The Atari Video Computer System (VCS), later known as the Atari 2600, was a second-generation home video game console (1976–1992) by Atari, Inc. Launched on September 11, 1977, in North America for $199, it introduced microprocessor-based hardware and ROM cartridge games. Production ended in 1992, but it’s being re-released as Atari 2600+ in December 2023.