Atari 2600 Video Computer System - Owner Manual - Setup and Care

Oct 23, 2026

Owner manual instructions for the ATARI 2600 Video Computer System game console, covering unpacking and connecting the console to a television using the VHF antenna terminals and game cable. Guidance explains installing joystick controllers, selecting TV type (color/B&W), channel switching and fine-tuning, and using game controls such as game select, game reset, difficulty switches, and difficulty behavior in two-player games. Includes care and maintenance steps and a troubleshooting checklist for common game problems.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Unpacking the Game

Setting up the Console

Controllers

Channel Switch

Returning to Television Programming

Power Adaptor

Starting Game Play

TV Type Switch

Fine-Tuning

Game Select Switch

Game Reset Switch

Difficulty Switches

Care and Maintenance

Troubleshooting Checklist

8 # VIDEO COMPUTER SYSTEMT # Unpacking the Game hen you remove your ATARI 2600M Video ComputerSystemIM game from the box,you should have: ■ 2600 Video Computer System game console ■ Two Joystick Controllers ■ AC Power Adaptor ■ Game ProgramM cartridge with instruction manual | Sett | ing up the Console
our game console attaches easily to your television.
Simply disconnect the antenna cable from your televi-
sion and connect the game cable from your Video
Computer System console to the VHF antenna terminals on
your television.
LEFT CONTROLLER JACK
RIGHT CONTROLLER JACK | | Controllers
Plug your Joystick Controllers into the controller jacks af the
back of your console.For most one·player games,you will
use the LEFT CONTROLLER jack.See your game instruction
booklet for details.
Note.Some Atari games require different controllers.Paddle
Controllers,the ACTION CONTROL BASETM keypad for children's
cartridges,and the VIDEO TOUCH PADIM controller may be pur-
chased separately,
Channel Switch
Your Video Computer System is factory set to operate on a
non-broadcasting VHF station in your area.Slide the CHANNEL
switch on your game console to 3 and select channel 3 on
your television.it you receive interference on this station.slide
the CHANNEL switch on your console to 2,and select channel
2 on your television. | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | CHANNEL SWITCH
GAME CABLE
POWER ADAPTOR | | Note:In some areasyou will need to fune your television to
channel 3 or 4.instead of channel 2 or 3.Note that channel
3 on your Video Computer System corresponds to channel 4
on your television.
Returning to Television Programming
To return to your regular television programming,you must
reconnect your television antenna to your television.Be sure | | | Note:If your VHF antenna input is not compatible with the
game cable on your Video Computer System,you may need
an adaptor.Pease check with your dealer. | | to turn your Video Computer System off and to unplug the
power adaptor. | | | Power Adaptor | | | | | Attach the power adaptor to the back of your console.Make
sure that your console power switch is off;then plug the
adaptor into any convenient outlet. | | | | | Note:Please insure that your power adaptor is compatible
with your electrical supply.If you are in doubt,consuit your
dealer. | | n Australio,use chonneis 1 and 2 in pioce of2 and 3.respectlively. | # Starting Game Play Iways turn your console POWER switch OFF when insert-ing or removing an ATAR Game Program cartridge.This will protecf the electronic components andprolong the life of your ATARI Video Computer System game. Hold the carridge so the name on the end label reads rightside up and carefully insert the cartridge into the cartridgeslot on your console.Be sure the cartridge is firmly seated butDO NOT FORCEIT IN.Then switch the power switch to ON Important:if no playfield appears,switch the power switch offand then on again.You may have inserted the cartridgewhile the power switch was on. To remove a cartridge,simply pull it straight out of the console. POWER SWITCHDIFFICULTY SWITCHES GAME RESET SWITCHTV TYPE SWITCHCARTRIDGE SLOTGAME SELECT SWITCH ## TV Type Switch Set this switch to COLOR if you are playing on a color television set.Set it to B/W to play the game in black and white. ## Fine-Tuning If your television has an automatic fine-tuning control.turn itoff and manually fine-tune for the best picture,If your set willnot receive color unless the automatic fine-luning control ison,leave it on. ## Game Select Switch in most games.the GAME SELECT switch is used to select thegame or game variation you wish to play.See the game in-structions packed with your cartridge for details. ## Game Reset Switch In most gamespressing GAME RESET or

FAQs

What items should be included when unpacking the ATARI 2600 Video Computer System game?

The manual lists the 2600 Video Computer System game console, two joystick controllers, an AC power adaptor, and the game program cartridge with an instruction manual.

How should the console be connected to a television?

Disconnect the antenna cable from the television, then connect the game cable from the console to the VHF antenna terminals on the TV, and use the console’s channel switch settings to select the correct channel on the television.

What precautions does the manual give for inserting, removing, and maintaining the system?

Turn the power switch off when inserting or removing cartridges, avoid using unsuitable power adaptors or connectors, do not lift the console or controllers by the wires, keep devices away from extreme heat or moisture, and clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Oct 23, 2026

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