Atari’s 1977 home console was originally called the Atari Video Computer System, commonly abbreviated Atari VCS.
Atari released the system in North America in September 1977. It used interchangeable game cartridges, allowing owners to play many titles on one console rather than buying a separate machine for every game. The launch lineup included Combat and Air-Sea Battle.
Atari changed the branding to Atari 2600 in 1982, when it introduced the Atari 5200 and wanted a clearer numbering system. The new name referred to the console’s model number, CX2600. Both names therefore identify the same hardware generation, although “Atari 2600” became the better-known label.
The console helped establish cartridge-based home gaming and became especially successful after licensed versions of arcade games expanded its audience. Its market suffered during the video game crash of 1983, but production continued into the early 1990s.