Atari 2600

The Atari Video Computer System (VCS), later named the Atari 2600, is a second generation (1976–1992) home video game console developed and distributed by Atari, Inc. It was released on September 11, 1977 in North America at a retail price of $199. The console was later released in Europe (1978) and Japan (1983 Рas the Atari 2800). The Atari 2600 popularized the use of microprocessor-based hardware and games contained on ROM cartridges. The console was discontinued on January 1, 1992.

“The Atari 2600 was the company’s second foray into the home market (after the dedicated Home Pong console in 1975). The Atari Video Computer System, as it was then known, was launched on September 11, 1977. It became known as the Atari 2600 in 1982 after the launch of the less successful Atari 5200.
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## Emul
System | Emulator | Notes
:- | – | –
Various | [Stella](https://stella-emu.github.io) | –
Windows / Mac OS / Linux | [MAME/MESS](https://www.mamedev.org) | Good Support. Setname: `a2600` (NTSC), ‘a2600p’ (PAL)
Retroarch | lr-stella | –
RetroPie | Stella, lr-stella | default is lr-stella
*Emulator information last updated 19th March 2020*
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## Tech
**Name** | Atari 2600, Launched as Video Computer System
:- | –
**Origin** | United States
**Processor** | MOS 6507
**Developed by** | Joe Decuir, Jay Miner, Steve Mayer, Larry Emmons, Ron Milner
**Memory** | 128 bytes RAM
**Display Output** | Television via RF
**Storage** | ROM Cartridge. Cassette with third-party add-ons
**Input** | Joystick, paddles, Keypad, Trackball
**Cost** | $199
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## Reso
* [AtariAge](https://atariage.com)”