Computer Command
Joystick
mid 1980s (manufactured)
mid 1980s (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This video game joystick was designed by Wico, a company that began making peripherals for home computers and games consoles in the 1980s. This Computer Commandtm type was designed to have an ergonomic grip, a development on the original ball top or bat top style, which would be more comfortable over long periods of game play. They were criticised by left-handed users, however, as they were difficult to use because the main fire button was on the left-hand side of the base. Although Wico steered the market through innovation in the 1980s, the company failed to diversify in modern gaming and foundered by the mid 2000s. Wico joysticks are still revered by collectors, however, and are often used by hobbyists refurbishing arcade machines.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Computer Command (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Injection moulded plastic case covering electronics. |
| Brief description | Computer gaming joystick controller, 'Computer Command', by Wico, USA, 1980s. |
| Physical description | Plastic base in dark brown and beige, with red button on top left, with dark brown cable and red plastic control stick. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Given by Alex Carter |
| Summary | This video game joystick was designed by Wico, a company that began making peripherals for home computers and games consoles in the 1980s. This Computer Commandtm type was designed to have an ergonomic grip, a development on the original ball top or bat top style, which would be more comfortable over long periods of game play. They were criticised by left-handed users, however, as they were difficult to use because the main fire button was on the left-hand side of the base. Although Wico steered the market through innovation in the 1980s, the company failed to diversify in modern gaming and foundered by the mid 2000s. Wico joysticks are still revered by collectors, however, and are often used by hobbyists refurbishing arcade machines. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.44-2011 |
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| Record created | July 20, 2011 |
| Record URL |
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