8BitDo Neo Geo Controller Hands On Review

Relive the glory days of gaming with my comprehensive review of the 8BitDo Neo Geo Controller. From its seamless wireless connectivity to its authentic button layout, I will take you on a journey through its features, benefits, and the potential playability,  it brings to retro gaming enthusiasts.
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(Non affiliated links)
8BitDo Neo Geo Controller: www.amazon.com/Wireless-Contr...
8BitDo USB Wireless Adapter 2: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09M8C...

[@videogameobsession]

They are very close to the originals, but they really need to get support for the Switch and Analogue Pocket Dock in there without having to buy another $20 adapter.

[@neo_ness]

I agree. All of this should have been built in with the original adapter. I think there is a decent enough demand for them to get the firmware up to date so we can have that.

[@videogameobsession]

@@neo_ness Yeah man, maybe if we all start asking them on Twitter, and sending some email questions their way, about when the support is coming, we will show them the demand for it is high. I also have those Retro Receivers (NES & SNES), I wish there was a way those could be updated so I could use the Neo-Geo pads on the AVS and Super Nt cconsoles too. Oh well.

[@yuzooman]

@@neo_ness There is. Switch is currently the favorite method of playing SNK classic games nowadays. This was a huge L.

[@Snotnarok]

I heard this is possible with an update from another video I saw. At least for the Switch but IDK about the Analogue.

[@jonniefast]

uhhhhh how do i use it with my neogeo?! imagine if they released the snes/genesis/saturn pads in this state reviewers would be having a field day 😂

[@Charlie-Cat.]

Another great video done by you Ness. These controllers look great and glad you made a dedicated video of it bro. I would like to purchase a few myself. I posted this up on the Neo-Geo thread for others to take notice and listen in on what you had to say bro. Thank you for sharing this with us. 8^) Anthony...

[@neo_ness]

Appreciate it Anthony! Definitely grab a few for sure they did a real good job on design and controls.

[@zed-xr4353]

Was looking at these, great review. Thanks for uploading.

[@neo_ness]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@nsgames24]

6:55 I love how you said that, after you won that round

[@thomasroehrman7587]

Yo where'd you get that lit-ass Steam Deck intro, son?! That shit is the stuff of dreams, I MUST have it! Please?

[@neo_ness]

I actually found it on a random Reddit post the guy left the file in the chat. I’ll see if I can find it and link it.

[@markhale6426]

I plugged mine into the USB on PS3 and worked for the most part the buttons were mixed up still kind of playable for the most part I had trouble backing out of apps games so have a Official PS3 controller to do the testing. Thanks for the video retro neo Ness

[@neo_ness]

That’s good to hear that it’s working on PS3 for the most part. I appreciate you tuning in.

[@11Eighty6]

Hopefully 8bitdo release a retro receiver for the AES for this controller

[@neo_ness]

It would be nice to see especially with consistent firmware updates.

[@ReptilianRichardRamirez]

No arcade stick pro support or I'd be all over this.

[@dneck]

cool review but all these people comparing used 20 year old controllers to new out of the box ones - don't you think it's an unfair comparison to a used, worn older model? Not trying to hate just making a point I think is worth considering. Great video and thanks for sharing your footage! Cool theme on that steam deck!!!!

[@neo_ness]

That’s a good assessment my original CD controller has seen some gameplay over the years. I’m actually looking for another CD controller for the collection it will be next to impossible to find one that is new old stock, but worth a try to find one to do an apples to apples comparison. Thanks for tuning in! I finally have the Neo BT coming so I’ll do an updated video soon with my thoughts on how it works with the console.

[@alex793]

Works perfectly on my Steam Deck using the Bluetooth mode 👌

[@cptncutleg]

Really wish we could have had the six-button version that was made for the PS3, with R1/L1 on the buttons and R2/L2 on the bumpers.

[@bateshell2]

Thank you for the video review. I'll be getting one. I saw that it works for the Switch if you use the 8bitdo wireless adapter. Might want to check it out. Cheers!

[@neo_ness]

Thanks for tuning in! I saw the same I'll definitely check it out.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

I think the Xbox Series consoles may have a lock out chip for non-licensed peripherals.

[@thecurmudgeon7350]

Getting this specifically for the MiSTER. Hopefully they come out with a dongle for the AES.

[@neo_ness]

That will be nice. A dongle for AES will be a game changer for this controller.

[@HyperTriggerEx]

@@neo_nessHumble Bazooka has made a AES BlueTooth adaptor. I assume that will work with this controller.

[@jonniefast]

how could they even release it without a db15 2.4ghz dongle? like seriously!?

[@HyperTriggerEx]

@@jonniefast I don’t think it’s maybe a simple as it sounds. I assume that since their aren’t too many products of that type on the market that creating a low lag solution isn’t as easy as we think it maybe, it maybe 8bitdo think it’s too niche to bother with??? Though thankfully the home-brew community can step in when the big boys don’t give us these solutions.

[@MarquisDeSang]

I am killing it with that controller on the Switch SHMUPS

[@neo_ness]

Nice!

[@kevinf2757]

I had an issue with mine where the left microswitch felt different than the other directions. It required just like one more millimeter to register which was enough to miss diagonals. At first I thought it was 8bitDooDoo but I was able to exchange it with no issues and the new one is great.

[@neo_ness]

Glad everything worked out with the new one!

[@MrWrightWay]

Dope review. That steam deck is good

[@neo_ness]

Thanks!

[@davysmith8569]

just bought 2 from woot for 16 dollar cant wait

[@neo_ness]

Very nice!

[@davidbarlee4722]

I’m not sure if you are aware but there is now a wireless adapter been developed that plugs straight into the Neo Geo AES and CD controller port on the console that is compatible with a variety of controllers including the 8bitdo neo geo one in this review. I have pre ordered it (35 euros including world wide shipping). I wouldn’t want to highjack your comments section with a link but it might be worth you taking a look to see if it’s any good. It’s sold by a company called ORTHROS

[@neo_ness]

This comment is great timing! I actually just ordered two when they came back in stock on 8bitmods website. I'm glad I did too because I think they are sold out again.

[@davidbarlee4722]

@@neo_ness I ordered mine yesterday and I think it is on back order but that’s ok :-) It looks like you will get yours first and I would love to see a video of what you think of them if you have time to make it.

[@neo_ness]

@@davidbarlee4722 Nice! I received confirmation they have shipped. For sure I will definitely do an updated video with my thoughts.

[@theconsolekiller7113]

Good to see the performance is atleast up to par with the OG. A brook XB adapter may work with the controller and allow it for Xbox. I wont be able to test until atleast the 28th, which is when its supposed to come in. The big test for me will be the durability, as I was going through many of these controllers in a few months each, when buying them pre-owned, then reselling them as broken. It got way too expensive to keep doing that. They are notoriously fragile controllers. Its great they added turbo and bumpers too. Turbo is huge for me since I play through a variety of games. Its too bad they didnt add 2 more face buttons like the PS2 SNK controllers, which wouldve given it a little more use for some of the later consoles like PS2, Dreamcast, etc

[@neo_ness]

I'll have to look into the Brook XB adapter. The microswitches are really good. I'm sure yet how they hold after some extensive gameplay I guess we will have to see. If they did two more face buttons that would have been cool too. Maybe they will release a version like that one day.

[@theconsolekiller7113]

Appreciate the feedback. The turbo is really great to see added to the controller atleast, and those extra two buttons wont be needed for most 2D games, which is what Ill use this for. The pad on the OG is incredible for fireball style fighting games and great on alot of platformers and other 2D games. I use it more for certain games and not as my main 2D controller. Kept breaking the PS2 re-released ones. Would pay 100-120 for a used controller, break it in a month or two and have to resell it as broken and rebuy. Atleast for 35 bucks, if I can get 6 months of on and off use from the controller I might be willing to replace them. I was disappointed that I had to give up on the controllers. I have a fully fleshed out emulation set up, so thats where I will use it the bulk of the time. Though Ill try adapters for Xbox,PS5. Switch I will be emulating and upscaling within the next few months. @@neo_ness

[@ReptilianRichardRamirez]

@@theconsolekiller7113 I honestly think it's one of the best controllers ever made. Certainly the best for fighting games. As a massive neo geo fan, I really hope they add ASP support in a firmware update.

[@theconsolekiller7113]

Yea its an incredible Dpad. My main issue was the fragility but well see how this one holds up.@@ReptilianRichardRamirez

[@christ.3565]

Hi, thanks for the great video. Had a Neo Geo CD back in the days, and would have liked to do a VS comparison myself with the new 8BitDo and the OG one. So thanks for that. I like this controller as well, and special moves work smoothly. Completely on your side with the compatibility, it’s not enough. It doesn’t even work with the SNK arcade stick pro, which is in the same ecosystem as the NeoGeo mini ( as you know the NGmini joypads work with both). Anyway, thanks again, and could you please highlight how to make a firmware update? All the best.

[@neo_ness]

Thanks! Hopefully soon we will see some additional updates. For the firmware update we just need to go to the 8BitDo website. Select the support tab and select the upgrade tool column. Then just download the updater for your specific device. I did the update for both the doggle and the controller. I'll try to do a follow up video soon.

[@christ.3565]

Awesome ! Let’s hope for the best. Many thanks for your update guide. I’ll try it out this evening 👍🏻

[@prestonanderson1719]

I've had my eye on this ever since it was announced and I think I'll try and get two. 1 I'll try to mod with clicky buttons and triggers and the other I'll just leave as is.

[@luxtenax9175]

Interesting. Will you make a video of you modding the controller? I'm curious how it'd be in case I want to mod mine.

[@prestonanderson1719]

@luxtenax9175 sure I'll do a controller first which I would need.

[@neo_ness]

That’s going to be cool I’ll definitely tune in for that.

[@jessragan6714]

Hm. I was watching Sarumaru's video, and he suggested that it was not as good as either the Neo-Geo pad or the Neo-Geo Pocket's clicky stick, but that it was ten thousand times better than that thing SNK sold with the Neo-Geo Mini. Your opinion sounds a little rosier, and nudges me slightly toward a purchase. I would want this principally for my Switch (since the Lite has a MISERABLE D-pad, just absolutely wretched) and for my PC, but yeah, having Xbox compatibility would be really keen. Maybe it would work wired with a Mayflash adapter? Just about everything does.

[@neo_ness]

My original Neo Geo CD controller has been through some serious gameplay 😅. It could be I’ve just worn down the controller. Yeah that Lite pad is very miserable! I think this new pad is very close in similarity. I’ll look into the mayflash adapter and see if that potentially does the trick.

[@Bigoukun]

Probably got it in other comments, but the new one just let you connect a Xbox controller via Bluetooth, not connect a Bluetooth controller to the Xbox.

[@jonniefast]

someone somewhere in a corporate office sat down in a meeting and was like "wait it doesnt even work with the original system lol" **sells it anyway**

[@jonniefast]

me and neogeo gear wont be buyin lol

[@neo_ness]

That sounds about right lol

[@Mingodough]

Do you even need the adapter for the steam deck? It can probably do 2.4ghz probably even Bluetooth if it’s x input

[@neo_ness]

Yeah that's a good point. I'll give it a try and see what happens.

[@ReptilianRichardRamirez]

Hey brother, do you have the arcade stick pro? Apparently it works now but only with the adapter 2 you have. If you have an ASP, do you mind trying it for me to confirm?

[@neo_ness]

Hey Bro, sorry I don’t have an ASP currently.

[@ReptilianRichardRamirez]

@@neo_ness hey brother, thanks for replying, I wasn't sure if you did or not. I'm hearing that it does work but only with the 2nd gen adapter you have there. I'm definitely going to have to get one for my ASP. So stupid that SNK even released that replica pad without micro switches.. It's literally what makes the controller great. Good review by the way, I subbed.

[@wadewilson1312]

Terry Bogard… you are a man after my own heart sir. No homo

[@neo_ness]

🤣! Terry for the win!

[@Ratchetcomand]

I wish we can use them on a real Neo Geo CD/CDZ

[@neo_ness]

Me too! Hopefully we will have something soon that will allow us to do this.

[@biseroner4086]

Why didnt you pair it through bluetooth on steam deck? Have you tried it with the brook adapter? Thanks

[@neo_ness]

I just didn’t pair it on the video, but I have done it since then. I have brook adapter on order I’m just waiting for it to arrive and test.

[@biseroner4086]

​@@neo_nessI tried the Intec Gaming adapter and it does not work with it.

[@UnboxMind]

Funciona por Bluetooth en steam deck?

[@neo_ness]

Yes it does

[@UnboxMind]

@@neo_ness Thanks! En principio lo recibiré hoy, estoy deseando 😍

[@retromadness9477]

Thanks for the informative video, i need to grab the 8bitdo snes n genesis controllers. Recently received my fpga console order for snes n Genesis from analog

[@neo_ness]

Thanks! I’ve seen those I’ve heard some really positive reviews on that controller.