Retro-Bit Sega Mega Drive 8 button Arcade Pad – USB – Hardware Review
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Developer: Retro-Bit
Publisher: Retro-Bit
Platform: Mega Drive/Genesis, PC (USB Model)
Tested on: PC

Retro-Bit Sega Mega Drive 8 button Arcade Pad – USB – Hardware Review

Good: Design, Added shoulder buttons
Bad: Only good for retro games
User Score
8.3
(4 votes)
Click to vote
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Rating: 8.3/10 (4 votes cast)

Recently we tried out Retro-Bit’s Tribute64, which was their take on a very comfortable and affordable Nintendo 64 controller for the original console or the USB model for newer platforms and PC. Retro-Bit also makes a lot more than just Nintendo 64 controllers, as they also make retro consoles and officially licensed SEGA controllers. This time we’re taking a look at the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) 8 Button Arcade Pad  – USB. This 8 button version offers us triggers, which the original version did not have, and we were quite curious to see how this retro-inspired controller holds up.

 

 

Design

Retro-Bit follows the design of the original Mega Drive/Genesis controller, albeit with a different color and a few minor changes. The controller itself is reminiscent of the 6 button Mega Drive controller, but this one just has added triggers, which are neatly embedded into the design. We tried out the transparent blue model which looks sleek and very fancy. The buttons have detailed button descriptions and the D-Pad stands out a little, resembling the design of the Xbox One Elite controller’s D-Pad, albeit shaped more like a traditional D-Pad.

Comfort

We can easily state that controllers have come a long way from the horrible joystick on the Atari 2600, to our modern day controllers. The Sega Mega Drive controller was one of the first more ‘curved’ controllers, making it slightly more comfortable to hold, but it’s still nowhere close to the comfort we know nowadays. Nonetheless, the controller is decently made, light and overall comfortable enough for longer gaming sessions.

Specs

  • Official SEGA licensed controller
  • Adder L/R buttons
  • Classic 6 button layout
  • 10ft cable length

Overview

Retro-Bit’s controller is a plug and play device that is perfectly suited for retro games and/or games with simple control schemes. The buttons on the device provide proper feedback and even make a proper click when pressed. The triggers are a bit flimsier than the rest of the buttons but they do well and are neatly incorporated in the design. The D-Pad is, as mentioned above, somewhat like the Xbox One Elite controller’s D-Pad, meaning it floats a little above the case. This makes it somewhat a delight to work with and you also get proper feedback when playing platformers or fighting games.

Of course, when buying a controller such as this, you know it won’t be useful for modern games, or games that simply require a lot of buttons, sticks and/or triggers to work. Nonetheless, this blast from the past looks great and plays great as well, and comes at a rather low price.

Conclusion

Retro-Bit’s Sega Mega Drive 8 button Arcade Pad – USB is a delight to work with and play old school games. The controller feels like the authentic Sega Mega Drive/Genesis experience, which is certainly fun if you have some old MD games on your PC. If you’re looking for a fun Sega experience, but lack the resources for the original console, or simply don’t want the hassle of connecting an old school console to your modern TV set, then this controller will offer a fun experience.

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Rating: 8.3/10 (4 votes cast)
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Retro-Bit Sega Mega Drive 8 button Arcade Pad – USB - Hardware Review, 8.3 out of 10 based on 4 ratings
Ibuki


Aspiring ninja.

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