Retrobit DC controller update

[Alextended]

I got a Retro-bit Saturn wired USB controller for PC of the first batches, all black like my PAL system was, to use with Saturn and other retro emulation on PC. The d-pad innards broke with barely any usage. Before that it felt excellent, maybe with a bit more mushy buttons than I remembered. I tried to contact Retro-bit about it and they didn't respond for ages, then eventually they finally responded, via twitter rather than e-mail or whatever else iIrc and it looked like I was gonna get some replacement parts after some back and forth and how it was apparently a known issue fixed in later batches (it's not like I can compare though) but then they just ghosted me again. So I'm never buying anything else from them as much as I want something like these new Saturn dual analog and Dreamcast pads. I already had a DualShock 4 for modern games and emulation of anything PS2 onward (PS1 too of course), which I now also use for N64 and Dreamcast and for older retro stuff, 2D stuff, fighting games, Saturn stuff, Genesis stuff and whatever else is relevant for it I got a Hori Fighting Commander (PS4 version I guess but no touchpad stuff, it's USB and works fine on PC in various modes, dinput, xinput, whatever you need) since it also has 6 face buttons and had a good reputation and it's been working fine a long while now and is pretty damn great and high quality. The d-pad is just a cross rather than Saturn style but it's good and hey, it hasn't broken after heavy use so no complaints here. I was actually debating getting that or the 8Bitdo M30 but I'm happy with my decision and I won't be needing another pad of the sort soon.

[Motoracer5]

I got a Retro-bit Saturn wired USB controller for PC of the first batches, all black like my PAL system was, to use with Saturn and other retro emulation on PC. The d-pad innards broke with barely any usage. Before that it felt excellent, maybe with a bit more mushy buttons than I remembered. I tried to contact Retro-bit about it and they didn't respond for ages, then eventually they finally responded, via twitter rather than e-mail or whatever else iIrc and it looked like I was gonna get some replacement parts after some back and forth and how it was apparently a known issue fixed in later batches (it's not like I can compare though) but then they just ghosted me again. So I'm never buying anything else from them as much as I want something like these new Saturn dual analog and Dreamcast pads. I already had a DualShock 4 for modern games and emulation of anything PS2 onward (PS1 too of course), which I now also use for N64 and Dreamcast and for older retro stuff, 2D stuff, fighting games, Saturn stuff, Genesis stuff and whatever else is relevant for it I got a Hori Fighting Commander (PS4 version I guess but no touchpad stuff, it's USB and works fine on PC in various modes, dinput, xinput, whatever you need) since it also has 6 face buttons and had a good reputation and it's been working fine a long while now and is pretty damn great and high quality. The d-pad is just a cross rather than Saturn style but it's good and hey, it hasn't broken after heavy use so no complaints here. I was actually debating getting that or the 8Bitdo M30 but I'm happy with my decision and I won't be needing another pad of the sort soon.

Honestly the dual analog Saturn pad looks ridiculous. It has sticks so close together, thumbs will probably be hitting each other at 30% travel. Plus, imagine trying to hit one of the 6 buttons quickly and accurately after taking thumb off right stick. Not going to be a good time. The pro controllers already available with back buttons and well placed analog sticks are going to be way nicer to use. I have M30 and it is great, get a Brook adapter to use with dreamcast and you are set for fighters and shmups!

Also, if you have a DS4 that is the best (in my opinion) for emulation on PC. Use DS4Windows and the touch pad replaces a mouse well enough that you don't need one. And you can map clicking the top of the touch pad, I use it for full screen activate/deactivate. So I don't need a keyboard anymore or feel hobbled with no mouse once the touch pad is setup.

[Alextended]

I just would have had it as a catch-all controller rather than alternate two. Use it as a DS4/Xbox pad for modern stuff, or use it like a 6 face button fighting/retro controller (I don't think back paddles are comfortable for that just as shoulder buttons weren't comfortable as buttons 5 and 6 on Dreamcast or PlayStation). Not both at the same time. I did think the sticks looked too close but maybe now they've switched to the joy con style low profile stuff it might be decent enough. But yeah I just can't trust the brand any more after that crap.

Oh yeah I also use the DS4 for Saturn or Arcade stuff that support analog like racing games, that took some remapping but it's great now.

[OlivusPrime]

I have no idea if I'm in the minority on this, but I don't like the Switch-style joysticks at all - they barely have any travel, in addition to their miniature size. I've played the Switch round my friend's house multiple times and they especially stood out as poor when I tried the new Super Monkey Ball - absolutely not a patch on the GameCube stick I play the original game with.

I haven't used a Saturn 3D pad but I'd imagine that would be a far better alternative to this for those wishing to use analog on real hardware.