Features:

  • Official SEGA Licensed Controller
  • Compatible with Original SEGA Genesis & Mega Drive consoles (all models)
  • Classic 6-Button Layout
  • 10 Foot cable length
  • Original Grade Quality
Feels like 1993 all over again

I was really excited when press copies were mailed out and initial reports stated that it felt like the real deal. This was most important to me because if this was going to be branded as OEM as possible it needed to feel legit in my hands. Now that I own and and took the time to break it down, screw by screw, I am satisfied with the product. The controller is of the same level of plastic quality as the original. Now lets compare it to my original OG '93 model... - The D-pad is very similar to touch and feel (it's black, original was a dark gray). All 4 directions click/mash better than on the old, but that may be due to age and milage differences on the pads. Also the '93 controller rotates in a 360 degree radius in a more "rounded" motion tilting in each point of turn like an arcade joystick... the new D-pad tilts more like your typical d-pad. (This does not inhibit input in any way) - the 6 buttons mostly felt good. The XYZ buttons were on point for sponginess and "clickiness." However the ABC buttons felt off; I'll explain. A button felt like it had too short of a range to mash, B button felt sticky, and C button felt perfect. When I deconstructed it and put in the '93 membrane and resembled it again those 3 buttons felt fine. Putting the new membrane in the old controller felt fine as well. So It has to be the new buttons... or just my ABC buttons. - START and MODE are fine as well. MODE is a louder "click" and the button appears to sit more flush with the controller shape than the OG '93 controller, which is a hair bit raised up. OG START button was more mushy while the new one is more stiff like XYZ buttons. It's a plastic button, a more clicky mash feels correct. Mushy is for silicone buttons, like those found on nintendo controllers. - The cord is was one of the biggest surprise I discovered. It came wrapped and tied with a wire tie and, to my surprise, when I undid the tie it stretched itself out. No need to slide my hands down the cord and stretch out the bends. It is a silicone/rubber cord that has that aged loose feel. It's not a cheap, hard, stiff plastic cord... no, this is a premium feeling cord. And here's the best part... the tip is the official SEGA male/female connector. Logo and all. The '93 controller's cord has a more smooth, shiny, plastic feel and is a bit stiff even in its old age. The new controller is more matte black and flaccid. I recommend this if you've recently gotten into sega genesis, thanks to stores like gamestop selling retro gaming, or if you are a retro gamer worried about 25yr old controllers being beaten and bruised and just want something that looks new and works like new. I'm the type who loves "used, 1 owner" and "adult owned" and this feels more like "never been opened in 25yrs". Buy it, see for yourself.

A Legend Reborn, Rebuilt

As a seasoned retro game collector, I want to be very clear that I own many official releases of SEGA systems, games, and especially their iconic controllers. SEGA controllers have always had this nice meaty feel to them with a semi glossy/matte feel to them, a very particular halfway point. This controller by RetroBit and officially licensed by SEGA comes as close as modernly possible. The feel is almost exact as the original 6 button pads, but also deviates in texture slightly in order to suit modern needs. At first glance the controller looks identical, only appearing different in the D-Pad itself. When holding the controllers, the feel of the buttons is almost like original 6 button pads, but slightly different likely due to the age difference and quality of rubber used in the new controllers. The buttons are responsive and satisfying to press, yet new feeling at the same time. Overall, as a re-release SEGA controller, they're fantastic. The feel accurately emulates what it would be like to own one brand new, out of an authentic retail box as well! Definitely reccomend for the casual AND hardcore SEGA Genesis fan!

Great controller.

This controller is terrific. The cord is a very nice length and perfect for playing my Genesis at what is now considered a normal distance from my TV. The controller feels sturdy and the plug's connection to the Genesis is very tight -- it won't accidentally be yanked out. The buttons feel great and quality-wise, this thing feels like the 3-button controllers my Genesis came with. It played through the Sonic trilogy perfectly.

Super solid controller. Beats 8bitdo M30.

Is it wired? Yes. Is that a hassle with today's wireless tastes. Sure. Is it superior to the wireless M30 controller from 8bitdo? Easily. Snappy buttons, a sleek shell, and an amazing d-pad puts this controller as a must for Genesis enthusiasts, particularly with Analgoue's new Mega SG out. I tired both the M30 from 8bitdo and Retro-Bit's official pad. The M30 disconnected quite a few times for no discernible reason. The buttons and d-pad on the M30 didn't feel as responsive either. Retro-bit's controller is the clear winner. Returned the M30 and bought a second Retro-bit controller.

Real deal!

Product is a perfect replica and the clear blue variant is quite nice as well. The genuine packaging has to be my favorite part of this item. I'm glad the Sega Genesis is getting so much love at the moment!

Genuine Genesis controller

This feels and plays like a genuine first party SEGA controller from back in the day. D-pad and buttons all feel genuine. The cord is very long. Longer than my actual Genesis controllers. Don't fret these are not Mad Katz or typical 3rd party quality.

Incredible

Already purchased 3 of these controllers and each one has worked flawlessly on original Hardware. One thing i’ll add is (even though I don’t think too many people will own a Sega flashback anymore since better options have released) when using one of the blue controllers while playing SF2SC’sE. It tends to act pretty ghoofy. As soon as I started the game and headed into the player select it automatically made me choose Ken. I didn’t think much until i got into the gameplay. When pressing Heavy kick (standard controls) It would register through the control as if i pressed a punch instead of a kick then after a brief moment it would revert to normal. Doing special moves was nearly impossible because it was switching back and forth. Tried different buttons and it was kind of the same thing. I lost the match pretty quickly. I disconnected the remote, reconnected and the same problems continued. I even reset the console and nothing. I haven’t tried any other controllers but I wouldn’t be surprised if the results were the same. This might be Sega’s revenge against atGames for their low quality hardware.

Retro-Bit does what 8bitDoDidnt!

This is the best quality officially licensed Sega controller you can possibly buy for your Sega Genesis / Mega Drive / Clone System. They are perfect and gorgeous!

So far so good. This controller feels good and is very responsive.

First off, I've only had this controller for a short period of time, but considering they do not have any reviews yet I wanted to talk about my experience so far. I don't have original Gensis/Megadrive controllers to compare them to, but they seem to be much less clicky and accurate than the already competent Hyperkin branded ones. The controller feels good, not too much or too little clickiness, and nothing rattling or unusual. I'm a strong proponent of reproduction wired controllers and this seems to be the best I've tried so far for Genesis. Believe you me, I will come back and change my rating if necessary.

Fantastic

Controller is a little bit smaller but fit just nicely and your hands, it's very responsive. Also for who don't know the mode button make the controller play like a 3 button controller.

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