Atari 2600 hardware
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Atari 2600 Hardware
Atari hardware has gone through many makeovers and revisions in its 14 year history.[1]
Six Switch Models (CX2600)
There were two different designs for the six switch models. Both designs incorporated a switch board as well as a motherboard in which the two were connected via 12-pin ribbon cable.[2]
Heavy Sixer
For their first year of production (1977), Atari manufactured the CX2600 with heavy aluminum radio frequency shielding. These units are easily differentiated from other years of production by their thick molding on the sides of the case, the curved molding on the front of the unit, as well as is heavier weight.
Light Sixer
These models were introduced in 1978 and stayed in production for about two years. These units were noticeable lighter due to the reduced RF shielding; and had a more trimmed down look. The thick molding on the sides and curved molding on the front gave way to thinner and more sharply angled molding.[3]
Four Switch Models (CX2600-A)
These models also had two different designs. For the most part, the only difference between the four switch models and the "Light Sixer" is that there are only four switches and retain much of the same moldings. Instead of having two separate boards connected through a ribbon cable, the CX2600-A had one motherboard.
Four Switch Woodie
These models were introduced in 1980.
Darth Vader
These models were introduced in 1982 and were the first to use "2600" in its name. These do not have woodgrain on the front and are primarily black.[4]
VCS Internals
The television interface adapter chip (TIA), CPU chip and the combination Ram+I/O chip are the same used throughout the 2600's production.