TI-99 Joysticks

[fm2000]

I just got some TI-99 stuff in a trade, unfortunately I didn't get a TI-99 computer itself. I am curious about the joysticks, the buttons are very stiff and have almost no travel in them (almost just like pushing on the plastic shell.) The joysticks themselves feel fine, just the buttons feel off. Is this normal for the buttons, or do I have a pair of mechanically broken buttons?

[+save2600]

Unfortunately, its normal for the button to feel "stiff". I know you said the joystick feels fine, but wait until you get a system and actually play the thing.

 

Needless to say, you're going to want to get or make yourself an Atari adapter before too long.

[TwiliteZoner]

IMHO the most uncomfortable controllers I personally have ever used.

[Iwantgames:)]

I used my TI joysticks once, then I got a Atari adapter and never use those crappy things again

[Omega-TI]

[BassGuitari]

They're not great, but I can make do with them. I like to play systems with their original controllers anyway...for better or worse.

[Jess Ragan]

These joysticks make me want to call the system the TI 99/F'in A. They're really the worst stock controllers in existence. Worst of all, the system is wired so that ordinary Atari and Sega controllers won't work without an adapter. Way to go, Texas Instruments!

[lushgirl_80]

If they are that bad then why are they so expensive?? lol I have a TI-99/4A but never owned the joysticks. I noticed they go for quite a bit on eBay.

 

 

Didn't other companies make better controllers for the TI???

[BassGuitari]

They're really the worst stock controllers in existence. Worst of all, the system is wired so that ordinary Atari and Sega controllers won't work without an adapter. Way to go, Texas Instruments!

As much as I like the concept, I think the standard Color Computer joystick "tops" the TI99/4a controller as the worst. They're pretty good for cursor, paddle, and flight/space sim type games, but horrible for everything else. The TI joysticks are at least functional, if not especially comfortable or responsive; they don't render some games unplayable like the CoCo's do.

 

TI couldn't have seen the Genesis coming, but their decision to go with a proprietary joystick probably bit them in the ass.

[fm2000]

Thanks for the information! I guess my joysticks are normal after all. I will pass them onto someone who is really into the TI99 (and really enjoys pain!)

[cncfreak]

The best thing you can pickup for your TI99 is the Wico joystick adapter. I love using my Slik Stiks with my Ti99.

[Omega-TI]

You can always remove the original joysticks from the original cable and put sticks of your choice on too.

[Iwantgames:)]

You can always remove the original joysticks from the original cable and put sticks of your choice on too.

I knew I held on to those TI sticks for a reason

[Almost Rice]

I never used 99 controllers, but my Intellivision 2 controllers killed my thumbs and index fingers everytime i used them.