9 replies to this topic

[The Eidolon]

Just curious--have any systems aside from the Atari had multiple
types of completely distinct controllers? If I recall, the 2600 had:

1) Joystick
2) Paddles
3) Driving controllers (Indy 500)
4) That keypad thing

Of those, the vast majority of games were for the joystick, but a
few classics (Kaboom!, Circus Atari, etc.) used paddles.

The Atari 8-bits (and ST?) used the same controller line, but paddle
games were rare for the 8-bits and I've never heard of one for the ST.

Anyway, do any other systems have an equivalent controller to the
paddles? Playing with a mouse or analog joystick just isn't the same.

--The Eidolon

P.S. I just remembered one type of alternate controller a number of
systems do have is the light gun.

[Room 34]

There was a special paddle-like controller that came with Arkanoid for NES.

[joeybastard]

The Colecovision had a Steering Wheel (Turbo), a Roller Controller(trakball) and on the Super Action Sticks had a "spinner" that is sort of a mix between a trakball and a paddle.

The NES had a Lightgun and Akanoid was available with a paddle. I vaguely remember some other game using a paddle or driving type controller on the NES too. There was also the powerpad thing you stood on.

SNES had the Superscope 6 and the mouse for Mario Paint.

SMS had a Lughtgun and a trakball(Sports controller).

That's allI can think of off the top of my head

[bjk7382]

What games for the Colecovision use the little knob on the bottom of the super joysticks? And are those little wheels the same as using the expansion module #2 (steering wheel)?

[joeybastard]

The CV spinners are used in the sports games to make the players run. I always loved that as a kid, getting a hit in Super Action baseball and then spinning that thing like mad trying outrun the throw.

I don't think they substitute for the Steering Wheel but I have never tried it so I can't say for sure.

[Clock]

Many systems enjoy steering wheels with pedals and light guns. Also arcade sticks as well as control pads.

The original Playstation had an interesting control pad which twisted in the middle. I just can't remember what it was called.

[Raijin Z]

Are we forgetting the Power Glove already?

Genesis had a mouse... and that's pretty alternative for a console... not counting PS2, what with its USB ports.

[Redcurrie]

Don't forget the Atari Trak Ball and the NES Power Pad. Ataris also had 3 "keypad" thingees that I can think of...the kid's controller, the keyboard controllers and the star raiders controller. I think that they all could be used interchangably sans overlays.....

[Raijin Z]

I have two power pads. I use them for gameplaying floormats.

[JB]

Clock said:

The original Playstation had an interesting control pad which twisted in the middle. I just can't remember what it was called.

NegCon.

In addition to creating hte "steering wheel" analog mode on many 3rd-party pads, it also sported analog buttons for gas and brake.