Classic Game Room - SEGA SATURN 3D CONTROL PAD review

[@Medachod]

You forgot to mention that it has a hidden peripheral on the cord, in that it is removable and there was a plan to attach the same thing, but without a cord attached to that new thing and that it has batteries for wireless play. So yes, this controller was planned to be wireless, so SEGA was literally so far ahead in the ideas that we see in games today. Truly is a shame they screwed themselves over with the infamous "Let's release this four months ahead of time!" incident. If they had JUST released it on time, they could have maybe stood up a little better, competition-wise. They had so many creative ideas.

[@LUCKO2022]

No, even if they delayed the Saturn it would not have helped much. The problem with the Saturn was that it was a 2D powerhouse but it was a complete mess to program for. The Saturn was not originally designed for 3D gaming, Sega thought 2D was going to be around for a while yet, but when they found out that the Playstation was going to be 3D, they rushed and threw in the extra processor and made it a complete nightmare to work with.

[@Medachod]

Well, makes sense since they WERE doing significantly better than Nintendo at the time. But, they should have just stuck with 2D, returned all the prior Genesis games with Saturn graphics and see what would've happened. DEFINITELY could have served them well, I am certain of that; much better than their 3D efforts did.

[@Satiator123]

Atari 2600 and NES both had cordless controllers. (The NES one sucked)

[@Medachod]

@@Satiator123 First-party?

[@Satiator123]

@@Medachod yes. The Atari joystick had an old school antenna on it. The NES had the NES Satellite, which sucked enough that my parents must have returned it because all I remember was the wireless not working.

[@Cogglesz]

I was a Nintendo kid but thats one cool controller for its time, the thumbstick and triggers look incredibly comfortable

[@zyad48]

and the fact that the sega saturn controller had MORE buttons than the sega dreamcast, why did you do that sega?

[@zaneroote5798]

+Zyad48 - The Warrior of Evil Yeah. Every Controller at the time of the SEGA Dreamcast had 8-10-12 buttons.

[@zyad48]

Zane Roote exactly, this one had a total of 8 if you count triggers as buttons, while the dreamcast had 4 face buttons and two triggers, a total of 6, wtf sega?

[@InsidiousOne]

There is no reason to put a lot of buttons on a front panel - you only have 2 thumbs. Sony made a right decision by making 4 shoulder buttons.

[@XavielArt]

@@InsidiousOne Yeah the dreamcast controller should have had 4 shoulder buttons

[@jesot]

@@XavielArt The two it had felt sooo good, though. Extra buttons would have detracted from the experience.

[@chrisg7205]

it is also a great 6 buttons pad for vs fighting games

[@Narniak69]

The 3D control pad is a decent controller that, despite its gigantic size, feels very light and comfortable in your hand. As stated in the video only some games can actually use the 3D control stick, and very few games actually control better with it (obviously Nights into Dreams is one). The model 1 and 2 controllers are probably better options for most games that can only utilize the D-pad anyway.

[@PringoOrSomething]

This video is very quality for 2010 it feels like it was made yesterday

[@someguyonyoutube9279]

I modded my Dreamcast controller to give it a Gamecube thumbstick and a NES D-pad. It works like a charm.

[@someguyonyoutube9279]

Also, the Sega Genesis D-pad inspired the Xbox 360 D-pad. I'm pretty sure of this.

[@xxmoutaindewxx8285]

people say that the Saturn sucked, well it was built to be a 2D power house and it is

[@deckofcards87]

People who say Saturn sucked are clueless and have never played a Saturn

[@meehthegoat7154]

Im a fan of Playstation but SEGA is cute on controllers, cute graphics on saturn + design console, awesome dude! I dont hate sega, i love it so much as Playstation

[@lelsewherelelsewhere9435]

The history of it is so messed up. Sega was like 2 competing companies (US vs Japan), and actually had (almost) 2 prototype Saturn systems from 2 different electronics developers at the same time, and a similar thing happened with the Dreamcast (Nvidia was starting to adapt their graphics card into a system before Sega Japan ordered Sega US to stop that). No concensus on what they wanted. AND they were rushing to get their system out right before Sony. The Saturn even has a genesis like port on the top!

[@gc3k]

One of the many false narratives on the Internet that are difficult to correct. The first results on the most popular search engine show a biased "encyclopedia" and a biased discussion website promoting the same myths about Sega consoles

[@DeathToTheseWalls]

It exists!! I used one at a Target when I was like 8 years old. A week later, I came back and the mysterious console with the hideous controller was nowhere to be seen. And when I Googled Sega Saturn in later years, I saw the model 2 and became quite confused.

[@PixelPowerGamer]

Is it just a coincidence that the Saturn was named after the planet in space and that controller looks like a starship ?

[@DanielAyy]

Coincidence? I don't think so.

[@TheSuperPlayer707]

Cassini? PS. Yes, bad joke...

[@makotomikami]

Very good and informative review, personally, that controller reminds me of a CD player xD It's funny how Nintendo gets massive credit about all the innovations their controllers and consoles made to gaming through time, while Sega's contributions are generally disregarded, in this case, namely, the dual trigger buttons on the back, I know the N64 introduced the trigger button (Z-button), but Sega were the first to made it dual triggers, which have become standard for pretty much all modern games nowadays, and I actually thought they were first introduced with the Dreamcast's controller and completely forgot about this one. Sega also introduced the 6-button arcade layout which is mostly used for fighting games, I know it first came in arcade machine, but Sega needs credit for bringing it to the palms of our hands :) I also think that Sega's idea for the VMU display on DC's controller was borrowed by Nintendo to use it as a second info display.

[@Top-Kek]

Dreamcast really should’ve kept that design and added a second analog stick

[@nettune9980X]

And add the select button.

[@opaljk4835]

Select buttons seem kind of useless

[@drunkensailor112]

it doesn't get much better than the saturn 3d pad. I even had friends, who knew nothing about gaming say how much they loved to play with that controller.

[@Retrogamer1246]

Sonic R works with the analog stick! :D

[@Shadow-wn3hv]

Xbox respect your grandfather

[@RECHOOSENONE]

+Shadow 4168 and dreamcast father

[@SlavicUnionGaming]

when i get angry from a game i throw my xbox 360 controller at the wall

[@SlavicUnionGaming]

my xbox 360 controller has never broke

[@OrkishEngineering]

so is this insest?

[@heidid3646]

too funny xD

[@jakescartoons6045]

I tested the Sega Saturn 3D controller on Daytona USA (the first one), and it actually does work with the analog stick. It's just that the game detects it as the steering wheel.

[@bluedragon219123]

Fun Fact: this controller has more buttons than the Dreamcast controller. :)

[@XfromDarkHorse]

Also better D-pad.

[@bobcharlotte8724]

Makes you wish they didn't change anything for the DC pad.

[@afriend9428]

*FREE with Nights was so cool back then!* ⭐️

[@IgoByaGo]

I love my 3D control pad. I miss playing Saturn.

[@remoteviewer6]

this was the best for the panzer dragoon games, including saga. exemplary controller that should be a model for more modern controllers even now. the dreamcast pad was a terrible perversion of its comfort!

[@CrystalBulger]

The Saturn 3D pad is an abomination

[@CrystalBulger]

(Not saying the DC one is good but still)

[@BlooditeDrakan]

This is my standard controller to use no matter what I play now. It's just so dang comfy.

[@gtnick86]

Spock! How are the shields on the USS 3D Control Pad!?

[@Monacomaverick]

Most of the later Saturn games used the analog stick. Daytona CCE, Manx TT, Sega Touring Car, Quake II, Duke Nukem, Sega Rally, and the Panzer Dragoon series are just a couple that come to mind.

[@venares76]

I had this, it was very comfortable to use. One of my favourite all time controllers. It worked well with the Panzer Dragoon games.

[@JessicaChastainFan]

Sega Genesis 6 button and Saturn model 2 and 3D had the greatest D-pads and controllers. Nintendo doesn't even come close.

[@Fools_Requiem]

the analog "stick" works for the Championship Circuit Edition of Daytona USA. Controls as it you were using the D-Pad though.

[@davidnabbit]

The 3D Control Pad came out midway through the Saturn's life, hence not every game supported it. Games designed for the flight stick or racing wheel work with the 3D Control Pad as well as games designed explicitly for it. It works great with Panzer Dragoon Zwei and Saga, and OK with Panzer Dragoon.

[@SegaFanatic5188]

It actually does work with Daytona, the Saturn just reads it as the Steering wheel but it does work. Most games will work with it, it just doesn't always get recognized. The games that usually have issues are the games released before the controller was released.

[@comgrchris]

Honestly the Saturn 3D controller is one of my FAV all time

[@Zentron]

Good to watch a review not dissing the size of the unit for a change, though you forgot to mention that you can remove the controller wire for true spaceship battling :D

[@christopherkelly577]

It's superb and despite looking like it isn't, is very comfortable to hold and play with. I like the triggers for strafing etc and driving games and tbh play most games on it, as good as the original controller is (second wester version lol) this is also superb.

[@killbotone6210]

Man Sega just made the most beautiful accessories.

[@lelsewherelelsewhere9435]

You should have shown an original, huge, XBOX controller near the Dreamcast! Nice video! Thank you! (Funny how the analog stick, being a later addition on the PS1 as well, also didn't work on all games either.)

[@eazyrat]

this is a fricking comfy pad. the roll of the analogue is great.

[@nothingsacred8684]

This is still one of my favorite controllers of all time

[@frankynakamoto2308]

indefinably the best Saturn controller, it would be awesome to see this controller mod to wireless that would be so awesome and cool for fighting games like 2D fighting games, my favorite choice for Saturn controller it is simply one of the best we can also see how they took the main ideas from this controller and passed along other systems, the only thing that this awesome controller is missing is a second joystick and the joystick it has is by far the best.

[@heberthsarmiento6925]

Este Control es una maravilla es futurista y mucho mejor que el mando de la DreamCast tiene 2 botones mas. es todo un monumento al Vicio.

[@MonjeBedeiah]

It looks like the love child of a standard Sega Saturn gamepad and a George Foreman Grill.

[@WahnTawns]

3:41 - 3:50 It's little things like this that make your reviews so hilarious and enjoyable to watch.

[@LofiTryfe]

You get a thumbs up for the ship/crash play at the end, sir. Great video all around. Well done, sir.

[@sadowolf]

nice, i was waiting for you to review this controller! i remember using it at some sega promotional booth at six flags magic mountain upon the release of nights and thinking the analog stick was amazing haha

[@superman55566]

Lovin the hardware reviews, keep em comin!

[@Top-Kek]

Based old comment

[@UltimateReviews1]

0:30 - 0:40 the description of the controller in the beggining is the perfect discription of my mother in law...

[@Primeghost_2]

Yeah I used this on Panzer Dragoon Saga and loved it

[@MiKeFish2012]

Looks like nice paved the way for the Dreamcast controller

[@Icestationzero]

what a bizarre looking controller but i think i would like it. its got a nice d-pad, the mandatory analog stick, triggers, and it has six buttons insted of todays standard 4. thanks for the vid mark!

[@HushedDeath]

You should make a review of your game library, or even game accessory library sometime. I think we would all like to see that.

[@Baxayaun]

Man, you should invite Jose (from New Mexico) to review any of the games and controllers that he's donating to CGR for your reviews. I think he deserves it. :D

[@BiteythePossum]

the 3d analog pad is my fav controller. Daytona USA DOES WORK with the joystick because mine does and i was just playing it. you can steer just a little or all the way. its better than the thumb pad because with the thumb pad, you dart left and right but its much more refined with the joystick. there are some games it dosent work with but it does work with the vast majority.

[@d0hzer453]

The Reliant? Don't let Worf hear say that! My favorite controller of my childhood.

[@jaymusique4566]

It looks like one of my old CD players.

[@deckofcards87]

Looks more like the USS Defiant from DS9. My favorite Trek ship of all time.

[@MrSEA-ok2ll]

Add one more analogue stick and we have the Duke folks.

[@Magnumi]

Your hardware reviews are just the best! More!

[@FastTquick]

Hey Mark, The 3D Control Pad works with Duke Nukem 3D and Mechwarrior 2. In fact, they prefer to be played using the 3D pad.

[@drunkensailor112]

best controller ever made. no controller feels as good in your hands as the saturn 3d pad.

[@mew9428]

3:46, that was so adorable!

[@infenit101]

I had this controller as a kid. It probably one of the most comfortable controllers I have ever played with. And for Nights this is a must have. Sega should have rereleased the controller with the Journey into Dreams because the nunchuk just doesn't feel right.

[@XularusXIII]

Thank you so much for telling what the switch on the controller does! Thanks to you, now know that some games don't work with the 3D controller at all, like Golden Axe. I thought my disc was bad!

[@Jake-wk9mh]

Why the hell did they remove 2 buttons, and worsen the analog stick, for the successor (dreamcast)? Lack of buttons was a major issue on the dreamcast--not to mention the sole analog stick.

[@RememberTheAGES]

I've been using my 3D controller pad, and while some games use the analog stick. Sometimes the sensitivity makes the game twitchy. I really enjoy this controller though. Just because the dreamcast controller is newer, doesn't always mean it's better.

[@tom-alexanderwhyte1548]

Gamecube controller is my fave.

[@TommyFenstermacher5150]

Analog in Sega Rally would've been a godsend...GAME OVER YEAH!!!

[@edwardelston]

I love this bloke he cracks me up.

[@ABlackFalcon]

@Ketorulz No, I have both the original US Daytona USA, which works just fine with the 3D Controller in O (analog) mode, apart from the quite touchy controls I mentioned, and the Japanese Daytona USA Circuit Edition, which was designed for the 3D Controller and has very good controls with it, just like the US Championship Circuit Edition. I have no idea why the 3d controller wasn't working for him in the game, but it does work in Daytona USA.

[@xenoranger79]

I still have mine. And I have a Japanese version of the 3D controller. It's still a sweet controller.

[@footyrazino]

I have the Japanese equivalent of this controller (The white version), and I have to agree that it does feel more comfortable than the default Model 2 controller. I kinda prefer the American/PAL equivalent's black colour scheme, though.

[@SnackCannon]

Mark, you're like, the coolest big-kid ever.

[@RREDDWARFF]

This controller is awesome for Cyber Speedway. Plays like a totally different game with it.

[@Satiator123]

Legit looking to pay way to much for one of these just to have the proper analog to play Nights with.

[@rolandnewsome8410]

I always like the design for this controller, the 6 button layout, triggers and d-pad are awesome, the analog stick is a little weird, sub par to the ps1 dual shock.

[@vittau]

I still have one of these lying around here... Mine came with the Christmas Nights demo though.

[@dlib89]

No problem, glad i helped with a few more info about it :)

[@Clara_Page]

I pretty much only use this controller, even when playing digital input only games I find it so much more comfortable than the original bigger Saturn controllers, the smaller J style pads aren't very common in the UK so I've never tried one

[@Lawryns]

awesome explosion effects

[@solidunit]

you didn't cover the quirky detachable cable. what did sega plan to do with that?

[@Fuuntag]

It was strange how they regressed a bit with the control parts of the Dreamcast controller.

[@PhyA52]

This controller came with Nights, but you can't go full speed with the analog pad. The d-pad actually let you go faster.

[@paulgregorakos4688]

Power slave works awsome with the sega saturn 3d pad

[@kR0B45]

the analogue stick does work for daytona usa, it reads as a racing wheel

[@MEGAMAND1]

this is the dreamcast brainchild prototype controller. so awesome!

[@frodo4627]

I am a XBOX fan, but the Sega Saturn 3D Controller is probably the coolest looking controller I've ever seen.

[@PEAB0]

Daytona USA works with my 3D pad, it registers it as a wheel and allows for (terribly twitchy) analog steering.

[@DTM-Books]

I definitely agree that the Saturn 3D controller is superior to the Dreamcast controller in nearly every way. Really, the only thing the DC pad got right was the design. It looks great. Unfortunately, the shoulder triggers are slightly low (hitting your knuckle instead of your finger), the ABXY buttons are spaced too far apart, the analog stick is too slippery, and the D-pad is just awful. Good for some games, terrible for 2D fighters. And the VMU never quite panned out. But that's Sega!

[@jeff97ish]

I really wish the Dreamcast controller had a d-pad like the Saturn 3D controller. It would have made fighting games easier. I just recently got into Dreamcast, and had to buy two expensive Ascii Fighter controllers. It was a pain pulling off special moves with the stock Dreamcast controller.

[@chrispacheco8590]

The Dreamcast controller was kinda cheap feeling by itself, but once you throw in a vmu, and rumble pack it feels alot better.

[@ghostmouthzach56]

this is so awesome. I remember using it at a friends house. Can you show your whole collection in a video. I'm dying to see it.

[@nikkilewis7767]

I am impressed! Great ending!

[@bagaaoglong]

I really need to buy a Sega Saturn sometime in the future.

[@wallonthefloor]

man am i glad i subscribed to you a long time ago

[@yodabejedi]

"Nights" was awesome

[@RRW359]

It had a trigger on the bottom. I didn't say it was analogue, the comment I was responding to just said that the Saturn had the first triggers. I did say it had a 3d analogue stick, which was the thing in the middle of the controller.

[@KingGameReview]

@Cheetah1251 the Xbox 'Fat' controller is the original Xbox controller, the Controller 'S' came out later.

[@SAClassHunterZero]

I know when I think ultimate controller shape, my mind immediately goes to… …pancake!

[@russell56443]

I have the interAct ST Pro Pad 6 button controller and it's a good one but that one just looks so cool lol!

[@mikejandrews]

I tore up my thumb trying to play Nights with a standard 2D pad.

[@Clara_Page]

+imbecilik Sounds like a suicide mission, like playing assassins creed with a nes pad :-D

[@nathleflutiste]

+imbecilik But you was still able to play with it, so It was some great dpad.

[@mikejandrews]

Aeolyus Absolutely. Callouses are a good thing, after all.

[@nathleflutiste]

+imbecilik This remind me old time when I was playing Street FIghter 3 with the dreamcast dpad… And getting some thumb bleeding.

[@mikejandrews]

Aeolyus The d-pad on the Dreamcast controller had pretty sharp edges. Saturn was pretty rough, too. On the d-pad front, I do like the smoothness of Nintendo's design. It helped in games where sliding across it is necessary, like the SF series.

[@metisse7239]

I don't understand why Sega didn't apply of the 6 button layout on the Dreamcast.

[@crustyjuggleruk]

Sega rally was sweet with that controller. could shave seconds off with the anologue trigs and steering

[@Manjoume]

I always thought they looked like ships too, especially the N64, Dreamcast and 3D Saturn controller!!