DualStick + CDZ Button DC Controls

[Ragfish]

TBH if they are struggling to release a design that has existed for over 20 years, that would suggest bigger issues on their end than a second stick. I can't even fathom what's causing the delay outside of possible sync issues with the 2.4Ghz wireless tech and VMU technology. Outside of that there is literally no issues that could cause a delay.

Yeah, the thing was supposed to come out in 2019 so it's clear that they were having issues even before covid messed things up.

Oh, considering they called it the StrikerDC and their previous controllers for N64 etc were all 2D Fighter specific, I'm surprised to hear they've said otherwise. Even their official page states "Take your gaming to the next level with digital shoulder buttons and added pressure sensitive triggers – perfect for fighting games." Though it does also mention playing on other games too.

https://www.thedreamcastjunkyard.co.uk/ ... riker.html
According to this article, the pad is not specifically meant for fighting games, instead the name retro fighters comes from their slogan of "fighting for retro". Also, the only games shown off in the video where they revealed the controller are Sonic Adventure 2 and Sega Rally 2, which are definitely not fighting games.

Have you played on a StrikerDC to determine it is crap? I've not played one so I couldn't say for certain, just going by what others have stated.

Admittedly I have not, but the things I've heard sound identical with my experience with similar aftermarket N64 controllers, where the stick sensitivity is completely different than the original and thus games that require any sort of precision are broken.

[Ragfish]

The default formatting is not very efficient though. Reformatting the VMU can increase storage capacity by about 20% (IIRC), but it won't work for all games. Some games won't be able to access the reformatted VMU at all.

Is there a list of games that don't work with the extra room? I used Dream Explorer to free up about 40 extra blocks on my VMUs and haven't noticed any issues so far.

The only ones I've heard about issues with are Metropolis Street Racer and Sonic Adventure 2, and I don't have either of those games.

[Ian Micheal]

DCeric been a freind since 2002/3 And he does not bullshit about about things so watch this about the striker dc pad all you have to know he dont take bribes and tell porky pies..

[Anthony817]

Damn it broke on him after 1 day? Ouch that is unfortunate! I mean I don't hate their controller design, it looks great for people like myself who like Xbox controllers. I just prefer a more updated version that is officially licensed by Sega and will be what we should have gotten 20 years ago. It is interesting Sega went from the amazing D-Pad on the previous 2 console controllers but took a step back with 2 key points on the DC such as not carrying over the 6 button layout, and opting for a NES-esque D-Pad.

But I will be honest here, even Retro-Bit had some production issues with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Saturn Controllers D-Pad. Early on when they first introduced them there were many reports of the internal rocker plastic piece breaking due to low quality brittle plastics. Now they have since fixed this issue, and sent out people replacements and taken care of them.

Did DCEric ever hear back from Retro Fighters? I mean if they fixed the issue then good on them. If not he should have reached out to let them know.

[Roareye]

That video was great.

Anthony, in the comments Retro Fighters sent him a replacement. He then added a response saying he couldn't use the replacement either because it felt like the triggers we're going to break again

[Anthony817]

Damn, that is really unfortunate for him.

I guess we just have to play the waiting game and see if this Covid-19 shit ever truly passes over. Hopefully Retro-Bit can eventually get our dream controller out that always should have been.

[Roel]

Either way the VMU works as is. For me, the DC replacement controllers being sold do not. We are in dire need of a dual stick controller.

I couldn't agree more!

[Nico0020]

Damn it broke on him after 1 day? Ouch that is unfortunate! I mean I don't hate their controller design, it looks great for people like myself who like Xbox controllers. I just prefer a more updated version that is officially licensed by Sega and will be what we should have gotten 20 years ago. It is interesting Sega went from the amazing D-Pad on the previous 2 console controllers but took a step back with 2 key points on the DC such as not carrying over the 6 button layout, and opting for a NES-esque D-Pad.

But I will be honest here, even Retro-Bit had some production issues with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Saturn Controllers D-Pad. Early on when they first introduced them there were many reports of the internal rocker plastic piece breaking due to low quality brittle plastics. Now they have since fixed this issue, and sent out people replacements and taken care of them.

Did DCEric ever hear back from Retro Fighters? I mean if they fixed the issue then good on them. If not he should have reached out to let them know.

Yea i've seen reports of this controller breaking on some people. I myself haven't had any problems and really do like the controller. The triggers are a bit "mushy" but the buttons themselves feel fantastic. Pros and Cons.

My first retrobit saturn controller's Dpad rocker snapped after a week of using it, but retrobit was kind enough to send me the replacment/stronger part free of charge.

While I don't have as many issues with the DC pad as others, it is flawed compared to what they had before. 4 buttons was the wrong choice, even at the time it was being Developed. The PS1's original controller had dual trigger sets at launch, which were just buttons . Even the weird N64 controller had 6 face buttons. I don't know what was going through SEGA's minds when they decided to drop 2 buttons on their next gen console. Fighting games suffered, as did something like Vitual ON which plays wonderfully on a Saturn pad, but much worse on the DC 4 button pad.

[Roareye]

What are the available buttons/controls available on Dreamcast - including those not compatible with the original DC controller?

Left Stick - Included on DC Controller
D-Pad - Included on DC Controller
A - Included on DC Controller
B - Included on DC Controller
X - Included on DC Controller
Y - Included on DC Controller
L Trigger - Included on DC Controller
R Trigger - Included on DC Controller
START - Included on DC Controller

Right Stick - Officially only used for Twin Stick and Fishing Rod controllers

Are there other buttons that a modified StrikerDC could use for unique shoulder buttons? I've heard people call them C and Z buttons, but I know on the controller as it is they just emulate L and R.

I also wonder if some of the issues of the controller weight could be fixed by including certain elements into the controller itself. Vibration Paks haven't been used since the DC, because all controllers include vibration as standard. Microphones have been included built into some controllers too. Are controllers hard-coded into the DC hardware to only recognise two add-ons? Because you could reduce the form to a single actual VMU input, with the rumble pak and microphone built into the controller itself (with perhaps the microphone being set as a passive third accessory if possible). I wouldn't want to lose the VMU, as it has a necessary role in some games (like Sonic Shuffle's multiplayer) but if designers are struggling to accommodate comfort with so many retro accessories, incorporating some into the controller design might be the way forward.

[megavolt85]

We are in dire need of a dual stick controller.

I already have a controller like this
the GameCube controller is beautiful on the Dreamcast

I haven't tested many games, but Quake 3 arena and Unreal tournament support the second stick