That's right, 30 years since the release of the Atari 2600! Being the classic and modern gaming website we are, let me take a moment and bring some attention to this wonderful system.
Although the 2600 wasn't the first home console, it was the first mainstream one that broke gaming out of the niche market and into living rooms everywhere during Christmas 1977. At the time the main competition was the Fairchild Channel F which was also known as the "Video Entertainment System". At a price of $199 and a launch library of 9 titles, Atari entered the ring to duke it out with their system they called the "Video Computer System" or VCS for short.
Some interesting factoids about the 2600:
The Atari 2600 has the longest lifespan of any console in US history, 14 years and 2 months ending on January 1, 1992.
Sold an estimated 40 million units worldwide.
Licensed games spanning 13 years, (1977-1990).
Has had more cosmetic surgery over the years than Michael Jackson
Those are some truly impressive numbers. All of which adds to the cultural impact and iconic status of the Atari 2600. Whether you love it or hate it you can't deny the impact it has had on gaming or it's importance in gaming history. Even today, there's a large homebrew scene making new 2600 games, plug and play TV devices, T-shirts etc.
Remember this?
Looks surprisingly a lot like the Nintendo Wii commercials doesn't it? In 1977, the Atari 2600 was marketed as family entertainment. Here we are in 2007 with the Wii, Uno and Scene-it, misc systems like the Zapit Gamewave plus other games and systems that are promoting family participation. Parents who played the 2600 in their youth are returning to gaming once again with their children. They are also buying the games and systems of their childhood and sharing their love of the Atari 2600 with their kids.
Do you own an Atari 2600? If you do then I challenge you to dust off that joystick, find yourself a comfy seat that won't make your ass go numb after 16 hours and knock down some high scores or create scores for games not listed yet in our high score forum. If you don't own one then your missing out on one of the most varied, challenging and fun game libraries available. Check out the various threads in the Sales Extravaganza forum here at RFGen if your in the market for Atari 2600 games, systems and accessories. There are great deals for great prices and just in time for you to add to your collection and get involved during the Atari 2600 high score celebration!
Some of these scores are first runs through a game to get the ball rolling so don't feel intimidated if they seem out of reach. Crack your knuckles, meditate, time travel and check out what your currently up against as of today:
While your working on those high scores this month, keep it tuned to RF Generation between pee breaks for more Atari 2600 coverage as we celebrate this huge anniversary. Don't forget to keep an eye on the Atari 2600 high score thread listed here:
The 2600 is where it all started for me. Some of my best gaming memories are for the 2600.
The Pac-Man being played in that video is BS. It wasn't flashing like a true Pac Man for the 2600 does. Although I think they fixed the flashing on the Sears Pac Man release.
I hope this thread stays on top of teh front page for a week or so.
I was thinking how the Atari PR department must have did a switcheroo on that cart or maybe had it running off a more powerful dev kit or an Atari 400 or something. But damn does that commercial ever remind me of the Wii ones
I have 18 2600 cartridges on my shelf but only about 3 different games because of all the damn label variations. Then there's the generic red block versus blue block firing green blocks at each other.
I recommend picking one up, it's my favorite system believe it or not. ; )
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That's right, 
Do you own an Atari 2600? If you do then I challenge you to dust off that joystick, find yourself a comfy seat that won't make your ass go numb after 16 hours and knock down some high scores or create scores for games not listed yet in our high score forum. If you don't own one then your missing out on one of the most varied, challenging and fun game libraries available. Check out the various threads in the Sales Extravaganza forum here at RFGen if your in the market for Atari 2600 games, systems and accessories. There are great deals for great prices and just in time for you to add to your collection and get involved during the Atari 2600 high score celebration!
