The ASCII Pad is the best controller ever.

[GrandAmChandler]

http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb/GamesRadar/us/Features/2008/04/Every%20Gamers%20Nightmare/IMG_1233--article_image.jpg

Officially licensed, semi-auto, auto-turbo. semi-slo mo, auto-slo mo.

For the best system ever.

Discuss. :vamp:

-GAC-

[skaar]

Nothing to discuss. I agree with every piece of my body.

THIS IS TRUTH.

[bickman2k]

What's there to discuss? /topic

[skaar]

I was disappointed with the ASCII Super Advantage, as I loved the NES Advantage to pieces.

[fahlim003]

http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb/GamesRadar/us/Features/2008/04/Every%20Gamers%20Nightmare/IMG_1233--article_image.jpg

Officially licensed, semi-auto, auto-turbo. semi-slo mo, auto-slo mo.

For the best system ever.

Discuss. :vamp:

-GAC-
I got one of these for free and considered selling it. Boy, what a mistake that would've been. I think it's fine substitute for the normal SNES pad and to add auto-fire in the mix makes it appealing even moreso. If only there were more games that actually used auto-fire on the Super.

[allyourblood]

You're preaching to the choir, gentle friend.

http://www.killedaway.com/images/2asciipadstn.jpg (http://www.killedaway.com/images/2asciipads.jpg)

I like 'em so much I bought the company.

I mean, two of them. I bought two of them.





(But best system ever? Close, but not quite!)

[InsaneDavid]

Swap out the short cable with a standard SNES control pad cable and THEN you have the best SNES controller ever.

[Gameguy]

I got one in a bulk lot of stuff and I'm keeping it, I haven't used it much but it's a good controller.

What do people think about the Ascii pad for the Genesis? I have one somewhere but haven't used it in years so I forgot what it's like, I think it's arranged like a SNES pad but it's for the Genesis. Is it as good as the SNES Ascii pad?

[Cobra Commander]

I bought 2 myself. Haven't used an actual SNES controller since. Still got em, still use em! It's my favorite controller ever.

[allyourblood]

Swap out the short cable with a standard SNES control pad cable and THEN you have the best SNES controller ever.

This is correct. The swap takes mere seconds.


What do people think about the Ascii pad for the Genesis? I have one somewhere but haven't used it in years so I forgot what it's like, I think it's arranged like a SNES pad but it's for the Genesis. Is it as good as the SNES Ascii pad?

While I love the SNES asciiPad as an upgrade to the standard SNES controller, I don't like what was done for the Genesis version. They basically tried to turn it into an SNES pad, but it doesn't feel that way at all. It feels cumbersome to me. The Sega Genesis 3 and 6 button controllers are perfection and simplicity distilled; no need for improvement. Once manufacturers figured out that 6 face buttons were possible, and largely preferred, the four-face/2-shoulder design began to seem backward. The original Super Nintendo's controller is wonderful, but when fighting games took off, 6 face buttons was where it was at.

TL;DR: SNES asciiPad, "yay". Genesis asciiPad, "nay".

[Damaramu]

A challenger appears...

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7972/genesis6button.jpg

[kafa111]

cant beat this
http://www.axess.com/twilight/console/detail/coleco.jpg

[allyourblood]

A challenger appears...


I adore the original 6-button Genesis controller. The Majesco pad? Not so much. Mushy, flimsy buttons and an all-or-none turbo (slo-mo trade-off) function = sad gamers everywhere.

[DDCecil]

I agree with this topic 110%.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7120/picture491.jpg

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

I like the ASCII controller because it didn't reinvent the wheel. They took the original SNES controller's design (which is already cool) and added turbo. As long as I'm playing SNES, I'm using that pad. That goes for the remainder of my life.

Is it the best ever? I think that award goes to the small Sega Saturn controller. It feels perfect when it's in my hands. Of course, I think people with bigger hands would probably prefer something else.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQc47NBiwR5sVmLY8lAIehTrvCzwLQwj FH3Z7lQNLbyM6-6vpsc

[Red Warrior]

I've actually been hoarding these controllers since the early 90's when I discovered how delicious they were.

I have 8 of them... so consider me in agreement. :)

[fahlim003]

I adore the original 6-button Genesis controller. The Majesco pad? Not so much. Mushy, flimsy buttons and an all-or-none turbo (slo-mo trade-off) function = sad gamers everywhere.
The auto-fire 6 button is good, for auto-fire, but that's it. The outer alpha buttons specifically A and Z don't have good support and over time as has happened with mine they can get stuck and or not press smoothly as originally.

The official 6 button by Sega, as has been discussed before is superb and arguably one of the most comfortable and well designed controllers for any system. In my view, only the Saturn pad [EDIT] Mk2 (or official Japanese pad) surpass it's comfort and overall execution.

[Boltorano]

I had one of these in the mid-90s and literally used it to death. Lost my old SNES controllers during the 10 year period when I thought emulators were actually more enjoyable (ha!) so I've been using the ones from my SFC instead. Although I'd like to keep those in good shape so I should probably go looking for another one of these.

[kedawa]

I'd say it's the best SNES controller and arguably the best pad with four face buttons.
The cord swap is indeed very simple and totally worth it.

[allyourblood]

The official 6 button by Sega, as has been discussed before is superb and arguably one of the most comfortable and well designed controllers for any system. In my view, only the Saturn pad Mk1 (or official Japanese pad) surpass it's comfort and overall execution.

Absolutely could not agree more. The slim Saturn pad took a wonderful design (Genesis 6-button), and made it better. It's my favorite non-analog pad, hands-down, and my favorite Dreamcast controller as well.

[MarioMania]

I have 2 Ascii Pad's for the SNES

The Ascii Pad 6 for the Genesis had a stiff D-Pad like the 3 Button Controller

[kainemaxwell]

Agreed 100%. Just bought a new ascii pad for my snes to replace an old worn down one. Now I have 2 and thrilled. How do you do the cable swap?

[InsaneDavid]

Agreed 100%. Just bought a new ascii pad for my snes to replace an old worn down one. Now I have 2 and thrilled. How do you do the cable swap?

Open asciiPad.
Open SNES control pad.
Disconnect cable from asciiPad.
Disconnect cable from SNES control pad.
Swap cables.
Close asciiPad.
Close SNES control pad.

Amazingly, it really is that simple.

[kainemaxwell]

Open asciiPad.
Open SNES control pad.
Disconnect cable from asciiPad.
Disconnect cable from SNES control pad.
Swap cables.
Close asciiPad.
Close SNES control pad.

Amazingly, it really is that simple.

Thanks! and there's really nothing extra to it to disconnect the cable from the inside?

[allyourblood]

Thanks! and there's really nothing extra to it to disconnect the cable from the inside?

Nope. It's a small plastic connector. No soldering or special tools required.

[kainemaxwell]

Nope. It's a small plastic connector. No soldering or special tools required.

thanks. be doing this after I find a basic snes controller to butcher.

[substantial_snake]

I LOVE this controller too! I am not a huge fan of the stock SNES controller but the ASCII Pad has become one of my all time favorites. I got a really nice deal on ebay for two great condition pads for 15 bucks. (or at least thought it was a great deal :p)

I love the six button layout but my favorite genesis pad is the PRO PAD 2/6. Its about the same size as the awesome "batrangs" but has all the functionality of the 6 button pads with nice individual autofire options. I know I plug this in every thread but I really love these genesis pads. :D

[portnoyd]

This thread is 100% accurate.

Have had 2, the same 2, since the ASCII Pad was released. Don't play SNES without it.

[RCM]

Never used one, but have held it in my hands. Nice, but I don't think it topples the Japanese Saturn pad. I doubt we'll ever get this one sorted out.

A nice controller for a solid system.

[thom_m]

It is indeed a great pad, although I prefer the Genesis 6-button controller (by a close margin, though). I don't know many more SNES controllers, but in my opinion it's the best pad avaiable for the system, and I don't play my SNES without it.

I've been trying to find another one for a while now, with no results. :( I was so glad when I found mine because, aside from being great, the ascii pad is also the first SNES pad I ever used, back in the 90s, in a rental store.


Open asciiPad.
Open SNES control pad.
Disconnect cable from asciiPad.
Disconnect cable from SNES control pad.
Swap cables.
Close asciiPad.
Close SNES control pad.

Amazingly, it really is that simple.

Thanks a bunch for that tip, man! I'll do it to my controller as soon as I get home from work today!

[Guyra]

Now I really want one or two of these... Ofcourse, I should probably get the system, first. :P

[Leo_A]

If only there were more games that actually used auto-fire on the Super.

That's the entire reason why the controller has the functionality; the game doesn't have to have auto-fire built into it since the controller now does it.

[Amos]

OP speaks the truth, and I'm pleasantly surprised that so many people are aware of its greatness. (I have two of 'em.)

The best thing about this controller is the fact that the functionality is so easy to understand. The layout is elegant; you can literally just glance at it and know immediately which buttons are set to rapid-fire, which ones are on auto and which ones are unmodified. None of this "flashing lights" stuff. After using it for just a short time, I found that I could easily toggle auto- and rapid-fire for specific buttons without even taking my eyes off the screen. And yet, with all the extra features, it still has almost the same layout as the stock SNES controller and feels very similar.

[kainemaxwell]

The ascii pad is an example of a perfect controller that fits in your hand and has extras that dont make it feel wonky in your hands.

[Einzelherz]

I can't think of any SNES games I need turbo button pressing on except shooters. What do you all use the asciipad for?

[fahlim003]

That's the entire reason why the controller has the functionality; the game doesn't have to have auto-fire built into it since the controller now does it.
The point I make is that most games would could potentially need or use auto-fire already have it built in; Sunset Riders, Contra 3, Space MegaForce, Axelay, & Super Nova (aka Darius Force). Actually, Contra 3 could be useful with auto on weapon change to increase the already effective software auto-fire.

[skaar]

I can't think of any SNES games I need turbo button pressing on except shooters. What do you all use the asciipad for?

Back then? Street Fighter II.

[kedawa]

Turbo fire in SF2WW is good fun. The hard versions of hundred hand slap, lighting legs, and electricity were almost impossible without turbo fire. It's a great way to give newbies a fighting chance.

[BetaWolf47]

A challenger appears...

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7972/genesis6button.jpg

Eff that. I have that, and the buttons are spongy and the dpad is crap. I'd have to say that the original Genesis 6-button controller is the best controller for a 16-bit system

[thom_m]

I can't think of any SNES games I need turbo button pressing on except shooters. What do you all use the asciipad for?

One example I can think of right now is to do bomb jumps much easier in Super Metroid!

That said, a question: I heard/read somewhere that the asciipad (which is licensed by Nintendo, AFAIK) was manufactured at the very same factory the original SNES pads were made - hence the similarities. I can remember which brand manufactured them, though.

EDIT: According to this thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118948&highlight=asciipad) (which I happen to have started and didn't remember!), both pads were made by a company called Mistumi.

[skaar]

One example I can think of right now is to do bomb jumps much easier in Super Metroid!

That said, a question: I heard/read somewhere that the asciipad (which is licensed by Nintendo, AFAIK) was manufactured at the very same factory the original SNES pads were made - hence the similarities. I can remember which brand manufactured them, though.

EDIT: According to this thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118948&highlight=asciipad) (which I happen to have started and didn't remember!), both pads were made by a company called Mistumi.

Mitsumi, makers of my very first CD burner drive. Thinking back, it might have been the same plastic on the faceplate :)

According to the wiki article, they're still making Nintendo's controllers to this day!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsumi

Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom controller
Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Super Famicom controller
Nintendo GameCube controller (Certain revisions only) and the WaveBird wireless controller
Wii Remote and Wii Nunchuk (Certain revisions only)
PlayStation standard and DualShock controllers (Certain revisions only)
PlayStation 2 DualShock 2 controller (Certain revisions only)
Xbox original 'Duke' Controller and early 'Controller S' models

[tom]

How can that be the best controller, the controls are 'THE WRONG WAY 'ROUND', and it doesn't even work on the best ever console, the VCS.

[Leo_A]

I can't think of any SNES games I need turbo button pressing on except shooters. What do you all use the asciipad for?

They work well in Phantom 2040. Even the weak gun with unlimited ammo becomes powerful in that sidescrolling action game when you enable turbo.

Also used to enjoy firing up Super Off-Road with the Game Genie, inputting the code for unlimited nitros, and setting the nitro button to autofire.

I've found lots of useful and/or entertaining uses for it on the SuperNes over the years. Pretty much any game where it's useful to quickly be pressing a certain button can benefit from one of these controllers, unless the rate you can fire is limited by the software itself (For example, your blasters in Star Fox can only be fired off at a slow rate, so you gain no significant benefit with a turbo controller since your finger can easily max out the firing rate and sustain it over time without any hassle at all).

[xfrumx]

SNES ASCII Pad is probably my favorite controller from 16 bit systems and earlier.

I have 3 and anytime I see one cheap I will pick it up.

[c0ldb33r]

I LOVE the Ascii Pad. Weird though, I bought two used ones a few years ago and they work great except the start button on both is broken. Weird :(

[Damaramu]

Eff that. I have that, and the buttons are spongy and the dpad is crap. I'd have to say that the original Genesis 6-button controller is the best controller for a 16-bit system

LOL, that sucks. Yours must be worn out.

I've got a few and none of them display any of these problems. I do agree with you on the original 6-button Genesis controller. It's damn near perfect.

[hamburglar]

Another thing to consider is there are 2 versions of the Ascii pad, one is made in Japan and the other is not.
I got rid of the one that was not made in Japan, but I remember it was not labelled Mitsumi on the pcb, only the Japanese one is. Also the non Japanese version is much cheaper made, you can specially see this when comparing PCBs. The original had a standard IC, the cheaper one had a glob-top, etc.

[johno590]

I'm pretty sure one of my friends had the Ascii pad, because I know I've used one before. I'll have to purchase a couple. I usually just use the regular SNES pads, but I do tend to use the Super Advantage stick for turbo, etc. I also have the Capcom Fight stick, but it feels too flimsy.

[Nesmaster]

I found the made in Japan one a few days ago for $3.99 at Value Village. Love it.

[recorderdude]

aw man, I feel mondo dumb now. I've been looking for a normal SNES controller for a month now (how are they that damn hard to find irl?!) and I saw one of these for $8 tax included. Shoulda got it...

[thom_m]

I found the made in Japan one a few days ago for $3.99 at Value Village. Love it.

Lucky, lucky bastard! My last posts on this thread are from 2011, and I'm still trying to find a good deal on one. These things sell for a truckload of cash 'round here.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

ASCIIware Asciipad?

That's cute.

A CHALLENGER APPEARS.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/6879871566_9dd584f20a_z.jpg

Compared to the original, the Asciipad is just a knock off of the Super Hori Commander.

This was made by Hori, not Asciiware. Hori made the Famicom Joystick, ASCIIware made the deeply flawed NES Advantage. Asciiware products have always been second rate to Hori products.

This has:

everything this Asciipad has, but in the profile of a Super Famicom controller. Likely higher quality parts and materials as well.
Has a seven foot cord
Is less common
Is generally cooler than the Asciipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcNpGP-J54

/thread.

[InsaneDavid]

ASCIIware Asciipad?

That's cute.

A CHALLENGER APPEARS.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/6879871566_9dd584f20a_z.jpg

Compared to the original, the Asciipad is just a knock off of the Super Hori Commander.

This was made by Hori, not Asciiware. Hori made the Famicom Joystick, ASCIIware made the deeply flawed NES Advantage. Asciiware products have always been second rate to Hori products.

This has:

everything this Asciipad has, but in the profile of a Super Famicom controller. Likely higher quality parts and materials as well.
Has a seven foot cord
Is less common
Is generally cooler than the Asciipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcNpGP-J54

/thread.

I disagree, the turbo switch for button A is too close to face button Y. If you use the underside of your first thumb joint to press control pad buttons (as I do) your thumb is always hitting the button A turbo switch. Same goes for the upper right quadrant of the control pad, the L button turbo switch is too close to that general area. The ASCII Pad allows extra space around the control surfaces as well as a turbo switch layout that matches the positioning of the four face buttons, so you don't even have to look at the controller to set and adjust turbo and auto fire. ASCII essentially took the design of every turbo controller that came before it and refined every enhancement and shortcoming into a controller that surpasses a stock controller with turbo functions.

[Ed Oscuro]

http://forums.shoryuken.com/discussion/130349?threads/super-famicom-hori-fighting-stick.130349/

I add joysticks as an option of controller...keyboards are surprisingly good too but obviously not all games support that kind of input.

NES Advantage really isn't that bad; beats playing with a NES controller. The Micomsoft XE1-ST2 seems good too, although mine is in pieces right now (need to find some money and time to regrease it, and hope I can still find all the screws to put it back together...)

D-pad controllers, meh.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I disagree, the turbo switch for button A is too close to face button Y.

that is such a non-issue I can hardly believe someone might even bring it up. It's like saying the L2 and R2 triggers on a PS2 controller are too close to the L1 and R1 buttons.

For the record, there is NO such issue. I've been using the Hori Commander for quite some time and never once had any such issue. Not even once.

[InsaneDavid]

that is such a non-issue I can hardly believe someone might even bring it up. It's like saying the L2 and R2 triggers on a PS2 controller are too close to the L1 and R1 buttons.

For the record, there is NO such issue. I've been using the Hori Commander for quite some time and never once had any such issue. Not even once.

As I said, "If you use the underside of your first thumb joint to press control pad buttons (as I do)..." it's personal preference at that point.

[BlastProcessing402]

ASCIIware Asciipad?

That's cute.

A CHALLENGER APPEARS.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/6879871566_9dd584f20a_z.jpg

Compared to the original, the Asciipad is just a knock off of the Super Hori Commander.

This was made by Hori, not Asciiware. Hori made the Famicom Joystick, ASCIIware made the deeply flawed NES Advantage. Asciiware products have always been second rate to Hori products.

This has:

everything this Asciipad has, but in the profile of a Super Famicom controller. Likely higher quality parts and materials as well.
Has a seven foot cord
Is less common
Is generally cooler than the Asciipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcNpGP-J54

/thread.


Epic fail.

Now, I've never used that pad, but how can I say it fails? Well, first, it looks worse than the Asciipad. But you may say "it plays better". IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible to play better than the Asciipad, as it plays perfectly. The best this thing could hope to achieve is matching how the Asciipad plays, so it either plays the same or worse, and looks worse, and therefore is worse.



Too bad the PSX Asciipad sucked ass. The D-pad was horrible, like worse than 360 pad horrible.

[MyTurnToPlay]

ASCIIware Asciipad?

That's cute.

A CHALLENGER APPEARS.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/6879871566_9dd584f20a_z.jpg

Compared to the original, the Asciipad is just a knock off of the Super Hori Commander.

This was made by Hori, not Asciiware. Hori made the Famicom Joystick, ASCIIware made the deeply flawed NES Advantage. Asciiware products have always been second rate to Hori products.

This has:

everything this Asciipad has, but in the profile of a Super Famicom controller. Likely higher quality parts and materials as well.
Has a seven foot cord
Is less common
Is generally cooler than the Asciipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcNpGP-J54

/thread.

This is one stupid ass controller. All those buttons concentrated in the middle is just plain retarded. I can find all the buttons easily and quickly on the ascii, whereas in this thing I just know it would f*ck everything up.

take your hori-ass controller back. Ascii wins.

/thread

thank you.

[RP2A03]

This is one stupid ass controller. All those buttons concentrated in the middle is just plain retarded. I can find all the buttons easily and quickly on the ascii, whereas in this thing I just know it would f*ck everything up.

take your hori-ass controller back. Ascii wins.

/thread

thank you.

Those are switches, not buttons.

[BricatSegaFan]

Another vote for the Japanese Saturn pad. Its perfect in every way.

[Ed Oscuro]

Those are switches, not buttons.
bam chika wham

and you can get it in a proper joystick too, like I posted above!

[Jack_Burton_BYOAC]

I've have the Hori and the ASCII.

The Hori has that same problem standard SNES controllers develop where the start and select buttons become unresponsive over time. The ASCII has not developed that problem. Both have seen a lot of use.

It's easy enough to clean the contacts and return the Hori to stock condition, it's just a small annoyance.

But overall, I prefer the feel of the start/select buttons on the ASCII. Pressing select in Super Metroid to switch items is just a little bit easier.

Neither have succumbed to sunken-in shoulder button phenomena. Whichever one is most resistant there should receive quite a few brownie points.

However, neither one is the best controller for the system.

The presence of turbo-fire and slow motion are not really big pluses for me. I don't use them 99% of the time. Accuracy, comfort, and durability trump all. I couldn't say which SNES controller is really the best in those aspects since there are so many I've never tried.

I'd really like to try out making a custom controller some day that uses very small keyswitches in place of rubber pads. Maybe made out of some nicer plastic.

[Ed Oscuro]

You'll be happy for turbo buttons if you attempt to play the Hudson Caravan Shooting Collection games, though.

[LaughingMAN.S9]

Another vote for the Japanese Saturn pad. Its perfect in every way.


Count me in the Saturn camp.


No d pad, either before or after has even come close to matching the level of excellence

[Drixxel]

On the topic of ASCII-branded controllers, anyone have any experience with the PSX ASCII Pads, the ones with turbo and slow-mo specifically? I remember reading a lukewarm review eons ago that took issue with how narrow/crowded the shoulder buttons are, but something about this particular controller shape and the disc d-pad seems really appealing and comfortable. If anyone's given one of these things a try, I for one would love to hear what your impressions are.

http://ks353422.kimsufi.com/databasepsx/images/pads/AsciiAsciiPadV.jpg

[wiggyx]

I've got a few of the PS1 pads but the D-pads on mine look a little different.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/wiggyx/46193BE2-E719-41DE-AB4C-EEC354949430-2673-000001C869F6EF75_zpscc4c72c5.jpg

It's nice for fighters since the D-pad actually allows for rolling motions. Not as high quality as the SNES pad, but still solid.

[Drixxel]

Thanks for the rundown, wiggyx. It's good to hear this thing's a solid choice for fighting games. Yeah, the super flat d-pad in the photo I linked is the only one of its kind I've seen on this controller, kind of an interesting variant.

[klausien]

The ASCII pad is easily the best SNES controller because it retains the original shape and adds turbo and slo-mo functions, but it is at best the runner-up for "best ever." I'm firmly in the "Japanese Saturn pad is the best controller ever" camp, or even better, the PS2 Saturn Pad from a couple years ago that greatly improved the shoulder buttons while reproducing the rest in truly spectacular fashion. I'm glad I snagged a pair before they were no longer being manufactured and the price skyrocketed. One of the few times I've been lucky enough to be on top of something like that. Anyway, the control pad itself is where the Saturn pad bests the ASCII, not to mention the non-SFII friendly button layout (which is actually more of a wash because the diamond layout is better for platformers).

On a side note, the d-pads in my ASCIIs have begun to squeak for some reason. Has anyone else had this happen?

[InsaneDavid]

On a side note, the d-pads in my ASCIIs have begun to squeak for some reason. Has anyone else had this happen?

Clean and wipe down the contacts, then LIGHTLY brush between the control pad disc and outer shell with some 3 in 1 oil on a cotton swab. Same for between the control pad disc and the rubber contact pad. Again, VERY LIGHTLY, brush it on and then wipe it off.

[wiggyx]

White lithium grease is what I use for that. 100% plastic/silicone safe and far more viscous (I.e. won't run off).

[InsaneDavid]

White lithium grease is what I use for that. 100% plastic/silicone safe and far more viscous (I.e. won't run off).

It's all good either way, nothing is going to be as harsh as the oil from one's hands. LOL

[Niku-Sama]

woah mang:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASCII-Controller-Pad-Boxed-For-Super-Famicom-Import-JAPAN-Video-Game-3076-/300854714064?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item460c569ed0