Atari joystick port

The Atari joystick port is a computer port used to connect various gaming controllers to game console and home computer systems in the 1970s to the 1990s. It was originally introduced on the Atari 2600 in 1977 and then used on the Atari 400 and 800 in 1979. It went cross-platform with the Commodore VIC-20 of 1981, and was then used on many following machines from both companies, as well as a growing list of 3rd party machines like the MSX platform and various Sega consoles.

Atari joystick port
DE-9-Controller-Male-Connector.jpg
Atari 2600 joystick port
Type Human input device interface
Production history
Designed 1977; 47 years ago (1977)
Specifications
Hot pluggable yes
External yes
Pins 9
Connector D-subminiature
Pin out
Numbered DE9 Diagram.svg
Console-side joystick port seen from the front.
Pin 1 Up
Pin 2 Down
Pin 3 Left
Pin 4 Right
Pin 5 Paddle B
Pin 6 Trigger
Pin 7 +5 volts power
Pin 8 Ground
Pin 9 Paddle A

Further reading

Atari Joystick Port Media

Bibliography

  • Decuir, Joe (July 2015). "Atari Video Computer System: Bring Entertainment Stories Home". IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine: 59–66.
  • Introduction to the Amiga 2000. Commodore Business Machines. 1987.
  • Atari Hardware Manual (PDF). Atari. 1982.
  • Commodore 64 Programmers Reference Guide. Commodore Business Machines. 1982.