Atari 2700

Atari 2700 © 1981 Atari, Inc.

A prototype video game console. The 2700 was fully compatible with the Atari 2600 system and intended to use that system's games and accessories. The 2700's new features over the 2600 included wireless controllers featuring a combination of a joystick and paddle, touch sensitive switches, and a streamlined wedge–shaped case.

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

Intended for release in 1981, the 2700 was one of several planned follow-ups to the 2600, but the system was never put into full production. While It is unclear how many of these systems exist, former Atari employee Dan Kramer has stated that at least 12 consoles were made, plus extra controllers.

Internally, the product was also called the 'RC Stella', where RC referred to Radio Control and Stella was the internal Atari codename for the 2600.

Although they were the primary innovation of the 2700, it was the wireless controllers that actually caused the console to be cancelled prior to release. Specifically, the wireless controllers had a working radius of approximately 1000 ft., but there was no mechanism for pairing a given set of controllers with a specific console, which meant controllers for any one 2700 could unintentionally affect other nearby 2700s. Furthermore, the controllers were based on the design of garage door openers, which led to concerns that they could accidentally trigger other remote controlled devices.

Although abandoned, the 2700 case design became the model for a number of later Atari game systems, notably the very similar looking Atari 2800 for Japan and the similar Atari-made Sears-branded Video Arcade II, both of which featured (wired) controllers which combined the functions of joystick and paddle. The case design also influenced a whole range of subsequent Atari home consoles, including the Atari 5200 (which featured a 2700-like controller bay), as well as the Atari 2600 Jr., and Atari 7800.

Machine's picture.