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How to Modify an Atari 2600

The Atari 2600, which debuted in 1977, is one of the oldest and simplest video game consoles ever invented. Powered by the 6507 processor, the 2600 console has kept game enthusiasts designing games for it despite its small amount of RAM, 128 bytes, and 4 KB of cartridge ROM space. Game enthusiasts have also come up with ways of modifying the console using clever hardware hacks to get it to perform better, and output improved audio and video. Some of these hardware hacks have likely kept the Atari 2600 alive all these years in the gaming community.

Things You'll Need

Phillips screwdriver
Soldering iron
Small pair of pliers

Instructions

Modifying the Atari
- 1
  Unplug the Atari from the main switch and unscrew the screws located on the bottom of the case.
- 2
  Remove the plastic case halves that are on top and at the bottom. Be careful that you do not damage the ribbon that is connected to the main board.
- 3
  Turn the board to allow the metal shield to face directly at you, then straighten the clasps on the shield so you can carefully remove the shields that are located at the top and bottom. Be careful since the top shield holds the RF modulator of the console.
- 4
  Modify the video section by soldering a piece of wire from Chroma resistor. This is the resistor that is color-branded gold, red, gray and blue. Connect the wire to the top of the resistor and not the bottom, otherwise it will not work. Ensure that the piece of wire is not ground.
- 5
  Modify the audio section by soldering a piece of wire as described above. This time solder it to the bottom of the capacitor, which is usually turquoise-colored.
- 6
  Punch a hole where the wires we have just added will exit the console. Reconnect the RF cable that we disconnected and seal it up the console.
- 7
  Attach an appropriate audio and video jack to your wires to allow you to use the Atari on any TV or monitor.

Classic Console Games