Atari THE400 Mini's THECXSTICK: Does it Have Problem & Can it be FIXED?

Atari brings the computer age home. Again! Welcome back to the Atari 8-bit world of computing! The powerful Atari 400 set a new standard of capability with its release in 1979, and along with its subsequent models, has been loved by gamers and computer enthusiasts for decades. Now Retro Games and Atari have collaborated to create THE400 Mini. A half-sized version of the distinctively styled Atari 400, emulating the whole 8-bit Atari range from the 400 to the 800XL, and the Atari 5200 home console. Also included is a recreation of the classic Atari CX40 joystick, with an additional seven seamlessly integrated function buttons. Play one of the 25 built-in games, including: Lee, Berzerk, Millipede, Miner 2049er, M.U.L.E, Star Raiders II, and save your progress at any point in one of four save slots per game, or even pause and rewind gameplay to help you through the most difficult parts - a feature new to THE400 Mini. The multi-region THE400 Mini features HD visuals output via HDMI and with five USB ports, you can connect additional controllers or a standard PC keyboard. And as with all Retro Games' releases you are free to play content you own via a USB flash drive, and learn to program in BASIC. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of retro computing, THE400 Mini has something to offer! However, some users have reported trouble with THECXSTICK related to reliable directions and diagonals. In this video, Jon finds a way to test & diagnose the problem and even tries out a clever solution proposed by an Atari community member over on Atari Age!
Note that performing modifications seen in this video may void your warranty.
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#atari #the400mini #thecxstick #genxgrownup
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THECSSTICK » amz.run/7hC2
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AtariAge Thread » forums.atariage.com/topic/364...
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🟢 C H A P T E R S
00:00 THECXSTICK
01:20 The Problem
02:05 Test Program
03:50 Testing
06:10 Extra Force
07:45 Community Fix
10:22 Re-Test
11:26 Summary

[@TYKEOG]

OG poster of the fix from Atari Age checking in 😊 Glad to see it being brought to the masses, good job 👍 Just to add from my initial experimentations, the height, diameter and physical give in the rubber/material all adds to the overall stiffness and effectiveness of the fix. What works for one person may not suit another, don’t be afraid to try different options. Hopefully Retro Games Ltd will build on the work and update future batches with a similar implementation or ultimately a re-design to address this. Game on!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Well said. And thanks for sharing your findings. I had already planned on a "what's up with THECXSTICK" video for today, but when I saw your post, it grew in scope!

[@MrGratefulg]

That program from ANTIC was a fun nostalgia jolt. I had a subscription to ANTIC. I typed that program into my 400 so I could test the various third party controllers that were on offer back then. Thanks for the flashback.

[@GenXGrownUp]

No way! You remember the actual issue & program? That's neat! 😁

[@perfectionbox]

Games are adrenaline rollercoasters, I expect controllers to be indestructible.

[@ButterSpider3]

I really dig your troubleshooting videos. You’re definitely a very clever fellow. Another home run!!

[@DavpaCoX]

I find a lot of people are "heavy handed" with their controllers. The number of Atari VCS Classic Joysticks being ripped in half, and now the CXStick giving false positives, is a bit staggering, IMO.

[@PeBoVision]

I certainly am. I have a big box filled to the brim with broken joysticks. I stopped buying cheap Chinese clones because of it. It was less of an issue when CX10's & CX40's were less that $10. But I was highly disappointed when my Hyperkin Trooper's stick broke off in my hand playing Ms Pac Man (hardly a high force game). Hoping that THECXSTICK will serve me a bit longer.

[@edwardmclaughlin719]

I doubt it with your record. I think you might need your fingers shaved down a millimeter or 2. Use an exacto knife. Less blood and cleanup.@@PeBoVision

[@PeBoVision]

@@edwardmclaughlin719Finger size has no effect on getting rambunctious during a game. And I would wager than most vintage gamers (gamers who play vintage games, AND gamers who are themselves 'vintage') have similar boxes of Atari joysticks in "forced" retirement. It should be noted though, that I have 2 SlikStiks (my favourites) and an Epyx joystick, that have survived my heavy handedness without failure for 40 years. Maybe the problem isn't the user but build-quality and cheap plastics (Aging rubber is a separate issue that is not in any way the fault of a manufacturer or country of origin). I'll see if THECXSTICK joins SlikStik and Epyx or the $7.99 China knockoffs. It DID reduce the lag inherent in using a DB9 to USB adapter, so I'm thrilled about that.

[@Bikeguychicago1]

Great diagnosis and walkthrough, as always!

[@jst6502]

Great video, I’m glad there is a workaround. Thanks for publicizing for the community!

[@GenXGrownUp]

It's a great bunch of Atari fans gathered around Atari Age, and they're always so clever & generous.

[@ultimatemaitai]

This is really helpful, thank you for putting this together.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You're very welcome. Thanks also goes to the OP on Atari Age who shared his solution.

[@PeBoVision]

Well that explains the difficulty I was having playing Runner's Revenge under Hatari. I could only get my player to dig occasionally. I thought it was an issue with the button not reading, but it was probably not locking onto the diagonal (I have snapped joysticks for over 40 years - my touch is NOT light in the heat of gameplay). Will try your fix, because it is many years too late to adjust my force.

[@GenXGrownUp]

The force is strong with this one.

[@minimoe2807]

I feel like many of the issues are coming from people who did not grow up with the joy stick. The way you hold it can have a lot to do with it too. I imagine playing Q*bert, for newbies to a joy stick, would be very challenging. Great review and research.

[@IgnusFast]

I was having the same issue in Lee (random ducking), so I'll absolutely try this!

[@ddarko08]

Same here, was so frustrating!

[@steveafulton]

This one seems aimed directly in my direction. Good job finding joytest! Yeah, I must be hard on the stick, and that's the issue with that. The extra-button place is still an issue for me though, but I think I can fix that by remapping. Loved this Jon!! Very nice work!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Heh. You were certainly among the chorus of voices I heard related to directional performance. I hope this helps you a bit.

[@JetmanUK]

Whilst trying to modify mine I just used the controller tester in Windows, works perfectly and helped me out a lot.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Good note. I kind of just wanted to perhipherally show that we figured how out to get BASIC programs in & out of THE400 Mini. This was as good an excuse as any! 😁

[@JetmanUK]

@@GenXGrownUp Yep, a good two for one. 👍🏻

[@jpgabobo]

Still have my Sears CX10? works like new, just like my Atari 800, thanks Mom for saving them...

[@marklechman2225]

Thanks again for helping out the community. I’ll be doing this mod for sure as I sometimes do go a bit hard on the stick 😜 I will say that the CXSTICK is not perfect, the main reason being that there’s not a lot of space to put my hands where there’s not already a button, so I keep hitting them by mistake. Luckily there are a few workarounds, but that’s my biggest gripe as the stick does feel really good and is very responsive. The mini itself is brilliant and definitely delivers more than I expected.👍

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm very happy to hear that my videos provide some realy value. Let me know how your mod goes! 😁

[@wiredupretro]

Nice presentation- well explained :)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thank you 🙂

[@ianbuxton525]

Jon, great video. Thank you. For the 70s and 80s people that are used to a stiffer joystick this is an interesting solution. Have you thought about using an original joystick with a usb converter and trying that? That would make an interesting video.

[@tomevil6]

Awesome stuff!

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

Thankfully, the CXStick can be utterly ignored. The 400 Mini works with virtually _any_ wired USB controller dating back decades ago. I'm someone who does not like the CX40 to begin with. Major props to Retro Games Ltd for _not_ absolutely requiring the CXStick. For people like Jon that love the CX40, I'm glad they have an option that works for them. But for the rest of us, just grab an 8bitdo or Xbox controller or arcade stick. I'm personally using an arcade stick with my 400 Mini - real microswitch 8-way stick and 28mm buttons like you would find in an actual arcade control panel. Atari games play great with this set up!

[@GenXGrownUp]

My 8Bitdo SF30 Pro is always at the ready!

[@vaf51361]

Well said. Jon will not say the controller is garbage.

[@THeSToBBSTeR]

This goes to show that today, new products come to market so fast that they have limited testing done. Thank you for presenting this fix. I was ready to return the two I per-ordered off Amazon. Nice to know that I didn't waste money on another inferior product. At lease I can fix it myself.😁

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching!

[@ukcroupier]

Great work.

[@dougfeldman303]

Really appreciate the tip about using Altirra to add the basic program to a mounted ATR disk. Make sure the drive is set to R/W (maybe as default).

[@PapaBradsGaming]

I am aggressive with my stick! I did a review on the ATARI 400 mini. Joystick cost it a point. Great video as always. lol

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'll check it out!

[@braddahl2098]

I used it for one session and I keep accidentally hitting the new buttons! I guess I have to learn how to hold this version of the classic stick. I'm also hoping my genesis mini controllers work as well since I play most of my Atari games on real hardware with Sega controllers anyways. Good video as always!

[@JustinEmlay]

LOL! The beeps at the very end remind me of the beginning to Not An Addict by K's Choice.

[@CarnorJast1138]

I have an original 2600, with the original CX stick, and I play my 2600 quite often, and never experience anything like what has been said. Now, I know this is the original CX stick, and not the one that comes with The 400 Mini, but I also play with a rather light-handed approach when gaming on my 2600. Love the content, BTW! I just subscribed!

[@GenXGrownUp]

You're spot-on. The original CX-40 has that center post, preventing accidental presses from deformation of the contact -- in fact, the contact there is pretty rigid, so accidental presses are quite a bit less likely. Thanks for watching, and welcome! 😁

[@CarnorJast1138]

@@GenXGrownUp Thank you! Glad to be here! I've been playing video games of some kind since the early days of the Fairchild Channel F, which was my first console!

[@meneerjansen00]

I used only one of the two sticks that came with my Atari. That one is "broken in" and very supple, the other is - after 40+ years - still new and very stiff. So what people "remember" about the orig. stick may be very different from what a vintage CX is actually like.

[@McLovin_2007]

When I bought the Atari Flashback 9 a few years ago, I opened the controller, and saw that it uses a membrane just like the one in this video. It was easy to use and didn't have the stiffness like the original joystick. The only problem was that the fire button would misfire on occasion. I would push it and it didn't react sometimes. So I cleaned the contacts on the circuit board, and it started working fine. It may have been factory dust that was the problem.

[@DawezyDRK]

Yeah I don't see myself thrashing the controller to that extent anytime soon, but good solution all the same.

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

Excellent anaylsis Jon. I have not tried a CX Stick, but I think I fall on the lighter side most of the time. I can think of a couple of 2600 games that require me to use a more durabable controller with some metal in it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Decathalon, anyone? 😜

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

@@GenXGrownUp Good one. I was thinking of Double Dragon and Dragonfire.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@jeremiahthomas8140 Dragonfire, yes. Double Dragon? I wouldn't sully my VCS by even plugging in that abomination! 😜

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

@@GenXGrownUp Grrrr

[@RacerX-]

I am just going to say it: Retro Games needs to up their game on controllers. The C64 mini came with a pretty cheap and crummy controller that is not that great to use. They addressed it a little with the C64 Maxi by adding microswitches but still on the cheap side. I havent used my 400 mini yet but I don't want to have to unlearn 40+ years of using the Atari joystick...

[@MichelBoryoku]

Still not as bad as TheC64 sticks. The mini had the stiff mushy stick that would get "stuck". The maxi had the classic click stick which is better but would still get "stuck". I'm guessing to prevent that they changed it for the CX, overlooking the warping. I could get one of those Logitech Joystick, but I have no idea if they work on TheC64/Amiga/The400.

[@TrashfordKent]

I’m having the same issue, I’ll give the mod a try. I don’t remember having the same issue with 2600+ but perhaps it’s game related

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's in interesting point. The CX-40+ and THECXSTICK both have similar internals, but I don't recall hearing complaints of unwanted diagonals on that one.

[@jayme69]

Brilliant update Jon! I've not had any problems but there are some games that you're more likely to be more aggressive with the stick and may give you problems ... *cough* Pitstop II *cough* Keep up the awesome work :-)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Oh, yeah. That & The Great American Cross-Country Road Race! (Are you allowed to play that in the UK? 😉)

[@jayme69]

@@GenXGrownUp Maybe, but just on weekends ;-)

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@jayme69 I wouldn't want you to lose your citizenship or anything.

[@jayme69]

@@GenXGrownUp 😂

[@Kwstr42]

i bought one of these for my C64 Maxi because i grew up with atari controllers for my commodore so its my personal nostalgia. i dont have much issue with mine on the c64, but i dont play games that make me go bonkers on it. what i do have issues with are me issues or issues that i need to consult the c64 maxi joystick mapping. one is i hold the controller where my fingers accidentally hit the menu button. the other one is the abc buttons are weird on this stick and id like to have them remapped so the abc are on the ring. it would also make it more intuitive for changing port 1 and 2 on games, but it does work great so i cant complain too much. thinking about buying 1 or 2 more though one of them ill probably just get the atari mini

[@ctbinary42]

Not exactly Bill Nye but results are results 👍 Nice troubleshooting and walkthrough of how to fix the issue

[@GenXGrownUp]

Haha! No. Definitely not Bill Nye! 😆

[@edwardmclaughlin719]

It's in between Bill Nye and Martha Stewart on ingenuity. Some of these fixes are great for stabilizing plants.

[@DrDavelope]

I’m having a ball with my 400 Mini, Jon. No issues with the CX but perhaps I’m not playing the right games (or in the right way) to trigger this. The fact that there was a joy test code to test the original stick back in the 80s suggests there may have been challenges with the original, too.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You may just have a lighter touch like me. I say, count your blessings! 😁

[@spidericemidasiosmusicprod1309]

No actual issues with the stick performance here. The only thing is I hold it and use it in exactly the same way as I used to hold the original back in the 80s, which is obviously what I still find most comfortable all these years later. Unfortunately this results in accidentally nudging that left side shoulder button which was not on the original. Still getting used to it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for sharing your experience. 😁

[@JohnnyProctor9]

That thing is stiff, though less so than the one that came with the C64 Mini...I just use the Evercade VS gamepads now, they work great AND unlock the hidden games!

[@spidericemidasiosmusicprod1309]

Good info there, thanks! I'll try that.

[@exidy-yt]

My 'first edition' Gp2X handheld had a design issue where the base connector was screwed on 45 degrees offset where the diagonal inputs were aligned where the main direction inputs should have been. This ment that this happens: the diagonals happened far too often and unexpectedly when trying to move in main directions. It was fixed on the next non first edition release of the GP2X. Looks like a different issue here though.

[@bland9876]

This reminds me of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. The d-pad on it is bad and does diagonals all the time when you just want cardinals. You would think the inventors of the d-pad would get it right but guess not.

[@paulphillips546]

Biggest issue for me is the extra buttons that I just can’t stop hitting. Will need to unbind them and connect a keyboard. Think there was a missed opportunity not making the function keys functional. They are big enough to access easily and don’t think it would have added too much to the cost. Overall though extremely happy with my latest retrogames product (I have the complete set) 😊

[@GenXGrownUp]

I've got my USB keyboard's F-keys labeled and ring buttons unmapped. Solved.

[@paulphillips546]

@@GenXGrownUp I’ll need to unmap the shoulder button too as the way I hold the stick I find myself hitting that one accidentally as well

[@moxy1701]

Some people prefer pads and some prefer joysticks. I like both.🙂Sticks like this one tend to work better on a flat surface, like a desk or a table. That being said however, the Atari style sticks need a firm push in the direction you want to go because of the way they work.😁😁

[@djwrahfael]

For the price, the joystick of the Atari Gamestation Pro is quite good!

[@GaryHoh]

I had two CX Sticks and one works way better than the other! I made a video comparing my gameplay with the two!

[@meneerjansen00]

Probably because one is broken in and the other isn't.

[@GameJunctionMedia]

I recognize that SFGE shirt!

[@GenXGrownUp]

SFGE FTW! 🤘

[@burleighking7143]

John what do you think abought the old driving controlers and is indy 500 the only game thar used them i love that game any way to play it on new mini ??

[@GenXGrownUp]

Indy 500 is wonderful. That's a 2600 game, though, not an Atari Computer game. The 2600+ is the best bet once they get driving controllers working properly. (Or maybe they have? I'm behind on firmware updates for the Plus.)

[@Really........]

Nice simple fix although that isn't the problem I'm having. I tend to inadvertently press the buttons around the ring. On some games, bumping the up button resets the game. I mostly play using an 8bitdo controller but I like using this controller at times also. BTW: 8bitdo wireless USB adapters work great.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I mention that in my review, and advise remapping (or clearing mapping) for those ring buttons you tend to press inadvertently.

[@Really........]

@@GenXGrownUp Yes, it's just that one shouldn't have to do that. I love the idea of where they put the buttons, but they really should be on the front or back. Keep up the great work! Love the videos. We have a lot of the same tastes.

[@BAZFANSHOTHITSClassicTunes]

The cx joystick back in the day was very hit and miss. When i got my 2600 in the early 80s i had stiff ones that literally gave hand cramps very quickly and you had to stop playing. I also had a real lose one that was a joy to use and could play til your hearts content.

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's for sure. I think we all had our "favorite" CX-40 - the one we used all the time and then the "other ones" that we used only in an emergency!

[@mopster64]

For the most part I have issues when I play Lee. I just have to lighten my joystick movement and it will have to do. I can also use another controller. We’ll see.

[@XV250]

I have no problem with the stick as is - no false diagonals. However, I have a problem with the 4 'Ring' buttons. I find it is quite easy to hit one of those four Ring buttons mid-game, especially the Left one. This is like pressing one of the Option/Select/Start buttons on an original 8-bit, and resets the game. _Very_ annoying...

[@GenXGrownUp]

I've got my USB keyboard's F-keys labeled and ring buttons unmapped. Solved.

[@FaxiiChannel]

Grande jon da come ho capito tenendo spessorato la leva in su vedo che è più preciso e funziona bene dal test. Il prg è fatto bene in basic bel video istruttivo 👍🏻👍🏻

[@GenXGrownUp]

Infatti, Faxxi. Grazie per aver guardato e aver dedicato del tempo per commentare! 😁

[@mfeldsher]

Dumb question Jon, can you put a link on where to get the rubber grommet. I see many different ones with different size and shapes on Amazon.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Link is in the video description. Note that it's not just a peel & stick affair - I did even more trimming after this video was wrapped up to make it much smaller. Have your X-acto knife handy!

[@TheBlackCat_bln]

I wanted to buy this Atari joystick for nostalgia reasons and came across this video... skeptical, I thought to myself: it's a shame it has a problem, but it can probably be easily fixed... the joystick arrived today and I don't see any problem and dont have any input errors. Who is pushing into the corners with such force to cause these errors? I tested some old Atari VCS games and loved them. the cx40 was my first joytick. and after a few minutes with pac man it was just as uncomfortable today as it was for my little 5 year old self at the time. So everything as expected. And a great joystick for the perfect retro experience😁

[@GenXGrownUp]

Outstanding! As I demoed, I didn't have any problems, either, but with enough force I was able to reproduce them. Glad it's working for you - I love mine!

[@cryptocoffee13]

So, last night, I did notice these issues trying to play a couple of games. I'm having that issue trying to move because I'm harder on the joystick. There's another issue I haven't seen anyone mention, can't recall which game I was playing right now, but there was one I was playing and the left arrow button that is part of the inner ring of the joystick, the orange arrow part, I kept accidentally hitting it when I was moving around and it would reset the game. It's highly annoying. I also played with the VCS modern controller Warlords and the spinner will sometimes go from one side to the other almost immediately like it warped there instead of rolling there if that makes sense. Playing Super Breakout is virtually impossible with the CX-40, the VCS modern joystick, when you use the spinner, it allows me to spin from one side of the screen to other seamlessly. With the CX-40, you can't do that. So very interesting controller responses with this unit so far. I did a similar fix to the My Arcade Street Fighter Championship Edition Premium Player with that mini joystick to make it more stiff and accurate than the loose factory setting. I have a few different size bumpers I will try with this CX-40 to see if it will help. Great video, instead of just ignoring these issues or ridiculing people for it, you checked yourself, found there is indeed an issue, and provided a viable solution. Either there's something wrong with you that you're willing to do all that work, document it and put this together, or I don't know what, but excellent job as always. 🎉🎉🎉

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yes, certainly something wrong with me. 😉 I haven't spent that much time with the bonus games and the VCS Classic, so I may have just not run into those anomalies yet. I'll keep an eye out.

[@NotMuchHere]

i had it work .. but I am hiting the top left right buttons and the bottom trigger ... yes on the diagonal issues too ...

[@GenXGrownUp]

I've got my USB keyboard's F-keys labeled and ring buttons unmapped. Solved.

[@bnatens1]

I find it an verry good stick

[@delscoville]

I already have a C64 mini and a A500 mini, so I wonder how well the TheJoyStick and the A500 CD32 style controller will work. I have TheJoyStick with the mechanical buttons, and would love to use that instead if I get an A400 Mini.

[@GenXGrownUp]

They're all compatible. I show the pre-configured button map in my review (and it's also in the manual).

[@MarquisDeSang]

The joystick tester should be in the same UI as the re-mapping.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Could be a nice addition.

[@italoborges4158]

Hi, Jon! Do you think a keyboard with a trackball or a trackball mouse could be used on the Atari 400 mini to play Centipede or Missile Command, including the 5200 versions? 🤔

[@GenXGrownUp]

I tried a few USB mice during my review testing and none of them were recognized as controllers. (A mouse, as you know, is essentially an upside-down trackball.) So under the current firmware, probably not. But possibilities for the future are there.

[@italoborges4158]

@@GenXGrownUp Thanks for the info!

[@italoborges4158]

Sorry to bother you on this topic, Jon. I asked the ChatGPTt if there were any differences between the circuitry and information input between the keyboard trackball and a mouse trackball. It says that in a keyboard, the trackball movements are translated into cursor movement via keyboard circuitry and its signals are processed alongside the keyboard inputs. On the other hand, the mouse trackball operates differently, with its own circuitry and connection to the computer. Maybe it's worth a shot..."@@GenXGrownUp

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@italoborges4158 What's a "keyboard trackball?" Like a laptop nub or something?

[@italoborges4158]

@@GenXGrownUp It's simply integrated to the keyboard. You easily can find it on the internet and, considering you live in the USA, on any good retailer.

[@b.o.4492]

I’ve never been so hard on my keyboards or sticks but my friends… yeah they’ll have this problem.

[@consty715]

👍

[@jonathanross149]

As a kid I ripped out the center post playing HERO in the 2600

[@PitfallHarry72]

The best would be a flat (not domed) or flattened bumper with a little well in the middle in order to keep the bumper from eventually migrating to the side. Granted, they don't make bumpers like that, so people would have to make it themselves.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm sure I could fashion such a thing if I don't mind losing more blood! 🩸

[@lydiakossow]

Great content!Tysm!! Happy National PAC-MAN Day!!! 🕹🎉

[@GenXGrownUp]

Same to you!

[@randysmith7094]

Just cut little squares of tape and layer them on the center until you get what works best.

[@treyslay753]

I haven't had any issues with the CX Stick. It seems like a quality controller to me. Some of the Atgames Flashback controllers were junk. This one doesn't fall into that category in my opinion.

[@hyzenthlay7151]

I think this is an issue of people being 40 years older than when they used this controller before. Kids tend to hold the CX40 heavyhandedly with the whole grip around the stick, example of this is how many original joysticks are out there with the rubber smoothed out almost to a round rod, rather than a hexagon. I notice you hold it with your fingers and not the whole hand, and this also prevents you from accidentally pressing the additional buttons on the ring. 40 years later, lots of those kids are still holding the joystick like it's the hilt of a sword, inputting very heavy directional commands and hitting the ring buttons with their fist. Who's holding it wrong? Can't really say, but I can see from personal experience that the issues come from how they hold it. On a sidenote, look how many people are snapping the stick on their C64 Mini joysticks...

[@Zoyx]

I have been using my Hori EX2 (Xbox 360 version) with my 400 mini. The Hori EX2 ships with a square restrictor plate or gate. That makes the diagonals too accessible, much like the CXstick. This made it hard to play Pac-Man Championship Edition on my Xbox. I swapped in an octagon-shaped gate... problem solved. I played Miner 2049er with both the CXstick and my modified Hori... the Hori is so much better.

[@user-jk6sm4qi6v]

Does it play the arcade version of Tron with its paddle?

[@GenXGrownUp]

What? THE400 Mini neither has a paddle nor does it play arcade ROMs. You may be thinking of a different device.

[@shawncarter7188]

Note to users, you could probably try a drop of hot glue instead of a sticker pad... Hot glue won't damage a circuit board and will stick better than a pad. Just add a little at a time as it would be hard to remve if you put too much.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Nice idea. Do you think it'll affix well enough and not wiggle loose?

[@shawncarter7188]

@GenXGrownUp well, there's one way to find out ! 😃... I think it has a better chance of staying than the pads do, which is also a form of glue. I use hot glue to hold circuit boards to models and it stays pretty well... but, I don't exert force on it. I think it's worth a shot, if it comes off, it would be in one piece and would not damage the board.

[@tabytha.stryker]

with my cxstick I was able to just use a small square of electrical tape in the center of the board to fix this

[@Mekaneckpain]

With the original CX-40, you kinda had to use a little force with the directionals... Some of us actually used to remove to rubber from the stick itself to make things easier. So, I think us old school Atari 2600 gamers aren't used to not having to man handle the stick.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yes. Fair point.

[@katmacoconnor]

🕹️💜

[@danglover]

This solution worked for me. It is strange, the stiffness of the stick makes me feel like I have to press it hard. I find I can only use a light touch for so long and them I go back to pressing it hard again.

[@MikeStarasta]

If I write a program in BASIC, how do I go about saving it?

[@GenXGrownUp]

SAVE "D:FILENAME.BAS"

[@brotherblue3340]

The cx stick makes this feel more like the 5200 mini 😅

[@vaf51361]

Yes exactly. Excellent design poor execution

[@ridiculous_gaming]

If owners of this cx40 controller are not original retro gamers, but people used to current sticks on Playstation and Xbox consoles, they will find this controller and most retro controllers, for that matter, really hard to use. For starters, retro joysticks have long sticks and movements, which are very different from current analogue sticks. My high school students are super clumsy using such retroish controllers.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Huh, interesting. I guess as we grew up right along with evolving controllers I hadn't considered how an old controller might be for someone who's only used modern stuff. Thanks for sharing that insight.

[@cjpops7628]

sadly, I've decided to return mine - pressing down on my joystick goes either left or right, so frustrating...

[@GenXGrownUp]

Understandable. Sorry to hear you're experiencing that.

[@horstboss7855]

I wonder, how does it compare to the version that comes with the 2600+?

[@OriginalGrasshopper]

The 2600+ joystick is PERFECT since it is an exact recreation of the famous Atari CX40 joystick. I have had no issues whatsoever with the included joystick on the 2600+.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Spoiler alert: The CX-40+ isn't an exact recreation. The outside is faithful, but the internals are very much more like THECXSTICK. I dismantled both recently during live streams if you're curious.

[@horstboss7855]

@@GenXGrownUp Have a link to the video at hand? =)

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@horstboss7855 Certainly. Thanks for asking. 😀 kzbin.infot2t_m5k_VDo

[@JetmanUK]

The CX40+ is excellent! I have had no misreads of inputs, it's responsive and feels very similar to my classic CX40 sticks.

[@doodemog]

I had that problem, but if I’m lighter with it it seems ok

[@PeBoVision]

I am completely unaware of how hard I am pushing the stick while playing. It's intuitive from nearly half a century of CX gameplay. If I started paying attention to how hard I'm pushing/pulling, I'd lose focus on the game. Being gentle with a joystick just seems wrong.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I don't disagree, PeBo. I'm certainly not suggesting anyone should "be more gentle" with the stick, only that my nature is a bit of a lighter touch, explaining why I (and many users) didn't experience the problem. Now we know, though.

[@PeBoVision]

@@GenXGrownUp And knowing is why I'm subscribed to GenXGrownUp. - I know about the stick (and own it) thanks to watching your channel. - I know the innards thanks to watching your channel. - I know all the buttons thanks to watching your channel (no manual sheet is included in the stand-olone joystick purchase👎). - I know about a potential issue AND the fix for it thanks to watching your channel. (I have a collection of rubber pads thanks to glass coffee tables) Rest assured, I was only commenting on how I use a joystick (I can't even imagine a light touch in 80's video games), and not implying that you had suggested anything. Because I ALWAYS trust that when you DO suggest something, I know I'm getting the real goods.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@PeBoVision That's incredibly kind of you to say, and I will continue to try to earn the trust you've given so generously.

[@PeBoVision]

@@GenXGrownUp Just suckin' up, incase I can collect on it later ;)

[@SensibleChuckle]

Why is volume half on the ring and fire button, why not use the stick? Also why not use left and right ring, since the meter is keft right? That is, if it must be on the ring, which i disagree with. If theres a left right or up down movement, why not use you know, the direction based controls instead of breaking the control across two different groups? I was a GUI guy this irritates me as im sure most people will not expect it to work like it does. It's a needless use (and half use) of the ring on that volume. Stick should be the main input. I didn't test the whole GUI yet, just a couple games over a few mins. My god the number of times I lost a game to the front buttons being placed where my fingers naturally sit just to hold that anti-egronomic stiff stick. Lol I like the Amiga 500 mini more, but I think its due to software. I'm going to test roms and use my 8Bit.Do; I think that will boost my spirits with this purchase. For mine the 4 directions are a kight touch but I had to ham fist the diagonals. I had some luck with light diagonals but hard diagonal worked everytime. I'm just not going to use it. Itsvreslly soured my experience and i dont want that to make the whole purchase suck. I do like the system! Still wish it was a 600XL that doubled as a pc keyboard. Hopefully 8Bit.Do will do it like they just released the C64 flavored keyboard.

[@TomMannCenturia]

The same firm did the c64 mini and the joystick that came with that was absolute junk. They cheaped out then so I wouldn't be surprised if they did it again.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I've heard that. I have the C64 Mini but have never spent any time with it. What was bad about that stick?

[@-haso]

Jon the Gen X Scientist.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Hahaha! 😁

[@VEGANVANIA]

In 2024, it is Sanwa, it is Seimitsu, or else it is _nothing at all._ You've just got to admit to yourself that you've got 21st century expectations! :-)

[@urbanknish]

I have THE400 and hate the joystick. I mean... I really, really hate it. It looks nice. It feels nice. But it's stiff and unresponsive. This reaction was immediate in my case.

[@GenXGrownUp]

To each his own.

[@urbanknish]

I'm going to try your fix. Thank you for taking the time to show it to us!

[@NotMuchHere]

haha ... did you enter the line checker too ...

[@NotMuchHere]

thats not fair .. there were no emulators (for atari) in 1983 ... :) no drag and drop, no interwebs ... :P G

[@NotMuchHere]

.... so what you are saying is I am a ham fisted clod ... nice :). gentle ... gentle ...

[@NotMuchHere]

ah yes .. central nubbin ... chandler bing would be so proud!

[@NotMuchHere]

apple analyogy ... can you fix it with duct tape .... you cant review apple products anymore ... hahah your holding it wrong! hahhahahaha tanks for the memories!

[@Evilkingus]

They always seem to f*** us over with the joysticks. Remember the The C64 mini competition pro knockoff? Horrible! And then the regular The C64 (I refuse to call it Maxi as it was never the name) - less horrible, but still horrible. The amiga gamepad was probably fine - I don't know, as I don't use gamepads for retro computer gaming. Stuff needs to just f***ing work.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Deep breaths. 😉

[@tron3entertainment]

Sure, the CX stick could have been better. But it stood up to hours and hours of play.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I haven't heard anyone questioning its durability, but I agree.

[@JohnnyProctor9]

You guys need to quit manhandling your sticks, lol! 😆

[@GenXGrownUp]

Tell me about it. 😶

[@RETRONuts]

Its missing the hole in the middle of its PCB board so why THECXSTICK moves weird, its not the same as a real Atari Joystick or the Atari2600 Plus Joystick, I think it should of had a hole but they made it like THEC64 Red Joystick I think and that had the same problem, RGL have a habit of making the same mistakes when it comes to joysticks they should of done it like PLAION Atari Joystick, thats has a hole in its PCB, I best RGL wished they never said `We design all our products` now, well PLAION didn't... :), they just built to RGL specs or model, well back to the old drawing board... :) .

[@GenXGrownUp]

👌

[@atarimuseum_nl]

Reading the joystick can be much simpler. Just go to basic and type: 10 ? STICK(0) 20 GOTO 10 RUN 15=neutral, 14=up, 6=diagonal right/up, 7=right, 5= diagonal right/down, 13=down, 9= diagonal left/down, 11=left, 10=diagonal left/up The CXstick is a very low quality joystick. Retro Games Ltd should be ashamed to sell such a crappy joystick for these prices. My joystick has problems with hard right. The problem is the cheap stuff used inside. Those insides are meant for a d-pad and not for a joystick. That "fix" is just a temporary improvement and will not work for a long time.

[@GenXGrownUp]

We shall see. Thanks for your input.

[@atarimuseum_nl]

@@GenXGrownUpAs I wrote on AtariAge, I think you should tell your viewers that making this adjustments is at their own risk and probably will void warranty.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@atarimuseum_nl Factual. Although, by this time, I think every consumer knows that when they take a screwdriver to a product they're running that risk.

[@jaysmith2858]

Problems arising from overly enthusiastic use of their joysticks has plagued mankind for many years.

[@GenXGrownUp]

#FACTS

[@cavalleri]

"A little enthusiastic with their joystick." Too easy, way too easy.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I set it up like that and you DIDN'T spike it? What are we even doing here? 😜

[@cavalleri]

@@GenXGrownUp 🤣

[@markusjacobi-piepenbrink9795]

It‘s junk because it hasn‘t microswitches. They would make most games more enjoyable.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I understand where you're coming from. Does that make the CX-40, the CX-40+, and every other non-microswitch controller also "junk" in your view?

[@amare65]

Rubbing too hard or too frequently can cause issues with your joystick as well.

[@brotherblue3340]

Lol, this is a family friendly channel 😂

[@lorensims4846]

Nice try… Too busy with unlabeled buttons that are just too easy hit by accident. Which one is Start? Which one is Select? Which one is Option? Which is Menu? Which is Back? Just gimme my CX40.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I've got my USB keyboard's F-keys labeled and ring buttons unmapped. Solved.

[@lorensims4846]

I'm back on my old Atari 400. Solved. At least it has a real Atari keyboard and function keys.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@lorensims4846 Do what brings you joy.

[@Ste743]

Anyone who used an Atari joystick in the 70s and 80s never pulled hard the Atari joysticks because you’d significantly lessen the lifespan.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Oh, now that's true! 😁 I repaired many busted joysticks for friends in my neighborhood when they'd be a bit too rough!

[@Ste743]

@@GenXGrownUp right!! Most people would just buy new ones. I would fix up old ones too. I felt like the earliest ones we got for Christmas ‘77 lasted longer than later ones, but that was just a hunch.

[@Ste743]

@@GenXGrownUp wait- the earlier ones were also noisier and had a different feel. If only slightly. I wonder if they were different model numbers?

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@Ste743 Wonder no more! 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXOQgX2ig9x4n8k

[@Ste743]

@@GenXGrownUp that’s it! Nicely done. Thanks

[@Draxxon_MK]

I think it's both bad design and the user. I think both can be true.

[@GenXGrownUp]

🤔

[@GoldLeader-qb7uq]

To each his/her own. This is the ONLY Mini I've ever returned. On your test, 100% Accuracy. For the rest of us, Oops hit the ring! Oops hit the other ring! Good. Good. Oops hit the shoulder! Oops hit the ring! And so on...

[@GenXGrownUp]

I've got my USB keyboard's F-keys labeled and ring buttons unmapped. Solved.

[@XV250]

@@GenXGrownUpI'm going to try that, because I find hitting the Ring buttons is far too easy.

[@GoldLeader-qb7uq]

@@GenXGrownUp Lotta work to solve a problem that shouldn't be there...

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@GoldLeader-qb7uq We have very different definitions of "lotta work."

[@crowguy506]

Just replace it with a Competition Pro like we used to do with the original. That sucked too. Just the looks is cult.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I see they sell a USB comp-pro remake. amz.run/95Eb