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Atari

Atari is a video game and consumer electronics brand first founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in Sunnyvale, California.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Atari is a video game and consumer electronics brand that was first founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in Sunnyvale, California. The original company helped pioneer the arcade game, home console, and home computer markets. The brand is now owned by Atari SA.

History

Atari was founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in California. The original company became one of the most influential names in the early video game industry before being reorganized and acquired through multiple successors.

Products and influence

Atari helped popularize arcade gaming and cartridge-based home consoles. Its best-known products include Pong and the Atari 2600, both of which became widely recognized in popular culture.

Home computers

In addition to consoles, Atari produced 8-bit home computers beginning in 1979 with the Atari 400 and Atari 800. These systems were part of the company’s broader push into consumer computing.

Corporate ownership

The Atari brand has changed hands several times since the original company’s founding. It is currently associated with Atari SA, which uses the Atari name for games, consumer hardware, and licensing.

Key facts

  • Atari began as Atari, Inc., which was founded in 1972 in Sunnyvale, California.
  • The company was a major pioneer in the early video game industry, especially arcade games and home consoles.
  • Atari’s products included the arcade hit Pong and the Atari 2600 home console.
  • The Atari 2600 was originally released as the Atari Video Computer System (VCS) in 1977.
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Canadian context

Atari is part of global video game history and is familiar to Canadian audiences through the Atari 2600, arcade culture, and retro gaming collecting.

Frequently asked questions

What is Atari?
Atari is a video game and consumer electronics brand best known for its early arcade games, home consoles, and home computers.
Who founded Atari?
Atari was founded by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972.
What was Atari’s most famous console?
The Atari 2600, originally released as the Atari Video Computer System, is Atari’s best-known home console.
Is Atari still active today?
Yes. The Atari brand is currently owned by Atari SA and is used for games, consumer hardware, and licensing.
Where was Atari founded?
Atari was founded in Sunnyvale, California, United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari
    Supports: Brand ownership, founding date, current owner, and general corporate history.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_Inc.
    Supports: Founders, founding location, and original company history.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/Atari-console
    Supports: Atari 2600/VCS release, significance, and product history.
  4. PCMag — https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/atari
    Supports: Brief definition of Atari and current brand ownership context.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_8-bit_computers
    Supports: Atari 8-bit computer line and launch timing.