Converter to use modern controllers on Atari?

[TapperP]

Are there any converters that let you use modern controllers on Atari 8bit?

 

Like Xbox 360/One or PS3 controllers for example. My main reason for asking is I already own some nice arcade joysticks for those platforms, and it could be fun to use them with Atari games.

[Rybags]

I think so, I'm fairly sure one has been done for PS1 types (and likely that'd work with some later ones).

 

In some cases the targeted sytem has been C64 or Amiga but for the most part such devices would be interchangable though I think the Amiga can write to the TRIG lines where we can't.

[shanti77]

I use this https://www.8bitdo.com/retro-receiver-genesis-mega-drive  with gamepad from PS4. Two fire buttons work.

Edited June 29, 2020 by shanti77

[TapperP]

22 minutes ago, shanti77 said:

I use this https://www.8bitdo.com/retro-receiver-genesis-mega-drive  with gamepad from PS4. Two fire buttons work.

Thank you! I already own an 8bitdo m30 pad and n30 stick so that is perfect. I ordered one just now, but I wonder if there is much lag?

Edited June 29, 2020 by TapperP

[ojanhk]

I have one of these wireless adapters, but it doesn't work directly as Genesis is not pin compatible with Atari. You will need to purchase or build a small adapter to make it work on the Atari. I built the adapter a few months ago,  it's pretty straightforward: 2x DB9, a few resistors and 2 transistors. 
You can find schematics in old posts here on the forum. 

 

[ojanhk]

You can actually find the schematics here : Genesis adapter

[_The Doctor__]

Wii nunchuk To Atari mod out there too

[TGB1718]

I built an Arduino with a USB HAT so I can use USB Controllers, I can currently use

a Buffalo (PS1 lookalike USB) and a Saitek USB controller.

 

No noticable lag.

[TapperP]

Guys, thank you for the info. But I'm just a regular guy, no electrical engineering background or anything.

 

As far as the 8bitdo adapter goes, I've read that people use Genesis controllers on Atari 8bit all the time. But, if this won't work then I'll just send it back.

 

UPDATE: eh, I cancelled the order. If it won't work on the Atari then I don't need it.

Edited June 29, 2020 by TapperP

[shanti77]

2 hours ago, TapperP said:

Thank you! I already own an 8bitdo m30 pad and n30 stick so that is perfect. I ordered one just now, but I wonder if there is much lag?

I use a joystick extension, 7 wire from atari must hit 5 wire in the interface.  I have no lag.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_joystick_port

[ojanhk]

If you don’t want to solder an adapter, you can also purchase This

not sure 8-bit do adapter + this seagull adapter is really worth it though. 

[+slx]

Admittedly not the most "modern" controller, but Best Electronics sells an Atari Jaguar to 8-bit adapter cable.

[SenorRossie]

I don't own an 8bitdo adapter, yet, but the mod is supposedly a single wire mod. More info is found here: 

 

 

If the single wire mod is beyond your soldering capabilities, you can also purchase the seagull 7800 adapter, which allows you to plug in your Sega Genesis 8bitdo adapter and connect it to an Atari 2600, 7800, 8-bit or ST! Also available in the 'local' store: https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1079

[Mr Robot]

3 hours ago, SenorRossie said:

the mod is supposedly a single wire mod

This is what I understood.

 

I emailed 8bitdo and asked if they would be interested in making an adapter for Atari/C64/Amstrad etc. and they replied that they can't discuss unreleased products, so take from that what you will.

 

Should be possible to program these so they work with the 3 button multifire joysticks as well and have paddles on analog sticks

[TapperP]

4 hours ago, SenorRossie said:

I don't own an 8bitdo adapter, yet, but the mod is supposedly a single wire mod. More info is found here: 

 

 

If the single wire mod is beyond your soldering capabilities, you can also purchase the seagull 7800 adapter, which allows you to plug in your Sega Genesis 8bitdo adapter and connect it to an Atari 2600, 7800, 8-bit or ST! Also available in the 'local' store: https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1079

I can do basic soldering, so yeah I can probably handle that. I'll bookmark this as a maybe.

 

I'm not desperate to use a modern controller, it would just be a nice option. Was just wondering if that was a simple plug-n-play adapter and apparently there isn't one.

[manterola]

I got one 8bitdo, it arrived this evening. I opened and did the mod to supply power to pin 5, it works great. I paired with Wii controller and then with one Nintendo switch joycon. It worked with Moon Patrol redux with the Two button mod. 

So it really works well. 

 

 

[OxC0FFEE]

Does anybody have two of these and would they fit into both of the 130XE joystick ports at the same time or are they too wide?

[a8isa1]

On 6/29/2020 at 2:26 AM, TapperP said:

Are there any converters that let you use modern controllers on Atari 8bit?

 

Like Xbox 360/One or PS3 controllers for example. My main reason for asking is I already own some nice arcade joysticks for those platforms, and it could be fun to use them with Atari games.

I purchased mouSTer mainly because i worried that the old ball mouse i use exclusively with missile command plus is wearing out.

 

MouSTer works great for that purpose.

 

As for a usb gamepad i cant advise yet. Mouster has an issue with my ancient logitech firestorm 2. Will order a new pad over xmas holiday.

 

cant use an atari style joystick because of arthritis in my thumbs. For now i can still use the gamepad (on the laptop). Hoping the new one will work with MouSTer on the Ataris. I'll post again when I have it.