Episode 530: Atari Archive and the 2600 Launch (Patreon)

Over the past year or so, I've been editing, laying out, and otherwise bringing into print a book by friend-of-Retronauts Kevin Bunch (who you will recognize from the roughly dozen episodes he's been on over the past few years). The book in question, Atari Archive Vol. I, arrives this week via Press Run, and it's an impressive work. Kevin has done extensive research into the early days of the Atari 2600, speaking to hardware and software creators and digging into numerous archives to piece together a comprehensive look not only at Atari's console but also the system's contemporary competitors, building in the process an impressive and thoroughly detailed picture of the origins of console gaming in America.

So, naturally, I felt it only proper to invite Kevin on to walk us through this era and the work he did documenting it. Joining us is other-friend-of-Retronauts Jared Petty, who also helped edit the book and hammered it into shape for publication.

Cover art (inspired by 2600 launch game Basic Math, of all things!) by John Pading, and edits by Greg Leahy. Music this episode:

• 14:00 - David Bowie: "Speed of Life"
• 26:15 - Interstate '76: Main Theme
• 36:50 - Christa Lee: "self care, self repair"
• 49:19 - Rush: "A Farewell to Kings"
• 1:02:34 - Kraftwerk: "Spiegelsaal"
• 1:13:41 - Emerson, Lake & Palmer: "Brain Salad Surgery"
• 1:23:34 - Pitfall II: Lost Caverns: Death Theme
• Closing - Yes: "Wonderous Stories"