Atari CX40 joystick

The Atari CX40 is a single-button joystick. It was the first widely used cross-platform game controller. The original CX10 was released with the Atari Video Computer System (later renamed the Atari 2600) in 1977 and became the primary input device for most games on the platform. The CX10 was replaced after a year by a simpler and less expensive CX40. The addition of the Atari joystick port to other platforms helped it retain its popularity. It was the standard for the Atari 8-bit family of home computers and was compatible with the VIC-20, Commodore 64 and 128, MSX, and later the Atari ST and Amiga. Third-party adapters allowed it to be used on other systems, such as the Apple II and the ZX Spectrum.

The Atari CX40 joystick with one button and an 8-directional stick

Further reading

Bibliography

• US expired 4124787, Gerald R. Aamoth & John K. Hayashi, "Joystick controller mechanism operating one or plural switches sequentially or simultaneously", published 1978-11-07, issued 1978-11-07, assigned to Atari Inc 
• US expired 4349708, James C. Asher, "Joystick control", published 1982-09-14, issued 1982-09-14, assigned to Atari Inc 
• Goldberg, Marty; Vendel, Curt (2012). Atari Inc: Business is Fun. Syzygy Press. ISBN 9780985597405.
• Grand, Joe; Yarusso, Albert (2004). Game Console Hacking. Syngress.
• Hybner, Tomas (October 1986). "Tovl joystickar testade!". Datormagazin: 18.
• Montfort, Nick; Bogost, Ian (2014). Stella and Combat: A BIT of Racing the Beam. MIT Press. p. 22. ISBN 9780262316446.
• Plotkin, Dave (December 1982). "Joystick Survey: Alternatives to the Atari controller". ANTIC.
• Plotkin, Dave (December 1988). "The Joy of Joysticks". ANTIC.