What do you use to play 5200?

[FOX2600]

Im brand new to the 5200 scene and have the opportunity to buy a console and a (supposedly) working joystick original. Just curious as to what joysticks, be it original, homemade, or alternatives everyone likes to play with? I want to get an idea of what Im getting into and would like to know how easy (or difficult) it might be to obtain some of this hardware. Thanks!

[+-^CrossBow^-]

Depends on the game. But if working properly, I'm happy to use original controllers for most of the games. Some games like Star Raiders and Missle Command require the analog nature of the controller to play the games well.

 

But to answer your question exactly...

 

I use three control setups depending on the game:

 

I have the original controllers that I use for many of the games like Stari Raiders, Rescue on Fractalus, Blaster to name a few.

I have the Trak-Ball controller and this is the only way to really play Missile Command! Works on many other games pretty well also.

Then I have the Wico keypad and controller combo I can use for digital precise control for games like platformers or maze runners.

- I also have an older AtariAge Redemption adapter that allows me to use a 5200 controller for keypad stuff and a Genesis or Atari controller for up/right/left/down.

 

If you refurbish or buy the parts to refurb an original controller, that will get to off to an excellent start at least.

[+Ryan Witmer]

There are certain games that I only play with the trak-ball, and everything else I use the stock joystick for.

 

I generally prefer the "standard" controllers for every console, that's just how I do things.

[ave1]

I'm mostly using PC 15 pin controllers with an adapter on my 5200, and the Trakball. I also have a 2600 set of paddles that i have a special adapter for.

[0078265317]

I have all kinds of alterbatives. I have custom paddle. A wico. A compition pro. A masterplay clone with tototek to psx adapter works fine also. Even the left analog thumbstick works. Also have the bohoki 15 pin adapter with a pc raider. Best analog ever. And I have 2 originalal controllers also.

[edladdin]

I also have three modes of operation for my 5200:

 

CX-52s for analog driving/steering and two button games. For me this really means Dreadnaught Factor, Moon Patrol, Qix, Space Dungeon, and Pole Position.

 

CX-53 for Missile Command, Galaxian, Space Invaders, and Tempest

 

Here lately, for all the one button, non-analog, and maze games, its an All-Play 4/8: Supreme 78 fed through an original MasterPlay, with a CX-52 to deliver keypad and function keys. I just got this set-up rolling recently, so I am playing my way back through the collection to see how it plays. So far its been great.

 

PS: I ended up with four CX-52s while picking up two consoles, and of course none of them worked at 100%. Two were functioning enough for permanent assignment to the Robotron/Space Dungeon joystick coupler, then I sent the other two to Best Electronics, who refurbished them with their gold kit and sent them back. They work great now... at least as well as they ever did. :-)