Ultimate replacement controller!

[DaveD]

There seem to be a ton of new "retro" systems already out or coming soon that will play your favorite games. But what they all seem to neglect is a killer controller. I'd love to see one of these hardware startups (Atgames maybe?) come out with a solid, durable, built-to-last, replacement controller made for your EXISTING hardware. I've gone through so many joysticks for my 2600 over they years because they just don't last. Genesis controllers are good but lack the precise feel and control of modern gamepads.

 

For my money (and I'd pay good money for solution that would last) I'd love to see a 2600-compatible controller modeled after the Playstation analog controllers. I love the symmetrical layout of the directional buttons and action buttons that make them interchangeable. And I'd love to see some sort of analog thumb-controlled joysticks that you could use for certain games. Throw in a few buttons for Reset, Pause, and other critical functions and you'd have the only retro controller you'll ever need again. Include an adapter that (that can be tethered to the controller cable) that allows it to be used for other consoles or systems and you'd have an instant best-seller!

 

What would your ideal replacement controller look like?

 

 

[+wongojack]

How about this:

 

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Atari+CX40&FORM=IRIBQP

 

It would be nice to have a second button on the same side somewhere that could be switched from turning the paddle line uppy/downy or functioning like a digital press up.

 

You don't need analog sticks for a digital controller. Every time I've tried to use a raised stick in the style of a modern analog stick on a digital device, I've wanted to remove it and use a D-pad instead.

 

Pause has been done, but it is a bit more work than it is really worth. Even on the 7800 where the pause button exists you have to map a new line down the controller cord to make it happen. Reset would be about the same. To really make it functional for all games, you'd need to include all the switches. The 2600's AV cord is already quite long and this is the reason. Just figure out how to keep the 2600 close to you when playing games and a lot of your wish list is taken care of.

[DaveD]

You don't need analog sticks for a digital controller. Every time I've tried to use a raised stick in the style of a modern analog stick on a digital device, I've wanted to remove it and use a D-pad instead.

 

Maybe not a true analog stick, but the same style of the original that allows you to press more than 1 direction at a single time. That's what's missing from a D-pad.

[TheTIGuy]

 

Maybe not a true analog stick, but the same style of the original that allows you to press more than 1 direction at a single time. That's what's missing from a D-pad.

Are you absolutey SURE we are are talking about the same Sega model #1650 here? you CAN press more than one direction on the D-pad, just not opposites (well, you can but it depends on a lot), how would a sick be better?

[DaveD]

how would a sick be better?

Easy. You push one control. It figures out which contacts it needs to activate for diagonals. No button mashing and fingers accidentally slipping in between buttons at critical times. Like the original only more precise and reliable. And easier to use.