Re: Apple II game input devices

[Howard Poe <hojopo@gmail.com>]

On Friday, March 8, 2013 7:12:42 AM UTC-8, Steven Weyhrich wrote:
> After getting more of the story of Apple II game paddles straightened out, I was wondering if there were any other types of game devices that should be mentioned. Was there a company who produced a particularly good third-party joystick, game paddle, or other type of game device for the Apple II?
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> I remember Kraft joysticks, and CH joysticks, but don't recall if they were good quality. 
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> What was your favorite Apple II gaming peripheral?

CH Joysticks (the Mach II and Mach III particularly) are very good, well built and reliable.  I have a PC Mach III that works wonderfully, the cable is still supple after almost 30 years.  CH was associated with Hayes, if I remember correctly.

Gravis also made joysticks, I have a Gravis Precision Joystick for the Apple IIe/IIc/IIgs (picked it up from Dr. Buggie).  Also very well made, it is pretty sturdy, and has these huge plastic disks to adjust centering.

Suncom made a cheapo joystick that was compatible with both the Apple and the PC (switchable, cable had both 9 pin and 15 pin connectors), and worked OK.  I had one I bought for the Laser 128 in high school, and then used it on my Computer Direct generic 286 clone in college.