![\"IMN](\"https:\/\/mathpirate.net\/log\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/NESGravityJoystick.JPG\" "\\"IMN")
<\/a><\/p>\n\u00c2\u00a0The NES had one, called the “Game Handler”, from IMN Control.\u00c2\u00a0 The Game Handler is b<\/a>asically the top half of a flight stick, without that whole pesky base that’s normally attached.\u00c2\u00a0 The product code for this joystick is the overly optimistic “GH-001”, implying that not only were they expecting the line to produce a GH-002 and GH-003, but also a GH-100.<\/p>\n I have one.\u00c2\u00a0 Unfortunately, my apparently gargantuan hands are unable to comfortably hold the controller in such a way that I can press all of the buttons without finger contortions.\u00c2\u00a0 The main trigger and the primary thumb button are interchangable between A and B, while the two difficult to reach, yet remarkably in the way side buttons are start and select.\u00c2\u00a0 They’re unlabeled, but that’s not a problem, because you’ll accidentally hit one of them rather frequently when you play, so you’ll soon learn which one is which.<\/p>\n Of course, Game Handler itself was not terribly innovative.\u00c2\u00a0 The Atari 2600 even had a gravity controller, and I think it used real mercury switches, because it’s from back before mercury was dangerous.\u00c2\u00a0 I’ve seen it called “Le Stick” or the “Heyco Gravity Joystick”.\u00c2\u00a0 The joystick itself says “Heyco” on a small ring where the cord enters the base, but the plug appears to have been\u00c2\u00a0harvested off of a regular Atari joystick.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Although it’s decidedly phallic in appearance ((Thankfully it was released before controllers had a rumble\u00c2\u00a0feature…)), it’s much easier to\u00c2\u00a0hold this joystick than the Game Handler.\u00c2\u00a0 Much of the simplicity\u00c2\u00a0is owed to the fact that it only has one button, and that button can be placed on the top, where it’s easy to press.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n