2600RGB - Video upgrade kit for the Atari 2600

A couple of screen shot photographs can be downloaded here.

This is a modification board for the Atari 2600 which adds audio/video outputs to this console which has only a modulated RF output available normally. It improves the picture quality and makes it easier to connect to modern TV sets that no longer have an analog tuner.

It works in a similar manner to my NESRGB board. That is, it sits between the CPU and TIA (the name of the Atari graphics chip) and stores the data which meant to be written to the TIA palette registers. The TIA is fed with dummy colours instead. The various luma outputs from the TIA, in addition to the colour data stored is then used to create a RGB version of the original video signal. Essentially, the board creates the RGB video signal by bypassing the colour generation logic in the TIA. The video timing is unchanged.

With an extra button installed into the joystick, the user can control the Select and Reset switches, as well as change the palette and pause the console. These extra features are optional, but recommended as it removes the need to sit next to the console (within reach of the reset switch) when playing.

The board may be installed into all models of Atari 2600. The 2600jr model installation is more difficult than the others because the reduced height of the console makes it impossible to install directly over the TIA spot on the motherboard.

Features:

• RGB, S-Video, and Composite Video outputs
• Audio output
• Six different colour palettes (three NTSC, three PAL) to choose from. The palette may be selected with and extra button installed on either the console or on the controller.
• Switches between PAL and NTSC palettes automatically by detecting 50/60 Hz output.
• Supplied with a switching power supply board, audio/video connectors, push-button switch, and other assorted bits that may be required for installation.
• If the extra button is installed on the controller, it can be used to activate Select and Reset remotely, as well as change the palette.
• Easy installation if the TIA is already in a socket.

Version 2 adds the following,

• Improved pause mode (mutes audio, displays 'paused' text on screen).
• Sync correction - fixes the wonky vertical sync of the Atari to make it standard compliant.
• Horizontal and vertical picture position adjustment (up to +/- 15 pixels in each direction).
• On board NTSC frequency oscillator can make a PAL/SECAM console run with exact NTSC console timing.
• On screen menu for easy for an easy way to set options and palettes.
• Comprehensive test mode that can test every input/output pin on the board.
• Compatible with Super Nintendo RGB cables.

How to use

The features of the 2600RGB board can be controlled with a with either an 'extra' button installed on the joystick, or a pushbutton mounted on the console shell. If the extra button is fitted to the controller it can be used to activate

• Extra + Up = Select
• Extra + Down = Reset
• Extra, a quick tap = Pause/unpause toggle
• Extra, a longer press (between 0.4 and 2 seconds) = Change palette
• Extra, long hold (2 seconds) = Menu

The 'P' button may also be fitted to the console shell (where it is wired to the P pad on the 2600RGB board). In this case it has the same function, but cannot activate Select or Reset. If this P button is held down while powering up the console, it will activate or deactivate the 2600RGB board. If the 2600RGB board is deactivated the red LED indicator will come on and all the video outputs (except for RF) will be disabled.

The menu options are as follows,

• Auto-palette [on/off] When on, this will use the vertical refresh rate to determine whether a PAL or NTSC palette should be selected. This works well for retail PAL games and sold in Europe/Australia, retail games sold in North America, and NTSC homebrew. It does not work for retail games modified for South America (where they have NTSC consoles running at 50 Hz) or PAL60 homebrew (lazy NTSC conversions).
• Auto-clock [on/off/3] This is a feature for PAL consoles. PAL consoles have pixel clock of 3.546894 MHz, while the NTSC pixel clock is 3.579545 MHz. There is about 1% difference between them. When on, the 2600RGB board will automatically switch the console to its on-board NTSC pixel clock if the game is detected running at 60 Hz and leave running from the console's original clock if it detects the game running at 50 Hz. When off, the console will always run from its original clock. When set to '3', the console will always run from the on-board NTSC pixel clock. This is useful for South American consoles than have weird pixel clocks (neither PAL or NTSC).
• Sync fix [on/off] When on, it corrects the sync signal to make it standards compliant. It must be on for the position adjustment to work.
• Pause [on/off] When on, the console may be paused by quickly tapping the Extra button on the controller or P button on the console.
• Position...  Opens the horizontal/vertical position adjustment sub-menu.
• Palette set [1/2/3/12/13/23/all] There are three palettes available. Palette 1 is Stella, 2 is Nabuko, 3 is Trebor. Use this option to restrict which palettes may be selected. You can set it to a single palette that you like, or two, or all three.
• Palette [N1/P1/N2/P2/N3/P3] This is the current palette. If Auto-palette is on, it will automatically determine whether it should be PAL or NTSC.
• Save & exit - Changes to options are made instantly, but are not saved until this is selected.

Installation Guides

• Six switch Atari 2600
• Four switch Atari 2600
• Atari 2600 Junior

Download the version 2 wiring diagram. See the installation guides for specific details.

If installation fails, check the test and troubleshooting guide. (coming soon)

Old installation guides and instructions for version 1 boards (sold from 2015 to 2022).

Where to buy

Buy from etim online shop (Australia/International), etim US distributor section (United States) and other distributors.

For questions and comments please email.

Change Log
28/6/2025 - Updated the Atari junior installation guide for version 2.
15/6/2025 - Updated the four switch installation guide for version 2.
12/6/2025 - Updated product instructions and the Six switch Atari 2600 installation guide for version 2.
30/11/2016 - Added 2600jr guide.
25/9/2015 - Added six switch guide, palette switch detail.
1/8/2015 - Added four switch guide, how to use, and availability.
18/7/2015 - Page created.