Atari played a foundational role in the history of video game consoles, helping launch the home gaming industry in the 1970s with systems like the Atari 2600. Its early success introduced millions to arcade-style gaming at home and established many of the industry’s first standards. Although Atari faced challenges during the video game crash of the early 1980s, its influence never disappeared. Today, Atari consoles and games are considered true retro classics, remembered for shaping the origins of modern video gaming.