atari 2600 infrared controller

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i'm thinking of making an infrared controller for the atari 2600. i've made simple synth programs in batari basic years ago (so glad to see the same resources and communities still very active!) and havent done much with it. i came across a simple ir theremin schematic that uses this sensor https://acroname.com/sites/default/files/assets/sharp_gp2y0a21yk0f_datasheet.pdf

which is pretty cheap, and acts as a voltage regulator based on the ir light reflected back to the sensor. from my research (mostly on the atari age forums) it looks like i should be able to connect the sensor to the atari's +5 and ground pin, and connect the regulated voltage from the sensor back to either pin 5 or 7(or use 2 sensors, one to each) after that i can muck about with the results with batari's paddle reading functionality and adjust pitch and volume etc through the software and make an atari 2600 theremin like instrument. it will take a while for me to actually get the sensors mailed to me, but before i put in an order i was just wondering if anyone else out here has tried anything like this, or if this sounds like it should work.

thanks!