Need Replacement 2600 Joystick

[stevenhowlett]

Is there a reputable place on the Internet where you can buy new original joysticks for the Atari 2600? Or should I seek out the second hand market? Thanks.

Edited May 15, 2014 by stevenhowlett

[+SpiceWare]

I picked up a Flashback 2 and have been using the joysticks with my Atari since then.

 

I also bought a couple pair of their paddles as my 30+ year old paddles are literally falling apart. Nothing like brand new, jitter free, paddles for a little mayhem with your friends

[InfoMan]

Both of these have been around for forever:

 

http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/quickguide.htm

http://www.aracnet.com/~atari/26007800.htm

[yell0w_lantern]

Do you have a broken one or are you just without one altogether?

[Muzz73]

Don't forget...

 

http://www.myatari.com/

 

You can buy new, reconditioned or used from most of those sites. I like getting thrashed CX-40 joysticks for $0.25 at yard sales or swap meets and rebuilding them with new parts. Once you do, they can be made to function better than when the joystick was brand new (30+ years ago).

[stevenhowlett]

Do you have a broken one or are you just without one altogether?

I have one for my 2600, but of if the directions no longer works.

[Wyluli Wolf]

You can rebuild it or replace it. Those cheap plastic bits break way to easily. Honestly it's cheaper to replace the stick than to rebuild it.

You could also try a WICO joystick or Epyx, etc and see if you like one of those better!

[chas10e]

I like finding then dirt cheap & fixing them ones that can't be fixt can be re-purposed as picture frames / clocks whatever or parted out

 

many retro game stores will guarantee a new item they usually get ripped off when trying that with a used item. I even tried buying a known broken one at a place & they wouldn't sell it to me think the idea was "why sell a broken one cheap when I can sell a good one at full cost"

 

I do keep a newly manufactured one from NOS for special occasions

 

a lot of reputable individual sellers here in Marketplace also

[+wongojack]

Video61 has a neat option:

 

http://members.tcq.net/video61/cx40evolved.html

[Muzz73]

It certainly can cost more rebuild than to replace, depending on what all is wrong with the stick. Replacing the PCB & handle with improved versions and changing the fire button spring will cost you about $11 USD (before shipping). If the rubber boot is gone, you'll need a new one... and a boot-retaining ring... yeah, it can add up fast.

 

I really like that red & black job from Video61... I may have to pick a few of those up! Especially the left or right-handed thing (my son is a southpaw). Thanks for sharing that!

[+wongojack]

It certainly can cost more rebuild than to replace, depending on what all is wrong with the stick. Replacing the PCB & handle with improved versions and changing the fire button spring will cost you about $11 USD (before shipping). If the rubber boot is gone, you'll need a new one... and a boot-retaining ring... yeah, it can add up fast.

 

I really like that red & black job from Video61... I may have to pick a few of those up! Especially the left or right-handed thing (my son is a southpaw). Thanks for sharing that!

 

Now - I haven't ordered from them, so I can't account for their service or anything. I was just browsing their site and found them one day. Lemme know if you get one and maybe I'll get one too.

[yell0w_lantern]

They are easy to repair.

The best case scenario is a flattened dome contact which can be fixed with these: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/TL3315NF160Q/EG4621CT-ND/1870401

The wiring harness is a bit more costly.

Some kid on youtube used a cut up pop can to fix the plastic ring at the bottom of the handle that depresses the directional contacts.

[timdu]

I have a number of controllers for sale ---- most are $5 each plus shipping

 

http://www.2600connection.com/features/atari_controllers.html

 

 

 

Tim