THE400 Mini's Atari Joystick is a BIG DEAL! | Why is No One Talking About THECXSTICK?

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

The good thing is that even if I hate the CXSTICK, I suspect that the 400 Mini should be compatible with other controllers made by Retro Games Limited for other products in their line, such as the THEGAMEPAD from the Amiga 500 mini and THEC64 Stick. Those products too should be compatible with THECXSTICK too. I'm sure there are people out there who played C64 games using a CX40 back in the day. Now they'll do the same with The C64 Maxi and THECXSTICK. That's cool to think about!

[@jackmcslay]

I wish for an updated Atari 5200 controller with a proper self-centering analog and good quality buttons for the keypad but It seems that this setup would already fulfill most games' usage of the keypad.

[@SumDumGy]

The lack of said controller has been the one reason I’ve never considered adding a 5200 to my gaming library.

[@jackmcslay]

@@SumDumGy There's alternatives, usually a keypad with a port to plug another controller on to use the buttons and D-Pad. There's a guy who developed an entirely new controller with a more modern design and sold 3d printed units by order, don't know if he's still selling them, though...

[@phantomharlock999]

​@@SumDumGy Same. That and the fact that owning an 8-bit computer like an 800xl pretty covers you for most 5200 games.

[@patsk8872]

Oh GOD. You WANT a 5200 controller? LOL well to each their own.

[@SumDumGy]

@@patsk8872 A fully functional one, yes.

[@kenhill3230]

I had a 2600 as a kid and loved it. The joystick was perfect to me even though I heard people complain about it. I would kind of two hand it with it cupped in my right hand and using right thumb at the top for directional and left index finger was strictly for the fire button.

[@triffid68]

I always preferred this joystick whilst using the Atari 8-bit, C64, ST and Amiga. I think that it allows more precision movement compared to the Zipstik, Competition Pro and Slik Stik. I also had a couple of Tac2 joysticks but they didn't last long. A couple of the above joysticks were also quite loud with their microswitches. Or it could be that I got so used to the CX40 as my first controller!

[@ancient_of_mumu]

I have been using the Hyperkin Trooper 2 for my Atari emulators. but it's got enough buttons to play nes as well. works great on my Pi and in Windows. 20 bucks on Amazon

[@brianstrandberg9346]

ooh that looks nice.

[@paulphillips546]

I am currently using the stick that came with At Games 50th Anniversary VCS for most of my retro gaming, the classic shape but without the horrible stiffness of the original make this a winner for me, and now we have this coming with extra buttons in decent places, yep sign me up for not only a 400 mini but a second CX Stick as well. Thanks for another great video.

[@treyslay753]

I like Atgames take on the CX40, but some of them almost feel too loose to me. Some of them are spot on, your mileage may vary. 🙂

[@KayoMichiels]

Ugh. atgames.. get the 2600+

[@CyberPin2001]

Personally I hope this retains the stiffness of the original VCS stick. IE: keep it authentic

[@brianstrandberg9346]

Wonder if that would work with the Atari Gamestation Pro. I like playing missle command on it but the button arrangement is painful.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I really doubt it. Previous controllers from other Retro Games minis were not compatible, and I'd expect this to use similar internals. Happy to be proven wrong, though, at release! 🤓

[@phantomharlock999]

Like many others I used a CX40 to play my Commodore 64 prior to discovering my beloved Wico Command Control Bat joystick so I've been waiting for this to use with TheC64.

[@richchinnici6182]

The true test of any Atari joystick for me would be Activision's Decathalon. I developed a callous between my thumb and index finger playing that game.

[@greyshadow9498]

Broken many a stick playing that game

[@herculesinwyoming]

that game was brutal on the joystick

[@retropulse03]

If it was BLUETOOTH I would be super excited. I really want a classic Atari style joystick, but I don't need the cable going across the room. I left that behind 20 years ago and I don't intend to go back.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm also not a fan of wires draped across the room. I installed a USB hub at the seating of my home theatre with an extension back to the PC, so I can plug in USB stuff (memory sticks, controllers, headphones, etc.) right next to my chair without stringing spaghetti back to the rack! 😀

[@RandyWaage]

@@GenXGrownUp Great idea! I also use a super long HDMI cord from my TV to the couch and it sort of works similar.

[@lurkerrekrul]

When you buy an arcade joystick today, the joystick is always on the left and the buttons on the right, which is the opposite of the original Atari stick. So right-handed players are forced to use their left hand to control movement, and some people even argue that this makes more sense than having the stick on the right. By that logic, doesn't that make the original Atari CX40 joystick, a LEFT-HANDED joystick? Strangely, I never hear anyone argue that it was better for lefties to use the stick with their right hand, but you'll find legions of gamers who'll swear that righties should be using their left hands to control movement.

[@andrewosborne7544]

My wife pre-ordered this along with a spare joystick for my birthday, I'm pretty excited

[@MarquisDeSang]

Women will do anything for sex, including buying an Atari 400. Good luck brother.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Indeed. Time to pay up!

[@caulkins69]

_"At no point am I touching that ring, normally."_ I remember I used to wear off part of that orange ring from my hand rubbing against it, so it seems to me there is potential to press those buttons inadvertently. I hope they can be disabled without losing necessary functions.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I didn't have that problem, and still don't as you can see. I hope you fare well with your grip.

[@btr3k]

A bit of cross-contamination here, but I've been thinking it would be nice to have an adapter for the Gamestation Pro to allow CX40 / paddle inputs (like, some kind of a USB pass-through box that contains the extra start/select buttons). But if these "CX Sticks" worked via USB, it would be pretty cool as well!

[@MockduckPlaysGames]

I guess the main thing is whether it actually works for other stuff besides the 400 mini. I can't count how many third party controllers I've purchased that basically don't do anything because they aren't compatible with standard software. Sure, I can remap and fiddle with drivers, but I'd rather just not. If it doesn't just plug and play on PC it has little value to me.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Previous controllers from this company just work when you plug em into a PC.

[@thedaddan717]

Thank you. I thought I was the only one who ever loved that stick. Setup that shoulder button as the coin door, so it won't matter if you smash it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You are NOT alone. 😁

[@ElderKai555]

Oh I did. lol in one of your comments when you first spoke on the 400 mini. Excited to use the controller on different platforms like PC emulation or better yet, on the Mister. Hopefully everything is easily mappable. I haven't tried any similar 3rd party controller styles like the Hyperkin ones, but I love when OEM/ first party controllers are released like this.

[@chris.b0]

Gibt doch einen für die evercade und den atari spielen

[@garym6315]

I only got a retro games emulator recently but have been wanting a compatible Atari joystick for years. As a kid of the 80s I just find it really difficult getting the precise sort of movements on games like River Raid that come with the original stick. Analogue sticks are way too sensitive and hard to use my thumb for such precise movements.

[@OofHearted]

Man, I love that classic joystick! Need to get me one of those... The only joystick I still have that I really liked is called The Bug [named for obvious reasons if you've seen it] which I saved up £20 for, if memory serves, and I remember playing Sensible Soccer like a dream with it.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I had to go look up "The Bug" for reference. It looks like it's upside down! Kind of rounded on the bottom. The design idea kind of reminds me of the Epyx 500 XJ.

[@OofHearted]

@@GenXGrownUp The Bug is teeny though, it fits so snuggly in the palm of one hand, very ergonomically. Plus, I've always loved tiny things.

[@treyslay753]

Thanks for shining some light on this mysterious controller. It better be good, I pre-ordered an extra one.

[@RandyWaage]

I'm super excited! Like you said in your video I grew up playing all of these retro games with an Atari style of joystick. I'm pretty sure I'll be using this for my retrogames C64, and Mini A500. I can use a gameplad, but for these games I'm just way more familiar with the Atari joystick.

[@krause28]

I recently came across Batocera...wow how did I miss this. Anyways, it works incredibly well. I bought an icode adapter which is horribly complicated to get working. It will work with old Atari controllers but not plug and play. So seeing this excites me. I will for sure give one a try. Honestly with extra buttons it might be good for non-atari games. And something about stepping back to that controller is the only way the to play. For you who have not used Batocera it is simply perfect. All on a USB stick just boot up on your PC or Mac (has to be pre Apple Silicon) But I had so many old ones just sitting around. Now I have a very very good Retro Gaming platform. For basically free. But this will set me back $29. or $68 :)

[@jayme69]

Great video as always Jon and love the visualisation with the stickers. One day they'll release a USB Konix Speedking joystick and I'll be a happy man :-) Keep up the awesome work!

[@PJZombie]

Oh the Konix Speedking. My all time favourite Controller! Digital and Analogue versions .

[@RegMartin]

A wireless 2-button model Speedking (aka Epyx 500XJ), with these kinds of extra utility buttons has long been my fantasy! It's great that we're finally taking some baby steps towards this.

[@DawezyDRK]

Good thing one is going to be included in the 400 mini box then, a unique approach to old girl. I'll be doing my pre-order on Thursday not missing out on this - the "mini" series of consoles needs to expand to more platforms I reckon. 👍

[@HermTrey-zb8gr]

Would LOVE to use this remastered CX Stick on the MIster FPGA 👍

[@jamesmyung9777]

Hi there, one of the biggest thing that absolutely ticked me off of the original Atari joysticks was the plastic internal joystick handle constantly breaking. And while I understand that I could have been more careful with the controller, and yes I know that you can now get replacement/repair kits for them, but unfortunately that option didn't exist for me as a kid playing with it in the early 80's. I just wished they made that part out of more sturdier material. Cheers.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I can't disagree. I had a big cardboard box of dead "donor" CX-40s in my childhood closet that I used to repair broken sticks for myself and my neighborhood friends! It was certainly a weak spot.

[@darkurthe]

This was awesome, excited!

[@joeg4707]

All in on this, can't wait to try it.

[@TheDrisk]

Great vid as always... I do worry a little those buttons on the ring being accidentally pressed with fat fists. Excited to delve into the 800... have put many of your recommendations on my to play list...although the Tomb Raider remaster will be first 😊

[@CyberPin2001]

Interesting video - thanks! As an original owner of a VCS woody in the late 70s / early 80s I remember having to replace the white plastic joystick inserts probably once a year. They were readily available and quite cheap. I would imagine these sticks will be similar so would like to know if replacements will be avaialble and can they be opened easily like the original stick? Hopefully they won't become another throwable item once the insert goes. Would love to hear an answer from Retrogames.

[@GenXGrownUp]

These days, you can just print your own. So even if the manufacturer doesn't offer them, anybody with a cheap 3D printer can print a bed full! sketchfab.com/3d-models/atari-2600-joystick-inner-plastic-piece-c667c93bd35946beb348f2461856cbf8

[@CyberPin2001]

​@@GenXGrownUpthat's brilliant. Thanks for the info 👍

[@BandoidView]

Looks like it should work with the GameStation Pro, no?

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'd be surprised. I haven't heard any success stories with previous Retro Games controllers (from THEC64 or THEA500), and this likely has the same internals.

[@BandoidView]

@@GenXGrownUp Oh well. 🙂.

[@bland9876]

There are so many ways to reimagine the atari controller. That analogue stick on the 360 was the strangest by far. Sadly there's no reimagining of the paddle controllers so I've only ever used them on that one plug n play that was realy cool. Luckily a big trackpad works realy well for Breakout Recharged.

[@Bikeguychicago1]

I wonder how these extra buttons will work with 5200 games that require the keypad. I would assume the shoulder button might function as 'button 2'.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Or will they allow for mapping? Ooooohhh..

[@majestikmoose5]

I really hope they make a paddle version of this! It would be perfect for emulation. (Even better of its a driving style for Indy 500)

[@IuriFiedoruk]

For me, the 2600 plus has one thing that could be improved, that the Flashback did, adding extra buttons for select and start in their wireless ones, so you do not need to reach the console.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Sure. Just for clarity, this stick isn't compatible with the 2600+ because it's USB.

[@ridiculous_gaming]

I would like to see a controller equal to the one provided to the European Atari 7800. Back in the day, the CX40 was all there was available, but today, I am used to the short sticks of modern controllers.

[@GenXGrownUp]

They're re-releasing that gamepad for the 2600+. atari.com/products/cx78-gamepad

[@ashleyberkebile5806]

I am very excited for this controller I haven't been as excited about it since ppl I played my NES with a joystick instead of a gamepad. This is going to be cool, I played Atari 2600 as a little boy growing up and also had a commodore 64 original and now I have the C64 mini all which used the cx40 controller oh and I plan on getting the 400 mini which comes with the cx joystick. So I for one an excited. I didn't mention that I have a disability that affects my left hand so this is perfect for people with CP

[@PJZombie]

The most Famous controller ever!!!! Also the weakest and easiest to break. We all wished they would made a more robust version of this classic and loved Controller. I will personally be buying this controller for Retro and to relive my childhood Pure nostalgia at its best with a great upgrade.

[@CFalcon030]

I ve used a cx40 on my 130xe for a long time. It was okish. However the best joystick was the qj sv-131. It's an arcade style joystick.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Fair enough!

[@nerdloftgaming]

Finally! An official controller for my Atari emulation needs 😭

[@kirin347]

You know, it's 2024 and I still haven't seen a 'left handed' modern controller, or if you prefer, a 'right handed' one. And yet we can all play just fine...

[@randylawrence6077]

I wonder if it will work with the Analogue Pocket with the dock?

[@GenXGrownUp]

🤔

[@OptimusNiaa]

Pre-ordered that bad boy a few weeks ago, for the reasons you mentioned.

[@MikeS-el6vd]

One of these is included with the 400 Mini, isn’t it?

[@GenXGrownUp]

It sure is!

[@ctbinary42]

This is a definite for any 2nd and 3rd gen emulation

[@jimbop6614]

I am just wondering. After Atari 400 mini release, will they develop paddle controllers with USB?

[@GenXGrownUp]

I wouldn't expect so. There are precious few Atari 8-bit computer titles which even recognized a paddle controller, and even fewer still that require it.

[@SchardtCinematic]

I tried using my C64 mini's joystick on my PC and it sadly did nothing. Not even trying to use it on the VICE emulator. Bur this Joystick sounds like a nice upgrade.

[@MEDUSAvsSHOE]

This should have been a pack in with the Atari 50th anniversary collection.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Oh, this thing is gonna blow the doors off of the Atari50 title! I hadn't even thought about that yet!

[@DmitryKalinichenko]

So, the final order from best to worst in terms of latency is: 1. Atari-Commodore 9-pin Game Port (less than 1 ms). 2. PC 15-pin Game Port (about 3-5 ms). 3. USB 2.0 Port (about 11-17 ms, including all additional delays). Therefore, the Atari-Commodore 9-pin game port has the lowest latency, followed by the PC 15-pin game port, and the USB 2.0 port has the highest latency among the listed interfaces. Due to the significant latency of the USB bus with the connected mouse and keyboard, as well as the additional delay of the USB joystick controller itself, many people have simply stopped playing arcade games and fighting games. They no longer enjoy playing such games. Most of these people couldn't even understand what exactly happened and why their favorite games no longer attract them.

[@GenXGrownUp]

👍

[@marklechman2225]

Odd that they don't list compatibility with the VCS, which is basically a Linux machine. I guess once I receive my pre-order, I can try it out.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I would expect compatiblity with the VCS, but it doesn't surprise me it's not lisited. No game consoles are listed, and the VCS is pretty far down the chart in popularity if they were to list compatible consoles.

[@quantumfx2677]

Each system on up really depended on those designing games putting the time into make the best possible game within its capabilities. look how the 2600 rushed pacman then later ms pacman was huge improvement. What always buged me was creating the next gaming system and they haven't even tapped the full potential of the system they were running on! Atar 52 & 7800 really had some great games over colecovision both were so close but my God why couldn't they have improved those joysticks. It was also a shame that dreamcast didn't stick around longer as it had a lot of potential but bad marketing I believe killed it.

[@jamestoney6108]

used one of these on my zx spectrum 48k, great joystick

[@MrMurdock2021]

I'm hoping for a pro-line controller for the atari 2600+

[@salzmancreek]

I pre ordered the CXSTICK the day I watched this video. I received it today. I was happy! The joystick works great but the red fire button wont work...any suggestions? Thanks!!1

[@GenXGrownUp]

Won't work? Yikes! What device are you plugging it into? Have you checked to see if the button is recognized at all but not yet mapped in your device control settings?

[@salzmancreek]

The fire button is on the right side of the joystick on the gold ring. I cant figure out how to change it to the red button.@@GenXGrownUp

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@salzmancreek Yep. You still haven't told me where you're using it. What are you plugged into? Mapping of controls is going to be at the application level. Which application are you using?

[@salzmancreek]

It is recognized as button 3. I cant change it to button 1 @@GenXGrownUp

[@salzmancreek]

pc windows 11@@GenXGrownUp

[@assassindroidig88]

How much and where do i order one?

[@GenXGrownUp]

Link in video description.

[@WIImotionmasher]

I'll be honest I don't really care about the 400 mini. I'm interested in these mini cabinets and consoles to try out games I missed or are before my time, but the 400 isn't really on my radar. But this controller would be great to have for my PC games. I'm interested in buying the Atart 50 collection on Steam, this would be great for that. But also I have plenty of classic styled indie games on Steam that I'd enjoy playing with this. Suddenly I want this

[@GenXGrownUp]

You fall in that category I mentioned - retrogame fans who aren't particularly interested in THE400 Mini, but for whom THECXSTICK would be a great addition to your existing emulation options. 😁

[@bhall408]

In theory, this should work with Android/Chromebook/Amazon as well... (I'm with Argon, and we support Atari 8 bit games on those platforms). I'll reach out to them and see if we can test it out.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yes, I would absolutely expect compatiblity with Android & Chromebooks based on the manufacturer's previous controllers.

[@mfeldsher]

I actually wish it was the same as the VCS classic controller.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Wouldn't make sense with the Atari 400 vibe (which is being reproduced here). However, there's the possibility that you could plug that into THE400 Mini and it just might work (but have fewer inputs).

[@mfeldsher]

@@GenXGrownUp I actually wish it was the controller for the Gamestation pro. Its back button is superior. I love the channel and I’m telling others about it. I religiously watch your standup every morning. If I had some extra dough I’d subscribe. I wish you only the best!!

[@gummislayer1969]

SOOOOOOOOoooooo...tell me how you REALLY feel bout the CX joystick? 🤪😜😜 Anyhoo...Great video, Bruv!!! Honestly, I'm NOT feeling Atari right now. I do have one of the throwbacks that allow you to load you own roms. Kinda looking at Atari Age for selling out to Atari (but I guess the price was right...). Shrugs... Bigs ups, dude!!! 🤓💙🕹️

[@PresidentCamacho24]

If not for the mini consoles it would be great for emulating on PC's.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yep. That's what I say in the video.

[@g4z-kb7ct]

Not really. The defacto joystick for emulation on a PC will always be the xbox360 controller. It's way more useful and way more comfortable.

[@PresidentCamacho24]

@@g4z-kb7ct Of course but we are talking about having a truer retro experience.

[@michaeljordan6008]

How come it doesn’t work with the 2600+?

[@GenXGrownUp]

Lots of reasons. First and foremost, it's a USB joystick, not a 9-pin.

[@Kilroy_5150]

I'll be more impressed if it works on PC and has a wireless version without lag. Generally a 2.4 transmitter reciver should do it. IT says it works but i'll feel better when i see it. Plus there's the price....what's it going to be? The baked in buttons do concern me. I had a habit of my wrist getting on the ring and if that ends up affecting my game....well...it's not so good. I guess for some it will be good, for some...who knows...

[@GenXGrownUp]

There's no wireless option, but you can explore pricing from the link in the video description. Thanks for watching!

[@CeeTeeUSA]

If you have Stella and a USB control pad, that's far better. You can use the same control pad with Mame and the other emulators for the Nintendo and Sega classic consoles. If you're hard core, you can add in Intellivision, 3DO and the Colecovision..

[@GenXGrownUp]

"Better" is entirely subjective, and it's premature to make that call not having even tried THECXSTICK.

[@patsk8872]

Anyone who (is old enough and) was lucky enough to own a good Wico leaf switch stick back in the day, knows how far superior it is to the crummy standard Atari stick. Give me a flashable Atari 800XL mini with a Wico leaf switch stick and I'll be over the moon.

[@ClassicArcadeSystem]

Would it be compatible with Atari flashback?

[@GenXGrownUp]

No, it's a USB joystick - not a 9-pin.

[@kNeczpal]

Really enjoyed this video. I think this new joystick has great potential and can’t wait to give it a go, that being said I think attaching a usb keyboard is a no brainer as I’m sure most retro gaming enthusiasts have a few hanging around and is really no extra cost. I’m pretty confident this is going to be a fun experience either way🕹👍😎

[@GenXGrownUp]

Agreed. Hanging a keyboard off THE400 Mini is gonna be mandatory a lot of my favorites that require keys for critical functions (Star Raiders, Fractalus, etc.)

[@greyshadow9498]

Unless it's earth shattering... I already have 4 Hyperkin Troopers. 2 DB9's I use with my 800XL and 2 USB's I use for emulation. I wouldn't mind having for the looks, but not at the $30 they want for it

[@viperrcr]

I hope everything starts going wireless with the controllers like the Atari Gamestation Pro did. That finally got me to get onboard with emulation on my big screen TV. My recliners are way too far back to reach wired controllers and I don't want USB extenders laying across the floor. If more of these platform emulators do that, then I will get on board. Would love to try this Atari 400 device, but I can wait for something with wireless controllers in the future. Then it will RULE!

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm also not a fan of wires draped across the room. I installed a USB hub at the seating of my home theatre with an extension back to the PC, so I can plug in USB stuff (memory sticks, controllers, headphones, etc.) right next to my chair without stringing spaghetti back to the rack! 😀

[@Lachlant1984]

It's no surprise the CX Stick is PC compatible, because the A500 game pad and TheC64 joystick are also PC compatible, I know, because I have TheC64, which by the way I love.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Right. That's not the part that surprised me. 😀

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

Is this the same joystick that is included with the mini 400?

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yes, right. Did you watch the video?

[@meneerjansen00]

You're right: a USB Atari joystick is nice. Wireless via a USB dongle would have even been even better but you can't have everything...

[@GenXGrownUp]

Providing wireless controllers on mid-range gaming products these days is begging for abuse. "Too laggy! Terrible latency!" If I were Retro Games & would stick would wired, too!

[@meneerjansen00]

@@GenXGrownUp Aha. Never thought of that. I've never noticed lag on my Xbox with its wireless controller. But you're right: it's begging for negativity...

[@GenXGrownUp]

Indeed. I wouldn't consider the top consoles as mid-range. Plug-and-plays with wireless controllers get roasted, though.

[@SteveInScotland]

Nothing to do with Atari but it’s interesting that the people that build the400mini are buying up rights left and centre. Some include The Jupiter Ace and rights to some Psion games such as the Horace series. Seems to point to maybe a multi computer release that will include some of Sinclair computers and the rarer Jupiter Ace and maybe more in one device. Definitely interesting rumblings going on over there. I wonder if we will see an Atari ST mini or maxi too?

[@SumDumGy]

Sounds nifty enough but I can’t think of any way I’d be able to make use of one of these stix.

[@GenXGrownUp]

No? You don't do any classic game emulation on PC?

[@SumDumGy]

@@GenXGrownUp None at all. I’m a console man. My only emulation is done through my minis, which will include a 2600+ once I get one. Maybe the 400 mini as well.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@SumDumGy I anticipate this being a great way to play THE400 Mini games, so you WILL be able to make good use! 😉

[@SumDumGy]

@@GenXGrownUp If there are any games on the system that would require it, sure. I don’t see that being the case though or it would be included as a pack in, don’t you think?

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@SumDumGy It *IS* included as a pack-in. Nearly all the included games will need more than just the fire button. At the very minimum, the special OPTION, SELECT, & START buttons are needed to choose game variations and begin.

[@wallys.5998]

I pre-ordered this joystick because it’s hard to play old 8-but games with a modern controller and thus far they all seem like garbage, I have the joystick that came with the new Atari vcs, I was excited about it but it had way to much play in it and the spinner on the joystick made some games such as Pac-Man a nightmare, so this seems like a great answer to a classic controller we grew up with

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's my hope!

[@adm712]

The million dollar question I have- will my 400 mini include any type of joystick in the box? Even a cx-40+ ?

[@GenXGrownUp]

Yes. THE400 Mini includes one of these THECXSTICK controllers in the box.

[@adm712]

@@GenXGrownUp Thanks Jon. Maybe I missed it somewhere, but I couldn't remember seeing any info if any joystick or controller was included.

[@AnthonyMRio]

This is kind of a big deal for me. I've held off buying any of the Atari collections for PC simply because i didn't want to play them with a gamepad. FINALLY... a usb, accurate, Atari controller!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Right? It's a BIG DEAL! You get it! 😁

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

I do not like the CX40. I never have. I think the stick is too stiff, the button on the right side, the design too light and the fire button itself unsatisfying to press. Coleco's Gemini controller is so much nicer than the CX40, as are many of Wico's offerings as well as my favorite, the Competition Pro. I'm left handed. My eyes were rolling when I saw _oh great. ANOTHER product with ANOTHER CX40._ But hearing that it will have a button to switch to left handed mode which will presuably means rotating the controller by 90 degrees, I am intriqued to actually try it and take it out of the packaging, something I had no interest in doing fo the CX40+ for the 2600+.

[@GenXGrownUp]

👌

[@HMansion999]

im very interested in this new joystick because of all the buttons

[@oncomics1128]

What? The 400MINI keyboard doesn’t work?

[@GenXGrownUp]

If you've been following any of the mini computers, that should come as no surprise. It's simply too small to be of any practical use, so making it "function" would've been a waste of money and increased the cost unnecessarily.

[@shireoryx6153]

Haha great mockup🎉

[@GenXGrownUp]

😁

[@m0nde]

I have no idea why anyone would be excited about the C64 Mini or Atari 400 Mini. I love the C64 Maxi because of its working PETSCII keyboard, but without that, why not just play on an emulator? If an Atari 800 Maxi had been released with an 800 keyboard, I'd have considered it. Regarding the CX Stick, I'd consider buying it on its own for use with my PC.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Until THE400 Mini was announced, nobody was talking about Atari 8-bit computer games. Now they are in a big way - worth it for me right there.

[@TheObjectFOfThe80s]

Wow I Really Need That! 😊

[@Ori-Retro-Gamer]

This is a Mister fpga dream come true, fantastic for 800xl and 16bit gaming

[@GenXGrownUp]

I bet they sell as many standalone joysticks as the console/stick bundles!

[@Ori-Retro-Gamer]

Yes I think your right @@GenXGrownUp

[@decadentdave]

Tbh I would prefer using an NES style D-pad for multi-button direction control. The CX stick would make using direction control and multi-button too uncomfortable and cumbersome especially with the stick in the way. Most retro gamers are already familiar with the NES controllers and their natural feel for playability. This just seems like a de-evolution.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Some people just prefer the d-pad, and that's cool. There's little to no need for using more than one button in the playing of Atari 8-bit titles, so I don't think your multi-button concern is warranted. For more modern emulation, though - not ideal.

[@RegMartin]

I really think that depends on what style was prominent when you were 12. For some of us olds, game controllers have been all downhill since Nintendo decided to cheap out, and invent that silly D-Pad contoller nonsense. ;)

[@decadentdave]

@@RegMartin It’s more comfortable than that big black box brick 😉😝

[@RegMartin]

​@@decadentdaveI don't really disagree. :) While the controllers changed, games changed with them. Some games are better on a stick, and (maaaaybe??) some games are better with a d-pad. BUT...In their day, I don't remember *anybody* who thought that those Atari sticks were good. In my circles they were regarded as the 2nd worst controllers ever (behind ColecoVision).

[@ultimatemaitai]

Absolutely agree. I have been getting into emulation and purchased a USB joystick and didn't really like it. I've been more happy with the Hyperkin Trooper 2 Premium USB Game Controller (curious if you've tried) which itself is a CX 40 clone with additional button. My only complaint with Hyperkin is that the stick feels a little mushy. An A/B test with the CX Stick would be interesting.

[@g4z-kb7ct]

The defacto joystick for emulation on a PC will always be the xbox360 controller. It's way more useful and way more comfortable.

[@ultimatemaitai]

@@g4z-kb7ct Not if you grew up on CX40s and never played games with controllers/game pads. Plus, I have a Mac.

[@carlo1132]

I didnt have the best experience with the c64 and amiga 500, in fact I sent them both back. I was preordered on this one but I am on the fence, the sideloading on the previous two systems left alot to be desired when compared to other mini consoles, esp the nes and snes which are great. I will prob pick this up for the joystick though, I had an Atari 400 as a kid so its hard for me to say no. I wish someone would make an Intellivision Mini I would buy that in a millisecond, esp if they sell usb controllers too!

[@katmacoconnor]

Ha! Love the crickets! 🦗

[@GenXGrownUp]

Now I've got to call an exterminator.

[@fabricio4794]

Rumour s ays that 80s Ladies loved this CX4 ,for different reasons....

[@consty715]

The problem with retrogames mini computers are the controls. C64 mini joystick is always breaking and the 500mini joypad is really cheap

[@GenXGrownUp]

Really? I've not run into that myself, and I hope it doesn't start here! 😀

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

Doesn't needing to run the Altirra defeat the whole purpose of buying the new Atari 400 Mini? Unless people are buying it mostly just to collect it with it's packaging and all. Altirra is fantastic. No Atari 400 Mini needed. Save your money! It's free (or donationware maybe). Run it on your laptop, get a USB joystick, and run it to your TV via HDMI, or in my case, 19" CRT RGB arcade monitor. In the old days, we bought consoles and computers because they offered us abilities we didn't already have. Today, people buy devices like these........just for the sake of collecting them. It's not like they do a better job than the computers we already have. Even a very old computer runs this great. I'm running it on both a 17 year old Windows computer (Core2Duo, 1 gb ram), and a 3 year old Windows computer computer (10th gen i7, 32gb ram).

[@GenXGrownUp]

Utilizing Altirra is a method of expanding up on the abilities of THE400 Mini. There's a great deal that we don't technically "need," but the announcement of THE400 Mini has brought attention to a platform I love that otherwise had faded into a footnote. That's all the value I need. Plus, it's fun.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

@@GenXGrownUp Does it do anything for you that Altirra and your laptop don't? Other than something to physically look at? Wouldn't it be easier to load roms off the Internet directly into Altirra in the rom folder than needing to use a computer to copy it to a flash drive, then having to transfer it to some other device? I get that it brought some attention to the Atari 8 bit platform, but it didn't really bring anything that people can't already do with their laptop. And who doesn't have one? Very few people. I suppose for the technically challenged, maybe 1% of the buyers will just plug it in and only use the built-in games. Altirra is probably the easiest to operate emulator I've ever used, and I use a lot of different ones. I'd like to see new products that.......actually offer us something we couldn't already do with the hardware we already have.

[@WillMGucci]

Does it work with Xbox series x ?

[@GenXGrownUp]

Afraid I don't have one with which to test.

[@nissan300bhp]

i love my - my arcade pro

[@NotMuchHere]

sooooo if the stick breaks (in the classic way) the buttons act like d pad / directional to replace the stick ... i could see that interfere with the use of the stick

[@SumDumGy]

That wouldn’t work out very well at all.

[@MarquisDeSang]

Linux = Buy

[@adroharv5140]

hmm I can predict this being a problem for me

[@GenXGrownUp]

Like, this kind of problem? 👉💸

[@garym6315]

I've never understood the claim that left handed people need a different joystick. If you say the original joystick was right handed with the right hand using the stick and left hand using the button, does that mean that all playstation controllers are left handed as the left hand controls the stick and right hand controls the button?? Surely, regardless of what hand you use most, the joystick was just saying that "this is the hand you use here, and this is the hand you use here"? It wasn't saying one was more prominent that the other.

[@caulkins69]

When video games changed to gamepads, with direction being controlled by the left hand and firing/jumping by the right, it felt completely wrong to me. It still does. It's as if I'm using the wrong halves of my brain for things.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I'm a righty and haven't met a game controller layout that makes me uncomfortable, but that's just me. If left-handers find a certain layout awkward and another more natural, use the one you like.

[@TomMannCenturia]

Their c64 mini joystick was truly horrible, so hopefully they upped their game since then.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I have THEC64 Mini but never opened the box. Can you place some tangible details on "horrible" for me?

[@danielerbert2657]

I love Overdosing on all these new ATARI products! God bless Atari

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

Still hasn't converted to metric? You mean will never convert to metric! Customary for life!

[@dallase1]

How could it be for Left Handed People when it only has one Red Button and if you rotate it the cord will be get in the way because it will be coming out the right side of the controller.

[@GenXGrownUp]

In the same way that a re-wired CX-40 is left-handed. The wire will be no more or less in the way.