Atari 2600

Background

The Atari 2600, initially branded as the Atari Video Computer System (Atari VCS) from its release until November 1982, is a home video game console developed and produced by Atari, Inc. Released in September 11, 1977, it popularized microprocessor-based hardware and games stored on swappable ROM cartridges, a format first used with the Fairchild Channel F in November 1976. The Atari VCS was bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a game cartridge; initially Combat, and later Pac-Man.

Tag (1982-1991?)

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Note: The logo in the second video starts at 0:25, and the logo in the third video starts at 0:26.

Visuals: The text "Atari" in Harry Fat is seen. Suddenly, the text "VI" "DE" "O" "COM" "PU" "TER" "SYS" "TEM", in a Westminster-like font pops up along with the Atari "Fuji Mountain" logo in rainbow (almost like the two are being typed into the system). When the two are done, a flash appears at the bottom (a la Walt Disney Pictures) and turns the jumbled text into a complete sentence, "VIDEO COMPUTER SYSTEM".

Technique: 2D animation.

Audio: An electric piano jingle, that then turns orchestrated as a chorus (likely made up of people over 18 years old; it's unknown if those under 18 years old also sing in the chorus) sings "Have you played Atari today?".

Audio Trivia: This jingle is known as the "Have you played Atari today" jingle. Atari's console, Jaguar, has the jingle play during the standard bootscreen with the Atari name.

Audio Variants:

• A high-toned version exists on a 1982 commercial.
• The animatics have the audio pitched three semitones lower to fit the key of the music in the animatics. The orchestration is also done using drums(?), keyboards(?), and either a synth bass or an electric bass.
  • On a commercial based on one animatic, the audio is the regular version of the jingle except the vocals are provided by either a female chorus or a group of kids.

Availability: Seen on commercials for the Atari 2600 and its games.