Any drawbacks to buying or trading for a used Atari 5200?

[josekortez]

I've been trying to use the search function since they updated the site, but it doesn't seem to work, so I thought I would just ask the DP community at large if I should be concerned about buying/trading for a used Atari 5200. The guy said that he hasn't tested it, but I know that most Atari systems work better than, say, a disc-based system. However, I know I have read horror stories about the joysticks not working properly. Any suggestions as to how I should proceed would be welcomed.

[CRTGAMER]

Most likely the joystick buttons will not work. They can easily be repaired by taking apart and cleaning the flex circuit button contacts. I have glued little pieces of aluminum foil on the buttons which work for a while. There is also a gold contact replacement kit. I would be more concerned with the Auto Switch if a four port console. A unique item that carries both the power and RF signal on one cable. Be sure that Auto Switch is included, these can fail if not plugged in the right sequence.

[Greg2600]

Often the plastic shell can get broken, particularly the controller storage bay cover, and they are rarely sold separately. The joysticks almost always need to be fixed with foil over the buttons inside the controller. Sometimes the controller boots, too, they get ripped. Otherwise, if the unit fires up with a game properly, you should be okay. Just make sure you get some kind of response from each controller port.

And don't forget about this wonderful tool (http://www.atarimax.com/5200sd/documentation/index.html)!

[josekortez]

Yeah, I'm considering swapping a factory sealed Sony PS1 LCD screen for it, so I don't want to get stuck with a piece of junk if it doesn't work properly. But I've got a bunch of 5200 games sitting around.

[OldSchoolGamer]

What you read is mostly true and if a seller is claiming untested then be prepared for joystick issues. In the best of times even new fully functional joysticks are interesting and hated by many. I got use to them and appreciate them for what they were but yeah I also bought a nice Gold Refurbed controller form BEST ELECTRONICS. as I did not want issues right off the bat but you need to understand at some point they will need servicing and maintenance so don't bother if your not willing to do that.