Purchase a New Atari CX78+ Gamepad for Your 8-Bit Consoles and Computers (5-10 mins)

Task: Purchase a New Atari CX78+ Gamepad for Your 8-Bit Consoles and Computers

Needed: Web Browser, 8-Bit Console, or Computer

Time: 5-10 minutes

Introduction

Just about nothing beats the Atari CX40 joystick in my honest opinion. It is just about the perfect controller. However, there are times when you might prefer a good alternative. The Atari CX78 Gamepad controller was shipped with Atari 7800 game consoles that sold in Europe. As you can see from the design, it closely resembles an original Nintendo controller from the same time period. There are two buttons for the 7800 and a D-pad (directional) controller that can be converted to a small joystick with a small plastic piece that can be screwed in.

Fortunately, the new Atari company is making brand new versions of the CX78 called the CX78+ to go with the 2600+ that plays both 2600 and 7800 games. It has a standard Atari joystick adapter that will work with any of the consoles.

I purchased one and gave it a try and generally liked it. I tried it out with two very different 2600 games on the 2600+. The first was Asteroids. I really did not like the CX78+ for this game. I found it way too easy to accidently press the up or down directions that move the ship forward or send it to random hyperspace. Asteroids really requires reliable left and right controls. The second game I tried was Donkey Kong. I really liked the controller for this game. Much more forgiving.

Although the CX78+ is not advertised this way, it did seem to work on my Atari 800XL. I was able to successfully play a game of Pitfall with it and it worked great. I did not test it on other games.

Instructions

The CX78+ sells on Amazon and the Atari online store for $24.99.

Comments

I am happy to have this controller in my collection.

I read a post from someone who has carpel tunnel syndrome and finds using the CX78 much easier than the CX40.

There is a thread on Atari Age about why the CX78 did not sell in the United States.

There were a few old CX78s for sale on eBay. However, the prices are 2-3x what you will pay for a new one.