What do you think the best controller for the atari 2600 is.

[swlovinist]

I am an avid gamer of retro systems. Like many of you on this site, I want to get the most out of my "old faithfull" systems. Recently, I have really collected my atari stuff at an increased pace. I have an 2600, 5200, 7800, lynx, Jaguar, and newly acquired XEGS. I am looking for the controller that is the best to play 2600/400/800/XE games. I am looking for a sturdy, durable contoller, I dont care really about price......as long as I can find it on ebay or abroad. I apprecaite anyone who can help me answer this important question!

[petewhitley]

For my money it's the Epyx 500XJ. Ooooohhhh, so comfortable!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3023132429&category=187

[drumguy79]

I swear by the Wico Command Control Joystick
http://24.101.130.70:789/ebay/wico1.jpeg

I'll kick you in your wico command control joystick nuts.
(Get it? I'm swearing by it...)

[zektor]

I swear by the Wico Command Control Joystick
http://24.101.130.70:789/ebay/wico1.jpeg

I'll kick you in your wico command control joystick nuts.
(Get it? I'm swearing by it...)

Damn good joystick at that...but just too large to hold sometimes. I always find myself going back to the original joysticks the 2600 came with to tell you the truth. I feel the most comfortable with it. Actually, I feel the most comfortable with the original system joysticks/joypads from just about any system (cept for the 5200 and 7800) ...I never liked 3rd party sticks for any system really.

[digitalpress]

I still like the original sticks as well. They may not be the most durable but they're more durable than most and very easy to find and replace.

More importantly in this thread - you NEED paddles. Some of the best 2600 games are paddle-controlled, and it's an experience that to this day has not been truly duplicated on any other console. So get 'em.

[Keir]

'The Boss' by Wico is my personal favorite, though a lot of people don't like it because the stick rotates. I've been using the same one for over 15 years.

[omnedon]

I'll second "The Boss" by wico, and I'll second the paddles too. Two sets if you can, then you can play 4 player Warlords! Any set of paddles will likely need a shot of tuner cleaner to the potentiometer inside, or you will have nasty jittering.

Good Hunting!

[Gamereviewgod]

I love to use Genesis controllers for alot of my games. Since I grew up with a D-pad, I can't let go....

[ventrra]

For my money it's the Epyx 500XJ. Ooooohhhh, so comfortable!
I'll second that recomendation. I've had a set of these for a couple of years now, they're one of only a very few controllers that don't cramp my hands and yet control very well.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

Common joysticks are ok for me...

[zemmix]

Genesis for me too. Joysticks just dont feel right.

[Videogamerdaryll]

These two are my favorites..

http://www.imagemagician.org/images/cokegirl/51384.jpg

[Raedon]

I love the Epyx stick for use on my C64 but I use Wireless controllers with my Atari 2600..

http://www.vidgame.net/ATARI/Atari/2600/game_mate.jpg

wait.. mine have the unbreakable antenna's.

http://www.vidgame.net/ATARI/Atari/2600/wireless.jpg

[TripppsK]

IMO there is no substitute for the original.

[rbudrick]

For nostalgia, the originals, but for *everything* else, a good Genesis controler with autofire can't be beat.

-Rob