“Atari 2600 Turns 30” on 1UP.com
December 11th, 2007 by Benj Edwards
Atari’s venerable VCS (2600) turned 30 this year, and 1UP asked me to write a feature about the console’s influence and impact on the industry. I finished the piece in October, but it didn’t go up until a few weeks ago. I haven’t checked to see if 1UP changed much from my original version, but if it’s anything like it, the article should be worth the read for all video game fans.
The piece contains some original analysis of the 2600’s impact that you won’t likely find anywhere else. For example, did you know that the first video game based on licensed non-video game IP was Superman for the Atari VCS in 1979? If that comes as a surprise to you, you’ll want to read the rest of the article. Even diehard Atari fiends might learn something new.
December 11th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Another excellent article, Benj. Largely missing the second-generation of home video games (the Atari period), it’s interesting to learn about the arrogance that opened the floodgates for Nintendo to build their empire (which, as it turns out, was severely battered by their own arrogance).
December 12th, 2007 at 4:04 am
I knew the Superman thing, but I’m just cool like that, so I don’t count. ^_^
December 14th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
I had one as a kid and loved it…. I would love to have one now to relive my childhood lol