The Atari 2600, initially the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), launched in North America in late 1977, Europe in 1978, France in 1982, Brazil in 1983, and Japan as Atari 2800 in October 1983.

It uses an 8-bit MOS Technology 6507 microprocessor running at 1.19 MHz, a cost-reduced version of the 6502 with fewer address pins, limiting addressable memory to 4 KB without bank switching.

The console outputs a radio frequency (RF) signal via the Television Interface Adaptor (TIA) chip, compatible with NTSC, PAL, or SECAM standards, using a switch box as the TV antenna.

The initial bundle included the Combat cartridge, featuring tank battles based on Kee Games' Tank, along with two joysticks and paddle controllers; later bundles used Pac-Man.

Poorly received games like Pac-Man and E.T., oversaturation with third-party shovelware, and market glut contributed to the 1983 crash, leading to Atari's dominance ending and industry contraction.

Bank switching allowed games like Asteroids to exceed the 4 KB memory limit by swapping ROM sections into the limited address space, enabling larger 8 KB or more cartridges from 1980 onward.