Atari Flashback 9: What's Up With the Paddle Games?

AtGames Atari Flashback 9 (Model AR3050 / UPC 818858029636) paddle controllers have extreme sensitivity issues that make classic paddle games nearly unplayable. In this video I measure the exact arc length and rotation angle on Super Breakout and compare it side-by-side with a real Atari 2600. 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗠 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗜 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝟵 𝗣𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗟𝗘𝗦 The Flashback 9 paddles only give about 6 degrees of total rotation from extreme left to extreme right. The original Atari 2600 paddles give roughly 43 degrees. That tiny range makes precise control almost impossible on games that rely on smooth paddle movement. 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦 • Flashback 9: ~2.5 mm arc length → only 6° of rotation • Original Atari 2600: ~18 mm arc length → 43° of rotation Result: Super Breakout (and most other paddle titles) feel twitchy and frustrating on the Flashback 9. 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗟𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦 • Super Breakout • Breakout • Kaboom! • Circus Atari • Warlords • Night Driver • Canyon Bomber • Demons to Diamonds • Street Racer • Steeplechase • Backgammon • Blackjack • Pong / Video Olympics 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗦 0:00 – Intro 0:27 – The paddle sensitivity problem 1:23 – Measuring Flashback 9 arc length & angle 3:00 – Measuring original Atari 2600 arc length & angle 4:48 – Final thoughts & conclusion If you’re thinking about buying an Atari Flashback 9 (or already own one) and care about paddle games, this measurement video shows exactly why the controllers feel so off. Like the video if the numbers surprised you, subscribe for more retro console tests, and drop a comment if you’ve noticed the same issue with your Flashback 9 paddles. #AtariFlashback9 #AtariPaddle #SuperBreakout #AtGames #Atari2600 #RetroGaming #PaddleController #Flashback9Review