The Atari 2600 — released as the Atari Video Computer System in September 1977 — defined the cartridge-based home console for nearly a decade. Connectivity is deliberately minimalist: a single RF antenna output on the back panel (routed through the supplied 75-ohm RF switch box to a TV's antenna terminals) and two DE-9 joystick ports that became the de-facto controller standard for the entire 8-bit era — the same physical port shows up on Commodore VIC-20s, Sega Master Systems and the Sega Genesis. Power is a proprietary 9V DC barrel jack.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Atari
- Release Year
- 1977
- Model Number
- CX2600 (Heavy Sixer)
- Category
- Gaming Console
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF Antenna Input (Coaxial) | 1 | — | — | TV OUT (rear) | Connects via the supplied 75-ohm RF switch box to a TV's antenna input. NTSC consoles output on ch 2 or 3 (selectable on the switch box); PAL/SECAM on the appropriate UHF channel. |
| DE-9 (Atari / Sega Joystick Port) | 2 | — | — | Controller 1 / 2 (rear) | Two screwless DE-9 joystick ports — the Atari standard that became the de-facto 8-bit controller connector. Compatible with CX10/CX40 joysticks, paddle controllers (CX30), driving controllers, trackballs and the 12-key keypad. |
Other Atari Gaming Console models with the same ports
Notes & Compatibility
Rear: RF antenna output (NTSC ch 2/3 in North America, PAL UHF in Europe) and a 9V DC barrel power inlet (proprietary, not listed in the port table). Front-edge / back: two DE-9 joystick ports compatible with CX10/CX40 joysticks, paddles, driving controllers, trackballs and the 12-key keypad controllers. Switches on the top panel (Power, TV Type, Difficulty A/B, Game Select, Game Reset) — not ports. No A/V port: RF on channel 2/3 is the only stock video. An RCA-to-F adapter into the TV’s antenna input works if the TV still has an analogue tuner; a digital-only tuner shows nothing, so use an analogue RF demodulator (composite or HDMI out) or a VCR with RF in, or have a composite mod fitted and feed a composite-to-HDMI converter.