It's an easy retro game. With highly compatible emulators available for virtually every PC, phone, and tablet, reliving the glory days of arcades has never been easier. The only thing that can dampen your nostalgia-filled journey to the Mushroom Kingdom is a substandard controller. Luckily, we've rounded up the best controllers for retro gaming.
What to Look for in a Retro Gaming Console
There are many options when it comes to controllers. Search for “USB controller” on Amazon, and you’ll see what we mean. It should come as no surprise that many of these controllers are pure garbage. If you’re serious about retro gaming, you’ll want a controller that feels and responds like the old consoles you remember.
- D-Pad Accuracy Even the most talented players can be held back by a wobbly D-pad. Without precision, you can forget about performing the precise jumps required in platform games or throwing Hadoukens in Street Fighter.
- Comfort – Retro games are synonymous with marathon gaming sessions: replaying punishing sections of levels over and over again, not to mention that if you really want the old-school experience, you'll avoid save states. If this sounds like you, controller comfort should be relatively high on your list. Ergonomics, preferred button placement, and size should factor into your decision.
- Connectivity – Bluetooth connectivity is definitely more convenient. Plus, it means you'll be able to use this controller with multiple devices. The dreaded latency can be the deciding factor between a successful Ninja Gaiden run or being tossed into a bottomless pit. Wired controllers almost always use a USB-A or USB-C connection, so you won't have any issues with PCs or single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi. You will have issues with mobile devices, though. However, this can often be remedied by purchasing an OTG cable.
- Extra features Things like programmable extra buttons (for pulling off combos or special moves with a single button press) and turbo functions are examples of common add-ons you'll find on modern controllers. Choosing a controller with these features is obviously a matter of personal preference.
Advice: You can connect any external controller to Steam for a heightened gaming experience.
Best for SNES Purists: Buffalo Classic USB Gamepad
Price: $ 35
Prepare Buffalo USB Gamepad Dubbed "Classic" for a reason, this is a true recreation of the revolutionary Super Nintendo game. It even adopts the same color scheme as the Super Famicom console version!
Buffalo chose wisely to model their gamepad after the SNES controller. It's one of the most iconic games in gaming history, and its simplicity and ergonomics make it an excellent controller for a variety of genres. For their version, Buffalo included a Turbo function, so you won't have to relive the painful memories of button mashing. However, you will have to deal with a wire, though you could argue that's part of its retro charm.
Positives
- Familiar design
- Turbo function
Negatives
- The work environment has come a long way since 1991.
- Wired
Advice: Learn how to add SNES emulation to retroarch.
Best for Sega Fans: Retro-Bit Genesis Six-Button Controller
Price: $20 (wired) / $28 (wireless)
Sega was Nintendo's main competitor in the so-called Bit Wars, which prompted the Sonic developer to release the iconic six-button controller. Since then, Sega fans have considered it the pinnacle of controller design—at least in the 16- and 32-bit eras. Regardless of whether you're a Sega or Nintendo fan, there's one thing almost everyone can agree on: Sega's six-button controller is the best way to play XNUMXD fighting games.
This six-button controller from Retro-Bit is officially licensed, so it's as close to the real thing as you'll get. Plus, Retro-Bit has added left and right shoulder buttons. Furthermore, there's Wireless version If you're willing to shell out a little more money, it even comes in a nostalgia-approved translucent blue or red case! Finally, Sega Saturn fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as Retro-bit has a Saturn control unit Also.
Positives
- Officially licensed
- Choose between wired or wireless
- Fun color options
Negatives
- There are no analog sticks.
Tips: Retroarch also supports Sega Genesis. Check it out.
The best platform for all professions: Logitech F310
Price: $ 25
It has been Logitech F310 It's been around for over a decade. In that time, Logitech hasn't seen the need to make any significant changes to the F310. That should give you an indication of how well-designed this controller is.
The Logitech F310 has all the buttons you'd find on a modern controller. It has four shoulder buttons, four face buttons, dual analog sticks, and a D-pad. If you can live with being tethered to your device via USB, the Logitech F310 is a reasonably priced controller. Additionally, the F310 boasts high compatibility. It supports both modern and retro games and has inputs for virtually any game. This makes the F310 a great choice for those who just want something that works without fiddling with settings.
Positives
- Wide compatibility with both modern and old games.
- Supports different operating systems
Negatives
- Wired
- boring design
Good to know: Mobile gaming doesn't have to be frustrating. Check out some of the best controllers you can connect to your iOS device.
Best for 8-bit fans: Hyperkin Cadet Premium Bluetooth
Price: $ 33
If your favorite era of gaming is when Nintendo single-handedly revived the video game industry from the depths of a mass grave site filled with unwanted copies of Atari's E.T. game, then Hyperkin Cadet Premium It's really right up your alley.
The Cadet Premium is designed in the style of the original NES controller, closely resembling its original inspiration. However, there are a few differences. First, the sharp bottom corners that used to pinch your palms while playing have been rounded off. Additionally, the back of the controller features two ergonomic grips, making it more comfortable to hold.
The Hyperkin Cadet Premium also includes a wireless adapter for your original NES controller, making the controller compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and first- and third-party NES controllers. The original NES controller has two face buttons and a D-pad. The same is true for the Hyperkin Cadet Premium, so compatibility with other older systems will be limited.
Positives
- Wireless
- Works with original NES consoles (with included adapter)
Negatives
- The lack of buttons limits the number of games this controller can fit into.
Best for Gamers: MayFlash Universal Arcade Fight Stick Elite
Price: $ 145
Yearning for days spent on the local trails? You'll want to get your hands on the Arcade Fight Stick Elite From MayFlash. This beast of a unit features proper Sanwa buttons and a joystick. For starters, Sanwa components are synonymous with quality.
What sets this unit apart is its compatibility with almost everything. The MayFlash Arcade Stick works with Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi, Steam, and Android. It even complements smaller consoles like the NEOGEO mini and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Mini. Additionally, it features a durable metal body and connects to your devices via USB-C.
Positives
- High compatibility – including modern consoles
- Excellent build quality
Negatives
- The price
- big size
Not a fan of gaming consoles? Check out these arcade cabinets instead.
Best for gaming on the go: 8Bitdo Zero
Price: $ 20
Most of the controllers on this list are full-size. That's fine when you're sitting on the couch, but what about when you're out and about? Fortunately, the 8Bitdo Zero It is a highly portable solution made for 2D classics.
At first glance, the 8Bitdo may seem a little small. It does have an integrated keyring, after all. However, once you get used to it, you'll be rewarded with solid build quality and responsive buttons and a D-pad. Plus, the 8Bitdo is wireless—a must-have for anyone playing on the go.
Positives
- Super portable
- Wireless
Negatives
- Too small - may be uncomfortable for some
- There are no analog sticks.
Best Overall: 8BitDo SN30 Pro 2
Price: $35 (wired) / $50 (wireless)
8BitDo has a number of excellent products. However, for our money, SN30 Pro 2 It's the best one currently available. The SN30 Pro 2 is based on the classic Super Nintendo console; however, it features some significant upgrades.
Most notable are the controller grips. While the SNES controller was more comfortable than its predecessor, your hands could still feel cramped during long gaming sessions. 8BitDo sought to eliminate this concern with the SN30 Pro 2's controller grips, allowing for a more natural grip that requires less strain.
In addition to the grips, the SN30 Pro 2 features extras that make it ideal not only for retro games but also for modern games. Dual analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, and even programmable paddle buttons on the underside make the SN30 Pro 2 a versatile controller. Furthermore, the controller is wireless and compatible with PC, Mac, Android, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and Raspberry Pi. It even comes with its own customization and mapping software.
Positives
- Excellent working environment
- Suitable for modern and old games
- affordable, accessible, affordable
Negatives
- Nothing (reason is our overall best choice)
Advice: Did you know you can use your controller as a mouse in Windows? We show you how.
There are plenty of controllers on the market, and almost all of them will be compatible with retro games. Can you use a PS4 or Xbox controller? Of course, you can. In fact, there are some significant advantages. After all, gamepad design has come a long way in the past XNUMX years. However, if you're looking for something closer to what you remember, you can't go wrong with a controller from this list.
