Today in Tech History (September 11th, 1977): Atari Releases The "Video Computer System" (or 2600)!

Atari released their first cartridge-based video game system in September 1977, called the Atari Video Computer System. ROM Cartridge video games had been pioneered a year earlier by Fairchild Camera & Instruments, with the Fairchild Channel F. It sold for a price of $189.95 at release, and was bundled with Combat. Upon release, Atari released 9 game titles - with the first successful one being Space Invaders in 1980. In 1981, Atari began to bundle the console with Pac-Man, which became the VCS’s best-selling game. In 1982, Atari re-branded the VCS to be the 2600, which was prompted by the release of the 2600’s successor, the Atari 5200. During its lifetime, the Atari 2600 underwent 6 redesigns, including the release of the Atari 2600 Junior in 1986, and sold an estimated 30 million units. The 2600 was discontinued in January 1992, upon the news of Atari’s bankruptcy.