Genesis Controller Variations

[SkiDragon]

Has anybody else noticed that Genesis controllers of Model No. 1650 contain many different variations?

Obviously, some have red button labels and others have white button labels, but more interestingly, their insides differ as well.
The main differences have been in the directional pads. You can feel the differences by just pressing the buttons, and if you open the controllers up, there are obvious physical differences. One I just opened had the D-pad screwed into a white plastic piece underneath. This controller had a circuit board that looked weird, but I cant be positive it was anything special.
I think I have seen three different types of D pads.

I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed this, and if anyone had catalogued the different versions.

[classicb]

Since you've already taken them apart why don't you post some pics of the differences. I firgure the variactions are due to trying to make them cheaper.

[SkiDragon]

I will as soon as I get a chance.

[SkiDragon]

I only had time and light for two controllers today, and the picture quality kinda sucks.

Controller #1

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/dsc_016.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/dsc_017.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/dsc_018.jpg

Controller #2

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/dsc_019.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/dsc_020.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/dsc_021.jpg

Others coming soon.

[SkiDragon]

See above

[Bratwurst]

Rename all your file extensions to txt and then treat them as normal inline images.

[Jasoco]

Here's a tip. Don't use Angelfire.

I know I actually recommended AGAINST this, but at least use PhotoBucket! Anything buy AngelFire or Geocities or ANY other "Free" (Read: Limited, no linking, low bandwidth) web space services.

That said, I believe your bandwidth has been exceeded. Hope they come back soon. :o

[SkiDragon]

Granted, there is not much difference between these two, but I havent got to all of them yet, and others have more significant differences.

I will outline the differences between these two here.

#1
Genesis logo one color (white)
Rubber piece behind d-pad has a metal ball-bearing sorta thing.

#2
Genesis logo two colors (white, gray)
Red labels on buttons, red arrows for d-pad

The plugs are slightly different.

If I had a better camera, it would be easier to see these differences.

[SkiDragon]

Here is Controller #3

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/controller1.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/controller2.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/controller3.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/controller4.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/controller5.jpg
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v282/SkiDragon/controller6.jpg

This controller has:
-A different circuit board
-A slightly different plug, similar to Controller #1
-A much different D-pad. This D pad has a black front that screws into a white back, in such a way that it wont come out of the controller unless you unscrew it. Also, the rubber piece for the D-pad is different. You can tell this D pad is different by just using it. I dont like it as much as the others.
-This controller said "Made in Malasia" on the circuit board, but I havent checked the others.
-Otherwise the same as Controller #1

I forgot to say before, Controller #1 came with my Genesis 2 system, but I think I bought it used, so that may not mean anything. Controller #3 was next to the Genesis I bought at a Goodwill, but that also probably means nothing.

I am thinking that red buttoned controllers came with the first Genesis, and white buttoned ones with later versions. Can anyone confirm this?

PS. I also have a JVC genesis controller (for the X-Eye?), but it is buried in my "closet of doom".[/img]

[Bratwurst]

The controllers with the red buttons were the original pack-ins with the early Genesis sets. I think the white lettered ones started showing up around Sonic 2 or thereabouts, probably for better control with fighting games, Street Fighter 2, Mortal Kombat, etc. Of course Sega came out with the 6 button pad not long after so the whole point was moot. That white 'insert' piece was no doubt made so that circular motions were easier to execute though.

I know for sure that the changes were definitely an improvement, all of my red lettered pads have poor response rates no matter how much I clean them.

[anagrama]

The controllers with the red buttons were the original pack-ins with the early Genesis sets.

In Europe this was the other way around - original Megadrive pads had a white/grey Start button, while the Megadrive 2 had red-buttoned pads.
I prefer the slightly looser later ones personally.