Best alternate controller for ColecoVision

[Master Phruby]

I have a ColecoVision with a modified AV ports. The only reason I don't run out and buy AtariMax's SD cartridge is because my controllers are really crappy. They need a lot of work. Anyway, I'm looking for a set of controllers that are not the standard ColecoVision controllers. Any suggestions on good third party controllers? Is the Super Action controllers any good. Are they reliable?

[+adamchevy]

After watching mark at classic game rooms review I didn't want to own one. But that's just one person. Gamester81 had also commented on them before and I believe he thought they were OK but not great.

[+boxpressed]

I have tried most of the third-party ColecoVision controllers, and almost all of them stink: the Wico, Spectravision, Amiga, Champ. The only excellent one that I own is the Fire Command II, but it is extremely rare. I've also heard that the Questar is quite good. Honestly, Yurkie's ball-modded original controller is your best bet for a direct-connect controller.

 

However, you should do yourself a favor and pick up an inexpensive Y adapter. This will allow you to attach any Atari 2600-compatible joystick and use it for one-button games. With the original controller attached, it performs just like a more expensive Champ Adapter. I started a thread on this point, but it very quickly went off in another direction: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/222375-inexpensive-alternative-to-champ-adapter

 

My recommendation is to pick up or make an arcade stick modded for 7800 use. This will give you two-button functionality with the ColecoVision. Pair this with a Y adapter, and you have a great controller. People have modded the Radica Space Invaders plug and play to good success, and you can go even higher end if you like. An AA member modded a Genesis Arcade Power Stick for me, and it is works just fine. In the end, the $50-$60 you spend going this way will be much better spent than gambling on a horrible controller like the Wico.

[+grips03]

I have a ColecoVision with a modified AV ports. The only reason I don't run out and buy AtariMax's SD cartridge is because my controllers are really crappy. They need a lot of work. Anyway, I'm looking for a set of controllers that are not the standard ColecoVision controllers. Any suggestions on good third party controllers? Is the Super Action controllers any good. Are they reliable?

 

I like this one

[NIAD]

Options are:

 

1) Yurkie refurbed and modded controller with straightened cord and ball knob

2) Y-Adaptor or Champ Keypad Adaptor with a compatible two button controller

3) ProStick III which has a built-in Y-Adaptor on the cord for attaching the CV controller and using the keypad (very rare)

4) FireCommand or Questar controller (very rare)

5) Arcade Quality Controller by CollectorVision (very rare)

 

I always liked the Super Action Controller, but to find a set in good working condition is getting harder and harder and reliability issues spring up with the keypad and fire buttons.

[+boxpressed]

Forgot about the ProStick. I even have one of them somewhere. Doesn't work quite right, though. I hate its action "buttons," though. Just one long bar with each end corresponding to a different button. I guess the designer thought that lots of games required you to press both buttons at once.

 

If you have the money, buy the stick that grips03 shows above. Not sure if he is still making them for folks, though.

 

If money is tight, Y adapter plus modded 7800 stick.

[+grips03]

or hit up chart45 for a Famicom Network or SFC NTT Data

Edited March 6, 2014 by grips03

[fiddlepaddle]

Ergonomically, the super action controllers aren't bad, but the buttons aren't that reliable and need to be cleaned every so often, and it's not that easy to clean 'em. Your best bet is probably a custom built controller, or a y adapter with a Genesis controller, possibily modified to allow two-button control.