Is there a company that makes custom joysticks?

[hyperdog]

I want to get back into the 80's arcade games that I grew up on, using MAME. But certain games like Robotron (2 joysticks) or Tron (joystick + paddle) cannot be played properly using any mainstream joystick. Since I really love these games, I don't mind paying a few hundred dollars for custom control panels for these specific games, but I've had no luck finding companies that offer this kind of service. Does anyone know of any?

 

[hyperdog]

Furthermore, though X-Arcade makes joysticks with enough buttons to play Defender, the buttons are not in the correct positions to get the correct feel. I feel that a custom-made Defender control panel would be needed too. I've read stories where people actually went out of their way to make their own Defender control panel. Well, I don't have the expertise or time to do such a thing. Surely there must be a company that would fulfill such a request?

By the way, I'm sure somewhere I could buy these original panels themselves, but I wouldn't know how to connect them to my PC so that I could play the specific games that take USB as input.

 

[hyperdog]

For example, here I can purchase the Defender overlay for $32:
http://www.arcadeoverlays.com/defender-control-panel-overlay/

Here is an X-Arcade joystick that I already have, that connects to PC by USB:

As I already stated, I can play Defender on this, but it doesn't feel right. If no such company exists, then if I give the Defender overlay and the X-Arcade joystick to someone here, can he take apart the joystick, reposition all the buttons and wirings, and then make the Defender control panel? Anyone up for that? And then the same goes with overlays for Robotron, Joust, Tron, etc... that require special control panels.

 

[Butler1000]

You may actually be better off buying the arcade games. I have no doubt they would be available in the USA. Probably more than a few in Canada as well.

As for the control panels I'm sure a competent computer guy with the plans could sodder one up for you. I would check with local guys as opposed to big companies. Ones that sell refurbished computers. They may do it just for fun(as well as cash).

Parts shouldn't be too difficult as they still make games. You would just have to source them wholesale.

 

[hyperdog]

You may actually be better off buying the arcade games.

Well, that's thousands + heavy duty shipping. Also it uses up space (what if I later grow tired of it?), and then there are maintenance issues. I only want the control panel.

 

[Butler1000]

Well, that's thousands + heavy duty shipping. Also it uses up space (what if I later grow tired of it?), and then there are maintenance issues. I only want the control panel.

Ah. Then go with sources locals I think. Don't get me wrong, there may be someone specializing in it. But it's such a niche market finding them in the Web might be quite a chore.

 

[hyperdog]

Here is the interior of my joystick, in case anyone here is interested. It appears that moving the buttons to different places is not so straightforward, because the wire lengths don't allow them to move very far, so new wiring will be needed, adding to the complexity.

 

[Terminator2000]

Here is the interior of my joystick, in case anyone here is interested. It appears that moving the buttons to different places is not so straightforward, because the wire lengths don't allow them to move very far, so new wiring will be needed, adding to the complexity.

dude. you dont know how to cut a wire and make it longer?

just strip the wire coating and cut it, then add more wiring from another unused wire and wrap it with electrical tape.

 

[hyperdog]

dude. you dont know how to cut a wire and make it longer?

just strip the wire coating and cut it, then add more wiring from another unused wire and wrap it with electrical tape.

Maybe you would like to get hired here? You may even want to do it for yourself, because I remember you were the winner of "Name that video game" back then.

 

[TeeJay]

You may actually be better off buying the arcade games. I have no doubt they would be available in the USA. Probably more than a few in Canada as well.
.

lol totally missed the boat
No most are ultra rare and cost insane amounts to buy
Plus the obvious problem with WHERE would you put the huge cabinets even if you could find them

 

[Terminator2000]

Maybe you would like to get hired here? You may even want to do it for yourself, because I remember you were the winner of "Name that video game" back then.

and i faintly remember people in that thread talking shit about video games and how the thread was no big deal...

it was a fun thread still.

not too many people played along, calling the thread 'silly' and 'childish'..and 'unimportant' to that effect.

Its easy to lengthen a wire. just remember to make sure the joystick isnt plugged into any electrical outlets before u start and everything is unplugged and turned off. Dont touch or deal or go near no live wires.