Atari 2600/VCS
The Atari 2600 (or Atari Video Computer System before November 1982) is a home video game console by Atari, Inc. Released on September 11, 1977, it is credited with popularizing the use of microprocessor-based hardware and ROM cartridges containing game code, a format first used with the Fairchild Channel F video game console in 1976. This format contrasts with the older model of having non-microprocessor dedicated hardware, which could only play the games that were physically built into the unit.

For five years, 1977 until late 1982, the system was officially sold as Atari VCS, an abbreviation for Video Computer System. Following the release of the Atari 5200 in November 1982, the VCS was renamed to the “Atari 2600”, after the unit’s Atari part number, CX2600. The 2600 was typically bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a game cartridge: initially Combat, and later Pac-Man.

* Information provided by Wikipedia

ManufacturerAtari, Inc. (1979–1992)
TypeHome video game console
Release dateSeptember 11, 1977
Introductory priceUS$199
GenerationSecond Generation
DiscontinuedJanuary 1, 1992
Units sold30 million
MediaROM cartridge, cassette tape
CPU8-bit MOS Technology 6507
@ 1.19 MHz
 Memory128 bytes RAM
Controller InputJoystick
Paddles
Driving Controller
Trak-ball
Keyboard