Atari 2700
A prototype wireless Atari 2600 canceled due to controller interference.
The Atari 2700, also called the Atari Remote Control VCS, was a prototype console meant to be a wireless version of the popular Atari 2600. Atari, Inc. planned to release it in 1981 as one of several successors to the 2600, but it never entered full production. The exact number of existing units is unknown, though former Atari employee Dan Kramer said at least 12 consoles were built (one is held by The National Videogame Museum), plus extra controllers.
The 2700 was fully compatible with the Atari 2600, using its games and accessories. New features over the 2600 included wireless controllers that combined a joystick and paddle, touch-sensitive switches, and a streamlined wedge-shaped case. Internally, it was called "RC Stella"—"RC" for Radio Control and "Stella" being the internal codename for the 2600.
The wireless controllers used radio signals and had an on/off switch, powered by a replaceable 9-volt battery. They communicated with the console via a flexible antenna. Each controller was fixed as left (player 1) or right (player 2) and could not be swapped. Each had a single fire button and a short stick that worked as both an 8-position joystick and a 270-degree paddle. Game Select and Reset buttons appeared on both the controllers and the console, the latter likely for when wired controllers were used instead.
The console had two standard Atari 9-pin controller ports on its right side, allowing use of other 2600-compatible controllers, including Atari-made and third-party joysticks, Driving Controllers, Paddles, Kid's Controller, Keypad Controller, and Trak-Ball. The top surface featured a 2600-style cartridge slot and touch-sensitive buttons with red LEDs. These included functions for selecting between wireless and plugged-in controllers and switching the wireless controllers between joystick and paddle mode.
The case was a major departure from earlier Atari designs, replacing faux wood grain and mechanical switches with a sleek, dark brown wedge and indented touch-sensitive switches. It had a hinge-topped storage bay for the wireless controllers and a built-in groove on the bottom for winding excess TV cable.
The wireless controllers caused the console's cancellation. They had a working radius of about 1,000 feet but no pairing mechanism, so controllers from one 2700 could affect others nearby.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Atari, Inc.
- Cpu
- MOS Technology 6507 @ 1.19 MHz
- Media
- Cartridge
- Release Date
- Cancelled
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Atari 2700, internally called 'RC Stella' (Radio Control Stella), was designed to offer wireless gameplay through radio-signal controllers. Each controller featured a combination joystick and paddle, a single fire button, and touch-sensitive switches, powered by a replaceable 9-volt battery. The console itself had a streamlined wedge-shaped case with a hinge-topped storage bay for the controllers and a built-in groove for TV cable winding. It included two standard Atari 9-pin controller ports for wired accessories.
The system was canceled before release primarily because of its wireless controllers. They had a working radius of approximately 1000 feet but lacked any pairing mechanism, meaning controllers from one 2700 could unintentionally affect other nearby units. Additionally, the controllers were based on garage door opener designs, raising concerns about accidental triggering of other remote-controlled devices.
Former Atari employee Dan Kramer stated that at least 12 consoles were made, plus extra controllers. One unit is owned by The National Videogame Museum. The exact number of existing systems remains unclear.
Reader's Guide
Although never released, the Atari 2700's case design significantly influenced later Atari hardware. The very similar Atari 2800 for Japan and the Sears-branded Video Arcade II both adopted the wedge shape and combined joystick-paddle controllers (though wired). The design also informed the Atari 5200's controller bay, as well as the Atari 2600 Jr. and Atari 7800.
The concept of wireless controllers for the 2600 re-emerged in 1983 with the Atari 2600 Wireless Remote Controlled Joystick accessory (Model CX 42), which added electronics to address interference but resulted in bulky controllers with poor battery life and difficult control. Later, the 2012 Atari Flashback 4 featured infrared-based wireless controllers. The 2700 thus stands as an early, influential attempt at wireless gaming that shaped both Atari's industrial design and the ongoing pursuit of cord-free play.
Did You Know?
- The Atari 2700 was internally codenamed 'RC Stella', with 'Stella' being the codename for the Atari 2600.
- The wireless controllers had a range of about 1000 feet but could interfere with other nearby 2700 consoles due to no pairing mechanism.
- At least 12 consoles were built, according to former Atari employee Dan Kramer, with one held by The National Videogame Museum.
- The 2700's case design was reused for the Atari 2800, Sears Video Arcade II, and influenced the Atari 5200, 2600 Jr., and 7800.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Atari 2700?
The Atari 2700, also referred to as the Atari Remote Control VCS, was a prototype wireless console designed as a successor to the Atari 2600. Atari intended to ship it in 1981, but the project never reached full production.
Why was the Atari 2700 never released?
The console was ultimately canceled because its wireless controllers experienced signal interference problems that Atari could not resolve. This technical flaw kept the unit from moving out of the prototype stage.
How many Atari 2700 units actually exist?
The precise number is unknown, but former Atari employee Dan Kramer confirmed that at least 12 consoles were manufactured, along with a small batch of extra controllers. One verified unit is currently housed at The National Videogame Museum.
What did the Atari 2700 offer that the 2600 didn't?
Its headline feature was a pair of battery-powered wireless radio controllers with an operating range of roughly 1,000 feet. Internally it retained the same MOS 6507 processor at 1.19 MHz and 128 bytes of RAM, so the hardware core was essentially unchanged from the 2600.
Can you play Atari 2600 cartridges on the 2700?
Yes—the 2700 was fully backward-compatible with every 2600 game and accessory in the library. It supported the same 4 KB ROM ceiling (expandable past 32 KB through paging) and could output either color or black-and-white video to a standard television.
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