Atari 2600:Atari 2600 Model Differences

Base content/research taken from io55.net's Atari 2600 page with permission, in collaboration.

There are 3 released models of the 2600, and 2 minor or internal revisions for 2 of the 3 models.

Models

Models are arranged chronologically.

"2600 (Six Switch; Woody)" (1977-1980)

These 2600 systems possess 6 switches on the top of the console. Some claim that these feature a stronger color saturation in their video output.

"2600 (Four Switch)" (1980-1986/92?)

Two of the switches on the top of the system have been moved to the console's back.

"2600 Jr." (1986-1992)

Functionality is the same as the Four Switch, but the design has been significant overhauled to be smaller, thinner, and with a distinctive silver/rainbow part in the middle (usually). May have poorer reliability. One all-black variant exists, but it’s changes are entirely cosmetic, and it was only sold in Ireland.

Revisions

There are two revisions within the 2600 (Six Switch; Woody) and 2600 (Four Switch), and no revisions within the 2600 Jr.

2600 (Six Switch) revisions:

"Heavy Sixer" CX2600 (1977)

These are the first released models of the Atari 2600. While not confirmed, it is often postulated that these are the best of even the Six Switchers, due to their higher quality stateside production. Common claims are that they have the best color output and saturation. However, rarity is a downside, due to the limited run these consoles had.

“Light Sixer” CX2600 (1978-80)

These are the vast majority of Six Switch Atari 2600s. In essence, the only difference between this revision and the prior one, is console weight + plastic molding + production location. They will be found much more easily than the “Heavy Sixer”, while offering zero feature sacrifice and minor reliability sacrifice.

2600 (Four Switch) revisions:

CX-2600-A (1980-1982/86?/92?)

The only apparent difference between this and the “Light Sixer” is the relocation of the switches. Appears very common, possibly the most common? With basic searching, this does seem to be the most common variant. However, this cannot be said with certainty.

“Atari 2600” (1982-1988?)

Commonly known as the “Darth Vader”, due to it’s sleeker all black appearance and no woodgrain. Outside of this visual difference, the console’s only technical change is the pre-existing difficulty switch relocation. There may be minor motherboard revisions for both of these, but the maximum extent for latest models is the addition of a timer chip, which eliminates the minor issue of reset failures upon powering on the console.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_2600_hardware

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ0ISXgWREo (1988/1989 phaseout date source)

https://www.atariage.com/2600/archives/consoles.html

http://www.retrogamescollector.com/spotters-guide-to-the-atari-2600-vcs-woody-junior/