Optional controllers worth getting?

[Damon Plus]

Which are some recommended optional controllers (not bundled with the original system) to get?

The 6-button pad on the Megadrivee/Genesis is a must, as is the Dreamcast arcade stick (marketed in the USA by Agetec, I think)

Which are some other controllers players should get?

Also, a more concise question: is a Turbostick worth getting?

[Cornelius]

The first that comes to mind is the Saturn 3D controller for Nights and a couple other games. And ... well, nothing else really unless you get pretty specialized like Steel Battalion or the many music games. And if you count those, I'd have to say the whole Samba de Amigo setup for the Dreamcast. Packaging is cool and they are pretty usable, too.

there are other good 3rd party controller that I can't think of. And now that I say that, there is an N64 one that is a different layout than the original that is quite good. Will have to look up the name of it later unless someone else chimes in.

Damnit, now I'm thinking of a Hori stick for GC that is more of a control pad that is supposed to be great, but I've never used.

[Atariguy]

Well I'd say that the Saturn 3d pad is definitely worth getting. NiGHTs plays better with it, and it's a damn solid controller, anyway. The PC engine 6 button pads, either the Avenue Pad 6 or Hori Fighting Commander PC, are must haves for Street Fighter II' and the few other games that make use of it, but probably not worth grabbing if you don't want the system's fighters. When it comes to the Neo Geo, I actually rather like the Neo Geo CD pad, since I learned fighters on control pads rather than proper arcade sticks, but it's probably not worth getting if you generally prefer arcade sticks, particularly considering how unreliable the pads are.

[Einzelherz]

The best I've ever come across is now quite expensive. I picked up a Namco Joystick for PS1 at EB years ago for $20. Now they're stupid pricey on ebay. Best joystick I've ever used and works fantastically with MAME.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Well this is a big general topic and there's a lot of controllers I own that I can recommend, but one I think is pretty essential is the Hori Mini Pad for the N64. (shown on the right of the big red trident)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mnqHoYcfhMU/S9Nhu6d9hgI/AAAAAAAABOE/plOoTqWnd_Y/s1600/HoriPadMini003.jpg

The analog stick is significantly better than the stock controller's, the Z button is available in two places, the buttons feel great and the whole thing is very light yet doesn't feel cheap. The placement of the dpad sucks though. If you've playing games that need the Dpad but not the analog (such as Pokemon Puzzle League), use the stock controller.

Even though the pad is small, you shouldn't have any problems with it unless you have absolutely MASSIVE hands (if you think the Dreamcast or original launch Xbox pads are normal sized controllers)

It's a Japan only controller that will need to be imported.

[Leo_A]

The 6 button Jaguar controller is a must buy for anyone that owns a Jaguar.

[Parodius Duh!]

The Biohazard (Resident Evil) controller for ps1 is fucking bad ass extreme!!!!!

[Compute]

I really like the Sega 6-Button arcade stick for the Genesis. Not a critical purchase, but the feel is nice and it adds to those great arcade ports.

Also the keypad-dongle for Colecovision which allows you to have buttons when using your favorite Atari/Genesis/etc controllers with the CV.

[portnoyd]

The SNES ASCIIPad. Once you go ASCIIPad, you'll never go back to the stock SNES controller.

[j_factor]

The Hori digital controller for Gamecube. The normal Gamecube controller has an awful d-pad. The Hori digital controller, while marketed for the Game Boy Player, is a must for any 2d Gamecube game.


Well this is a big general topic and there's a lot of controllers I own that I can recommend, but one I think is pretty essential is the Hori Mini Pad for the N64. (shown on the right of the big red trident)

I've never used this one. How does it compare to other alternative N64 controllers like the Superpad?

[substantial_snake]

The SNES ASCIIPad. Once you go ASCIIPad, you'll never go back to the stock SNES controller.

I couldn't agree more, as someone with large hands I couldn't stand the original SNES controller but the larger form factor and Nintendo quality buttons its overall just a better controller. (thanks to whoever suggested it in my similar thread a while back :D)

If your looking for a great genesis/mega drive pad check out the SN Propad 2 and 6. Its about the size and form factor as the batarangs but has all the functionality of the 6 button controllers. I can't really say enough good things about it.

http://www.segaretro.org/images/2/26/SGProPad2_MD.jpg

[Baloo]

http://www.gamersace.com/images/N64-SuperPad.jpg

Great controller for N64.

[MarioMania]

I couldn't agree more, as someone with large hands I couldn't stand the original SNES controller but the larger form factor and Nintendo quality buttons its overall just a better controller. (thanks to whoever suggested it in my similar thread a while back :D)

If your looking for a great genesis/mega drive pad check out the SN Propad 2 and 6. Its about the size and form factor as the batarangs but has all the functionality of the 6 button controllers. I can't really say enough good things about it.

http://www.segaretro.org/images/2/26/SGProPad2_MD.jpg

I agree with the Acsii Pad and the SG ProPad2

[goatdan]

I've had a lot of hardware come through my hands with the GOAT Store, here are some of my favorites:

2600 - I think that it is the Epyx controllers that are great, and so is the TAC2 (or 'Totally Accurate Controller 2') for controllers that came out long ago. I do like the originals, but would lean toward the remade ones as they are awesome and the originals are flaky.

7800 - The joypad controller that the 7800 came with in Europe is great and way better than the original in almost all cases.

Jaguar - The ProController is great, although I question whether it is worth the $50ish price tag they seem to be commanding now. Admittedly, I really like the standard controller, so if I had to pay $50 for a Pro I probably wouldn't. I would easily pay $70+ for a great rotary controller though. I beat Tempest 2000 at least once a year with one and it's well worth it.

NES - Dogbone controllers. If you don't want to pay for a Dogbone, the Hyperkin third party ones work great and are way cheaper.

N64 - I despise the original controllers but kind of like their design. I would rather get a similar, good working 3rd party one than something wildly different. Again, the Hyperkin ones are my choice -- biggest positive, metal analog joystick.

Genesis - Sega-made 6 Button Turbo controller. I don't really like the 3 button ones at all.

Saturn - The second model controller and the 3D controller as mentioned.

Dreamcast - Fishing controller if you like those games at all. I like the original controllers a lot though and have tried a lot of others and keep going back to the originals.

Colecovision - ADAM controllers. They are a little better for movement and whatnot than the original controllers. Other than that, they are the same, just grey. Not the best controller, but not horrendous.

3DO - Honestly, the whole 'everyone can make this console' thing meant that the controllers that are best vary with nearly every game you play. I like the Logitech nicely shaped controllers the best, but there is also a SNES-ish thing that is pretty good, and the Panasonic controllers aren't too shabby either.

Xbox - Logitech wireless controllers. They seem to break relatively easily (I broke the analog stick on two of them and I don't have much time to actually play games nor am I rough at all with my games), but for feel and usability, they are awesome.

Hope that helps :)

[Leo_A]

The Hori digital controller for Gamecube. The normal Gamecube controller has an awful d-pad. The Hori digital controller, while marketed for the Game Boy Player, is a must for any 2d Gamecube game.

Too bad some nice 2D GameCube games that had digital control actually are programmed not to operate when a digital only controller such as this is plugged in.

I'll never understand that decision.

[j_factor]

Too bad some nice 2D GameCube games that had digital control actually are programmed not to operate when a digital only controller such as this is plugged in.

I'll never understand that decision.

What games did that? I don't recall any.

[Leo_A]

What games did that? I don't recall any.

A decent number did that. Off the top of my head without going and checking through all my 2D GCN games, I specifically remember either Sonic Gems Collection or Mega Man X Collection as being one example that requires the controller to have analog capabilities despite the d-pad being usuable in the game and a digital only controller being well suited for the game. Came across 2-3 2D GCN games that would refuse the Hori controller for the lack of an analog stick, despite analog not being needed to play.

It's happened on other platforms over the past couple of console generations as well. It's been mentioned from time to time here over the years.

Edit - Here is a PS2 example of the problem. In this case, the developers of Sonic Mega Collection Plus mandated that a controller had to have analog capabilities to operate with the game, despite d-pad control being an option and a digital only controller being perfect for such a compilation.

http://digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92355&highlight=require+analog

Has happened from time to time, sadly.

[c0ldb33r]

Avenue 6 for PC Engine. It's awesome and necessary for fighters.

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2176/220pxnecavnue6pad.jpg (http://img839.imageshack.us/i/220pxnecavnue6pad.jpg/)

[Gameguy]

A decent number did that. Off the top of my head without going and checking through all my 2D GCN games, I specifically remember either Sonic Gems Collection or Mega Man X Collection as being one example that requires the controller to have analog capabilities despite the d-pad being usuable in the game and a digital only controller being well suited for the game. Came across 2-3 2D GCN games that would refuse the Hori controller for the lack of an analog stick, despite analog not being needed to play.

It's happened on other platforms over the past couple of console generations as well. It's been mentioned from time to time here over the years.

Edit - Here is a PS2 example of the problem. In this case, the developers of Sonic Mega Collection Plus mandated that a controller had to have analog capabilities to operate with the game, despite d-pad control being an option and a digital only controller being perfect for such a compilation.

http://digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92355&highlight=require+analog

Has happened from time to time, sadly.
And further down the page you linked to;


I had a similar problem with the Sonic Compilation discs on my Cube using a PS2 SFII & a PS2 Satrn pad through a converter. Only works with the Nintendo or Hori pads. The Hori pad is good for Sonic, but I wanted to play the SOR series with the Saturn pad (have the imports).

On that note, the HORI Game Boy Player controller for the GameCube also works perfectly with 2D games, like Sonic Mega Collection, Sonic Gems Collection and Viewtiful Joe.


So the games you mentioned don't actually have the problem you described with the controller or system being talked about here. Specifically the Hori pad on the Gamecube. Unless the Mega Man X Collection is really like that, though I can't see any mention of Analog sticks being a requirement listed on the packaging. Can you check to make sure?


On a topic related note, I have a Hori pad for the PS1 that seems to have a nice D-Pad. I haven't had a chance to test it out yet, but once I do I'll give an update. Part number SLPH 00032 for those who want to look up a picture, no analog sticks but it felt nice to hold which is why I got it. I tend to stay away from 3rd party controllers but with how this felt and it being a Hori pad I took a chance on it.

[MarioMania]

No, The Hori Digital Pad and the SNES to Wii Controller Adapter works with games like Mega Man AC, Mega Man X Collection, Sonic Mega Collection & Sonic Gem Collection....

It's on the PS2 that those games won't work without the Daul Shock Controller

[Leo_A]

There are GCN 2D games that aren't compatible with the Hori digital controller due to the lack of an analog stick that work just fine with the standard d-pad of the GCN controller. I'm quite sure I've ran across a couple. I could swear that Sonic Gems Collection or Mega Man X Collection were one such instance (Almost certain it was Sonic Gems Collection).

I don't have my Hori pad in a convenient location to access at the moment, but here are a list of the things I'd of tried them on. Anyone that goes through this list is going to find at least one game that doesn't work when you'd of expected it would've.

Game Boy Player (Works)
Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition
Midway Arcade Treasures
Midway Arcade Treasures 2 (I never tried it on MAT3, although it might work well for the overhead racers)
Namco Museum (Not the 50th Anniversary Edition, I bought that for the Xbox)
Sonic Gems Collection
Sonic Mega Collection
Viewtiful Joe
Viewtiful Joe 2

If anyone reading this owns the Hori pad and a few of these games, especially Sonic Gems Collection, go check it out. You'll find that what I said was correct. Don't assume it works just because it makes sense that it would.

When I get it out of storage, I'll take some pictures (I believe it displayed a message even when you'd try it) if people are still insisting it works.

[MarioMania]

I tried MMXC, MMAC, Sonic MC, Sonic GC MAT 2, Namco MC, Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition Zelda & Zelda 2 on the GC it works

I have both the black Hori Digital Pad & the SNES to Wii Adapter don't tell me it dosen't work

[Leo_A]

I'm not dreaming this up, I'll be bumping this thread back up when I dig it out of storage with some specifics. It doesn't work with all 2D GCN games with d-pad control. I'll go dig up whatever the problem was when I can.

Edit - Which revision of Sonic Gems do you have? Looks like there is a Player's Choice release. I bought mine when the game launched here in the US. Any chance you have the rerelease that was perhaps changed slightly?

[MarioMania]

I tested everything before I posted & played it a long time ago

[Leo_A]

I tested everything before I posted & played it a long time ago

I'm not calling you a liar.

But I did encounter something in some GCN title that surprised me and I'll find it when I can and post it, and then we'll go from there. Who knows what could be different (It could even be the controller, I imported my Hori digital controller early on from Japan, perhaps it was changed later in it's run that causes it to work in situations where mine caused some software to give an error message).

[APE992]

I couldn't agree more, as someone with large hands I couldn't stand the original SNES controller but the larger form factor and Nintendo quality buttons its overall just a better controller. (thanks to whoever suggested it in my similar thread a while back :D)

If your looking for a great genesis/mega drive pad check out the SN Propad 2 and 6. Its about the size and form factor as the batarangs but has all the functionality of the 6 button controllers. I can't really say enough good things about it.

http://www.segaretro.org/images/2/26/SGProPad2_MD.jpg

I've owned two of those since they were released in the 90s and have played it practically to destruction. The pads under the buttons all need to be replaced as the right on the D-pad doesn't really work after all those hours playing Sonic games.

[kedawa]

Even GC games that require analog controls to function don't give me any issues with the Hori pad. I can't play them properly, obviously, but all of the controls on the pad work.
It's my favourite pad for Resident Evil and Soul Calibur II.

[allyourblood]

Even GC games that require analog controls to function don't give me any issues with the Hori pad. I can't play them properly, obviously, but all of the controls on the pad work.
It's my favourite pad for Resident Evil and Soul Calibur II.

I couldn't play Ikaruga without it! One of my favorite aftermarket controllers.

[Gameguy]

On a topic related note, I have a Hori pad for the PS1 that seems to have a nice D-Pad. I haven't had a chance to test it out yet, but once I do I'll give an update. Part number SLPH 00032 for those who want to look up a picture, no analog sticks but it felt nice to hold which is why I got it. I tend to stay away from 3rd party controllers but with how this felt and it being a Hori pad I took a chance on it.
I managed to try it out yesterday, overall it's a pretty good controller. It's lightweight but doesn't feel cheap, the D-Pad is decent, though I sometimes have trouble with the directions being exact(like pressing straight down and it going downward-left, up works fine). Still not bad for a 3rd party controller, worked well enough with Policenauts so I'm planning to keep using it for the rest of the game. I mainly noticed the minor problems with the directions because of the cursor onscreen, I doubt it would be noticeable with other games.

[geezuzkhrist119]

http://www.gamersace.com/images/N64-SuperPad.jpg

Great controller for N64.

This is a great controller. Its the only one i use on my 64. The hori controller looks pretty sweet.

[InsaneDavid]

If you're going to play any of the Colony Wars games on the PS1, I would recommend the PlayStation Dual Analog Joystick...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/PlayStation-Analog-Joystick.jpg/300px-PlayStation-Analog-Joystick.jpg

It also works great with Descent and a few other games.

Speaking of PS1, a NeGcon controller is a great addition if you're heavy into the Ridge Racer series.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Namco_Negcon_centred.jpg/300px-Namco_Negcon_centred.jpg

[thegamezmaster]

No, The Hori Digital Pad and the SNES to Wii Controller Adapter works with games like Mega Man AC, Mega Man X Collection, Sonic Mega Collection & Sonic Gem Collection....

It's on the PS2 that those games won't work without the Daul Shock Controller

If the SNES to Wii controller adapter is the one colored like the SNES, I got one and it works great. It also works with the Gamecube Gameboy Player. It lets you use a snes controller,works much better and a cheaper alternative to the expensive Hori digital pad. Going to try other snes controllers to see if they're compatible. A retro controller I really like is the Capcom Fighters Joystick. It came with a cable for the NES and Snes. Also came out for the Sega Genesis. The nice thing about both are instead of carbon dots, they both use leaf switches. Sweet!

[NayusDante]

http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/1/AGS/AGS-onehand.htm

Some of these were designed for *ahem* alternative play styles, and were more prevalent in Japan where *that* kind of game is a little more common. ASCII marketed theirs in the US as an "RPG" controller, and I suppose that works...

[MarioMania]

Any updates from Leo on this??

[BetaWolf47]

http://www.gamersace.com/images/N64-SuperPad.jpg

Great controller for N64.

I've got the Superpad 64 Plus (same exact thing except with turbo and slow-motion), but I still prefer the first-party controllers just because the Superpad 64 has the analog stick at a 45 degree angle. It really throws you off. Otherwise, it has really good build quality and button feedback. If you're looking for a good 3rd-party N64 controller, look up the Sharkpad or Sharkpad Pro.

[Steve W]

http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/1/AGS/AGS-onehand.htm

Some of these were designed for *ahem* alternative play styles, and were more prevalent in Japan where *that* kind of game is a little more common. ASCII marketed theirs in the US as an "RPG" controller, and I suppose that works...

I've actually got a couple of those, bought second hand. I made sure to use a Clorox wipe on them once I got them home. I don't have much use for them since I don't play a lot of PS1 stuff, but they're nice to have just as a curiosity.

[frogofdeath]

Already saw it mentioned, but the Dreamcast fishing controller is definitely worth getting if you have any of the fishing games. Also, the officially licensed maraca controllers are a necessity if you have Samba de Amigo or the Japan only ver. 2000.

[spongerob]

The SNES ASCIIPad. Once you go ASCIIPad, you'll never go back to the stock SNES controller.

This. This x1000000. I love my ASCII. I had one as a kid and was addicted. I don't know what happened to it, but I just bought another on eBay a couple months ago. Still love it.

I also have monstrous massive hands and I love the old hamburger Xbox controller. I hated the type S.

[retroman]

i have always liked the Nes Max

[frogofdeath]

Not sure this really counts as a controller, but it popped into my head after seeing the NES Max. I would say the NES Four Score is worth getting. Even if you don't use it for many four player games, I find it doubles as an excellent controller extension.

[Astrosmash]

I second (or third, or whatever) the SNES ASCII Pad. I didn't get one until a few years ago, but as others have said it's definitely hard to go back to the standard controller. Ditto for the NES Dogbone controller; I got one a couple of years ago with my toploader but these days I usually use it even with my trusty old toaster model.

Although I'm hesitant to call it a great controller, and it definitely takes getting used to due to its odd shape, I always did enjoy using the SFC/SNES Capcom Pad Soldier for SNES fighters. Got me through some of my classic Cammy vs. Ryu battles in Super Street Fighter II with one of my friends years ago.

And just because nobody's said it yet -
I love the Power Glove. It's so bad.
...I'll show myself out.

[LaughingMAN.S9]

http://segaretro.org/images/thumb/4/41/DC6.jpg/118px-DC6.jpg competition pro dc-6


this is probably the best and most comfortable dreamcast controller i've ever held in my hands, probably is finding it, i just bought the last controller new at retroconsoles.net just a few days ago but if you can find out, i definitely recommend it, no more cramped hands as this controller isnt ridged like the official dreamcast one is

[cityside75]

I've always wanted to try a NeGcon, ever since seeing it advertised with Wipeout...but I've never come across one in the wild and they seem to be pricey online.

For me, the Street Fighter Anniversary pad is essential for my modded Xbox...it's a much better option than the standard pad for emulators, especially Genesis.