ColecoVision Arcade Stick 4 Button Super Action Colors

The ColecoVision Arcade Stick 4 Button Super Action Colors is a modern arcade-style controller manufactured by RetroGameBoyz LLC for the ColecoVision video game system.

This version combines an arcade-style joystick, the complete ColecoVision keypad and four genuine Sanwa arcade buttons colored to recall the four action buttons of Coleco's original Super Action Controller.

Arcade Controls

The controller features an 8-way JLF-style joystick with a white ball-top handle and four genuine Sanwa OBSF-24 24mm action buttons.

The four buttons use the familiar colors associated with the ColecoVision Super Action Controller, giving the arcade stick a visual and functional connection to Coleco's four-button controller.

Internally, the controller uses RetroGameBoyz's custom “Sammy Board” controller interface and a custom printed circuit board designed specifically for the ColecoVision keypad.

Full ColecoVision Keypad

A complete 12-key ColecoVision keypad is incorporated directly into the arcade stick.

This preserves an important feature of the original ColecoVision controller and allows games requiring numeric selections, difficulty settings or keypad overlays to be operated without connecting a separate hand controller.

Four-Button and Super Action Games:

The four-button arrangement provides additional controls for compatible ColecoVision software, including homebrew games capable of using more than the standard controller's two action buttons.

It also provides improved control for certain games originally associated with the Super Action Controller.

The arcade stick does not, however, contain a Speed Roller and therefore should not be considered a complete replacement for the original Super Action Controller.

Front Line and Rocky: Super Action Boxing can take advantage of the four-button arrangement without requiring the Speed Roller.

Spy Hunter and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator can also benefit from four-button control, although both can be played using a standard two-button ColecoVision controller and keypad.

The three Super Action sports games—Super Action Baseball, Super Action Football and Super Action Soccer—require both the additional action buttons and Speed Roller functionality and therefore are not fully supported.

Construction

The controller uses a black ColecoVision-themed enclosure with custom wiring and connectors, rubber feet and an approximately five-foot controller cable.

Some components are 3D printed and may exhibit minor variations in texture or appearance resulting from the manufacturing process.

Historical Significance

The 4 Button Super Action Colors model represents a modern reinterpretation of two different approaches to ColecoVision control: the arcade-style joystick and Coleco's four-button Super Action Controller.

Its four color-coded Sanwa buttons recall the Super Action Controller while providing substantially larger arcade-style controls. At the same time, the complete ColecoVision keypad preserves functionality that generic arcade controllers cannot provide.

Although the absence of a Speed Roller prevents it from completely duplicating the Super Action Controller, the design provides four-button functionality for compatible original and modern homebrew ColecoVision software.

Product: ColecoVision Arcade Stick 4 Button Super Action Colors
Manufacturer: RetroGameBoyz LLC
Type: Arcade Stick / Controller
Platform: ColecoVision
Directional Control: 8-way JLF-style joystick
Action Buttons: Four
Buttons: Genuine Sanwa OBSF-24, 24mm
Button Style: Super Action Controller colors
Keypad: Full 12-key ColecoVision keypad
Controller Interface: RetroGameBoyz “Sammy Board”
Cable Length: Approximately 5 feet
Speed Roller: No
Super Action Compatibility: Partial
Installation: External / plug-and-play
Status: Modern aftermarket ColecoVision hardware