Customer Ratings & Reviews

This is a nostalgic controller that brought back so many memories. I love that it has new features and bluetooth. Does work on my PC and Steam Deck, but does not function the same as when connected to the Atari VCS.

I'm using this joystick on Windows 10 with the Stella emulator. I don't own the current "VCS," so I don't know how it works there. I've also only used this item in wired mode as my desktop PC doesn't have bluetooth. It showed up immediately in Windows, and using the Game Controllers item in Control Panel, I was able to test all buttons and the paddle/dial function. In wired mode in Stella, once the emulator is properly configured to accept the right input, this controller works reasonably well. Ultimately, I think most modern users would agree that the whole design concept of this kind of controller is fundamentally flawed, so I blame the lack of precision here on that. However, playing some of my favorite 2600 games, I can say this: I played Pong in Video Olympics with a rotating object (the joystick here doubles as a paddle) for the first time in years. It is reasonably precise and moves quickly. However, the stick can rotate endlessly in any one direction--it doesn't stop once you've gone "to the end." The 2600 software can't handle that, so it can get confused. Still, if I were buying this just for 2600 Pong, I'd be happy. Using it as an actual joystick is less satisfying, but it still works with some adjustments to the settings in the Stella emulator. Long story short: some games think you're using a joystick AND a rotating paddle. River Raid is nearly impossible to control until controls are custom remapped. Spider-Man is the same. Once the proper remapping is done, then it's acceptable, but not great. It's hard to tell sometimes if you're pointing the stick "left enough" to avoid pointing down or vice-versa. I often went left when I meant to go up, for example. It's hard to reverse direction in games like River Raid and Ms. Pac-Man, and I failed several times because the stick didn't move as quickly as my mind did. However, I think the original sticks also had those kinds of problems--there's a reason we've all moved to d-pads for our controllers. Cosmetically, this thing is a love-letter to the 2600. It has pretty lights and they illuminate when you move the stick and push the fire button. As far as this kind of design goes, it's reasonably comfortable to hold. SUMMARY: I got all the functions I wanted to work. It's not perfect, but neither was the original 2600 controller. I'll keep this and pull it out occasionally when I'm feeling nostalgic. However, you have to be a dedicated retro gamer to buy one of these.

Bought this for use with Atari Vault on Steam on PC. On PC it is just recognized as a Xbox 360 controller. Not every game in the vault works with the default setup and features like twist are not available. Can't recommend for this reason.

Used with my Windows 10 laptop to play Atari games using Stella. Firstly, I had no issue connecting via Bluetooth. But there is a fundamental design flaw with the joystick. The stick itself rotates to calibrate. However, it has no resistance and so I found this rotation kept happening regularly during game play causing erratic movement and making the game unplayable. I tried holding it with my finger tips or as I usual play, at the base of the thumb and first finger and it keeps happening. There is no way to lock the stick. If they fix this issue then I would recommend the joystick. But for now, I'm returning it.

Pretty cool. I like the lighting effect when you move the joystick and that it also doubles as a paddle control. Works on PC but will not work on consoles aside from the Atari VCS. A little over priced.

As a basic joystick it functions fine and it has a fairly high-quality feel to it. I was hoping to use the joysticks twisting paddle function on PC games like Tempest and breakout, but it is not working at the moment. There are complicated ways to make it work I believe, but they are out of my wheelhouse. But the basic joystick and buttons work fine with PC in 360 mode. Windows does recognize the paddle function so I'm sure there will be updates to make the twisting paddle function work with PC games on Steam etc eventually.

New VCS joystick works well and quick in delivery from Best Buy. Just what i needed.

Has issues over Bluetooth when connected to a PC, but overall a good controller for Atari emulation when wired.

I was able to connect this to my PC and use it without any issues.

Great contruction, feels good on the hands, ease to handle

I’m still having a tough time getting used to this new joystick, but hopeful it will get better. I was hoping the new paddle incorporation will help for better game play.

Great controller. Connected to PC no problem. If you want the retro feel, this is definitely it.

Feels like solid quality in hand and perfect for the "Recharged" Atari games. Exactly what I expected.

I use this a lot for classic games and retro-inspired games on the Atari VCS. I love it. It works really well, and is an upgrade over the original design with the additional trigger button, and the spinning joystick for paddle-based games.

It’s just okay. Great idea, but doesn’t hold up compared to today’s controllers.

I bought this for a family member. He explained to me the controller works really great.

Not worth the money. Very poor quality, and the Bluetooth is very spotty. It might work with the the VCS console, but it doesn’t work as a standalone controller no matter what they claim.

I use it to play Vampire Survivors and it works very well.

This is a must buy for any Atari VCS owner. Games like Tempest and Breakout take advantage of the paddle like design by twisting the joystick. Both games are more difficult to play using the Xbox like controller. Also looks very cool for geeks like me that grew up playing the Atari 2600. Atari kept that classic design and added modern features such as Bluetooth, LED lighting, etc. (awesome controller)

Solid controller perfect for all your atari games, get them while available