On early game systems, Atari computers and stuff, the physical two-position switch is usually for choosing which analog channel you want the analog-mode TV to be set for so the game display will show up when the TV is tuned to that particular legacy analog channel.<p>You would choose either channel 3 or 4 from the external RF adapter, or a switch on the game console itself.<p>There were not any recognized markets where different TV stations were broadcasting on both 3 & 4 within the same realistic radio range.<p>Remember, when Atari moved beyond mere game consoles to the more decently powerful home computers, it was a drop-in wiring replacement for the previous unit at home. They booted fast to ROM game cartridges, and plenty of people turned them off when they were done playing, but others tried to keep them powered at all times to maintain high scores in games that didn't support saving them.<p>One cartridge was not a game, it was for programming Basic, and booted to the immediate command line. This one didn't retain any code you would write so probably more people kept their Atari or Commodore on 24/7 then if possible, if they were doing some programming.<p>IOW your programming environment was always just one of many channels on your TV remote, it popped up instantly, and was right where you left it previously.<p>Unless of course an "Evil Maid" came along with bad intent, but it was usually an errant vacuum cleaner or rambunctious pet that did the deed :\