Atari 5200 Hardware and Accessories

The 5200 was not as successful as the 2600, so there is significantly less available for it in the way of hardware and accessories. Here we present a few items that were available, if you have any pictures of anything else, please contact us and we'll add it to the gallery.

Picture Description Atari 5200 4-port This is the first version of the Atari 5200. It has the advantage of having four joystick ports built-in to the system and it's compatible with all 5200 games, but it requires a proprietary switchbox that can be difficult to replace if lost or broken. The first batch of 4-port systems is not compatible with the VCS adapter. Atari 5200 2-port This is the revised version of the Atari 5200, and it only has 2 joystick ports. However, it uses a standard connection to your television that you can purchase for a few dollars at any electronics store. Unfortunately, it seems that some 2-port units are not compatible with Pitfall! and Mountain King. However, the 2-port systems are all compatible with the VCS adapter. Atari 5200 Controller This is the infamous analog controller. This controller has a non-centering joystick and a keypad built-in. Unfortunately, these are notorious for breaking, and are not the most effective controllers even when they work. Try to find a set of third party controllers, or a Masterplay Interface instead. Atari 5200 Trak-Ball A heavy-duty trak-ball with a keypad and buttons on both sides of the ball. This is compatible with many 5200 games and makes a good alternative if you can't find a third party joystick. Atari 2600 Adapter An adapter that sits on top of the 5200 and allows the use of 2600 games. The only drawback is that it does not have a color/b&w switch that some 2600 games use for gameplay. Atari Joystick Coupler This accessory came packaged with Robotron 2084 and Space Dungeon. It is a base that holds two 5200 joysticks side by side, theoretically making the games easier to play. Atari 4-port Switchbox This is the specialized switchbox for use with the 4-port Atari 5200. The power supply actually plugs into the switchbox, not the console, so you must have this device. You cannot buy a generic version at your local electronics store. Atari Carrying Case This is a suitcase style carrying case that fits your Atari 5200, controllers, cables, and cartridges. Atari Demo Kiosk This is a point-of-purchase display that retailers used to demonstrate the 5200. Several games could be sampled, similar to the kiosks seen today with modern game systems. Coin Controls Competition Pro Joystick This is an arcade style joystick with two buttons and a y-cable to allow the connection of a standard 5200 controller for keypad use. Electra Concepts Triga Elite This is a two-button joystick with a digital/analog switch and a y-cable to allow the use of a standard 5200 keypad controller. We're not sure if these actually made it to retail shelves. Electra Concepts Masterplay Interface This small adapter allows you to use 2600 compatible joysticks on your 5200. There is an auxiliary button for full functionality. Entertainment Systems Control-Guide Similar to the Newport Control-Guide, and maybe even the same item with different packaging. This adapter fits over the joystick portion of the 5200 limiting control to only four directions. This type of control is useful for games like Pac-Man, which can be tricky under 8-way control. GIM Electronics Fire Command This is a very heavy duty controller with a single joystick and two fire buttons on each side. It also features a y-cable to allow the use of a standard 5200 keypad. Newport Control-Guide Similar to the Entertainment Systems Control-Guide, and maybe even the same item with different packaging. This adapter fits over the joystick portion of the 5200 limiting control to only four directions. This type of control is useful for games like Pac-Man, which can be tricky under 8-way control. R.E.I. StarCon A very rare arcade style controller that features a built-in keypad. Spectravision Hotel Video System Console This is a console designed for use by hotels. It has hardwired controllers, and a specially made board that accommodates four cartridges. There is a dial on the outside that selects the game. Wico Joystick and Keypad Wico is one of the best controller manufacturers, and this set is no exception. The joystick has a y-cable adapter on it so that you can use the keypad portion of a standard 5200 joystick, or you can use Wico's 5200 compatible keypad.