zeratul2099

Some weeks ago I snapped the stick of my CX-78 controller that came with the Atari 7800. The CX-78 came with the console in Europe and strongly resembles the NES gamepad, and that's no coincidence. A difference is the stick that can be screwed in the dpad. And this stick snapped. I saw no chance to fix or glue it and the rest if the stick is still stuck in the thread. The controller is still perfectly usable, but quite ugly in my eyes.

1/2

#retrogaming #retrocomputing #atari #atari7800 #cx78

11:14pmWeb
Show threadzeratul20996h ago

I thought how to replace it and then I remembered, there is a company that still produces Atari consoles and controller: Atari. At least the current incarnation of this company.
And voila: there is a wireless version of the CX-78, the CX-78+ Wireless with a USB- and a DB9-dongle. And it is very true to the original, except the missing cable and the charging port.

Not tested it yet, but it looks awesome.

2/2

#retrogaming #retrocomputing #atari #atari7800 #cx78

Show threadInverse ATASCII5h ago
@zeratul2099 the cx40 version works great with both dongles. I keep one on th the 2600+ and the other on my Mac. Easy to switch just by pressing the connect button.
Show threadzeratul20994h ago
@inverseatascii Awesome. Sounds convenient 🙂
Show threadJudeau (NES TMNT is GOOD!)4h ago

@zeratul2099 I just purchased one of these wireless versions a while back to use with my c64 ultimate. It works beautifully.

I think you'll definitely enjoy it.

Show threadzeratul20994h ago
@Judeau Yeah, I just tested it on the Ultimate too. Works great 😀
Show threadJudeau (NES TMNT is GOOD!)4h ago

@zeratul2099 That's great. I was afraid that it might be a pain to get it to pair but it was hassle-free.

I'm also much better with a controller than I am a joystick. So I prefer it for many (but not all) of my c64 games.

Show threadzeratul20993h ago
@Judeau I'll give it a try on the C64. I have a Competition Pro, which I don´t like very much tbh. And an arcade stick, but the travel is too long in some games with it.
Show threadJudeau (NES TMNT is GOOD!)3h ago

@zeratul2099 That's the same problem I have with some of my joysticks. My TAC-2 is a fantastic controller but the travel just seems too long. I opened it up and tried to refurbish it but I still wish it were tighter.

I have another joystick that uses mechanical switches that I really enjoy using though.

I still find myself going for the Atari controller for most of the games however.

Show threadGabeMoralesVR6h ago
@zeratul2099 They reproduced these a few years back and it's possible to buy replacement sticks if you look around.
Show threadzeratul20996h ago

@GabeMoralesVR Yeah. You responded faster than I could post my follow up post :D

Thats exactly what I did. I got the new wireless version.

Show threadGabeMoralesVR6h ago
@zeratul2099 I loved controllers that had these little nubs. My launch Master System had them, and so did my Gravis Gamepads for my 486. I totally used them! I think they feel good under my thumb. I feel like the 7800's is the best of these mini thumbsticks, with Sega's being the worst since it was a ball-top that hurt my thumb. Glad you got this replaced!
Show threadGabeMoralesVR6h ago
@zeratul2099 Incidentally, as someone who has pretty much hated Atari ever since the Tramiels sold them, I have to say this latest iteration of Atari is probably the best since their golden years. They actually are mining their nostalgia well, and their original games are pretty good. Have you seen the wireless atari joystick they sell? I use it for my MiSTer FPGA, it's *awesome*. Combined stick and spinner in one!
Show threadzeratul20995h ago

@GabeMoralesVR Yes, I prefer this controller with the thumb stick. Feels better than without it. I've never seen this concept before. I went from the 2600 to the Amiga to the PC back then.

The current CEO of Atari seems to be a big retro fan and since he is in charge they seem to honor their legacy. But yeah, the company is basically Infogrames with the Atari-label on it :)

Show threadGabeMoralesVR5h ago
@zeratul2099 I remember when they were first sold to hasbro immediately after the Tramiels sold and being optimistic. Hasbro's first official act as owners of Atari was to declare the Jaguar on open system and waive all licensing fees, which is why the Jag homebrew scene thrives today. Then... it was all downhill from there lol. I like when Atari is actually awesome, it's good for the industry IMO.
Show threadzeratul20995h ago

@GabeMoralesVR I remember them being publisher of Unreal Tournament. I saw the logo on the box and was surprised: Atari still exists? :D

But then I lost track and learned the whole Atari story only a few years ago when I started getting into retro gaming.