justclaws Posted January 17, 2021 Share Posted January 17, 2021 (edited) There have been a lot of peripherals, controllers, already listed as working with the VCS. To update... From the FAQ, the intention is universal compatibility with: Bluetooth and USB game controllers Mouse and Keyboard External Storage Webcams Microphones External Speakers Headphones For these, USB is generally universal, and Bluetooth will be less universal. I wanted to see if I could bring a list together, which can be added to the FAQ later. I only meant to add USB or Bluetooth peripherals and controllers. Official Peripherals Atari Modern controller - also compatible with Xbox (dual mode, switch with back and menu) Atari Classic joystick - also compatible with PC (dual mode, switch with back and menu) Internal Expansions (not really a peripheral, but for reference) M.2 SATA - (uninstalled, unlimited capacity) Up to 32GB DDR4 260pin RAM (2 slots, 8GB installed by default) PCIe WIFI card (installed - Realtek 8822CE PCI-E NIC) 3rd-Party (Modern) Controllers Microsoft Xbox One controllers - compatible (bluetooth and wired) Microsoft Xbox 360 controllers - compatible (bluetooth and wired) Microsoft Xbox (classic) controllers - compatible, via adapter (bluetooth and wired) Sony Dual Shock 3 - compatible, via USB Sony Dual Shock 4 - compatible, via USB (and supports audio pass-through to headphones) Sony Dual Shock 5 - for PS5 Nintendo Wii-U Pro-controller - compatible (bluetooth - A/B, X/Y, swapped, layout different, gameplay unchanged) 3rd-Party (Retro) Controllers SNES style - compatible, via USB with VCS menus, and (some) games (details to follow) USB arcade style joystick (6 button, Saturn style) - compatible in most games (directions, A, B, C, at least) 9-pin Atari controller to USB adapters - compatible in most games (directions, A, at least) To confirm... please? Whatever you have, not listed... Incompatible Hyperkin Tropper II - not compatible (so far, according to Mockduck review) X3 PS2 style wireless controller - not compatible (PC-mode as cursors/mouse, IOS mode, Android mode) Nintendo Wiimote - bluetooth - syncs, but motions map to up/down/left/right, so too difficult to use Normal PC compatible devices Logitech wireless keyboards, mice, via wireless dongle - e.g. Logitech K400 Rapoo wireless keyboards, mice, via wireless dongle - e.g. Most 3rd-party wireless keyboards, mice, via wireless dongle USB mice (if PC compatible, also VCS compatible) USB trackballs (if PC compatible, as VCS compatible, act as normal USB mice) USB keyboards (if PC compatible, also VCS compatible - only USA layout so far) Bluetooth keyboards (not at present, to confirm) Audio Devices USB headphones/speakers - yes Bluetooth headphones/speakers - not at present (to confirm) Atari Speaker Hat (bluetooth) USB Storage Devices - USB thumb drives/memory sticks (or what you call them) - yes - USB disk drives (up to USB 3.1, supported) - FAT, FAT32 and Ext4 file systems automatically mounted (NTFS not mounted) - DVD drive (one listed in this thread, and any should work) - 3.5" floppy disk drive! (Physical media, anybody, ha ha) PC-Specific Accessories USB to VGA adapter for 2nd screen - some compatible in Windows 10 USB network devices, for 2nd Ethernet - in Ubuntu or Windows, as on any PC Edited January 31, 2021 by justclaws Added more items, validated. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justclaws Posted January 17, 2021 Author Share Posted January 17, 2021 This is a video demonstrating that wireless USB headphones are supported dynamically. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mockduck Posted January 17, 2021 Share Posted January 17, 2021 I can confirm that both the Dualshock 3 and 4 work well with the VCS when connected over USB. The new Dualsense (for PS5) does not currently function with the VCS. I did run into a couple of individual game compatibility issues with the Dualshock 4, but I also found the DS4 to have a few nice bits, including pass-through for audio with the 3.5mm connection and the ability to use the touch pad for a mouse. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justclaws Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 A trackball definitely works.... ? Even one salvaged from "good will". Technically a USB trackball works like a USB mouse, but with free movement. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lbruington Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 I bought an external USB CD/DVD drive today and it works great with the VCS. https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/460958/Verbatim-External-Slimline-CD-And-DVD/fromLocalBrowse=true 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justclaws Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 An often asked question about controllers - what works. This thread for that too. Here, an Xbox 360 controller. Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver working with AtariOS - YouTube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justclaws Posted April 26, 2021 Author Share Posted April 26, 2021 Although the VCS has a joystick test application to download, it does not show how controllers react in Chrome, and for Stadia and others that also matters. I found this nice page (for Chrome) which shows the controller performance. It's useful for testing, and also interesting to see how Chrome reads it also. https://gamepad-tester.com/ 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Vogel Posted June 20, 2021 Share Posted June 20, 2021 Is there anyway I can connect a paddle controller from the original Atari 2600 using an adapter? The VCS classic controller is awful as a panel controller. If not that is a solution can I hook up a USB track ball and the USB spinner controller that will work with the VCS so I can properly play paddle games, tempest, missile command? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcelM Posted June 20, 2021 Share Posted June 20, 2021 Hi Paul, are you aware that the stick of the controller can rotate? Works great with Tempest. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+SabertoothRetro Posted June 20, 2021 Share Posted June 20, 2021 Also, some games allow allow for fine tuning of the sensitivity of the Classic Controller's rotary function based on the game and your preference. This is a great feature but not obvious. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocPaul Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 When I use a Sony Dual Shock 4 with my VCS, all sound is routed through to the 3.5m on the DS4 even though no headphones are plugged in. This happens with multiple DS4s, but does not happen with the Xbox One controller. Is there a way to stop this so I can still hear sound through the TV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeatari1 Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 On 7/17/2021 at 7:30 PM, DocPaul said: When I use a Sony Dual Shock 4 with my VCS, all sound is routed through to the 3.5m on the DS4 even though no headphones are plugged in. This happens with multiple DS4s, but does not happen with the Xbox One controller. Is there a way to stop this so I can still hear sound through the TV I have heard this concern before but I don't recall ever reading about a solution to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzip Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 Just got my VCS, opted for the one without the controllers since I have so many. But how do you actually use a third party controller with it? I tried a DS4 and a generic PC/Xbox one. While the VCS detected both when plugged into USB, how do you push the "Atari button" to get past the first screen? I thought maybe the Playstation button would have the same function, but no luck. None of the other buttons did either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mockduck Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 On 7/17/2021 at 7:30 PM, DocPaul said: When I use a Sony Dual Shock 4 with my VCS, all sound is routed through to the 3.5m on the DS4 even though no headphones are plugged in. This happens with multiple DS4s, but does not happen with the Xbox One controller. Is there a way to stop this so I can still hear sound through the TV I have not been able to find a way to do it, and yes, this is a universal issue with the Dualshock 4. You could theoretically do a bluetooth dongle to stereo thing, but ultimately there needs to be a setting to "send audio through HDMI" or "send audio through USB" toggle in the AtariOS settings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mockduck Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 1 hour ago, zzip said: Just got my VCS, opted for the one without the controllers since I have so many. But how do you actually use a third party controller with it? I tried a DS4 and a generic PC/Xbox one. While the VCS detected both when plugged into USB, how do you push the "Atari button" to get past the first screen? I thought maybe the Playstation button would have the same function, but no luck. None of the other buttons did either. Hmm, you - should - just be able to press X to start entering your pin, then use the Options button as the hamburger menu button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzip Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 Just now, Mockduck said: Hmm, you - should - just be able to press X to start entering your pin, then use the Options button as the hamburger menu button. The X on the DS4 you mean? X tends to be a different button on different controllers :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mockduck Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 2 minutes ago, zzip said: The X on the DS4 you mean? X tends to be a different button on different controllers Yes, "cross" I guess is the technically correct term for the button. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzip Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 4 hours ago, Mockduck said: Yes, "cross" I guess is the technically correct term for the button. Some progress but it's not ideal. I found I can use a keyboard to get in and update the system. Also if I press escape on the keyboard to simulate the Atari button, then press X on the DS4, the DS4 will work, but still can't press the equivalent of the Atari button. It's something, I guess. No luck with the other controller yet. The VCS will detect it in both USB and BT, but it doesn't do anything once connected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allpaul Posted August 8, 2021 Share Posted August 8, 2021 I know you listed them as compatible, but I just bought this keyboard and mouse setup: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1507973-REG/logitech_920_009437_mk470_slim_wireless_keyboard.html It has a dongle, so the VCS treats it like a wired keyboard and mouse combo. I sometimes have issues connecting to Bluetooth with my other keyboard/mouse, so this totally fixes it. I am about to copy my Windows 10 install to the internal m.2 drive, so I need the escape key to work to choose my boot drive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisX Posted August 22, 2021 Share Posted August 22, 2021 I see that you can use a PS4 controller on a VCS,but can you use a VCS joystick on your PS4? I would love to buy a couple joysticks for the PS4 Atari collection,Ms. Pac-Man,DigDug,etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justclaws Posted September 16, 2021 Author Share Posted September 16, 2021 A couple of days ago I ordered myself this trackball, and I'm now eagerly waiting for it. https://coolgods.nl/draadloos-programmeerbare-ergonomische-trackball-muis.html 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allpaul Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 Do you guys think this is would be a good, fast external drive for Windows? https://www.westerndigital.com/products/portable-drives/sandisk-extreme-usb-3-2-ssd#SDSSDE61-1T00-G25 I've read that USB 3.2 is backwards compatible with USB 3.1, so there shouldn't be any issues there, right? After installing Windows 10 on my internal m.2, I'm in agreement with Justclaws that the plugging up an external drive with the OS the way Atari intended is the way to go. If not, hopefully you guys can recommend something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justclaws Posted November 28, 2021 Author Share Posted November 28, 2021 7 hours ago, Allpaul said: Do you guys think this is would be a good, fast external drive for Windows? https://www.westerndigital.com/products/portable-drives/sandisk-extreme-usb-3-2-ssd#SDSSDE61-1T00-G25 I do think it's a good technical match, and I like it's even got a red highlight which matches the colour scheme! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allpaul Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 Is anyone currently using a good, reliable USB hub with their VCS? It would be nice to free up some USB ports for other stuff than charging the controllers and whatnot. I've had mixed results on other computers using them, both bus powered and ones with a power supply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stirrell Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 For what it is worth, I am using the following drive for Windows with PC Mode on my VCS: Pioneer 3D NAND External SSD (480 GB)-Portable Solid State Drive USB 3.1 Gen 1 (APS-XS03-480) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07PZK47BG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QK4HAG5YPAAY4GQZEVDJ I have not had any issues. And I have been using a cheap Anker 4-port hub with no problems at all on the VCS for the drive and keyboard. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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