Nice Video. I bought the Retro-Bit 8 button Mega Drive wireless controller (Crimson Red) a few weeks ago based on your review. It's exactly the same as yours but says 'Mega drive' on it instead of 'Genesis', I put it in one of my latest vids. But guess what, it has a mushy D-pad. So it looks like we haven't got an updated version it here in the UK.
Would love an updated review that includes alternatives that has come since this video, like the Big6 and the Japanese version of the NSO Sega pad for example.
I actually have almost every version of the wireless Genesis. I got to say I love the m30 for the shoulder buttons being membrane. But I really appreciate retro bit 6 button model 2 and the big six controllers. Their version 2 controllers are much better than the original release. I will say I stole the d-pad off of one of my m30s to put on my retro bit V2 controller and it became my favorite way to play.
I got it, retro-bit is the way to go for Street fighter 6 and MK 11 on PC. i was looking for a alternative to my xbox controller for those type of games, and i was hesitating btw the 2 controllers you got on the review.
That 8bitdo has mushy buttons, topped with a disappointing squishy D-Pad. RB did a MUCH better job with their 6-button genesis clone controller. everything about it feels premium and tactile. But I think 8bitdo's may have the edge strictly in terms of lower latency. The 8bitdo 'N30' 2.4g for the NES is pretty great though. I still prefer the Original wired NES controller, simply because there's zero latency.
@@NintenPizza nhe newer white 8BitDo M30 with USB-C now has pivot point. But I suppose that the Retro-bit is a more faithful experience to the original Sega Genesis D-Pad.
I heard Retrobit Dpads wear down very, very quickly over time, so keep that in mind. Most reviewers are probably like "Well it's fine" when they test it out but that's short term. If OEM controllers are outlasting new controllers by a significant margin that's haram (Disclosing bias: M30's an incredible controller). All I hear from speedrunners is "NO NO NO" but for casuals maybe it's fine
@@goukigod it’s a fair pros and cons. But did you know the megadrive genesis can work on smartphones steam and also windows Linux and Mac OS computers? I hope the m30pro with joysticks are available just like sn30pro also.
I use the M30 for my platformers and fighting games and its wonderful. I almost quit Celeste before until I tried to use my M30 on it and then I enjoyed it.
I just got the m30 usb c revision and the thing has so many missed inputs it makes everything unplayable. It feels amazing but then out of nowhere a button won't work for a second then it works again. No idea why
Sad that the L and R buttons on the Retro-bit controller aren't mapped to C and Z like the 8BitDo one. There's some games that benefit a lot from having those shoulder buttons like the recent Xenocrisis and old ones like Granada or Atomic Runner. Glad I saw your video first before I bought one of those. Thanks for the comparison :)
I have the 2.4g White M30, and the Wired Retro-bit 8 button arcade pad, and the latter easily wins for me. I was thinking about getting the 2.4g wireless version but i need to know how much latency it has compared to the 2.4g M30 Genesis version? If it's too high i'll just stick with wired. :P
I got the bluetooth version of the retro-bit controller, and unfortunately the dpad can be pressed down on that one. Good to know that the 8bitdo is the same, I might have bought it otherwise.
I feel like maybe the version I have is a revision because others have told me that older versions of this controller (possible not the red ones) also can be pressed fully down.
I would go with the new Retro-Bit BIG6 2.4Ghz Wireless controller: it's the shape of the 3 button controller but with the layout of the 6 button controller, it's bigger so more comfortable for bigger hands, and you can also use it on the Sega Saturn if you have the extra Saturn dongle.
@@goukigod Growing up I also preferred the 6 button controller because it was smaller and had 6 buttons, but as I grew old, the 3 button controller now fits much better in my hands, so having a mashup of both is a good design idea for many people with bigger hands.
@@Xander71267 Both Mega Drive and Saturn 2.4Ghz Wireless controllers are interchangeable, you can sync a Mega Drive controller with a Saturn dongle and vice versa. My ideal setup would be a Mega Drive controller with dongle, a Saturn controller with dongle, plus 1 extra dongle for each console, and I could play 2 player games on both controllers, unfortunately individual dongles are not available for Europe.
I sometimes get missed button inputs or the buttons input is delayed with the m30. Anyone else get this issue? Retrobits controller is more responsive but it's missing turbo and has a battery that discharges itself after a week if not used.
The only problem I had with my 8bitdo m30 is which the dpad would get stuck at a diagonal angle but I managed to fixed it (hopefully) with putting some oil lubricant in the dpad itself.
I HATE the RetroBit controllers USB wired and USB dongle... For PC players we are screwed and I've reached out to RetroBit and they got a little nasty to me. The problem is on all PCs you have to plug and unplug the controller for it to be ready DInput "USB Gamepad" if you restart the PC, hibernate it, shut it down, EVEN WAKE FROM SLEEP with these USB wired/dongles plugged in, they revert themselves to "Pro Controller" completely over riding the mapping by being a Switch Controller. And no, the integrated "mode switching" does not work, ie going from DInput to XInput with their button combination when in Pro Controller mode. Only thing that works is getting up and unplugging the controller and plugging it back in. There are posts about this issue on the internet too. I've tried it with about 10 PCs so far. This really sucks for someone like me who has made an emulation PC for next to the TV where everything is navigated via the controller. Have to get up off the couch plug and unplug sometimes several times. This is a horrible controller. 8BitDo doesn't have this issue neither does Retro fighters BrawlerGen. For authenticity I have switched to using Original 9 pin Sega controllers with an adapter to USB instead. I've had every one of RetroBit's Sega controllers in hopes that a different model wouldn't have the same issue but they all did. Btw their customer service and social media are incredibly rude and snarky. Must avoid them at all costs. 👍
People say the sega genesis new controller wears out or has a delay on them somebody send me one and I will try it out for myself because there are alot of fake retro gamers on youtube not telling the truth on here and I'm tired of these fake rumors
@@Ian-Omega hot damn, no kidding! already got my retrobit controllers, very happy with their performances so i don't need the 8bitdo one, but thanks for the heads up in case i ever need a second wireless!
@@goukigod are you playing it with m30 bt version (with usb c) with retro receiver and us version of sor3 (not bare knucle 3)? You cant do the blitz attack and the duck and roll activates when you push down/up and b button instead double up / double down.
The 8-Bitdo M 30 2.4 Ghz does not work on the Original Genesis because there is no 2.4 Ghz Genesis Dongle, you have to get the Blutooth version of the 8-Bitdo M 30 which is annoying and Stupid because Bluetooth has that latency or lag problem. If only the retro bit had turbo, then it would be the clear winner because it comes with a Genesis dongle and USB dongle and costs less than just the 8-Bitdo M 30 alone.
There is a 2.4G version and it most definitely works with the OG mega drive. I have two early models and the 2.4G dongle works on both exactly the same. Here is the product on 8Bitdo's site www.8bitdo.com/m30-2-4g/
![Best Mega Drive Controller Under $25 [8bitdo M30 / Retrobit 6 Button Arcade Pad]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qz1TTMTdEEM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Best Mega Drive Controller Under $25 [8bitdo M30 / Retrobit 6 Button Arcade Pad]](/img/tr.png)
Nice Video. I bought the Retro-Bit 8 button Mega Drive wireless controller (Crimson Red) a few weeks ago based on your review. It's exactly the same as yours but says 'Mega drive' on it instead of 'Genesis', I put it in one of my latest vids. But guess what, it has a mushy D-pad. So it looks like we haven't got an updated version it here in the UK.
Interesting. Thanks for raising this. I'm sure there are many who'd like to know info this before purchasing.
Great video what's cheaper
@@rustymixer2886 5:25
@@goukigod thx bought 2 of big6, will you review those
@@rustymixer2886 Not sure. Hopefully.
Would love an updated review that includes alternatives that has come since this video, like the Big6 and the Japanese version of the NSO Sega pad for example.
I have both, but i use 8bitdo most of the time, the shape and the dpad just feels better for me.
I actually have almost every version of the wireless Genesis. I got to say I love the m30 for the shoulder buttons being membrane. But I really appreciate retro bit 6 button model 2 and the big six controllers. Their version 2 controllers are much better than the original release. I will say I stole the d-pad off of one of my m30s to put on my retro bit V2 controller and it became my favorite way to play.
I got it, retro-bit is the way to go for Street fighter 6 and MK 11 on PC. i was looking for a alternative to my xbox controller for those type of games, and i was hesitating btw the 2 controllers you got on the review.
That 8bitdo has mushy buttons, topped with a disappointing squishy D-Pad. RB did a MUCH better job with their 6-button genesis clone controller. everything about it feels premium and tactile. But I think 8bitdo's may have the edge strictly in terms of lower latency.
The 8bitdo 'N30' 2.4g for the NES is pretty great though. I still prefer the Original wired NES controller, simply because there's zero latency.
@@NintenPizza nhe newer white 8BitDo M30 with USB-C now has pivot point. But I suppose that the Retro-bit is a more faithful experience to the original Sega Genesis D-Pad.
For anyone wondering from what I've researched the newer white M30 with USB-C now has a pivot point
Thank you for the information!
I heard Retrobit Dpads wear down very, very quickly over time, so keep that in mind. Most reviewers are probably like "Well it's fine" when they test it out but that's short term. If OEM controllers are outlasting new controllers by a significant margin that's haram (Disclosing bias: M30's an incredible controller). All I hear from speedrunners is "NO NO NO" but for casuals maybe it's fine
Good point! I haven't noticed any degredation on mine although it's not like I play my MD every day.
@@goukigod it’s a fair pros and cons. But did you know the megadrive genesis can work on smartphones steam and also windows Linux and Mac OS computers? I hope the m30pro with joysticks are available just like sn30pro also.
I use the M30 for my platformers and fighting games and its wonderful. I almost quit Celeste before until I tried to use my M30 on it and then I enjoyed it.
I think the L and R shoulder buttons on the Retro-bit one looks like factory error (L on the right and R on the left)...
Ha, yep you are correct. I guess you could open it up and swap them if it really bothers you.
I just got the m30 usb c revision and the thing has so many missed inputs it makes everything unplayable. It feels amazing but then out of nowhere a button won't work for a second then it works again. No idea why
is yours the bluetooth or 2.4g version?
@@FS-zt6tm needed a firmware update 2.4ghz version
Sad that the L and R buttons on the Retro-bit controller aren't mapped to C and Z like the 8BitDo one. There's some games that benefit a lot from having those shoulder buttons like the recent Xenocrisis and old ones like Granada or Atomic Runner. Glad I saw your video first before I bought one of those. Thanks for the comparison :)
Very true. Glad I could help!
has anyone have successfully update the firmware for 8bitdo m30 dongle for pc as I updated the controller just fine but idk how to update the receiver
Don't worry your dongs are well taken care of and this is just the review I was looking for with the mini 2 releasing in a couple of months :)
You gotta have a safe dong…
I have the 2.4g White M30, and the Wired Retro-bit 8 button arcade pad, and the latter easily wins for me. I was thinking about getting the 2.4g wireless version but i need to know how much latency it has compared to the 2.4g M30 Genesis version? If it's too high i'll just stick with wired. :P
2.4 GHz in general is pretty low so I think it's probably ok. Bluetooth is where you start seeing much more latency and more variation in lag.
I got the bluetooth version of the retro-bit controller, and unfortunately the dpad can be pressed down on that one. Good to know that the 8bitdo is the same, I might have bought it otherwise.
I feel like maybe the version I have is a revision because others have told me that older versions of this controller (possible not the red ones) also can be pressed fully down.
Anecdotal, my M30 also has the problem where the entire d-pad can be pressed downward. Only about a year old.
Interesting. Maybe this is just how they are.
btw. are those retrobit hard to get nowadays? New ones are literally 3 times the price of M30 here in europe...
Having owned both, I prefer the Retro-Bit Genesis moel
I would go with the new Retro-Bit BIG6 2.4Ghz Wireless controller: it's the shape of the 3 button controller but with the layout of the 6 button controller, it's bigger so more comfortable for bigger hands, and you can also use it on the Sega Saturn if you have the extra Saturn dongle.
I haven't tried it yet. At the risk of saying something controversial, I don't love the OG mega drive's 3 button pad shape.
@@goukigod Growing up I also preferred the 6 button controller because it was smaller and had 6 buttons, but as I grew old, the 3 button controller now fits much better in my hands, so having a mashup of both is a good design idea for many people with bigger hands.
@@wettuga2762 Interesting. Maybe It'll be the same for me then
how do you use the 2.4ghz big 6 on the saturn? what dongle?
@@Xander71267 Both Mega Drive and Saturn 2.4Ghz Wireless controllers are interchangeable, you can sync a Mega Drive controller with a Saturn dongle and vice versa. My ideal setup would be a Mega Drive controller with dongle, a Saturn controller with dongle, plus 1 extra dongle for each console, and I could play 2 player games on both controllers, unfortunately individual dongles are not available for Europe.
Sorry but how is your controller working nowadays? Is still working flawlessly??
Does have USB-C or Micro-USB charging port?
I've had no issues with mine to this day.
@@goukigod That's awesome. Is yours USC-C or micro USB?? I couldn't determine which port it has on the controller.
@@LEESTLANE micro usb
I sometimes get missed button inputs or the buttons input is delayed with the m30. Anyone else get this issue? Retrobits controller is more responsive but it's missing turbo and has a battery that discharges itself after a week if not used.
I never have experienced this. Have you updated the firmware? Likewise, update any receivers that you may be using.
Can go either or; official genesis 2.4 ghz wireless or 8bitdo m30 2.4 ghz wireless.
The only problem I had with my 8bitdo m30 is which the dpad would get stuck at a diagonal angle but I managed to fixed it (hopefully) with putting some oil lubricant in the dpad itself.
If you're gonna use lube, i'd recommend a water based lube because it's kinder on plastic
Some user in this comments said that in his investigations, the newer white M30 with USB-C now has pivot point
I HATE the RetroBit controllers USB wired and USB dongle... For PC players we are screwed and I've reached out to RetroBit and they got a little nasty to me. The problem is on all PCs you have to plug and unplug the controller for it to be ready DInput "USB Gamepad" if you restart the PC, hibernate it, shut it down, EVEN WAKE FROM SLEEP with these USB wired/dongles plugged in, they revert themselves to "Pro Controller" completely over riding the mapping by being a Switch Controller. And no, the integrated "mode switching" does not work, ie going from DInput to XInput with their button combination when in Pro Controller mode. Only thing that works is getting up and unplugging the controller and plugging it back in. There are posts about this issue on the internet too. I've tried it with about 10 PCs so far. This really sucks for someone like me who has made an emulation PC for next to the TV where everything is navigated via the controller. Have to get up off the couch plug and unplug sometimes several times. This is a horrible controller. 8BitDo doesn't have this issue neither does Retro fighters BrawlerGen. For authenticity I have switched to using Original 9 pin Sega controllers with an adapter to USB instead. I've had every one of RetroBit's Sega controllers in hopes that a different model wouldn't have the same issue but they all did. Btw their customer service and social media are incredibly rude and snarky. Must avoid them at all costs. 👍
People say the sega genesis new controller wears out or has a delay on them somebody send me one and I will try it out for myself because there are alot of fake retro gamers on youtube not telling the truth on here and I'm tired of these fake rumors
Согласен с тобой👍🏼
Thank you for the weights
The shape of the M30 is more inspired by the Saturn controller.
The fact only one has a turbo button would make the choice pretty easy for me, if I were to buy one of these.
You know, I’ve owned many pads over the years with a turbo function and have never used it.
I like the black one
I like the red one. I have a nice blue one too.
It should be a felony to review a gamepad and not show how it looks and sounds when hitting the buttons.
The real test is shmups! and classic SF
Contra is one of my main go-tos for testing.
@@goukigod so How's the pad response compared to 8bitdo M30 ? do you have any issue on diagonals ?
4:07
SubTerrania?☝🏼😁
well right now you can't purchase M30 2.4g anywhere, so it looks like our choice has been made for us, atm
It’s back in stock now
@@Ian-Omega hot damn, no kidding!
already got my retrobit controllers, very happy with their performances so i don't need the 8bitdo one, but thanks for the heads up in case i ever need a second wireless!
The m30 doesnt work well with some games like UMK3, Aladdin and SOR 3 on sega genesis.
Really. I just spent about 10hrs with SOR3 and didn't notice any issues?
@@goukigod are you playing it with m30 bt version (with usb c) with retro receiver and us version of sor3 (not bare knucle 3)?
You cant do the blitz attack and the duck and roll activates when you push down/up and b button instead double up / double down.
@@alepocho 2.4Ghz receiver playing on a Mega SG
“If it wasn’t, you can drop me a dislike.”
This is true. The power is yours!
The 8-Bitdo M 30 2.4 Ghz does not work on the Original Genesis because there is no 2.4 Ghz Genesis Dongle, you have to get the Blutooth version of the 8-Bitdo M 30 which is annoying and Stupid because Bluetooth has that latency or lag problem.
If only the retro bit had turbo, then it would be the clear winner because it comes with a Genesis dongle and USB dongle and costs less than just the 8-Bitdo M 30 alone.
There is a 2.4G version and it most definitely works with the OG mega drive. I have two early models and the 2.4G dongle works on both exactly the same.
Here is the product on 8Bitdo's site www.8bitdo.com/m30-2-4g/