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Atari 2600

2600 in gaming timeline

Key Terms

Killer application
Space Invaders port that dramatically boosted Atari 2600 sales and popularity in 1980.
Shovelware
Low-quality third-party games flooding market, contributing to 1983 crash.
Frame buffer
Absent in Atari 2600; would store full screen image but added too much cost.
Sprites
Movable graphics objects: two players, missiles, ball in TIA, stretchable 1-8 pixels.

Critics note poor ports damaged reputation, yet cultural impact as 'Atari' synonym endures in gaming vernacular.

For beginners, Atari 2600 offers accessible entry to retro gaming history via emulators or originals.

"Pac-Man best-seller despite poor conversion."

Strengths

  • Revived by Space Invaders
  • Industry-standard joystick
  • spurred third-parties
  • Bank switching innovation

Considerations

  • 4 KB memory limit
  • RF-only TV output
  • Scanline-sync programming
  • Shovelware oversaturation