The Atari 2600, released in 1977, is a home video game console and one of the first massively successful gaming systems. It popularized the use of interchangeable cartridges, allowing players to use a single console to play a wide variety of games. The 2600's large library spans many genres, including action, adventure, and puzzle games, and it's known for classic titles such as 'Space Invaders,' 'Pac-Man,' and 'Pitfall!'. The legacy of the Atari 2600 is significant, as it paved the way for the video game industry we know today.