Genesis D-pads

[Edmond Dantes]

I noticed something recently while playing Battletoads.

I was on the level "Clinger Winger" and even though I was hitting all the directions right, I seemed to never build up enough speed to outrun the buzzsaw of death. Then, at random I noticed I would go faster if I double-tapped a direction.

I had been using the same 3-button controller for years (I only use six-button controllers for six-button games, for the rest I prefer the classic) and had never noticed it before, but I realized the D-pad is actually kind of loose. It doesn't exactly fit the space its in--there's a gap between it and the edge of the inlet. So I started to suspect, and then I plugged in my six-button controller. Sure enough, this time I beat the level in one go, without having to double-tap.

When I looked into my controller collection (its not very extensive) a bit more, I noticed that I have a first-generation 3-button controller. I can tell its first-gen because of how short the cord is. But I also noticed it has a more solid D-pad! So I guess Sega just got cheap when the Model 2 came out, right?

So, this is a message for anyone who finds they really, really suck at either Battletoads or Contra: Hard Corps -- You might actually be right to blame the D-pad.

(Going to eBay to hit up some extension cables now)

[atarikurt]

I always try to play with the 6 button controller, I think it has the best d-pad of all time.

[Gunstar Hero]

I always try to play with the 6 button controller, I think it has the best d-pad of all time.

Agreed.

[Edmond Dantes]

Mainly I don't like the 6-button ones because they're not as comfortable, so I use them only when I have to.

[Ryudo]

I always try to play with the 6 button controller, I think it has the best d-pad of all time.

This post

[swlovinist]

I always try to play with the 6 button controller, I think it has the best d-pad of all time.

Yes, Yes, and Yes

[Gameguy]

When I looked into my controller collection (its not very extensive) a bit more, I noticed that I have a first-generation 3-button controller. I can tell its first-gen because of how short the cord is. But I also noticed it has a more solid D-pad! So I guess Sega just got cheap when the Model 2 came out, right?

I thought the original controllers had a longer cord and that it was shortened later on, these first ones had red lettering on the buttons and the plugs looked different to later versions. There were actually several versions of the 3 button controller made, I came across several over the years and the later ones really were poor quality. The quality slowly got worse over time.

[Edmond Dantes]

I actually have one of the red-button models. The problem is, some of the buttons and directions don't work. Is this something that could be fixed by cleaning the PCB with rubbing alcohol?

[Gameguy]

Is this something that could be fixed by cleaning the PCB with rubbing alcohol?

It's possible. I had a SNES pad like that where the start button wouldn't work at all. I cleaned the board and now it does work, but you still have to press hard for it to work. Cleaning it might get it to work but it won't work as well as a mint condition controller that was well taken care of and barely used.

Or it could be caused by the cord being damaged, if that's what's wrong you might be out of luck. I think the cord is soldered to the board so you can't swap it easily from another controller like with TG-16 pads. I'd have to open a Genesis controller again to check, it's been maybe a decade since I've opened one so I can't remember for sure.

[Edmond Dantes]

I had an SNES controller with a start button issue too. Blackened a lot of erasers trying to clean it, but now it works (more) reliably.

Found my Model 1 Genesis controller and cleaned it, and after awhile the B button (which was bad) started working reliably... but then I found out the controller has a very sensitive left and right on the D-pad (I often try to shoot strait up or duck in Contra Hard Corps, and wind up moving sideways instead). Went back to using the one with the "loose" D-pad, where I know exactly what I'm pressing every time.

So... I guess the D-pads that are good for some games, aren't good for others.

[Gunstar Hero]

I had an SNES controller with a start button issue too. Blackened a lot of erasers trying to clean it, but now it works (more) reliably.

I had a SNES controller with the same problem but I just pushed in the cord harder into the controller (not the console) and it has been working since.