Atari 2600 / 5200 VCS Video Computer System (1977-1982)

Atari Video Computer System (2600) "Heavy Sixer"

Atari released their cartridge based system, the Atari Video Computer System, in September 1977, for a price of $189.95. The system was bundled with controllers, and a game (first Combat and later Pac-Man in 1981). The Atari launched originally with 9 different game choices, the first successful game being an adaptation of Space Invaders in 1980. Also, in 1980, the VCS unwent its first redesign, which got rid of two of the switches on the front. In 1982, Atari rebranded the VCS to the Atari 2600. Atari went on to sell 30 million units of the 2600, and after 6 redeisgns, the console was discontinued in January 1992, when Atari filed for bankruptcy.

Source: Elephant's Trunk Flea Market

Atari 5200

Atari released the successor to the Atari 2600 in 1982 with the Atari 5200. It was meant to compete directly with the Intellivision, but wound up competing more with the ColecoVision. The 5200 shipped with the 1978 hit game, Super Breakout, while the ColecoVision shipped with the newly released home version of Donkey Kong. In 1984, Atari revealed that they were going to discontinue the Atari 5200 after two short years on the market because they released the Atari 7800. The Atari went on to sell 1 million units.

Source: Estate Sale