this was the Atari CX-42

Nowadays, playing with a wireless controller is very common. For generations, video game consoles have allowed us to enjoy our favorite titles without having to be tied to a cable. This has given us many advantages, such as greater freedom of movement, but also some inconveniences, such as having to interrupt a game to charge the controller or change the batteries if we have not been careful enough.

If we were asked to remember the oldest wireless controller, the Xbox 360 would probably be the first to come to mind, although not everyone would think the same. Some, old school video game fans, would mention the Atari CX-42. Curiously, this is recognized by many as the first wireless controller for consoles in history. This is a product that appeared on the scene in the 1980s and can be purchased today.

A controller from the days of the Atari 2600

There is no doubt that the Atari 2600 (Atari VCS between 1977 and 1982) is an iconic console. Not only did it help popularize the concept of the video game cartridge, but also arcade gaming. Part of this achievement was possible under his command, which It had a joystick Four directions and a single action button. That controller even made use of the DB9 port, which allowed its compatibility with other systems released later.

In 1983, a year before former Commodore CEO Jack Tramiel took over Atari, the company attempted to take its successful command to the next level. What did he do then? It released a wireless version manufactured by a firm called Cynex. The box included two controls, one left and one right, as well as a base necessary for wireless use.

Renewed version of the Atari wireless controller

Each peripheral was powered by a 9 V battery and had a telescopic antenna. This was very practical because it allowed users to save space when storing them. Certainly, Bluetooth connectivity did not exist at that time. The Atari CX-42 controller worked on the espectro RF. The records of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as stated in atariage, mentioned that it operated in the 49.83 and 49.89 MHz range.

The Atari CX-42

Cynex also launched its own variant of the peripheral under the Game Mate 2 brand, and boasted of being the world’s first wireless controller. Time has passed, but the CX-42 has not been forgotten. Currently it is possible to Buy original second-hand units in stores such as Amazon or eBay at prices around $30.

Atari itself, true to its philosophy, also offers an updated version of the controller for $34.99. It maintains the original design, but comes with many improvements. The most notable is that it works with a integrated battery which we can charge through a USB-C charging cable. And it is not only compatible with modern systems and the recently released 7800+ and 2600+ versions, but with the original Atari 2600 and 7800 using a DB9 adapter.

Images | Atari

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