OldSchoolRetroGamer Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 (edited) I have a Colecovision trackball and a 5200 trackball and am considering a 2600 trackball which I understand is also compatible with the 7800 and the atari computer line? In my limited search so far I see there are 2 models? Atari CX-80 and CX-22 Trakball? Is one more preferable? Are they both fully compatible? Any advantages / disadvantages to either? Please give me opinions and comments on this thanks. Edited January 22, 2011 by OldSchoolRetroGamer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.J. Franzman Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 (edited) There are two different versions of the CX-80 Trak-Ball. The earlier CX-80 version (and the CX-22) use one type of output for true trackball mode, which is compatible with the XL-series etc. computers but not the ST series. The later CX-80 version uses a different type of true trackball mode output which is compatible with the ST series computers (as an ST mouse). All of these types work with 2600/7800 consoles in joystick mode with joystick games. Modern hacks of VCS games to use a trackball in true trackball mode (is Missile Command the only one?) need to use a CX-22 or early CX-80 I think, unless the hack is available in two versions. I might be mistaken though. Anyway, no original VCS games are written to use either Trak-Ball style in true trackball mode, so IMO it's fairly pointless to get a Trak-Ball to use with only the 2600 and/or 7800. In my experience, they don't work as well in joystick mode as a real joystick. Apparently, even for the 8-bit computers, there's only one original game (Missile Command) written to use a Trak-Ball in true trackball mode. Edited January 22, 2011 by A.J. Franzman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Jentzsch Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 ...(is Missile Command the only one?)... Yes. And there are versions of MCTB for both Atari Trakball versions plus the Amiga mouse. (all available in the AA store ) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianC Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Apparently, even for the 8-bit computers, there's only one original game (Missile Command) written to use a Trak-Ball in true trackball mode. Final Legacy also supports true trackball mode, but only for one of the areas (I checked with my cx-22). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+slx Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Slime has a trac-ball (sic!) mode, too. Press T to switch to that mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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