Atari Controllers on Sega Genesis?

[simpsonwavelover]

And it works with ColecoVision controllers and vice-versa.

[kojirotakamashi]

I used to do that. We had a Commodore 64 and Atari before we even had an NES. And when we got the SEGA Genesis, I noticed the plug looked the same. Mostly just worked for Sonic since the only controls Sonic had was Jump.

[schemammeister]

Most consoles and micro computers used to have that 9-pin connector (excepting Nintendo consoles).

I used to play video games on ZX Spectrum, SEGA Master System and Mega Drive consoles with an Atari 7800 game pad (the European version was a Master System game pad look-a-like). Also I played Atari 2600 with a Mega Drive game pad.

[TRAMGFB]

I've seen that from Genesis VS SNES from Cinemassacre on AVGN

[Leeki]

In Europe it was known as a 9 pin joystick connector. Commodore 64, Amiga and Atari computers use it.
Though there were some differences how pins were used in more advancd controllers. Overall you could damage the port or a controller when connecting to unsupported device.
It was also used to connect mouse for Amiga and Atari ST.

Pretty much 1 button joysticks were working on everything, but stuff with more buttons was mostly hardware specific.

[benroper]

I used to plug in a sega controller to my commodore 64. Worked great

[sleekflash]

It also works vice versa. When I got my Atari 2600, I didn't have a controller for it yet, so I just used my Genesis controller, and it did the job.

[owendinostudios]

In an alternate world, Sonic Unleashed QTEs be hittin different

[WillWatchAnything]

Conversely you can also plug a Genesis style controller into the Atari 2600 and it will work. Since the 2600 only has one action button only the A button will work on the controller but the directional pad can provide better movement than the typically stiff joystick.

[StewedEarth]

We used to use 2 2600 controllers on a Genesis to play Smash TV. One controller to move, one to fire. Made the game 1-player, but it gave that twin stick feel.

[SATO_FDR]

My Brook Wingman is a modern day equivalent. It allows me to use my favorite control on almost all modern consoles. New and old. Even wirelessly!

[gavinisdie]

Due to USB today, you can do thing with a ton of more recent systems, for example, I got a (third party) Switch pro controller working on a PS3

[megamanmarchek]

It also works vice-versa. Playing Atari with a Genesis controller feels so much better!

[mattuw]

It's used for all kinds of stuff. A whole bunch of home PCs and old consoles used it. The cash registers at my work use it.

[chair_enjoyer]

There is a controller adapter by 8Bitdo that allows you to connect controllers from one console to consoles that would normally not be compatible with them (e.g. connecting a PS5 controller to switch), the thing works on any console from gen 8 beyond (i'm not sure about Wii U though)

[MrLtia]

Genesis/Megadrive controllers are often the best bet, but you do have to be careful. Some machines can be damaged - C64, C16 etc. it's extremely risky.

[Benny.Nelson.]

I've already knew this when my family received a Atari Flashback. Glad to know other people know aswell.

[geraldfrancisco]

On the ps3, you can connect any Bluetooth controller to it, but it will be seen as a generic controller so the home button won't work, and the vibration won't work either

[ES_]

A lot of consoles at the time used that plug

[memedood]

You can use a Wii Classic Controller on an NES Classic