The Atari 2600 Junior, released in 1986, marked a redesign and a budget-friendly revival attempt for the aging Atari 2600 console. Facing a saturated video game market and stiff competition, particularly from Nintendo, Atari aimed to offer a more affordable entry point into retro gaming with a smaller and sleeker console. Internally, it retained the same core hardware as its predecessors, utilizing the MOS Technology 6507 processor and the TIA graphics chip, ensuring compatibility with the vast library of Atari 2600 game cartridges. This allowed players to enjoy the classic games that had defined the early days of home video gaming.
The design of the Atari 2600 Junior represented a departure from the original’s wood-grain aesthetic, adopting a more modern, streamlined look reminiscent of the Atari 7800. It featured a smaller, black plastic case with a silver band across the front. Several variations of this design existed, most notably the “short rainbow” and “long rainbow” models, differing in the size of the rainbow graphic on the console’s faceplate. A rare, all-black version was also produced and primarily sold in Ireland. The cartridge slot was moved to the top of the console, and it typically shipped with a single joystick controller to keep costs down.
Reception of the Atari 2600 Junior was mixed. While it succeeded in offering a budget-friendly option for playing classic Atari games, some criticized its cheaper build quality compared to the original models. The reliance on an RF output also meant that picture quality on newer televisions could be less than ideal without adapters. However, its compact size and modern aesthetics appealed to a new generation of gamers and collectors. The Atari 2600 Junior ultimately played a role in extending the lifespan of the iconic Atari 2600, ensuring that its extensive game library remained accessible for years to come.
This Console has lost the iconic look that made the console famous and I am not a fan of this design but this is the console that sits nicely in my shelving unit due to its smaller size.
   | Boxed With Manual, No Insert |
 Name/Variant | Atari 2600 Junior |
 Accessories | Joystick Controller, RF Cable, Power Cable |
 Price | £80 |