2018 Controller Shootout: What is the Best Wireless Controller for the Super NES Classic Edition

In this video we check out 4 different 2.4GHz wireless controllers for the Super NES Classic Edition and see which is the best for you.
To see final rankings and links to purchase please scroll down in this more info section.
The Super NES Classic and Super Famicom Classic Editions both have a problem, and that's the short cord that the controllers are saddled with from the box. Several aftermarket manufacturers have tried to address the situation with a variety of solutions, each with their own take on the problem. We put the Nyko Super MIniboss, YoK 2.4GHz, Hyperkin Scout Wireless and 8bitdo SN30 2.4GHz controllers all to the test.
Similarities:
All 4 of these controllers use a 2.4GHz protocol to broadcast the signal to the receiver dongle. They all use the same basic controller layout, although the YoK controller does not have the concave/convex button configuration the original and the others do. Finally they all have roughly a 20- to 30-foot range.
Some differences:
Rapid/Auto Fire - Only the YoK and Nyko Super Miniboss have any sort of rapid/auto fire setup.
Batteries- The YoK controller uses 2 AAA batteries for power while the other 3 opt for rechargeable batteries.
Pairing to the Dongle - The 8bitdo SN30 comes pre-paired to the dongle which is really nice. The Hyperkin Scout and Nyko Super Miniboss both need to be paired to the dongle and the manual for the Nyko is wrong regarding the instructions for pairing.
Shape - The YoK controller takes the most liberties with the original SNES controller's design, both in-terms of not splitting the buttons via concave/convex buttons but also slightly in the shape of the controller itself and the D-pad. The other three controllers all mimic the design of the SNES controller more closely but the Nyko is larger overall.
Responsiveness:
The 8bitdo controller was leaps and bounds better than the rest of the controllers, I never ran into any performance issues with it. The YoK was second in-terms of game play feel but it did have some issues I didn't expect. The Hyperkin and Nyko controllers had several issues which were pointed out in the video that negatively affected my game play.
Design:
The Hyperkin and 8bitdo controllers most-closely match the OG SNES Controller and, while different, I do still like the YoK design. The Nyko however, not a fan. It's big, fat, I don't care for the buttons, overall a disappointment.
Value
At $15-$20 the YoK controller is really good especially if you're looking for a wireless Player 2 controller or controllers for kids to use it is a great deal. You also get some neat features like the turbo and auto fire, however you lose the rechargeable battery option. For $5-$10 more you can get into the SN30 which was the best performing controller responsiveness-wise but you do lose out on the rapid/turbo fire.
My Final Rankings
1) 8bitdo SN30
2) YoK
3) Hyperkin Scout Wireless
4) Nyko Super Miniboss
Order any of these controllers via the links below:
8bitdo amzn.to/2rgaRgl
YoK (Red) amzn.to/2DHJpKF
YoK (Blue) amzn.to/2FOR7Ue
Hyperkin amzn.to/2DrgU6r
NyKo amzn.to/2B8vpah
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[@Two49]

8bitdo has been great for me in the past, thanks for doing this comparison vid!

[@RoXolid]

You're very welcome! This was a fun one!

[@mikeromei9141]

Really great overview, Gary. Loving your content. Keep up the awesome work. You deserve a tremendous subscriber base.

[@RyanFroelich1]

This is exactly the video I was hoping to find!

[@RoXolid]

It's been waiting 4 years for you, we're glad you found it! :)

[@Zion767318]

I've been using the Hori Fighting Commander and so far it feels like a solid controller from the little bit that I've been using it! Great video!

[@RoXolid]

I have heard mixed reviews about the Hori. I was never able to find one in the wild so I never bought one.

[@giorolando]

for all the examples and talking and response I choose 8bitdo SN30 is the best for wireless option and for genuine option from Nintendo the Wii controller because they have home button, thank you for making this video very clear for everyone

[@RoXolid]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@realtime4559]

Gary this is such a good video. Keep it up!!!!! Love this channel

[@RoXolid]

+Real time Thanks so much

[@2114misamiya]

Hello! Thanks for your review! Ended up here while trying to figure out a trustworthy wireless controller option for the original SNES console. I just tried one out from Amazon by the seller/brand name "kiwitatá". It was labeled as "Amazon's choice" and reviews were good and recent, and affordable at $32 for a 2 pack. Anyway I just tried to play using them, and the controllers had serious connectivity issues. Even after reading the manual and troubleshooting how it said, I could not get the controllers to stay connected more than 2-3 seconds. I ended up ordering a second set, hoping the first was just faulty. But in the meantime... I'm doing more research while I wait on my same day shipping lol. With that said, is there any brand you could recommend for the original SNES now that we're in 2023? I appreciate any feedback!

[@natelawrence]

I'm most interested in 8bitdo, but I have to say that I don't like their discontinuation of a true SNES replica controller. The entire controller face being dark is an interesting option, but I don't want it to take the place of a replica SNES pad. Their current SNES offerings all use the flat horizontal layout for Start and Select, are missing the circular engraving around the D-Pad, have a depressed oval area around Start and Select and don't generally have the circle around the ABXY buttons. I'm also not keen that their current SN30 controller only works wirelessly with Super NES Classic Edition, rather than the myriad of systems that the Bluetooth SNES30 did. In their 2018 version of the SN30 Pro, it's not possible to get true SNES styling. They're not offering true North American or Japan/Europe/Australia colored face buttons. Instead your options are limited to either Game Boy colored buttons or all four buttons being lavender, with no darker purple. I just don't understand why they've stopped offering things in the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom styling.

[@real1manarmy701]

Nyko Super Mini Boss has the Home Feature, instead of pressing select and down simultaneously, press select and turbo simultaneously.

[@MrDarkAvitar]

REAL 1 MAN ARMY thank you I was going to mention that.

[@gregburch8872]

I would have liked to have seen your button inputs on screen. It’s hard to tell whether you or the controller are making the mistakes. I’m sure you know whether or not there are dropped inputs, but for reviewing a controller it sure would be helpful to see what is actually happening with your actual inputs versus what you “feel” like is happening. Either way, this was informative and helped me decide on what wireless controller to purchase.

[@alexvids9232]

The yok does have the select down shortcut.

[@RoXolid]

Is not the controller that makes that possible, it's Hackchi

[@antoniopabloquintanilla8145]

Ok so as of september 5 2022 what is the best wireless controller for the SNES classic edition? There are lotsa negative comments regarding the 8bitdo ones. Thanks for any suggestions!

[@RoXolid]

For the money the Yók ones are really good. I don't like the fact that 8bitdo never responds when reached out to with questions

[@antoniopabloquintanilla8145]

@@RoXolid thanks a lot for the reply!

[@RoXolid]

@@antoniopabloquintanilla8145 Of course!

[@Richard.Linder]

Nice video. I wish the 8 bit do had turbo fire / auto fire. That would just seal the deal. How does the battery life compare between these controllers?

[@mussim2919]

Great review! Love it!

[@RoXolid]

Thanks for checking it out!!

[@xxphillips]

really good video thanks for uploading. I noticed that punch out had no black at top and bottom of screen so did Super Mario World when system was playing by it self at beginning of video but when you were playing Street fighter 2 there was black at the top and bottom of screen is it your settings or normal? I thought the USA snes was full screen the UK one is not. take care

[@edwinperez2813]

Thanks great Video I have viewed most of your videos they are all worthwhile watching... BTW where did you get your speakers Nintendo border ? maybe you can share.

[@RoXolid]

Hey Edwin, sorry it took me a few days to reply. What speakers are you referring to? And what Nintendo Boarder?

[@shedijon]

i got an 8bitdo wireless with a massive eye sore of a dongle that basically ruined the point of a wireless controller but besides that i could only use it for a couple days because it would go to sleep if i stopped playing for a minute and i believe start button was the only power on button and it would register the press in game immediately! idk if i hit reset as a form of pause or if the console automatically goes to the top menu when a controller is unplugged but it fucked me over and restarted my game.

[@Nunn_ya]

any advice on using the 8bitdo retro receiver with the SF30 Pro? I cannot get it to pair. I don't know if it needs a firmware update but I can't figure out how to do a firmware update on mac. and there is NO assistance online. Can anyone please help me?

[@gio048]

Nice review Gary.Out of all those controllers which one would work best with my Retro/Cade? The ones that came with the console aren’t that good.Sometimes you have to push really hard on them to work.Its not just one of them it’s both.Thanks Gio🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@RoXolid]

None of these will work with the Retro-Cade, completely different connector. Plus right now the Super Retro-Cade doesn't really support different controllers but there's supposed to be a firmware update in the works to address this. If you're having issues with your controllers I could contact Retro-bit honestly. Mine have been spot on so if you're having issues it might be a service issue.

[@z3razerviper]

The 8 bitdo controllers with analogue sticks work really well with starfox and they can pair with multiple devices using different modes. But the yok are nice as well.

[@RoXolid]

They do but I feel those are more targeted towards the Switch owner than the SNES/NES Classic owners. Plus they are twice the cost of any of these at $49.99

[@jeffdemarco6805]

I ended up going with the Nyko (it was pretty cheap and at a local Gamestop as opposed to the others). Haven’t had any real issues with lag with on my end, but then again I haven’t been looking for it really. I will say I’m not a fan of the face button sizes, they’re just a tad small and it throws me off on occasion. Digging your videos man, keep it up!

[@RoXolid]

+Jeff DeMarco The Yok controllers can also be found at GameStop just fyi

[@jeffdemarco6805]

RoXolid Productions yeah, but after watching your video on them I decided against it. The D-pad was pretty wonky looking and I’m not a fan of needing batteries.

[@mycabbages3538]

Is the 8bitdo sn30 still the best option today or is there something else? My snes classic is hacked and I’m thinking of adding n64 games if I can find a controller that will play them.

[@RoXolid]

Nope, I don't recommend 8bitdo at all due to their terrible communication and customer service. For something like that lol into some of the wired Wii controllers

[@TheFrenchy82]

waouh ! You are better than me : I can't play any beat them up with a simple joypad. Call me all fashion, but I only play with a real joystick ! Nice review !

[@RoXolid]

Well thanks, I appreciate it.

[@manicdrive85]

Ok so I got some nintendo nes classic mini controllers and super nintendo classic mini controllers plugged them into my Wiimote and they work perfect for the virtual console and emulators, although there is a short wire it still works great and plays great since the controllers were made by nintendo, I suggest gettimg the wired nes classic and snes classic for use with the wiimote they work great with virtual console

[@RoXolid]

Agree, these are great controllers for use in the Wii or even the Wii U

[@dougjones2296]

Megaman x has always been my go to game for testing lag

[@RoXolid]

Great game! For me Street Fighter is my go-to!

[@ajbad4ever]

I'm pretty sure you played without the disk on the yok controller in your yok review

[@RoXolid]

No, it wasn't until after that I could get the disc to come off!

[@ajbad4ever]

Yup just checked you are correct

[@RoXolid]

I felt pretty stupid that I couldn't get it off in the review, that's how I remembered, lol. But yeah, this was a surprising result I didn't think the YoK had much latency originally but now, it's there. I'm glad I did this

[@ajbad4ever]

RoXolid Productions same here had to get my wife to take them off I was afraid to break the d pad

[@kinoglaza]

Do any of these work with the NES Classic? Sorry if I didn't catch it in the review. Thanks!

[@RoXolid]

They all will

[@MartellThaCool]

I need the 8bitdo wireless controller

[@RoXolid]

It is decent but, for the money, I really do like the Yok controller.

[@boodro2122]

I thought I ordered 8bitdo but I got wireless gamepad 2.4 GHz...here in 3 days...i hope it's good

[@boodro2122]

@Martin Schmidt The "Wireless Gamepad" wasn't very good at all. I did order an 8bitdo 2.4 GHz snes30. Can't go wrong with 8bitdo.

[@boodro2122]

I just stumbled back across this comment..1 year ago! Wow..yeah the generic gamepad sucked. I still rock my 8bitdo controllers though.

[@Crimsonwolf1923]

How is Zeato 2.4GHz Wireless Controller compared to this ?

[@manicdrive85]

Does the wired snes classic have lag if you plug it into a wiimote and use it for virtual console?

[@RoXolid]

Do you mean the controller itself?

[@manicdrive85]

@@RoXolid yeah, I either wanna buy an snes classic controller or the 8 bit doe, to use on my Wii for the vitral console, im just not sure if it will work and I didn't wanna buy one and it not work on the wii

[@RoXolid]

Gotcha, yes, the NES Classic controller will work when plugged into the Wii Controller. There will be a little lag, but that's inherent to using a wireless controller.

[@manicdrive85]

@@RoXolid yeah that's why I am going to try to hunt down a super nintendo classic Wired controller. I am trying to figure out if the controller s that come with the snes classic work. With the wiimote, I am hoping it won't lag,

[@RoXolid]

You'll get a touch of lag, but no different than using the Wii remote as an NES controller really.

[@gio048]

Or if none of those would work,what controller would you recommend.Thanks Gio.🙂🙂🙂

[@RoXolid]

Nothing right now, I've not found any other USB controller compatible with the Super Retro-cade at this time.

[@user-nr5qy5wu7y]

Why aren't you reviewing the Hori Fighting Commander?

[@RoXolid]

I never got my hands on one, I could never find one.

[@boodro2122]

8BITDO Every day of the week!

[@RoXolid]

I dunno, that YōK controller works really well!

[@boodro2122]

@@RoXolid That's cool. I trust your judgement, but the AAA batteries required are a deal breaker for me. It's a shame it doesnt have rechargeable.

[@RoXolid]

@@boodro2122 I get that, but the battery life is really, really good!

[@viciousthrill7103]

He didn't try the hori fight commander controller for the snes classic and that controller is the only third party controller that's officially licensed by nintendo i am surprised he didn't test that one out especially with it being the only one licensed by nintendo you'd think it would be one of the main ones

[@RoXolid]

Couldn't find one, it was as if after the first run they stopped production!

[@tabletopbattlezone7236]

8BitDo is where it is at!

[@RoXolid]

Sometimes. There are other options out there that work as well, or better, for less

[@tabletopbattlezone7236]

@@RoXolid Can you name a few so I can watch some reviews? I have tried several different ones, but never have had any that compared to my 8bitdo ones. I'd love to find some cheaper alternatives so I can buy some for my systems and not have to switch the 8bitdo ones around so much.

[@RoXolid]

@@tabletopbattlezone7236 This video right here is one! The YōK controllers are quite good for the money, the Hyperkin controllers are good too.

[@tabletopbattlezone7236]

@@RoXolid I have not tried the Yok controllers, and you gave them a good review. I don't like the Hyperkin ones much though.

[@viciousthrill7103]

But good review

[@jefferyjones8808]

Great vid, but LOL, Who tf says "Ryu" like this smh...

[@RoXolid]

I do

[@albey1816]

Wheres the Hori Fighting commander ?

[@RoXolid]

+Albey Truth be told I don't own one and haven't been able to get my hands on one. They were available right at launch and it seems, at least around here, that if you didn't get one right away, you weren't getting one. I know someone who drove nearly 2 hours the day after it came out to get one and he's the only one I know who has one.

[@32196Justin]

Six ads is a little but much don't you think? I mean I know you gotta get paid, but I think six adds is a little much.

[@RoXolid]

It's one ad every 5 1/2 minutes on a 30+ minute video. Our Patreon supporters do get access to ad-free versions, plus if you subscribe to KZbin Red you won't see ads and more revenue goes directly to the content creators themselves.

[@RoXolid]

Because I'm getting rich off of KZbin. Not at all, I have consistently run ads every five to six minutes. If you look at most KZbinrs who monetize that's a very, very similar cadence. as I mentioned in an earlier response, subscribe to KZbin red, or whatever it's called now, and you enjoy ad-free watching, the nice thing about that is the creators get more revenue. additionally I were patreon supporters also get an ad-free version of our videos prior to anyone else.

[@RetroMushroom]

ok boomer

[@RoXolid]

Boomer?