What's the best way to connect a new joystick or game pad to an MSX 1? There's second hand stuff on ebay, but I can't help thinking they'll be used as bad as the creaking and knackered Quickshot I have at home.

Soldering stuff is an option.

Have also pondered buying an MSX 2 (have a Goldstar FC-200 MSX1), but really I only want to finish Manic Miner and Terminus in the original style, then probably pop the MSX away except for a bit of Pacman or similar occasionally.

Although there is Feud.. and Finders Keepers.. and the Windimation stuff. That ruled

Well, how about using a SEGA joypad, is that an option maybe? Look here:
http://www.msx.org/SEGA-joypad-for-MSX.newspost3336.html

You're considering to buy an MSX2? Do you want one for playing games as well, and if so, which ones if I may ask?

I'm not sure it's worth getting an MSX2 really. I'm intrigued by Kings Valley 2 and the remakes of some of the Ultimate games, but I can probably handle those through emulation.

Thanks for the SEGA link, although the links appear to be dead. The genesis is pretty old too, though. I'm really looking for a way to connect a new gamepad/joystick to a real MSX.

Then again, the MSX joystick interface is hardly complex. Maybe the easiest option is to buy arcade parts and link it up to a female DB9 connector..

Many modern digital joysticks have some electronics that have to be removed before it can be used as MSX joystick, but basically all that is needed is just connecting switches to correct pins on DB9.

Maybe I'll try a cheapo joystick and a bit of soldering then..