Hi, I'm wondering if this is normal, expected behavior.

When starting a ROM and given a typical menu of selecing 1-8 on the keypad to start a game, I'm only able to make a selection on controller 2. I'm not able to make a selection on comtroller 1, even though I'm able to play the game using controller 1. Also, when doing a hardware test using the test utility found on the cartridge, both controllers are reporting as fully functional (all buttons are registering). Is that typical and a known limitation?

Also, there are some games that I'm not able to start at all (e.g. Mario Bros.). The attract screen appears but I'm not able to start a game using either controller. Again, a known limitation?

Thanks for any insight you can give me.

It's not normal behavior that it not responding in controller port 1. Even built an arcade stick preserving the numerical pad with gutted old controller, and it performes wonderfully.
Regarding Mario Bros. Press 5 to insert credits, sometimes it does not respond inmediately on title screen. You might have to wait a few moments and press 5. I can confirm fully playable on Atarimax SD cartridge.

Regards.