September 8, 2008, Monday, 251

Atari 2600

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[edit] System Info

The Atari 2600, released in October 1977, is the video game console credited with popularizing the use of microprocessor based hardware and cartridges containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor dedicated hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the Fairchild Channel F. However, it was the Atari 2600 that made the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public. Originally known as the Atari VCS—for Video Computer System—the machine's name was changed to "Atari 2600" (from the unit's Atari part number, CX2600) in 1982, after the release of the more advanced Atari 5200. The Atari 2600 was wildly successful, and during the 1980s, "Atari" was a synonym for this model in mainstream media. The 2600 was typically bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a cartridge game—initially Combat and subsequently Pac-Man.Image:Atari26001.jpg

[edit] Emulators

screenshot of Stella
screenshot of Stella

Website: Stella at Sourceforge
License: Great
Sound: Great
Video: Freeware
Version: 2.4
Compatibility: Windows
File Formats: ???
Size: 1.4MB
Downloads:

Description: Stella is an open source Atari 2600 emulator for windows


screenshot of Z26
screenshot of Z26

Website: Z26 Home Page
License: Great
Sound: Great
Video: Freeware
Version: 2.13
Compatibility: Windows
File Formats: ???
Size: 186KB
Downloads:

Description: Nice, nearly perfect Atari 2600 emulator for Windows and DOS.