The Atari 2600 or 'Video Computer System' is a member of the Second Generation of Video Games. Released in the late '70s, initial versions featured a plastic woodgrain flash to match the wood cabinet TVs of the time. In fact, TVs and stereo systems were referred to by retailers of the day as 'browngoods' and sold alongside the still familiar 'whitegoods' being fridges, washing machines etc.

Initially featuring six switches on the top panel, those units were dubbed 'six switch woodies' followed by 4 switch units (which actually still had six switches, the two player difficulty switches having been relocated to the rear panel and smaller, cheaper slide switches were used also allowing for a simpler PCB layout internally).

In 1982, this model was released dropping the 'VCS' title and the woodgrain appearance for a more contemporary 80's look. Officially just the Atari 2600, it was commonly referred to as the 'Vader' even though it was not intended as a Star Wars related release (possibly a missed marketing opportunity there).

Air Sea Battle

Asteroids

Atlantis

Basketball

Berzerk

California Games

Centipede

China Syndrome

Combat

Curtiss

Dodge 'em

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial*

Ghost Manor / Spike's Peak

H*E*R*O

Krull*

Math Gran Prix

MegaMania

Midnight Magic

Missile Command

My Golf

Outlaw

Pitfall

Popeye

Q*Bert

Rad Action Pak

Raiders of the Lost Ark*

Skate Boardin'

Space Invaders

Space Shuttle

Stampede

Star Voyager

Star Wars Empire Strikes Back

Superman*

SwordQuest EarthWorld

Video Pinball

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