Atari CX-2600 video computer system with one original spectravideo joystick, mains adaptor, two control paddles, 1978.

Atari 2600 games console, made by Atari in the United States from 1977.

The 2600 was the earliest console by Atari. When first sold in the US the console came with two joysticks and a 'Combat' game cartridge, the package cost $199. Arcade games such as 'Space Invaders', 'Pac-Man' and 'Missile Command' were made available for the 2600. Atari sold over thirty million 2600 consoles from its release in 1977 until it was discontinued in 1992.

Carton and computer game 'Pac-Man' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1982.

Packaging for the game 'Pac-Man' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1982.

Atari adapted the Namco arcade game 'Pac-Man' for its Atari 2600, a console originally released in October 1977. The player uses a joystick to control the circular character, moving it around a maze and eating wafers whilst avoiding an encounter with one of four ghosts.

Carton and computer game 'Space Invaders' for the Atari 2600 made by Atari in the United States, 1980.

Packaging for the game 'Space Invaders' for the Atari 2600 made by Atari in the United States, 1980.

'Space Invaders' was originally an arcade game, and one of the earliest shooting games. Players control a cannon, shooting as many aliens as possible whilst the aliens move slowly towards the cannon - bunkers are provided for shelter. The version for the Atari 2600 was the first official licensing of an arcade game.

Packaging for the game 'Asteroids' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1982.

Packaging for the game 'Asteroids' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1979.

This version was adapted for the Atari 2600 console from the original arcade game. The player controls a spaceship through an asteroid field, and must destroy asteroids and flying saucers before colliding with asteroids or being shot by the flying saucers. In 2004 this version was included as part of 'Atari Anthology' for both Xbox and PlayStation 2.

Packaging for the game 'Combat' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1977.

'Combat' is one of Atari's earliest video games, and was released as one of the nine games launched with the Atari 2600 in 1977. The game was included in the box with the console from its launch until 1982. The game featured 27 gameplay variations on a variety of combat scenarios, including tanks, biplanes and jet fighters.

Packaging for the game 'Missile Command' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1980.

'Missile Command' was originally an arcade game, adapted for the Atari 2600 console in 1980. The manual for the game describes a war between two planets: 'Zardon' (the player) and 'Krytol'. The player must defend six cities from being destroyed by moving a crosshair across the screen and launching missiles.

Packaging for the game 'Outlaw' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1978. 'Outlaw' was originally released as an arcade game in 1976, later being adapted for the Atari 2600. Two players could take part in a shoot-out, moving their characters up and down the screen, often trying to shoot around an obstacle such as a horse or wagon.

Packaging for the game 'Outlaw' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1978.

'Outlaw' was originally released as an arcade game in 1976, later being adapted for the Atari 2600. Two players could take part in a shoot-out, moving their characters up and down the screen, often trying to shoot around an obstacle such as a horse or wagon.

Packaging for the game 'Defender' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1982.

'Defender' was a side-scrolling shooter game, the player controls a space ship, destroying aliens whilst protecting astronauts. The game is credited as the first horizontally scrolling game.

Packaging for the game 'Night Driver' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari in the United States, 1980.

'Night Driver' was adapted from the original arcade game for the Atari 2600. The player controls a car, and must drive along a road at night time without crashing into the side barriers.

Packaging for the game 'Video Olympics' for the Atari 2600, made by Atari.