Mule Joystick

[super56k]

http://www.famicomworld.com/Doodads/Mule_Joystick.htm

I just picked one of these up on ebay.  I was so excited to be getting my first Famicom accessory, until it arrived and I found out the horrible truth.

They are not compatable with the Famicom.  The controller has a 9-pin Atari 2600 style connector, verses the Famicom's 15-pin connector.  The best that I can figure out is that maybe it is for a Dendy.  Dendy's use this kind of connector right?  Anyway, I am trying to contact the seller because it was listed as a new Famicom controller, and it is not.   

Also interesting is that he used the same photo for the auction as the one in the link above.  If you look closely at the photo, you can tell that it does not say "MULE" but rather "HUILI".  This is also evident on the actual controller.

Edit: grammar

[JC]

Two things. One, it is a Famicom controller, but I'm pretty sure it's a pirate controller and is only compatible with certain pirated consoles. I have the same type of controller, only mine's called "Turbo Joystick" and I have a console to use it on. And the other thing: I think long ago that photo on our site was stolen from an eBay auction. It's possible we stole the image from your seller. I don't know for sure; I came to FW long after that image and the info about the Mule were already posted on FW.

[Doc]

Those are from Jason, I believe.

[super56k]

Two things. One, it is a Famicom controller, but I'm pretty sure it's a pirate controller and is only compatible with certain pirated consoles. I have the same type of controller, only mine's called "Turbo Joystick" and I have a console to use it on. And the other thing: I think long ago that photo on our site was stolen from an eBay auction. It's possible we stole the image from your seller. I don't know for sure; I came to FW long after that image and the info about the Mule were already posted on FW.

Well, he said that it was a "Nintendo Famicom" controller.  I know that it is functionally one, but "Nintendo" did not make clones, and so saying that is is for a "Nintendo Famicom", is not true.

The cord is extremely short and the buttons stick out twice as much.  The cord freely spins in the hole that enters the controller, and that makes me worry about the solder points comming loose.  That is if they are soldered and not just hot glued like some pirate stuff.  The overall quality is poor and if it is "new"  where is the packaging?  I am disappointed.

I tried to contact him, but he has not responded yet.

[JC]

Yeah, well I'm sure if the seller isn't a bitch you could get him to refund the cash or whatever resolution you're seeking. Sounds like the controller is crap. I guess the best advice for all of us is to make sure we check out the connection at the end of the cord before buying it thinking it's Famicom.

[super56k]

Yeah, well I'm sure if the seller isn't a bitch you could get him to refund the cash or whatever resolution you're seeking. Sounds like the controller is crap. I guess the best advice for all of us is to make sure we check out the connection at the end of the cord before buying it thinking it's Famicom.

Well, he has yet to respond.  I guess that I just trusted him by his item description and claims...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320031247739&rd=1&rd=1

Anyway, does anyone know where I can get a connector like the Famicom uses?  I know that it is just a standard 15-pin connector, but I hate to harvest one off of a PC gamepad.  I could just modify one of my extra NES controllers.  The cord would be long enough, and the controller would be first-party.

[JC]

Yeah, you got him on this one because he specifically says it works only with the Famicom.

Let me know how the controller modification goes. I've been tempted to try that myself.

[super56k]

Yeah, you got him on this one because he specifically says it works only with the Famicom.

Let me know how the controller modification goes. I've been tempted to try that myself.

If I successfully complete the controller mod, I will write a review.  I still have the review for my 20-in-1 pirate that I have yet to send to JL.  I can not get any pictures of the game screens until I get my Replacement Famicom.

[JC]

Just wanted to let you know I've updated the Mule Joystick page and moved it to the Pirated section of FW. I made note of the problems with connecting the thing to a Famicom.

Also, it'd be awesome to have those reviews. Whenever. What I'm afraid of with the controller mod is getting inside the cords and finding a different number of wires. But you probably know more about what's inside.

[super56k]

Just wanted to let you know I've updated the Mule Joystick page and moved it to the Pirated section of FW. I made note of the problems with connecting the thing to a Famicom.

Also, it'd be awesome to have those reviews. Whenever. What I'm afraid of with the controller mod is getting inside the cords and finding a different number of wires. But you probably know more about what's inside.

The seller said that he has refunded my money.  I gave my friend the money, and he used his "Pay-Pal" account to buy it for me.  So, I will have to check with him to see.  I should really get my own "Pay-Pal" account. 

I have never had a problem with anything that I have bought on ebay before, so  have never been in this situation before.  He did not ask for the controller back, so do I just keep it?  I figured when you make a return, that usually you do not get to keep the defective merchandise. 

[JC]

That's a strange one...I would assume he thinks you're going to send it back to him. I would've made sure he paid for the return shipping costs. But maybe he doesn't care about that controller. I think he'd had it up for a while and maybe he's happy to be rid of it.

[super56k]

Yeah, I suppose that only time will tell.

[Jedi Master Baiter]

That's a strange one...I would assume he thinks you're going to send it back to him. I would've made sure he paid for the return shipping costs. But maybe he doesn't care about that controller. I think he'd had it up for a while and maybe he's happy to be rid of it.

I would too if I had a controller like that - freakin' wire sticking out of the side of the controller.

[super56k]

That's a strange one...I would assume he thinks you're going to send it back to him. I would've made sure he paid for the return shipping costs. But maybe he doesn't care about that controller. I think he'd had it up for a while and maybe he's happy to be rid of it.

I would too if I had a controller like that - freakin' wire sticking out of the side of the controller.

lol

[michaelthegreat]

These used to be sold by lik-sang as famicom controllers:

http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=182&products_id=2584&;