Steven Pendleton Posted December 25, 2021 Share Posted December 25, 2021 23 hours ago, timepilot said: Any concerns about buying 8BitDo controllers from third-party sellers? Or are those pretty much all legit? Unknown. They are typically in stock at 8BitDo, so I suppose just wait for them to restock them. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4972165 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 Somewhat ironically, my PC version's d-pad just snapped. I was using it on the MiSTer's Genesis core the other night and was playing Sonic 3. Out of nowhere, I could no longer go left. I just opened it up and sure enough, the plastic actuator broke. PCB says 2019 so I am guessing it's an older model. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4973965 Share on other sites More sharing options...
youxia Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 I got that wired Retro bit few days ago, it was working OK and I thought it's pretty good value for money overall. Then...it just up and stopped working today (and one of my knock offs lost up/down capability). Is it possible that my console (the one with half broken pins) is damaging the pads somehow? Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4973982 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 20 minutes ago, youxia said: I got that wired Retro bit few days ago, it was working OK and I thought it's pretty good value for money overall. Then...it just up and stopped working today (and one of my knock offs lost up/down capability). Is it possible that my console (the one with half broken pins) is damaging the pads somehow? I'm not sure if it that or if the pins are just slightly recessed enough that any slight movement of the controller at the port might cause a loss in connectivity. You need to get those controller ports replaced. I have one of the older wired Retro-bit blue controllers and it has been my main controller on my Genesis for like 2 years now I think? And it has worked great! I'm hoping one of the new red ones is on pre-order for me as a late Christmas present! Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4973993 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 Update: I sent an email to Retro-Bit and they offered to mail me a new actuator. I'll post another update when I receive it. Hopefully the current ones are more durable than the initial batch. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4974005 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Pendleton Posted December 29, 2021 Share Posted December 29, 2021 Does an original Sega d-pad fit in there or does it have to be the Retro-Bit d-pad? Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4974297 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asaki Posted December 29, 2021 Share Posted December 29, 2021 16 hours ago, Austin said: Update: I sent an email to Retro-Bit and they offered to mail me a new actuator. Oh nice! Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4974396 Share on other sites More sharing options...
timepilot Posted January 4, 2022 Author Share Posted January 4, 2022 Update: I got two original Sega 6-button controllers, and they work great. Thank you all for all of your recommendations. I may be thirty years late, but I am enjoying exploring the library of Sega Genesis games. 1 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4977865 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted January 4, 2022 Share Posted January 4, 2022 (edited) On 12/28/2021 at 11:29 PM, Steven Pendleton said: Does an original Sega d-pad fit in there or does it have to be the Retro-Bit d-pad? It might, I'm not sure. I'm not willing to gut a perfectly fine OG d-pad though "for science". Not yet, anyway. 12 hours ago, timepilot said: Update: I got two original Sega 6-button controllers, and they work great. Thank you all for all of your recommendations. I may be thirty years late, but I am enjoying exploring the library of Sega Genesis games. Congrats! And enjoy. It has a great library. Edited January 4, 2022 by Austin 1 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4978081 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barone Posted January 4, 2022 Share Posted January 4, 2022 The mold is exactly the same as the original (inside too) AFAIK. The issue is that you can't really guarantee that the plastic and other materials have the exact same properties of those used 30+ years ago. 2 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4978149 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldLeader Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 For Future Reference, and just to throw in my 2 cents (it may be worth less). I kind of liked Retro-bit as a company when they first came out...Then I realized my Retro-Duo didn't look as good as it should (S-video had lines that shouldn't be there, composite wasn't as crisp etc.) and I realized I didn't really like their SNES pads, too stiff,...Nice colors though...Then I bought a Genesis pad from them and it was the Worst controller ever!! The D-Pad wasn't centered and IIRC, basically you needed to push Right + a little bit Down to go Right and Left + little bit Up to go Left and so on. But that was the old model. The new model, I believe branded SEGA, was supposed to be much better. But I've been burned too many times by them to find out. However I've had Great Luck with the Hyperkin GN6! I Highly recommend them! And they're not very expensive so you can try them out easily enough,...Then if you don't like them just have them as backups and Player 2 Controllers... PS They now also come in GREEN!!! *Looks like I need to buy some more!! 1 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4978301 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 (edited) I highly do *not* recommend the Hyperkin product. My experience was, it looks legit but had mushy buttons and an inprecise d-pad. Waste of money when you can get higher quality options for a similar price (you know, like an OG official six button). Edited January 5, 2022 by Austin 2 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4978608 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barone Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 (edited) Somewhat related: when I bought the Mega Drive mini I chose the Japanese W variant, which came with two 6 button controllers. Those controllers I have heavily used and they still few great, just like the original Japanese 6 button ones. I know that people in US tend to shit on them for being smaller, but I use them 'cause they're much better when you need to press more than one button at once or quickly change from one to another as I can easily cover two buttons with my thumb. Also, they historically were a bit better constructed than the ones sold in US/EU. The button contacts were better and AFAIK they were only made in Japan while the western ones could be either from Japan or from Taiwan. The ones from Taiwan weren't as good. On another somewhat related note, these are very high quality and they are internally identical across regions: https://segaretro.org/AsciiPad_MD-6 The D-Pad is very, very tight but very precise. Maybe not so good for fighting games, but they're my favorites for racing and shmups. Edited January 5, 2022 by Barone Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-4978794 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianC Posted February 22, 2022 Share Posted February 22, 2022 (edited) The JP 6B controller for the actual Mega Drive is nice, but it has a very short cord. While that can be easily remedied with an extension cord, I prefer the cord length of the US controller (oddly enough, the 6 button reproductions with the Megadrive Mini are close in size to the originals, but the cord length is closer to a US 6 button controller). Taiwan wasn't the only other place the US 6 button controllers were made. I have a couple made in Malayasia and they definitely pale in comparison to the US controllers made in Japan and the JP 6 button controller. The US actually got the JP style controller as a "kid's controller", but I'm not sure if the build quality is the same. Edited February 22, 2022 by BrianC Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5009578 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted February 23, 2022 Share Posted February 23, 2022 On 12/28/2021 at 2:14 PM, Austin said: Update: I sent an email to Retro-Bit and they offered to mail me a new actuator. I'll post another update when I receive it. Hopefully the current ones are more durable than the initial batch. Update: I received the part shortly after and installed it. We'll see how long it lasts. Anyone that has issues with their Retro-Bit controllers, reach out to their support and they will send you a replacement part. ? Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5010356 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted February 23, 2022 Share Posted February 23, 2022 40 minutes ago, Austin said: Update: I received the part shortly after and installed it. We'll see how long it lasts. Anyone that has issues with their Retro-Bit controllers, reach out to their support and they will send you a replacement part. ? I've not had any issues with my 6B retrobit controller that I use as my main Genesis controller. I've also got their Saturn controller and play using it all the time. I really like the Retrobit controllers myself and can see my getting them going forward when I need replacements. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5010377 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted February 23, 2022 Share Posted February 23, 2022 2 minutes ago, -^CrossBow^- said: I've not had any issues with my 6B retrobit controller that I use as my main Genesis controller. I've also got their Saturn controller and play using it all the time. I really like the Retrobit controllers myself and can see my getting them going forward when I need replacements. They are great controllers when they work, no doubt. I generally recommend them but the defective actuator issue is well documented. It's just something people have to be aware of when considering picking up these controllers. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5010382 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted February 23, 2022 Share Posted February 23, 2022 2 hours ago, Austin said: They are great controllers when they work, no doubt. I generally recommend them but the defective actuator issue is well documented. It's just something people have to be aware of when considering picking up these controllers. Guess I've not played mine enough to have it happen? I have one of the translucent blue ones that I've had since they were first offered I believe. Guess I've just been lucky. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5010469 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asaki Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 On 1/5/2022 at 4:59 PM, Barone said: I know that people in US tend to shit on them for being smaller... I'm looking at pictures, and they look the same size as the US ones to me. The newer US ones are pretty small, though (I've read that Majesco made them for the Model 3?), I got a couple NOS for dirt cheap on eBay a while back. They're not bad controllers, but I definitely prefer the originals. On 1/5/2022 at 4:59 PM, Barone said: ...but I use them 'cause they're much better when you need to press more than one button at once or quickly change from one to another as I can easily cover two buttons with my thumb. Who uses their thumb to play Genesis games?? Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5011260 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 12 hours ago, Asaki said: I'm looking at pictures, and they look the same size as the US ones to me. The newer US ones are pretty small, though (I've read that Majesco made them for the Model 3?), I got a couple NOS for dirt cheap on eBay a while back. They're not bad controllers, but I definitely prefer the originals. Who uses their thumb to play Genesis games?? Those Majesco controllers are functional, yeah, but I've found the buttons tend to be sticky/mushy and just don't have the same quality as the mid-'90s Sega-manufactured models. Regarding the thumb comment.. is that a joke? I'm confused. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5011465 Share on other sites More sharing options...
youxia Posted February 25, 2022 Share Posted February 25, 2022 On 12/28/2021 at 7:46 PM, -^CrossBow^- said: I'm not sure if it that or if the pins are just slightly recessed enough that any slight movement of the controller at the port might cause a loss in connectivity. You need to get those controller ports replaced. I eventually just got a new Megadrive, with a NTSC switch. This one is fine. But some of my pads still don't work, including that new one from Retrobit. This happened after connecting them to that old console with dodgy ports (they worked at some point, then stopped gradually). So I'll ask again, is it possible that they got damaged from being connected to that console, or is it perhaps just a coincidence? Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5011487 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asaki Posted February 27, 2022 Share Posted February 27, 2022 On 2/25/2022 at 10:11 AM, Austin said: Regarding the thumb comment.. is that a joke? I'm confused. What joke? You place your pointer, middle, and ring fingers over the A, B, and C buttons (or XYZ) as if you were using an arcade controller. In 6th grade, I saw a kid playing this way, and suddenly, everything was illuminated. Not really necessary for something like Sonic the Hedgehog, but anything twitchy that uses two or more buttons, you get a lot more speed this way. Sometimes I even play NES/SNES games like this. Really nice for games like Mega Man, where you're going to be jumping and then rapid-firing in the air for a good portion of the game. Or any game where you have to press a button really fast. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5012710 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted March 1, 2022 Share Posted March 1, 2022 On 2/27/2022 at 11:49 AM, Asaki said: What joke? You place your pointer, middle, and ring fingers over the A, B, and C buttons (or XYZ) as if you were using an arcade controller. In 6th grade, I saw a kid playing this way, and suddenly, everything was illuminated. Not really necessary for something like Sonic the Hedgehog, but anything twitchy that uses two or more buttons, you get a lot more speed this way. Sometimes I even play NES/SNES games like this. Really nice for games like Mega Man, where you're going to be jumping and then rapid-firing in the air for a good portion of the game. Or any game where you have to press a button really fast. I'm well aware of what you meant. It's just the way you wrote it made it seem like you think this is super common practice, which I highly doubt it actually is for most players. 1 Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5013755 Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted March 1, 2022 Share Posted March 1, 2022 10 hours ago, Austin said: I'm well aware of what you meant. It's just the way you wrote it made it seem like you think this is super common practice, which I highly doubt it actually is for most players. I only use my thumb when playing game pads and always have. Then again, I don't play fighting games where multiple presses at once are likely needed. I have had a few instances where I might have to do a jump and attack in a game and if I'm not able to time it well enough with my thumb alone, then I might use two separate fingers, but I do not like how that feels when playing normally. Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5013990 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barone Posted March 8, 2022 Share Posted March 8, 2022 (edited) On 2/25/2022 at 12:01 AM, Asaki said: I'm looking at pictures, and they look the same size as the US ones to me. They're not. You'd know that if you had ever used one. And the Majesto controllers aren't comparable as Austin said. On 2/27/2022 at 1:49 PM, Asaki said: What joke? You place your pointer, middle, and ring fingers over the A, B, and C buttons (or XYZ) as if you were using an arcade controller. In 6th grade, I saw a kid playing this way, and suddenly, everything was illuminated. Not really necessary for something like Sonic the Hedgehog, but anything twitchy that uses two or more buttons, you get a lot more speed this way. Sometimes I even play NES/SNES games like this. Really nice for games like Mega Man, where you're going to be jumping and then rapid-firing in the air for a good portion of the game. Or any game where you have to press a button really fast. Yeah, Capcom made their console SFII/SSFII fighting controllers based on your premise. They tanked pretty hard. Edited March 8, 2022 by Barone Quote Link to comment https://forums.atariage.com/topic/328561-first-time-genesismd-controllers/page/2/#findComment-5017457 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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