What is the best Joystick for Atari

[APrules2]

My CX-40 sticks are shot and I'm awaiting the rebuild kit from bests electronics, In the mean time Ive been searching eBay and I'm wondering whats a very good 3rd party joystick. I never had an Atari growing up I had NES, is there a stick thats a little more like the NES Advantage. Mine don't always go the way I point them and don't seem to shoot all the time, is that normal. I also tried 7800 sticks and absolutely hated them, the bend on the stick made it hard to get motion in all directions. What ever side it tilted to was harder to use. I keep hearing the Wico sticks were good, I came across a few of them and also some Atari Gem Sticks, also some Slik Stiks, whats everyone else's recommendations?

[Gregory DG]

Sorry you (and most other people) don't care for them, but I always liked the 7800 sticks myself...

[Elerach]

Slik Sticks are FANTASTIC. So are Wico joysticks, but those are a fair bit more expensive. (in general, at least)

[accousticguitar]

If you grew up with NES you might like using Sega Master System joypads which will work with the Atari 2600.

[Elerach]

*double post*

Edited August 14, 2008 by Elerach

[Rybags]

Many will argue for

 

 

(I have one somewhere)

 

But, my preference is

 

 

 

When all is said and done, I reckon the Wico beats all

[Thomas Jentzsch]

Competition Pro 5000

[iwan-iwanowitsch-goratschin]

Competition Pro 5000

 

Jup!

[Lord Helmet]

Classic: Suncom Slik Stik

 

Mod: Radica Space Invaders stick

[madhatter667]

In terms of joysticks, I've had positive experiences with many 3rd party creations. Wico is a good place to turn...the ball bat ones are pretty much standard, but the Wico BOSS joystick is pretty good too. The TAC-2s are fairly nice overall, with solid action...and work for right handers or lefties. Quickshots are woth looking for too. If you want something semi-contoured keep an eye out for the Epyx 500 sticks.

 

There are some Atari controllers that are built more like an NES pad... Best Electronics carries them new/rebuilt. They cost a bit, but I like 'em. Don't know the model number off-hand, but they were apparently pretty popular in Europe.

 

Of course, you could always just scrounge a thrift shop for a $2 Genesis controller if you don't have one.

[horseboy]

The Wico Command Control pictured above. Head and shoulders above the rest.

[holygrailvideogames.com]

I personally think that the best joysticks for the 2600 are the ones that Atari sold with the Flashback 2.

[missioncontrol]

I personally think that the best joysticks for the 2600 are the ones that Atari sold with the Flashback 2.

 

 

I broke one of the Flashback 2 sticks while playing Vanguard. I would echo everyone else who recommended Wico sticks

[+doctorclu]

I personally think that the best joysticks for the 2600 are the ones that Atari sold with the Flashback 2.

 

 

I broke one of the Flashback 2 sticks while playing Vanguard. I would echo everyone else who recommended Wico sticks

 

Flashback 2 sticks are the best, they just need something to make the stick more sturdy, then it would be perfect. I've broken three flashback2 joysticks myself.

[+Nathan Strum]

Modded CX-40 (now with Best rebuild kit).

[Thorsten Günther]

Competition Pro 5000

 

Yup, that one and the Competition Pro Star surely were among the best, in fact they were so good that they were copied under the name "Suzo Prof Competition" and re-released some years ago by Speedlink (as USB versions first). Most models sell for more than 10 Euros at eBay.

 

 

Thorsten

[BassGuitari]

I don't know why everyone loves the Wicos so much. Maybe you all have bigger hands than I do; I find them to be ungainly. It's well-made, certainly, but I don't care for their size or the longer throw of the stick.

 

Slik Sticks, Tac-2s, and the standard CX40 are my favorites. I also really like the Zircon Video Command, but I can't get mine to work properly. I've also got a Kraft (Mazemaster?) that I really like, but it's pretty noisy.

[2600Lives]

Everybody always says the Wico Command Control beats all, but I disagree. I have one, but I use it exclusively for my C-128. My all time favorite stick for the 2600 is the TAC-2. It has a very small movement range, so your hands don't get tired, but it's VERY responsive, and the buttons are big and have a great feel. Definately my favorite stick.

[Lord Helmet]

I don't know why everyone loves the Wicos so much. Maybe you all have bigger hands than I do; I find them to be ungainly. It's well-made, certainly, but I don't care for their size or the longer throw of the stick.

 

I agree 100%. I like a controller that fits in my hand comfortably. The Wico's are built like tanks, but they are way to large.

[+doctorclu]

I don't know why everyone loves the Wicos so much. Maybe you all have bigger hands than I do; I find them to be ungainly. It's well-made, certainly, but I don't care for their size or the longer throw of the stick.

 

I agree 100%. I like a controller that fits in my hand comfortably. The Wico's are built like tanks, but they are way to large.

 

I think Wico is just name branding. People hear Wico (or did) and said "Wow! A Wico" Had two friends that swore by them back in the 80's, I would play games using their sticks, I think it is what you're used to.

 

My thoughs on the Wico... well built, large, and a lot of play in the stick itself.

 

I like my stick more precise, which was the standard 2600 stick, and the Tac-2 are about the same, rigid precision.

[ProperRogue]

I switch between the CX40's and a Sega GamePad , but I'd say my favourite controller is a custom one using actual arcade parts. Maybe you could do the same if you're looking for something solid.

 

For some games , the arcade controller is all I care to use.

[opeygon]

My CX-40 sticks are shot and I'm awaiting the rebuild kit from bests electronics, In the mean time Ive been searching eBay and I'm wondering whats a very good 3rd party joystick. I never had an Atari growing up I had NES, is there a stick thats a little more like the NES Advantage. Mine don't always go the way I point them and don't seem to shoot all the time, is that normal. I also tried 7800 sticks and absolutely hated them, the bend on the stick made it hard to get motion in all directions. What ever side it tilted to was harder to use. I keep hearing the Wico sticks were good, I came across a few of them and also some Atari Gem Sticks, also some Slik Stiks, whats everyone else's recommendations?

 

sega master system control stick is the best IMO