Difference between revisions of "Joysticks"
(added some info on 4-way to 8-way switching, moved P360 to 'Non-Conventional Digital Joysticks') |
(added some joystick links (mostly to Retroblast review pages)) |
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Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion include: | Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion include: | ||
| − | :* Happ Super, Happ Competition, Suzo 500 (aka | + | :* [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happsuper.html Happ Super], [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happcompetition.html Happ Competition], Suzo 500 (aka [http://ultimarc.com/controls.html Euro-Stik] or [http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=197 Omni-Stik]), [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_tstik.html Ultimarc T-Stik], Ultimarc Mag-Stik, [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_jstik.html Ultimarc J-Stik], [http://www.himuragames.com/store_joysticks.php Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT], [http://www.himuragames.com/store_joysticks.php Seimitsu LS-32]. |
In the last few years, some companies have added to this feature to allow the joystick to be switchable from above the control panel in some way. This makes it simple for anyone to switch the joystick between 4-way to 8-way from game to game, without having to access 'the guts' of the control panel. | In the last few years, some companies have added to this feature to allow the joystick to be switchable from above the control panel in some way. This makes it simple for anyone to switch the joystick between 4-way to 8-way from game to game, without having to access 'the guts' of the control panel. | ||
| − | + | Conventional joysticks that can be switched from above the control panel like this include: | |
| − | :* | + | :* [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_tstik.html T-Stik Plus], [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/ultimarc_magstikplus_part1.html Mag-Stik Plus], [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/prodigy.html Omni-Stik Prodigy]. |
==Non-Conventional Digital Joysticks== | ==Non-Conventional Digital Joysticks== | ||
| − | :* Suzo Inductive Joystick | + | :* [http://www.suzo.com/suzo/product.asp?nP=4545 Suzo Inductive Joystick] |
| − | :* Happ Perfect 360 (P360) | + | :* [http://retroblast.com/reviews/joysticks/happsp360.html Happ Perfect 360 (P360)] |
Revision as of 09:29, 28 February 2006
Contents
Conventional Digital Joysticks
Conventional joysticks are fairly simple devices without which Pac-Man would be ghost-fodder. When the joystick shaft is moved in any direction, the lower end of the stick is levered in the opposite direction and makes contact with switches, these switches are what tells Pac-Man to move and in which direction.
By using four switches at the base of the joystick, 8 directions can be achieved; Up, Down, Left and Right as well as the four corner positions. Joysticks like this are known as 8-way.
Some joysticks were designed to restrict the player from moving diagonally; for example, joysticks used in Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Though it is possible to use an 8-way joystick for these games, it's not recommended, as accidentally hitting a diagonal with the joystick will cause Mario to stand still and Pac-Man won't know if he should go up or to the side. Joysticks like this are known as 4-way.
Other games, such as Galaga, used a 2-way joystick since movement was only necessary rom left to right or up to down.
Standard 8-way only joysticks:
- Wico 8-way Leafswitch Joystick (discontinued).
Standard 4-way only joysticks:
- Happ Ms.Pac/Galaga Reunion, Betson Ms.Pac/Galaga Reunion, Wico 4-Way Leafswitch (discontinued).
8-Way to 4-Way Switchable Joysticks
Many 8-way joysticks that are sold can also be set to work in 4-way mode. This is usually done by rotating a restrictor of some kind inside the joystick base. Adjusting these joystick usually involves opening up your control panel so you can access the lower section of the joystick base.
Joysticks that can be set to 4-way or 8-way motion include:
- Happ Super, Happ Competition, Suzo 500 (aka Euro-Stik or Omni-Stik), Ultimarc T-Stik, Ultimarc Mag-Stik, Ultimarc J-Stik, Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT, Seimitsu LS-32.
In the last few years, some companies have added to this feature to allow the joystick to be switchable from above the control panel in some way. This makes it simple for anyone to switch the joystick between 4-way to 8-way from game to game, without having to access 'the guts' of the control panel.
Conventional joysticks that can be switched from above the control panel like this include:
Non-Conventional Digital Joysticks
49-Way Joysticks
Once used in a small handfull of Williams, Midway and Atari games, these analog style joysticks have become a great all-around stick when used on a home arcade machine. Using the GP-Wiz's various DRS modes, these joysticks can be easily switched between 49-way, 8-way, 4-way, 2-way and diagonal (Q*Bert style) modes without having to physically change the joystick hardware. This makes them well suited to a huge list of games that were originally controlled with different control methods.
Relevant links:
What are 49-Way joysticks? by URebelScum
