• Research Center for Advanced Commodore Study

  • by HowlinAl

Making Tomorrows World Better With Yesterdays Technology Today

Feb
20

Atari Flashback 2 Joystick

Using the controllers from the Flashback with a Commodore computer.

 

 

For a long time I've been curious about the controllers on the Atari Flashback 2 toy. I finally got my hands on a couple of these joysticks so here are a few pictures and a review.

First impression: cute, but flimsy. The Flashback controller looks like a slightly smaller version of the original, with the addition of the Atari "fuji" logo. The trim is the same orange color. The controller cable is about 12" longer than an original Atari Joystick. The Flashback controller looks great. 

After a few games I realized that the new Flashback controller isn't flimsy after all. Yes, it's a lot lighter. Yes, it's smaller (barely). It's also a lot more durable. The plastics used are harder. Even though the Flashback controllers cable is thinner it also feels tougher. The "barrel" of the control is a solid piece that screws into the base-- much better than the original.

The most important thing is how it feels. I like it. The Flashback controller is responsive in all 8 directions. The button feels solid. This is my #1 joystick now, and I'll be keeping an eye out for more.

 

 

The Flashback 2 controller is on the right, on the left is an original Atari 2600 joystick. Photos are deceiving, but the Flashback controller is very slightly smaller and much lighter than the Atari 2600 joystick.

Another Picture
Yet Another Picture
Still Another Picture

http://bluesmanforhire.com/retro/pictures/atari-flashback-2.jpg

 

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Responses

Pinacolada 2/21/2014

That is great! I never even thought about hooking my Flashback 1 or 2 joysticks up to the Commodore... :) Glad they work!