---
title: ATARI REVEALS ITS NEW VCS VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
date: '1977-07-01'
years:
- '1977'
topics:
- Hardware
params:
  when: JULY 1977
  image: /media/history/images/timeline_0777_atari_1.jpg
  oc_id: 28
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230214150613/http://www.old-computers.com/history/detail.asp?n=28
    date: '2023-02-14'
---

![](/media/history/images/timeline_0777_atari_1.jpg)

A new generation of games was born in the summer of 1977, a new concept revolutionizing leisure will let small leading and foreseeing companies make billions of dollars.

Although the **Atari VCS** is not the first video game console ever, it will become a star while beginning in November of 1977. Millions of young players will hold it as mankind’s best invention ever. The first console idea was developed in 1975 by **Atari** and **Warner Bros**, its parent company.

Initially the console was set to come with an integrated ROM game, but at the last minute, Atari preferred a cartridge version. This game was “Combat”. Most importantly, this first cartridge will allow console owners to wait a few months for the release of new games. A first series of 8 will be followed later by many, among them, the famous **“Space Invaders”**, a title giving Atari global success and will cash in more then $100 millions.

In two years, Atari sold more than **25 million** consoles and earn $5 billion in sales, mostly from cartridges and optional accessories. Many third companies will also encounter success, such as Namco and its **“Pacman”**.

In 1982, the VCS becomes **“2600”** until Atari is sold in 1984, followed by new versions “5200” and “7800”. However, the 2600 continued to be produced and new games will appear until 1991. The VCS/2600 console thus lived for 14 years, a record longevity never equaled since by any console or computer.

Thanks to the [Albert's Museum](http://users.knoware.nl/users/stuurmn/index.htm) for the picture.

![](/media/history/images/timeline_0777_atari_3.jpg)