Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Where Are the Joysticks For Retro Gaming?

Posted by Soulskill on from the ch-flightstick-pro-was-aces-for-x-wing dept.

Doctor O writes "With all those nice emulators for classic gaming around (such as MAME, VICE or Stella) I want to establish monthly retro gaming evenings with some friends. The problem is I can't find any good joysticks for that purpose. There's a new version of the legendary Competition Pro, but judging from the many one-star reviews on Amazon, it's terrible. I found the USB version of the classic Atari Joystick, but it doesn't seem to be available and would have prohibitive shipping costs to Germany anyway. So, Slashdot to the rescue — where are the suitable USB joysticks for retro gaming?"

2 of 262 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I hear ya.... by MerlinTheGreen · · Score: 5, Informative

    Devices based on V-USB (software only USB implementation for AVR microcontrollers) are probably worth a look because designs you can copy are so numerous.

    This is one of the most versatile. I doesn't support the Apple IIc yet but the BBC joysticks had a similar capability so the only difference is likely to be in the adapter lead:

    http://denki.world3.net/retro_v2.html

    Perhaps you don't want to make your own circuit board. If so, I had a quick look at the retro's schematic and reckon you should be able to get the retro firmware running on an off the shelf board such as the one adafruit sell.

    http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16&products_id=174

    I've got one of these and its a great little board. I built a temperature logger using one and I got it running (hardware and software) in about four hours. That said I did spend another three building the programmer!

    Finally there a gallery of lots of HID devices made using cheap AVR controllers:

    http://www.obdev.at/products/vusb/prjhid.html

  2. Re:Retro NES USB Controller by Moryath · · Score: 5, Informative

    You want X-Arcade sticks.

    Actual arcade hardware. USB connector, or the option to stick in modular controllers for PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox360... you name it. Lifetime warranty and EASY user servicing, too. Shoot them an email if any component fails, they'll mail you the replacement part, you stick it in yourself, easy as can be.

    I bought a pair years ago, been upgrading them (very cheaply) as new systems came out. Love them and highly recommend them.