12 replies to this topic

[bradhig]

I have been looking at wico command controllers for my 5200 because I am afraid the joysticks might break from playing games. Are they any good and what is a y cable ?

[doctorclu]

Wico was the premier game controller company, and there were a lot of good controllers.

The y cable lets you connect the Wico controller, and allows you to connect a numeric keypad. Ever since, though I don't use the controller as much, the keypad continues to be very useful.

[peedenmark7]

Well made, but if you are left handed , you'll be fighting with it

I have one but never use it... Went to a comp pro since it has buttons on both sides.

[Ataritard]

The wico command controller replaces the joystick and the fire buttons. You will still need the stock controller with good Start Pause Reset and Keypad buttons. That's what the Y cable does... connect them both to your Atari 5200.

[Prodos8]

I, personally, don't like the ergonomics of the Wico 5200 joystick -- its like a brick to me. IMO the stock stick is better in that regard.

You can always rebuild you stock controllers with parts from best electronics if they break or need repair.

[AtariLeaf]

I don't know about the 5200 sticks but the 2600 sticks that Wico made are some of, if not THE best joysticks you can use on a classic console. I know mileage may vary but for my money, this is the best quality stick out there.

[sdamon]

I only recently picked up a 5200 Wico, but it's quickly become my favorite 5200 stick. Unlike the Competition Pro (my 2nd favorite 5200 stick), the Wico is analog, but unlike the standard CX52, it's self-centering, which makes a huge difference. Other reviewers (like Prodos8 above) haven't cared for the 'feel' of the stick, and still others have reported reliability problems, but I've personally had no problems on either count. For me, the only disadvantage to the Wico was the cost, but I've found it to be well worth it considering just how good the stick is.

As doctorclu reported, you need a Wico Y-cable to use the Start/Pause/Reset buttons of a standard controller OR you can pick up a Wico keypad which makes the Y-cable and the standard controller unnecessary. The keypad is even rarer than the standard Wico stick, unfortunately.

[walter_J64bit]

I'm one of lucky one's I've got the keypad with the joystick, the only thing I don't abut the keypad is does't mount to the joystick so it can be odd at time to use.

[0078265317]

I have a wico and it great but a little picky at times. Have too keep adjusting the x and y sliders. And the stick part feels a little loose. Wish I had a keypad though. Really hard too find.

[peedenmark7]

They are great if you are right handed.

[0078265317]

Yes I am a lefty. But still n ot too bad. But the stock gives me hand cramps.

[phaxda]

I love the Wicos, always been a big fan since about 1987 or so when we first bought'em at Toys R' Us. Best game is playing Pole Position with it on the "loose" setting--I know some like the trackball, but the Wico is my favorite way to play. Also great for Joust, as flapping the wings is easier.

[opeygon]

I have one and I don't care much for it. As 007 said you have to adjust the sliders often. I find this annoying. I also think the stick is too lose and overall the controller is bulky. I was extremely dissapointed when I got mine. So much so that the first chance I had to get a masterplay interface I jumped on it. Now my wico sits in it's box on one of my shelves.