Atari 2000

The Atari 2000 (model number CX-2000) is a prototype version of the Atari 2600 intended to be released as a cheaper alternative for children in 1982. The internal specifications of the 2000 are no different from the original 2600. The main differences from the regular 2600 was that the controllers were built into the system and cartridges are inserted in the back. The Atari 2000 was test marketed in some areas, but it's unclear what happened to most of those units. Originally intended to be black, the 2000 was later re-colored blue to make the system more appealing to kids. People who have tried the 2000 have noted that its controllers are poor, and considering how the controllers may not have stood up to rough play from children, that may be the reason why it was never released. Only two 2000 units are believed to exist today.

Technical specifications

* CPU: MOS Technology 6507 @ 1.19 MHz
* Audio + Video processor: TIA. 160 x ~192 pixel, 128 colors (121 of them actually different from each other on NTSC, 114 on PAL), 2 channel mono sound.
* RAM: 128 bytes (plus up to 256 bytes built into the game cartridges)
* ROM (game cartridges): 4 kB maximum capacity (32 kB+ with paging)
* Output: B/W or Color TV picture and sound signal

External links

* [http://www.atarihq.com/museum/2678/cx2k.html The Atari Gaming Headquarters' page about the 2000]