starting the [[action-adventure game]] genre<ref name="WarrenSite">{{cite web
	\| last = Robinett		\| last = Robinett

← Previous revision	Revision as of 05:51, 18 December 2009
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	{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}		{{Refimprove\|section\|date=December 2006}}

-	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner RF shielding and plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>	+	The initial price was US$199 and shipped with two joysticks and Combat cartridge.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Forster \|first=Winnie \|authorlink=Winnie Forster \|title=The encyclopedia of consoles, handhelds & home computers 1972 - 2005 \|year=2005 \|publisher=GAMEPLAN \|isbn=3-00-015359-4\|pages=27}}</ref> In a move to compete directly with the [[Fairchild Channel F\|Channel F]], Atari Inc. named the machine the Video Computer System (or VCS for short), as the Channel F was at that point known as the '''VES''', for ''Video Entertainment System''. The 2600 was also rebadged as the '''Sears Video Arcade''' and sold through [[Sears, Roebuck and Company]] stores. When Fairchild learned of Atari Inc.'s naming, they quickly changed the name of their system to become the Channel F. However, both systems were now in the midst of a vicious round of price-cutting: Pong clones made obsolete by these newer and more powerful machines sold off their boxes to discounters for ever-lower prices. Soon many of the clone companies were out of business, and both Fairchild and Atari Inc. were selling to a public that was completely burnt out on Pong. In 1977, Atari Inc. sold only 250,000 VCSs. For the first year of production, the 2600 was manufactured in [[Sunnyvale, California]]. The consoles manufactured here had thick internal [[RF shielding]], and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all 6 switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed "Heavy Sixers". After this first year, production moved to [[Hong Kong]], and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder [[Nolan Bushnell]] to leave the company in 1978.<ref>Steve Fulton, [www.gamasutra.com] "Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981"], ''Gamasutra'', 21 August 2008, pg. 6</ref>

	Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}		Once the public realized it was possible to play video games other than Pong and programmers learned how to push its hardware's capabilities, the 2600 gained popularity. By this point, Fairchild had given up, thinking video games were a passing fad, thereby handing the entire quickly growing market to Atari Inc. By 1979, the 2600 was the best-selling [[Christmas]] gift (and console), mainly because of its exclusive content, and 1 million units were sold that year.{{Citation needed\|date=December 2007}}

Atari: Arcade Invader » Atari 2600 - Revision history

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Posted: November 21st, 2009, 3:14am PST by Hekerui

Posted: November 12th, 2009, 12:38pm PST by TenPoundHammer

Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 3:56pm PST by Wgungfu

Posted: November 3rd, 2009, 3:46pm PST by 92.235.33.156

Posted: November 2nd, 2009, 11:09am PST by Rjwilmsi

Posted: November 1st, 2009, 10:40pm PST by GossamerBliss

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 4:57pm PDT by Île flottant

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 10:29am PDT by Wgungfu

Posted: October 31st, 2009, 10:23am PDT by 68.44.51.4

Posted: October 18th, 2009, 11:10am PDT by MystifiableUnknown

Posted: October 18th, 2009, 11:05am PDT by 71.181.44.254

Posted: October 6th, 2009, 6:33am PDT by Wgungfu

Posted: October 6th, 2009, 4:21am PDT by 95.62.133.101

Posted: October 4th, 2009, 11:04am PDT by Wgungfu

Posted: October 4th, 2009, 5:42am PDT by 77.211.205.145

Posted: September 22nd, 2009, 4:55am PDT by Gargaj

Posted: September 21st, 2009, 12:36pm PDT by Denimadept

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:54am PDT by 91.128.187.120

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:52am PDT by Haydenpeek

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:49am PDT by ClueBot

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:49am PDT by Haydenpeek

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:45am PDT by Haydenpeek

Posted: September 16th, 2009, 5:44am PDT by Haydenpeek

Posted: September 13th, 2009, 6:17am PDT by ThaddeusB

Posted: September 13th, 2009, 3:06am PDT by 58.170.105.193

Posted: August 28th, 2009, 1:00pm PDT by Dancter

Posted: August 28th, 2009, 12:57pm PDT by Dancter

Posted: August 28th, 2009, 10:16am PDT by 74.11.107.5