Retro-Bit's newest line-up of wireless Sega controllers is now shipping in a 2,4 GHz and Bluetooth version. Retro-Bit awesomely provided me with a set of Bluetooth controllers to review and put to the test. Because these controllers are Bluetooth they are compatible with a variety of different systems including the Nintendo Switch, PS3, Android, and PC. I was also able to get the controllers to pair up with an NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis through currently available Bluetooth adapters. Spoiler alert I am a big fan of how well these controllers have handled everything I have thrown at them! If you would like to try out the controllers featured in today's video for yourself you can pick them up using my Amazon affiliate links below! Bluetooth Saturn controller black: amzn.to/2N7RyyJ Bluetooth Saturn controller slate grey: amzn.to/36jBRvT Bluetooth Genesis controller black: amzn.to/2Px1SSp Bluetooth Genesis controller blue: amzn.to/2qXDVJv
Jeez, I hate YT's notification system so much at times... Starting from the top! Tremaine, Retro-Bit pushes back the release of products to make sure everything is working before release. Testing can take time and accounting for various use methods can compound that time. They are still coming though! Michael: Hey I wrote that! That was the latest info at the time 😅 Al: the 2.4 GHz versions feel exactly the same to me in performance. I haven't tried out the Bluetooth version with Retro-Bit's receiver yet. Overall I like the 8BitDo design more than standard Sega Genesis controllers but I like the Sega Saturn controller more than 8BitDo which I can now use on Genesis with Retro-Bit's 2.4GHz offering. Hope this helps!
Good news! As of April 2020 there is a firmware update so you can switch the button layout to make it suitable for Genesis games, the way they were meant to be played! This is from the updated instructions... "Classics Mode - Maps Switch YBA to ABC and Switch LRX to XYZ. Ideal for certain titles that emulate the 6-button layout on the Switch Pro Controller. (Hold Start + Left for 5 seconds until the controller vibrates. Repeat to undo.)
@@Vegasguy79 because my phone, my portable battery, my pc and my other switch controllers are all USBC. i dont want to carry round unnecessary cables to charge one device.
I need to know if this controllers have good button mapping on Nintendo switch. For exemple, If you play SEGA ages games or megadrive/genesis collection on your switch, the button mapping is like original genesis console? That the question... It's one of disappoint on M30 by 8bitdo. the button mapping for Nintendo switch it's not good... for sega genesis games on switch. Thanks for your review!
@ArchadesGames Is there a fix for the battery drain issue for these 2.4Ghz SS controllers? I still have this issue with my controllers while using them with my SS console. Someone mentioned this fix: Power off the console then press R+START. This mode should turn off the controller shortly.
Yeah I have an M30, actually meant to make a video on it when they first came out but other projects kept coming up... It really depends on what you are looking for in your setup. The Retro-Bit 2.4 GHz option is great for people looking for the OG experience at the lowest possible latency. The M30 is more comfortable to me than the original Genesis 6-button controller and performance is the same. For me I have been digging the Retro-Bit Saturn controller for Genesis use. Haven't used it to long yet but it has been awesome so far!
@@ArchadesGames Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll still get both M30 and Genesis controllers anyways. Also thanks for including a fun durability test when it comes to these controllers.
Never hurts to have options! I am also glad you enjoyed the Endurance tests. I make it seem pretty joking but I really do brutalize these poor tools to make sure they aren't cheaply made.
Does the 2.4 ghz saturn controller still have some missed inputs on PC ? Also, for Dead or alive 6, which controller has the best dpad on your opinion : the saturn controller (2.4 ghz), a PS4 controller or an Xbox one controller? I am torn between those three and looking for feedback. Also, thank you for making this video, it was very thorough and informative. Cheers mate!
I haven't noticed any dropped input myself. As for best D-pad I am partial to the Saturn controller and have enjoyed playing DOA 6 with it! Thanks for watching and for the comment!
im trying to get these working using bluetooth mode on windows pc however i cant seem to get them working.... the pad is detected in the devices.... however none of the buttons or anything are working... cant even calibrate them .... is anyone having the same issue? and according to the instruction notes it says for PC use you need to plug in the USB cable... does this mean it doesnt work on PC via bluetooth?
Greetings good review. I It would be interesting to know if the sega saturn control could be used with the classic sega genesis original console through the wireless adapter
@@ArchadesGames thank you very much .. I think you should make a video about this with bluetooth controls that you have and they have worked on our beautiful console that is the sega genesis.
Saturn Bomberman. That's one I need to see someone test. All the wireless controllers and adapters in the Saturn multi tap and see how things pan out. Even better. Death Tank Zwei 😍
So oddly enough Steam doesn't regonize the controller as a wireless controller anymore it regonizes it as a ps3 controller Im most likely gonna have to get ds4 windows for it to work
My main complaint is the lack of documentation. It's Bluetooth...yet there's no mention whatsoever of how to put it in pairing mode for PC or Android. Just says I can plug it. IF I WANTED TO PLUG IT IN, I'D HAVE BOUGHT A CORDED CONTROLLER
@@ArchadesGames Which is great for people who have or are familiar with a switch. But with a premium product like this, you'd expect to see that in the manual Does it only have one paring mode? 8-Bit Do's M30 has Xinput and Dinput. Pretty sure one of them as those plus a 3rd mode for switch.
Bro so are you telling me if I get the 2.4 wireless version of the Saturn controller I will be able to play via Bluetooth and use a USB cable to go wired? I want it for FBA emulator and pc fighters and shmups. Please tell me this is true!
The Bluetooth versions will let you use Bluetooth and a wire yes. The 2.4 GHz versions have a receiver for both consoles and PC but can't be used with a wire.
I've owned both the 2.4ghz megadrive and Saturn versions & the Bluetooth megadrive and Saturn versions. @6:10 I massively disagree with you about the buttons in the megadrive bt version... For me, they feel a bit too mushy and the attention to detail in the markings of the buttons are not as defined to that of the 2.4ghz. I dunno, perhaps it feels like cheaper plastic or something... I hope they do NOT go down this route moving forward. Don't get me wrong, I love these controllers as they work very well indeed but I prefer the feel of the 2.4 megadrive controller to the bt version. Obviously this is just my opinion but the buttons feel much more authentic to the original controller in the 2.4ghz version for some reason (without the mush.) For me, the mush tainted what could have been a near perfect controller, the PCB inside them both are practically the same & are pretty awesome. I replaced my MD bt for another Saturn bt out of personal preference for the feel of the buttons. I think it's a shame they didn't keep the same formula with the MD ones & I see a missed opportunity not releasing the saturn bt ones in blue, haha. . 😅. Good review.
So would the 2.4GHz be the better buy. I ordered one yesterday and JUST found out about the BT version, the rumble is attractive but idk if I made the right buy, I plan to use with switch, pc and genisis mini
@@GRINACE If you plan to use it on the sega mini, point blank you made the right choice. Both 2.4 and bt versions support switch and pc out the box and work great. Sure you lose rumble & have to use the dedicated dongles all the time but it also works wirelessly on ps3 unlike the bt version. What I will suggest when you get it is to flash the firmware onto your dongle so the built in macros have a timer delay. (Eg: holding down and start switches buttons a-b x-y around for the switch.) The update makes it so you have to hold the combination for like 3-5 seconds before the macro activates. You probably will want this for the switch and not want to switch it by accident on the genesis mini so deffo update that dongle. 👍
I decided to buy the bluetooth version to compare between the two. I have to agree with you on the mushy buttons of the bluetooth version compared to the 2.4ghz. The 2.4ghz is more transparent while the bluetooth is more blue. If the bluetooth genesis controller felt exactly as the 2.4ghz id think we have a winner! But its all preference.
@@GRINACE Thanks for the reply man. I Totally agree with ya ! I mean, I dig the retro-bit sega offerings... But the megadrive bt version is my least favourite due to them making the buttons mushy. I seriously hope they do NOT go down this road moving forward. It will put me off buying retro-bit products in the future. The 2.4 however, I feel that they just about nailed it !
@@ArchadesGames I was able to make it work up to a point using Hakchi with the BlueZ Bluetooth module and a bluetooth receiver plugged in the controller port. It pairs correctly and the d-pad works with most modes, but only in Mac mode (pairing with Home + X) do the buttons work, and they are not mapped correctly. I wonder if it's worth asking Retro-bit if they have some piece of software that would allow remapping a mode.
goomba008 was wondering if it worked perfectly on sega mini. Any other controllers for sega mini that have the vibration function? I like that on the PS4 and was hoping for something like that for sega too while gaming.
@@aldensilva7089 I'm not a Sega expert but i'm pretty sure no Genesis game (or controller) supports vibration. It just hadn't arrived yet. Indeed, the genesis predates the SNES which didnt have it either ( it arrived later with the rumble pack on the N64, then dualshock on playstation)
Retro-Bit's newest line-up of wireless Sega controllers is now shipping in a 2,4 GHz and Bluetooth version. Retro-Bit awesomely provided me with a set of Bluetooth controllers to review and put to the test. Because these controllers are Bluetooth they are compatible with a variety of different systems including the Nintendo Switch, PS3, Android, and PC. I was also able to get the controllers to pair up with an NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis through currently available Bluetooth adapters. Spoiler alert I am a big fan of how well these controllers have handled everything I have thrown at them!
If you would like to try out the controllers featured in today's video for yourself you can pick them up using my Amazon affiliate links below!
Bluetooth Saturn controller black: amzn.to/2N7RyyJ
Bluetooth Saturn controller slate grey: amzn.to/36jBRvT
Bluetooth Genesis controller black: amzn.to/2Px1SSp
Bluetooth Genesis controller blue: amzn.to/2qXDVJv
Hey Dude, do you know what happened to the Analog stick versions that they initially mentioned?
Please use you super powers of influencer to make that happen 😍: gametyrant.com/news/retro-bits-analog-sega-controllers-launching-this-summer?.com&
Any idea how it compares to the 8bitdo sega style controller? I like the 8bitdo one big find it a bit small
Jeez, I hate YT's notification system so much at times... Starting from the top!
Tremaine, Retro-Bit pushes back the release of products to make sure everything is working before release. Testing can take time and accounting for various use methods can compound that time. They are still coming though!
Michael: Hey I wrote that! That was the latest info at the time 😅
Al: the 2.4 GHz versions feel exactly the same to me in performance. I haven't tried out the Bluetooth version with Retro-Bit's receiver yet. Overall I like the 8BitDo design more than standard Sega Genesis controllers but I like the Sega Saturn controller more than 8BitDo which I can now use on Genesis with Retro-Bit's 2.4GHz offering. Hope this helps!
You didn't list PS4. So they are not compatible with PS4?
Good news! As of April 2020 there is a firmware update so you can switch the button layout to make it suitable for Genesis games, the way they were meant to be played! This is from the updated instructions...
"Classics Mode - Maps Switch YBA to ABC and Switch LRX to XYZ. Ideal for certain titles that emulate the 6-button layout on the Switch Pro Controller. (Hold Start + Left for 5 seconds until the controller vibrates. Repeat to undo.)
I love the Saturn JP design but a shame it's micro USB and not USB C for simplicity
I was informed that USB C wasn't available to them during production but maybe in the future we will see USB C versions as well!
@@Vegasguy79 because my phone, my portable battery, my pc and my other switch controllers are all USBC. i dont want to carry round unnecessary cables to charge one device.
I deeply respect this reviewer.
Thanks :)
Can we play Emulator games by it after loading the game Roam in the Emulator??
You can use it on PC emulation yes
@@ArchadesGames Not PC I'm asking on Mobile game emulator?
Most likely
I need to know if this controllers have good button mapping on Nintendo switch. For exemple, If you play SEGA ages games or megadrive/genesis collection on your switch, the button mapping is like original genesis console?
That the question...
It's one of disappoint on M30 by 8bitdo. the button mapping for Nintendo switch it's not good... for sega genesis games on switch.
Thanks for your review!
There is a macro to change the X/Y and A/B buttons so I think it can work well for those games.
@@ArchadesGames so the button mapping is not like the original genesis.... :/
Can you remap the buttons on Switch?
@ArchadesGames Is there a fix for the battery drain issue for these 2.4Ghz SS controllers?
I still have this issue with my controllers while using them with my SS console.
Someone mentioned this fix: Power off the console then press R+START.
This mode should turn off the controller shortly.
Thanks for the review, have you tried the 8bitdo M30 controller yet? If so how does it compare to the Retro-Bit controllers?
Yeah I have an M30, actually meant to make a video on it when they first came out but other projects kept coming up...
It really depends on what you are looking for in your setup. The Retro-Bit 2.4 GHz option is great for people looking for the OG experience at the lowest possible latency. The M30 is more comfortable to me than the original Genesis 6-button controller and performance is the same.
For me I have been digging the Retro-Bit Saturn controller for Genesis use. Haven't used it to long yet but it has been awesome so far!
@@ArchadesGames Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll still get both M30 and Genesis controllers anyways. Also thanks for including a fun durability test when it comes to these controllers.
Never hurts to have options! I am also glad you enjoyed the Endurance tests. I make it seem pretty joking but I really do brutalize these poor tools to make sure they aren't cheaply made.
1 week ago "I can't wait to get my hands on these controllers"
Tonight *Proceeds to beat the ever living shit out of them*
😂 I like being able to provide information on products others are scared to do! At the same time I love how awesome they are!
Anyone know when the Bluetooth Saturn pads will be restocked?
Bluetooth is done forever I believe
Does the 2.4 ghz saturn controller still have some missed inputs on PC ?
Also, for Dead or alive 6, which controller has the best dpad on your opinion : the saturn controller (2.4 ghz), a PS4 controller or an Xbox one controller? I am torn between those three and looking for feedback.
Also, thank you for making this video, it was very thorough and informative. Cheers mate!
I haven't noticed any dropped input myself.
As for best D-pad I am partial to the Saturn controller and have enjoyed playing DOA 6 with it!
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Any idea how it compares to the 8bitdo sega style controller? I like the 8bitdo one big find it a bit small
im trying to get these working using bluetooth mode on windows pc however i cant seem to get them working.... the pad is detected in the devices.... however none of the buttons or anything are working... cant even calibrate them .... is anyone having the same issue? and according to the instruction notes it says for PC use you need to plug in the USB cable... does this mean it doesnt work on PC via bluetooth?
It works with Bluetooth. Are you using the X+Home combo to pair it? That is what will get it detected as Xinput over Bluetooth.
@@ArchadesGames yes it works now thanks a lot dude
Awesome! No problem, happy gaming!
@@ArchadesGames I tried X+Home but it requires a pin on my windows 10... Tried ”0000“， "1111“， ”1234“... none of them works
@@ArchadesGames It asked for a PIN number?!
Greetings good review. I It would be interesting to know if the sega saturn control could be used with the classic sega genesis original console through the wireless adapter
It can be used with the Genesis Bluetooth adapter yes!
@@ArchadesGames thank you very much .. I think you should make a video about this with bluetooth controls that you have and they have worked on our beautiful console that is the sega genesis.
Would like to but I don't have the Genesis or Saturn BT adapters just yet.
Saturn Bomberman. That's one I need to see someone test. All the wireless controllers and adapters in the Saturn multi tap and see how things pan out. Even better. Death Tank Zwei 😍
I installed a update on the saturn controller and now the controller won't connect. Any way to undo the update?
I'm not tech support, contact Retro-Bit.
So oddly enough Steam doesn't regonize the controller as a wireless controller anymore it regonizes it as a ps3 controller
Im most likely gonna have to get ds4 windows for it to work
My main complaint is the lack of documentation. It's Bluetooth...yet there's no mention whatsoever of how to put it in pairing mode for PC or Android. Just says I can plug it. IF I WANTED TO PLUG IT IN, I'D HAVE BOUGHT A CORDED CONTROLLER
It's the same as using it on a switch just hold start and X
@@ArchadesGames Which is great for people who have or are familiar with a switch. But with a premium product like this, you'd expect to see that in the manual Does it only have one paring mode? 8-Bit Do's M30 has Xinput and Dinput. Pretty sure one of them as those plus a 3rd mode for switch.
It has 4 modes as well
9:10 Star Wars racer.
Such a great game!
Bro so are you telling me if I get the 2.4 wireless version of the Saturn controller I will be able to play via Bluetooth and use a USB cable to go wired? I want it for FBA emulator and pc fighters and shmups. Please tell me this is true!
The Bluetooth versions will let you use Bluetooth and a wire yes. The 2.4 GHz versions have a receiver for both consoles and PC but can't be used with a wire.
@@ArchadesGames thank you so so much for letting me know that brother!
That looked brutal you sure those things still work?!
Indeed they do! I take a lot of my gameplay videos after the beat up process.
@@ArchadesGames does your controllers still work no problems?
Yup, they are still going strong!
I've owned both the 2.4ghz megadrive and Saturn versions & the Bluetooth megadrive and Saturn versions. @6:10 I massively disagree with you about the buttons in the megadrive bt version... For me, they feel a bit too mushy and the attention to detail in the markings of the buttons are not as defined to that of the 2.4ghz. I dunno, perhaps it feels like cheaper plastic or something... I hope they do NOT go down this route moving forward. Don't get me wrong, I love these controllers as they work very well indeed but I prefer the feel of the 2.4 megadrive controller to the bt version. Obviously this is just my opinion but the buttons feel much more authentic to the original controller in the 2.4ghz version for some reason (without the mush.) For me, the mush tainted what could have been a near perfect controller, the PCB inside them both are practically the same & are pretty awesome. I replaced my MD bt for another Saturn bt out of personal preference for the feel of the buttons. I think it's a shame they didn't keep the same formula with the MD ones & I see a missed opportunity not releasing the saturn bt ones in blue, haha. . 😅. Good review.
So would the 2.4GHz be the better buy. I ordered one yesterday and JUST found out about the BT version, the rumble is attractive but idk if I made the right buy, I plan to use with switch, pc and genisis mini
@@GRINACE If you plan to use it on the sega mini, point blank you made the right choice. Both 2.4 and bt versions support switch and pc out the box and work great. Sure you lose rumble & have to use the dedicated dongles all the time but it also works wirelessly on ps3 unlike the bt version. What I will suggest when you get it is to flash the firmware onto your dongle so the built in macros have a timer delay. (Eg: holding down and start switches buttons a-b x-y around for the switch.) The update makes it so you have to hold the combination for like 3-5 seconds before the macro activates. You probably will want this for the switch and not want to switch it by accident on the genesis mini so deffo update that dongle. 👍
@@BigGanja0 Ah thank you so much for the fast reply! I feel better now, knowing the 2.4GHz is a solid buy. Ans yeah! Ill flash it asap! Thanks!
I decided to buy the bluetooth version to compare between the two. I have to agree with you on the mushy buttons of the bluetooth version compared to the 2.4ghz. The 2.4ghz is more transparent while the bluetooth is more blue. If the bluetooth genesis controller felt exactly as the 2.4ghz id think we have a winner! But its all preference.
@@GRINACE Thanks for the reply man. I Totally agree with ya ! I mean, I dig the retro-bit sega offerings... But the megadrive bt version is my least favourite due to them making the buttons mushy. I seriously hope they do NOT go down this road moving forward. It will put me off buying retro-bit products in the future. The 2.4 however, I feel that they just about nailed it !
Is it going to work on RG353VS game console
I don't own that so can't say
How are the controllers doing ? no problems?
holding up like champs!
Well done review, but too many ads. lol
I will look into that.
Has anyone had any luck connecting these to a Retron 5 without a dongle?
It's a good controller indeed. I just wish I could make it work (with correct button mapping) on the Genesis Mini
This one just isn't built for that sadly.
@@ArchadesGames I was able to make it work up to a point using Hakchi with the BlueZ Bluetooth module and a bluetooth receiver plugged in the controller port. It pairs correctly and the d-pad works with most modes, but only in Mac mode (pairing with Home + X) do the buttons work, and they are not mapped correctly. I wonder if it's worth asking Retro-bit if they have some piece of software that would allow remapping a mode.
goomba008 was wondering if it worked perfectly on sega mini. Any other controllers for sega mini that have the vibration function? I like that on the PS4 and was hoping for something like that for sega too while gaming.
@@aldensilva7089 I'm not a Sega expert but i'm pretty sure no Genesis game (or controller) supports vibration. It just hadn't arrived yet. Indeed, the genesis predates the SNES which didnt have it either ( it arrived later with the rumble pack on the N64, then dualshock on playstation)
Anyone know how to pair with an iPhone?
Ohh yea another super awesome Retro bit controllers review!!!
Thanks ufoguy for watching and the comment!
@@ArchadesGames I thank you for making these videos man :) They make me smile almost every time. Especially when you stomp and throw controllers :D
Lol I just had someone say they were unfollowing because I do endurance tests 😂
The wrestling and lasso moves are just too much for my constitution. I don't know if my poor heart can take any more of that.
Not sure if my body can take much more of that either ;)
Good video
Thanks RAM, glad you liked it!
3:41 that made me anxious
😅
Thanks for reviewing even though your version of the stress test was completely unnecessary
it was a request :D
amazing review ,,plz continue ,,,thanks
Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
PS4?
With the use of the Brooks adapter they can work on PS4.
i wanted to see what happens on the pc best reviewer
They work well on PC!
Definitive review? It's not a decent review at all. Does it work with the Switch in tabletop mode?
good work but I wuill never use it or buy it
That's cool, thanks for watching anyways!
Play Super Mario Bros 2
I like that game well enough
Micro usb Nooooooooooooo!