ColecoVision Arcade Stick 4 Button Genuine Sanwa Stick DK

The ColecoVision Arcade Stick 4 Button Genuine Sanwa Stick DK is a modern arcade-style controller manufactured by RetroGameBoyz LLC for the ColecoVision.

This special version combines four-button ColecoVision functionality with a Donkey Kong-inspired red enclosure, a genuine Sanwa arcade joystick and the complete ColecoVision keypad.

Donkey Kong Theme

The controller features a distinctive red base with Donkey Kong-themed graphics, reflecting the game that was originally packaged with the ColecoVision console.

The theme gives this model a direct visual connection to one of the games most closely associated with the ColecoVision's 1982 introduction.

Genuine Sanwa Joystick

Directional control is provided by a genuine Sanwa JLF 8-way arcade joystick fitted with a black ball-top handle.

Four blue 24mm Sanwa-style OBSF-24 clone buttons provide the controller's action-button functions.

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

Full ColecoVision Keypad

The controller incorporates a complete 12-key ColecoVision keypad, allowing games requiring keypad selections and overlays to be operated without an additional original ColecoVision hand controller.

This distinguishes the unit from generic arcade joysticks and makes it a purpose-built ColecoVision controller.

Four-Button Operation

The four action buttons provide additional control options for compatible original and homebrew ColecoVision games.

They also provide partial compatibility with games designed for the Super Action Controller. However, the arcade stick does not incorporate the Super Action Controller's Speed Roller.

Front Line and Rocky: Super Action Boxing can take advantage of the additional action buttons without requiring the Speed Roller.

Spy Hunter and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator can also benefit from the four-button arrangement, although both can be operated using a standard two-button controller with keypad functions.

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

Construction

The controller uses a red block-style base, custom wiring harness and connectors, rubber feet and an approximately five-foot controller cable.

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

RetroGameBoyz also notes that the color of the controller cable's plug end may vary according to component availability.

Historical Significance

The Donkey Kong version combines modern arcade-quality controls with imagery associated with one of the most historically significant ColecoVision games.

Donkey Kong was included as the ColecoVision's original pack-in cartridge and played an important role in demonstrating the console's ability to reproduce contemporary arcade games at home.

The use of a genuine Sanwa JLF joystick, four action buttons and complete ColecoVision keypad makes the DK model more than a cosmetic variation. It represents one of RetroGameBoyz's premium interpretations of a modern ColecoVision arcade controller while retaining the system's distinctive keypad functionality.

Product: ColecoVision Arcade Stick 4 Button Genuine Sanwa Stick DK
Manufacturer: RetroGameBoyz LLC
Theme: Donkey Kong
Type: Arcade Stick / Controller
Platform: ColecoVision
Directional Control: 8-way
Joystick: Genuine Sanwa JLF
Joystick Handle: Black ball top
Action Buttons: Four blue 24mm Sanwa-style OBSF-24 clone buttons
Keypad: Full 12-key ColecoVision keypad
Controller Interface: RetroGameBoyz “Sammy Board”
Cable Length: Approximately 5 feet
Speed Roller: No
Super Action Compatibility: Partial
Original Listed Price: $154.95
Status: Modern aftermarket ColecoVision hardware