The Atari VCS (VCS standing for Video Computer System) console was released in October 1977. It's credited with popularizing the use of cartridge-based games rather than having a system with the games already built in. In actuality, the Fairchild Channel F was the first to use cartridges, but the Atari 2600 is generally given credit for it since it's the system that made it popular amongst the gaming public.

     The system's name changed from Atari VCS to Atari 2600 (named after the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982 following the release of the more advanced Atari 5200. The Atari 2600 was bundled with two joystick controllers, a pair of paddle controllers that were joined together, and a cartridge game; originally it was packed with Combat, but later it was Pac-Man.

     Atari also allowed Sears to manufacture their system under a different name; the Sears Tele-Games 2600. It played all Atari 2600 games and vice-versa...In fact, Sears re-packaged and re-named several Atari-made titles for their system.

     The Atari 2600 was extremely successful. Much like how folks in the mid-to-late 80's associated Nintendo with video games in general, Atari was THE name connected with video games from the late 70's to early 80's.

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