Set of Three Original Atari CX40 Joysticks with Framed Montgomery Ward Catalog Page, c. 1980s | Curated Reductions
Viridian Eclection
The Piece (RAISE PRICE $75 IF TESTED AND JOYSTICKS WORK, REWORD THIS POST) This curated set brings together three original Atari CX40 joysticks alongside authentic period retail ephemera from the e...
The Piece (RAISE PRICE $75 IF TESTED AND JOYSTICKS WORK, REWORD THIS POST)
This curated set brings together three original Atari CX40 joysticks alongside authentic period retail ephemera from the early home-gaming era. The joysticks are presented with a framed Montgomery Ward catalog page featuring Atari hardware and controllers, grounding the objects in their original consumer context and elevating the set beyond standalone electronics.
The CX40 joystick is one of the most recognizable designs of early video-game history, defined by its square black base, single red fire button, and rigid central stick. These examples retain their original housings, buttons, and cables, showing honest wear consistent with age and use.
Origin & Context
The joysticks were produced for use with the Atari 2600, as well as other Atari systems of the era, and date to the late 1970s–early 1980s.
Accompanying the controllers is an original Montgomery Ward catalog page from the early–mid 1980s, professionally framed and intended as a visual anchor for the set. Montgomery Ward was a major U.S. retailer for Atari consoles, software, and accessories, and the page reflects how these controllers were marketed and sold to American households during the formative years of home gaming.
Also included are additional original Montgomery Ward catalog pages featuring Atari consoles and software listings. These are provided loose as period ephemera for reference and historical context.
Included
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Three original Atari CX40 joysticks
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One framed Montgomery Ward catalog page featuring Atari hardware
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Additional loose Montgomery Ward catalog pages featuring Atari consoles and software
All items are presented together as a single, cohesive set.
Condition
Vintage condition consistent with age.
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Joysticks show surface wear and patina from use
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Buttons and sticks appear intact; functionality has not been professionally tested
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Cables and connectors are original
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Catalog pages show expected age toning and handling wear
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Frame shows light wear consistent with age
The set is sold as vintage electronics and ephemera; no performance guarantees are implied.
Curated Reductions
This set is offered through Curated Reductions, a category reserved for authentic period objects that carry cultural and historical interest but fall outside Viridian Eclection’s main collection due to their commercial production and functional nature. Pricing reflects completeness, presentation, and current collector demand.
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This set works equally well as a display piece or as part of a retro-gaming collection. It adds narrative weight to offices, studios, libraries, and media rooms, appealing to collectors, designers, and anyone drawn to early digital culture and consumer technology.
The inclusion of original retail ephemera transforms the joysticks from nostalgic hardware into a small, self-contained time capsule.
Details
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Category: Vintage gaming hardware & ephemera
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Joysticks: Atari CX40 (set of three)
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Catalog Pages: Montgomery Ward, early–mid 1980s
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Origin: United States
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Condition: Vintage, untested
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Visit the Eclection on Tuesdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
