Atari CX52 5200 Controller Model Remote 1987 Joystick W/ Keypad

The Atari CX52 controller was designed for the Atari 5200 SuperSystem and introduced in the early 1980s, continuing through 1987. It features an analog, non-self-centering joystick that offers 360-degree movement and pressure-sensitive input, allowing for variable speed in games. The integrated numeric keypad includes Start, Pause, and Reset buttons, enabling players to control game functions directly from the controller. Two side-mounted fire buttons on each side provide ambidextrous usability. While innovative for its time, the CX52 is known for its fragile membrane contacts and inconsistent build quality. Despite these flaws, it remains a collector's item for retro gaming enthusiasts, with available overlays to customize keypad input per game. This controller set the foundation for future gamepad designs and is often replaced or modified by modern retro gaming communities for improved reliability.