Atari · 1977

Atari 2600 games

Launched in 1977 as the Atari Video Computer System, the 2600 is the console that put interchangeable cartridges into millions of living rooms. With just 128 bytes of RAM, its programmers invented tricks that still impress, and games like Adventure, Pitfall! and River Raid defined what a home video game could be.

Most 2600 games are built for short, score-chasing sessions, which makes them perfect for a quick nostalgia hit. Original hardware is cheap and plentiful, the Atari 2600+ reissue plays original cartridges on modern TVs, and official collections such as Atari 50 bundle many first-party classics.

Matrix Picks tracks 487 2600 games, 242 of which support two or more players.

Pick a 2600 game for me

Atari 2600 console

2600 top lists

Best Atari 2600 games 50 games Best Atari 2600 games to play with friends 50 games Underrated Atari 2600 deep cuts 40 games Quick-session Atari 2600 games 40 games

2600 games by genre

Action games (284)Shoot 'em ups (80)Sports games (46)Shooters (44)Platformers (40)Racing games (25)Strategy games (23)Adventure games (15)Puzzle games (15)Action-adventure games (14)Simulation games (13)Board, card & party games (10)

Most celebrated 2600 games

#10 Phoenix box art
Phoenix 1980 · Shoot 'em Up Classic
#12 Combat box art
Combat 1977 · Shoot 'em Up Classic
#14 Klax box art
Klax 1990 · Puzzle Classic
#18 Amidar box art
Amidar 1981 · Action Classic

All 2600 games A–Z