Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: gildahl on March 30, 2019, 09:27:16 am

Title: Pong paddle direction
Post by: gildahl on March 30, 2019, 09:27:16 am
In Pong, what is the correct paddle direction?  For example, on original machines does turning the knob clockwise move the on-screen paddle up or down?  Same for both players?
Title: Re: Pong paddle direction
Post by: KenToad on April 01, 2019, 01:57:28 pm
I can't remember playing on an actual pong arcade machine, but it seems intuitive to have the left player spin clockwise to move their paddle down and the right player spin clockwise to move their paddle up. I believe that that's how Atari designed their excellent Pong reboot, Off the Wall.
Title: Re: Pong paddle direction
Post by: PL1 on April 01, 2019, 02:58:55 pm
In Pong, what is the correct paddle direction?  For example, on original machines does turning the knob clockwise move the on-screen paddle up or down?  Same for both players?
Clockwise is up for both players.  (MAME works the same.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmzH4E3x1_g


Scott
Title: Re: Pong paddle direction
Post by: KenToad on April 02, 2019, 01:09:17 pm
Playing the left hand side looks super weird that way, IMO. For me, the "face" of the paddle should rotate in a way that matches what you're moving onscreen. That Pong machine looks reversed to my eyes for the left player, similar to how it would look in Arkanoid if you rotated clockwise to move the Vaus left. Luckily, I don't know anyone with strong Pong memories, so I can set it up how I like it, rather than how they remember it.
Title: Re: Pong paddle direction
Post by: gildahl on April 02, 2019, 02:58:35 pm
The intent of this thread is just to know how the original machine was setup.  I'll assume that clockwise is up for both players is the correct answer.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Pong paddle direction
Post by: Mr. Peabody on April 05, 2019, 08:31:12 pm
Now is when the like function would matter. I'm with Ken.