Sonic Joystick Player: What It Is and How to Use It

By The Official SEGA Merchandise Shop | SEGA | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn what the Sonic the Hedgehog Joystick Player is, how to set it up, and get the most out of this portable retro console.

Quick answer

The Sonic the Hedgehog Joystick Player is a portable plug-and-play retro console that comes preloaded with Sonic 1 and 2. Setting it up is simple: connect the joystick to a TV via the included AV cable, plug in power, and start playing.

What the Joystick Player offers

The joystick is designed as a nostalgic arcade-style controller that doubles as the console itself. It includes two classic Sonic games, making it a straightforward way to enjoy retro gaming without needing a separate console or cartridges.

Because it uses AV output, it works with most modern TVs that have composite inputs. If your TV lacks a composite port, you will need an adapter. The unit is powered via USB, so you can use a standard phone charger or a USB port on your TV.

How to set up and use your Sonic Joystick Player

Unbox and check contents: Open the box and confirm you have the joystick player, an AV cable (composite), and a USB power cable. Make sure the joystick is not damaged. If any cable is missing, contact support before proceeding.
Connect to your TV: Plug the AV cable into the joystick and the corresponding composite input on your TV (usually yellow for video, white/red for audio). If your TV has no composite port, use a composite-to-HDMI adapter. Common mistake: plugging the cable into the wrong color input. Match yellow to yellow, white to white (or left audio), red to red (or right audio).
Power the joystick: Connect the USB cable to the joystick and plug the other end into a USB power adapter (5V, 1A recommended) or a USB port on your TV. The joystick should light up or show a power indicator. Do not use a high-wattage fast charger – it may not provide steady power. A standard 5V/1A adapter is best.
Select the correct TV input: Turn on your TV and switch to the AV input (often labeled AV, Composite, or Input). If you see no picture, cycle through your TV’s inputs until the Sonic game menu appears. Check your TV remote for an 'Input' or 'Source' button. If the screen is black, the input is likely wrong.
Start playing: Use the joystick to navigate the game menu and select Sonic 1 or 2. The joystick controls movement and actions. Press the Start button to pause or access options. The joystick is the only controller – you do not need a separate gamepad. If the controls feel unresponsive, check the cable connections.

Product details

Sonic the Hedgehog Joystick Player: A portable retro console featuring Sonic the Hedgehog 1 & 2, with a nostalgic joystick design. You get two classic games in one compact unit, ready to play right out of the box.
Sonic the Hedgehog Joystick Player