Atari Game Console Joystick Controller - Dismantled for reference and curiosity
What's in a name? Marketed as the Super Controller, Deluxe Joystick, Pro-Line Joystick and probably other titles the joystick appears to be Atari's attempt to slim down the original controllers that were released with the Atari 5200.
The joystick was packaged with later releases of the Atari 2600 Jr. and the Atari 7800 boasting a streamlined, 'palm hold' design. It featurs two action buttons that functioned independently on the 7800 and identically on the 2600. Semi-interestingly the box art photo for the 2600 Jr. showed the joystick with a slightly different stick top and they were called 'Super Controller'.
Nifty though the joystick was it soon came under fire due to its poor ergonomics causing cramping in the hand you would both hold the unit and press the action buttons with.
The joystick was abandoned and the Atari 7800 was later re-released with the Joypad; see separate page on this site. A small redeming factor is it provided a joystick for left handed 2600 users.
