The only PlayStation controller you need? Retro Fighters Defender review

[@dustanglx50]

Yeah, I give it an "A-", I give it an "A-" ON 6 SYSTEMS. The D-pad is not great. It's better than this video would have you believe. It is shallow, but if you can't feel the direction you're pressing, you may have nerve damage in your thumb (I do have nerve damage in my thumb, and I can still feel it). The shoulder and trigger buttons (L/R 1-2) are sensitive. Once I was aware of the button sensitivity, (Ace Combat 5 Yaw controls) I simply relaxed my fingers a bit, and it was never a problem again. The fact that you can use this out of the box, with no complicated setup, on PC, Switch, PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS Classic, makes it a must buy. Even if isn't your primary controller for these systems, for $45 you now have a good player 2 controller for 6 systems. It's not a perfect "A+" but it's not to far off.

[@steveothehulk]

dpad has issues, this review is very accurate, pad works ok for more modern games but old ps1 game that only use the dpad struggle. such a shame the dpad lets it down so much.

[@Psmgamer]

I agree the L2 and R2 triggers are too sensitive to accidentally hitting them.

[@HeadlockedGaming]

I've been using this off and on and you're absolutely correct in everything mentioned.

[@goukigod]

Thanks, with all the positive reviews of this I though maybe I was taking crazy pills.

[@middle_pickup]

Have you tested pressure sensitivity on the face buttons? Dualshock controllers had that, and it is needed for some PS2 games like Ace Combat 4, and MGS2.

[@WardenLoveless]

Nobody ever answered your question, yes it has pressure sensitive face buttons

[@McTwistedTwisties]

@@WardenLoveless THANK YOU!!

[@kalmtraveler]

@@WardenLoveless I bought a pair of these for that exact reason but how does the pressure sensitivity compare with a good condition original DualShock 2 or 3?

[@TheViper4Life]

Only issue I have is L2 and R2 are insanely sensitive. I just got mine a couple days ago and tried out Borderlands on PS3, and I kept accidentally aiming down sights or shooting my gun because the miniscule amount of pressure I was putting on the triggers simply because it's where they naturally rest. I also played my PS1 copy of Tony Hawk 2 through my PS3 and I'd bail a lot because L2 and R2 turn your skater, and it was just happening without me realizing, since I was literally barely touching those triggers. Everything I tried on my PS2 so far though was fine...so I mainly for it for that anyways.

[@goukigod]

I've been playing god of war ascension and the number of times I've accidentally wasted magic because of them. Grrr!

[@GavAttackO]

Yeah I've experienced this same issue with mine, and it becomes rather annoying during action packed racing in games like Gran Turismo 4 or TOCA. Just slightly rest your finger on L2? Whoops! You just downshifted and caused your car to spin out of control due to the torque change! However, I do find this controller easier to use compared to my "working" first party DualShock 2 controllers. Especially in the joystick and pressure sensitivity department.

[@sam-gt7eq]

Why would u playing it with ps3 or ps4? Ds4 and ds3 are everywhere. Good Ps2 controller are hard to find

[@TheViper4Life]

​@@sam-gt7eq DS3's are absolutely not everywhere. You're either going to run into shitty counterfeit controllers on Amazon and eBay or when you do find a proper OEM controller, they're in rough shape from being used for the last 15 years. And if you find OEM brand new, it'll cost you an arm and a leg. For me personally, I still have 2 OEM DS3's that work perfectly fine...I was merely testing this controller on a PS3 game to see how it functions. But for a lot of people out there that might need a good PS3 controller for their PS3 because DS3's are so scarce, it's nice to have an alternative that's not a third party piece of crap. But the real beauty of this controller is that it works on PS1, PS2 and PS3...so you have it for anything you really need.

[@TheViper4Life]

@@GavAttackO Just a head up, after I made yesterdays comment here, I decided to hit up RetroFighters seeing if they could release a firmware update for the Defender controller about the L2 and R2 being too sensitive (since we haven't had a new firmware since September). And instead they're sending me a whole new controller (color of my choice), because they said the newer batches have improved the trigger sensitivity. It'll remain to be seen if the controller is improved or not...but hey free controller, might want to contact them and get yours.

[@Calakapepe]

QA DEFINITELY needs revising. its not R1 & L1 that has sensitivity issues (as theres a physical threshold to push through) But R2 & L2 that are bad. they need a bigger dead zone and have killed me multiple times by accidentally being pressed. Personally I found the D pad to be serviceable for the games I play.. but I never liked D pads, and dont play tekken style fighters

[@chispin763]

That's not a problem, that's a feature, great for Racing games

[@ghostroses2388]

Probably the best review I came across, I thought my controller was bugging out when i was playing tekken 4 and tag tournament, but other games are not an issue, this is something that needs to be fixed

[@goukigod]

I assume you're talking about button sensitivity. Yeah, I think if they sorted this and the D-pad out it would be damn near flawless!

[@ghostroses2388]

@@goukigod yes right on the dot, ive been wanting a controller thats an all arounder and i was hoping this would solve the issue.

[@badcatalex]

​@@ghostroses2388the newer bluetooth version has support for pressure sensitive buttons and sixaxis

[@NewGabeOrder]

I had problems performing Fire Balls (Kyo/Iori), Genocide Cutters and other Z-motion specials because of the controller design and where the directional buttons are placed. If you still have a Defender, you can get the BladeGC or the BattlerGC and connect them to the Defender receiver. That way, you'll be given a quality controller and directional buttons as intended. I tested the setup prior to the comment and it works very well.

[@dethslayer9258]

This is great to know. I will def try because the defender DPad is hot garbage.

[@road_3838]

How’s the pressure sensitivity tho? That’s the feature I mostly care about

[@MegaNorm64]

I don't know if it is just because my PS3 controller is old and worn out but, I don't have to jam my finger into the circle or cross buttons to make them register. I have played Saints Row 2 with it and I can control my driving just fine with it.

[@carlondouglas5741]

Most Honest review

[@ScarletAmethyst]

While the price is high, I'd say the Defender is useful given the number of fake PlayStation controllers that flood Amazon which often aren't good as the genuine controllers. Plus, some fake controllers may not be a proper DaulShock 2 (failing to work with some games) and may lack analog buttons which are used in some games such as MGS2. Yeah, the D-Pad on the Defender is similar to most third-party PlayStation controllers where the D-Pad is + shaped similar to Nintendo controllers. While it's not a problem for most PS2 and PS3 games, it can be a problem for most PS1 games (that don't support analog) and some PS2 games that use the D-Pad such as the Hitman games (Silent Assassin/Contracts/Blood Money) and The Sims/The Sims Bustin' Out (holding up to View Motives or right for Relationships) where not hitting the direct center would register a different direction.

[@goukigod]

I think the best solution currently is bluetooth dongles like 8Bitdo or Brooke

[@luigiman425]

Just in case anyone was wondering, the PS3 specific version of this controller (released a bit later) is actually very good - but only works with PS3.

[@adultmoshifan87]

Do you know if the Mantis controller is any good? I might get one for the gaming PC I plan to build next year!

[@MattsGeekCorner]

Would that be the Bluetooth version ? I'm looking at getting one of these but idk which one is the latest and greatest.

[@tjanas]

Can you show results from a controller test app to compare the ranges of the analog sticks on this controller vs. OEM?

[@ChapSnat752]

i have a problem with the sensitivity of the analogue sticks where they are fine when moving them to the right but absolutely twitchy and go all the way to the left even though they aren't all the way to the left.

[@Onizuka85PL]

I have the same issue which i frustrating. They are not all the way to the side and the games see it as 100% tilted. Even the triggers are not that big of a problem as you only need to learn not to rest your fingers on them. But the analogs are bigger issue because that makes them way too sensitive and hard in games like metal gear 2 or 3. Making the aiming pain in the ...

[@hectorleon465]

Love this controller... but it concerns me after heavy use... I bought it around September, and still good today!! But I play sonic riders with this and boy there's dust debris on the left stick cause of the constant rotation... I hope it doesn't take a toll later... :(

[@ThatOldSchoolMagic]

Never played sonic riders but if it involves stick rotations then it’ll happen with 1st party controllers too.

[@adi96adi]

This was an awesome writeup. Hopefully you find a good one and tell us, I'm tired of ebay fakes too!

[@goukigod]

Gracias!

[@adi96adi]

Any luck on this btw?

[@adi96adi]

​@@goukigodso I got this recently and actually I do think it's a great controller overall. While L2 and R2 are more sensitive than I'd like, it's not a deal breaker as now my fingers got used to not sitting on those triggers.

[@goukigod]

@@adi96adi I'm using an 8BitDo adapter and a DualShock 4

[@SonplaysMinEcraft]

for a controller made by a group called "retro fighters" you'd think the d pad would be decent

[@goukigod]

I hadn't thought about that but that's great point!

[@MegaNorm64]

The analog triggers are weird for me. They are both very stiff but also very sensitive. When pressing down, it feels like I have pull the triggers relatively hard, but when I am driving around the city of Steelport or Stilwater, resting my finger on the trigger will register even if there is hardly any pressure lol.

[@MattsGeekCorner]

Hey man i am curious if you think that this is still worth it if i already have a brook adaptor and 8bitdo adaptor that allows me to use ps4 and ps5 controllers on ps2 and ps3 ?

[@goukigod]

Definitely not for the PS2. I play on it using a dualshock with an 8BitDo adapter and it's excellent. Can't say how it compares to a brook sorry.

[@MattsGeekCorner]

@goukigod brook is about the same. Both allow me to use a PS5 controller which I feel is pretty good. But I kinda wanted one of these guys. I'm just not sure if i really should though.

[@goukigod]

@@MattsGeekCorner I'd argue that the defender is maybe marginally better with games that use the sticks but the DualShock still has better button placement.

[@MattsGeekCorner]

@@goukigod Would you say that it's better to get one just for the PS3 ? I wanted it for PS4 mainly but since there's not touch pad i figured i'd get the one that is PS1, PS2, PS3

[@goukigod]

It's not a bad controller for PS3, so long as you're not playing anything that relies on the d-pad for movement.

[@LeKingCarnage]

I don't mind the dpad being bad since I have a trusty Namco arcade stick for fighting games. The button layout is a bit of a turn off though. But this is the only widely available option that has pressure sensitive buttons so I'd probably deal with it.

[@goukigod]

I think the buttons are something you can probably overcome with time and it's not a bad pad for games that don't make extensive use of the d-pad.

[@Shinssue]

Like the idea of descent alternative to dualshock 3 or adapter. But defender have same issue than DS4, some PS3 games have trouble with BT controllers, like Silent Hill Collection.

[@jamesonhardgrave4615]

Nice review. Does it feature button remapping?

[@goukigod]

Not that I know of.

[@jamesonhardgrave4615]

@@goukigod I didn’t think so. I appreciate it though.

[@1972lesteryan]

The only thing I do not like about the defender controller is the analog sticks dont work on the ps classic.

[@bland9876]

So basically it's using the shoulder buttons from a Wii U pro controller oh my god those are way too easy to press by accident.

[@deangeliststrozier6891]

How is this controller for like sports games like madden and college football

[@goukigod]

I can't say, sorry. Not a genre I play or have any experience with, unless you count playing NFL Quarterback Club 98 back in high school.

[@mrcool1519]

I just bought it and started using it and the right along stick only works side to side...I legitimately hope I didn't get ripped off....

[@deusprogrammer_thekingofspace]

I've always found controllers to be unsuitable for fighting games. I will always prefer a leverless fight stick or a regular fight stick. But to each their own.

[@goukigod]

To be honest that's my preference too but they're just too loud and too big

[@Shelboooooo]

This is the way.

[@LukeMM95]

Can somebody tell me if this works well with the Gran Turismo games? That's all I want it for.

[@JudsonCease]

What game is at 4:09?

[@goukigod]

GTI Club+: Rally Côte d'Azur on PS3

[@rezzen2070]

Thanks for the review :)

[@goukigod]

No problem!

[@projectnerdvana2820]

LMAO he rest his fingers on the shoulder buttons!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 And that's his biggest complaint!!! 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@goukigod]

You watched the entire video and that's your takeaway? 💀

[@danielhristov6175]

Here I was thinking "oh goodie finally a chunky controller" till I saw it by the side of the OG 😢😢😢 (my thumbs are 4")

[@renzorosciano7617]

Anyone have issues with the dongle. My blue controller paired with the dongle of my black controller and vise versa

[@goukigod]

I had an issue where updating the firmware stopped the controller from paring with the dongle permanently.

[@leeraym]

What is the best 3rd Party Controller for the PS3 that I can buy today?

[@goukigod]

As i said in the video, the defender is great for games that predominantly use the analog sticks but beyond that I honestly don't know. I need to do some research.

[@leeraym]

@@goukigod i might try to buy the PS3 Afterglow.

[@miguelbTGOD]

​@@leeraymyou will not regret it! Best third party controller ive owned, still works today and owned it for years

[@9ALiTY]

The sad fate of most 3rd party controllers, awful deadzones, what a shame.

[@TylerEubank]

Dang really? Wdym exactly and how?

[@TheOnlyPedroGameplays]

@@TylerEubankI know right?

[@Jaxindaboxx]

Mine doesn’t work on inFamous

[@Minnesota_Central]

No motion sensor for switch?.?

[@ianvincent5069]

I've got a couple of these I completely agree that they used the wrong sticks this is actually fairly easy to fix by unscrewing the case and simply replacing them albeit we shouldn't have to I also agree with you about the shoulder buttons too but my dpad feels great not sure if we got different batches or that's just a taste thing the main issue I'm having with it is that I have my consoles all in one unit and have screens in my bedroom and living room and in my bedroom the connection is flawless in my living room with walls between (but still well within 10 metres) the controller cuts out and loses connection particularly at low battery it doesn't do this with the ps2 receiver though only the usb reciever I may try getting extensions and see if that helps but I guess probably a very unusual use case that being said 8bitdo Bluetooth pads don't seem to mind

[@goukigod]

What sticks did you use as replacements?

[@MrSamuelAdam4]

"PS1 & PS2 controllers don't have great dpads either" I play at a competitive level in fighting games using a Dualshock 1 & 2. It's lot better then you think it is. You just have to be more clean with your inputs. Their dpad prevents you from overshooting your motion inputs.

[@goukigod]

I know that some people love the dualshock. Luffy won EVO using a PS1 pad so they can't be that bad but for some games, particularly 2D platformers and contra style games, they have a few gaps in performance... quite literally.

[@RoyRyanWard]

Does it work with wii?

[@Orpheusftw]

When I backed it, this was originally designed as a PS2 controller, foremost. Trying to worry about PS3 bullshit is the reason L/R2 ended up being so horrible and sensitive. 👎 Also has the worst D-Pad I've EVER used.

[@goukigod]

That's when i backed it too. I wanted a PS2 controller over anything else.

[@Churasakanasa]

This controller looks good but I wanna change the joysticks to black

[@nigma195]

The xbox controller give me the same exact problem with the bunper buttons.

[@TheMcrico84]

If you go to the website it says that is not compatible with ps2

[@goukigod]

I think you're looking at the wrong page retrofighters.com/our-collection/defender-wireless-playstation-1-playstation-2-playstation-3-playstation-classic-nintendo-switch-pc-video-game-controller/

[@TheMcrico84]

@@goukigod thanks

[@radaman2028]

Can this be used in the Xbox series x?

[@goukigod]

Nope

[@dethslayer9258]

I have 2, The Dpad is trash. quarter circle motion is nearly impossible which is funny coming from a company call retro fighters lol. Everything else is great though.

[@theonebegotten]

always accidentally hit r2 and l2 and others do the same. d pad is pathetic. buttons are loud. I've used it heavily. everything else is fine.

[@johnnytacosauce]

If you only use this for ps3 ( which is mainly what its meant for but dont advertise ) then its a great controller!

[@goukigod]

Actually it was first announced as a PS1/PS2 controller and they only added PS3 compatibility after reaching a funding goal.

[@JegMak]

This is why backwards compatibility is so important because Sony doesn’t make PS3 controllers anymore.

[@TrantaLocked]

No one wants to make a straight DS3 clone that has the same functionality which is all we really want. The best we ever had were the fake DS3s that had broken analog stick movement and no pressure sensitivity. Just give us a real DS3 clone.

[@goukigod]

Agreed. A DS3 or DS4 design that's backwards compatible with PS1, PS2, PS3 (and if possible PS4/5) with hall effect sticks and maybe a better D-pad would be dope

[@AyeYoYoYooo]

Good for platformers and puzzle games. Bad for fighting games !

[@NachuPlays]

So its the perfect ps3 controller compared to the current junk on the market

[@goukigod]

Ha, yeah kind of

[@NachuPlays]

@@goukigod mine will come in the mail tommorow thanks for reviewing this one man! Really been wanting to play MGS4 again with the infamous motion controls

[@takehirolol5962]

I have it, the only complain I have is that for some games, the L2 and R2 triggers are too sensitive, but not a major issue. Mostly play RPGs and Action games, it's great enough for those.

[@bobbyblanco5351]

Bout one two yrs ago an no problems, jus got a second one. So speak for yourself

[@treeman73272]

Maybe don't rest your fingers on the shoulder buttons like a weirdo, rest them between the shoulders and triggers

[@flamestoyershadowkill]

The original ps3 controller didn't have very good triggers so they would use shoulders instead

[@epicon6]

Yeah. Or slightly above the buttons 😂 Not a mile away like he showed

[@Merkantoine]

Who doesn't rest their finger where they're supposed to be resting? 💀

[@42crazyguy]

What? Resting your fingers on the shoulder buttons of the DS3 isn't a problem at all and is something I always do.

[@AERoVALKYRiE]

i wish i saw this before I bought mine. this controller is trash

[@goukigod]

I think with these smaller 3rd party controllers you need to wait a couple of months after launch because all the reviews during the first month generally seem to be positive. I think this is because people haven't spent enough time with them.

[@kierronkinley]

How ironic, a game pad made by "Retro Fighters" is not good for retro / fighting games 😂

[@goukigod]

I can't believe I didn't see the irony until now.

[@kierronkinley]

@@goukigod Lol, great video mate, enjoyed it!

[@soundsonline796]

Honestly the ps4 is the best controller for all of the ps consoles

[@goukigod]

You know I might agree with you there. I'm using a dualshock 4 and 8BitDo adapter with my PS2 and it's excellent!

[@soundsonline796]

I use the ps4 controller on the ps1, ps2 and ps3 with brook wingman adaptors. The Dualsense is just a little better when it comes to latency but they feel too chunky for retro stuff to me. FYI The 8bitdo dongle on the ps2 does not support pressurised inputs on the action buttons unfortunately.

[@goukigod]

That's true. I mainly use it for fighting games though.

[@darthkahn45]

Would not reccomend, not worth the money

[@necromax13]

C'mon dude you can't say the Dualshocks don't have good dpads... They're the best first party dpads out there, period.

[@goukigod]

That's a big call. I like the dual-shock d-pad but I think it's far from the best. The Mega drive 6 button pad and OG SNES pad would be my first party picks

[@necromax13]

@@goukigod the SNES dpad is way too mushy and actually not good for diagonals, as the contact points are too far from each other. Regardless, weird to say that the Dualshock has worse dpads than the SNES, considering it's the same design principle (a single piece pivoting on a steel ball) but with improvements. You do you, though...

[@ceff01]

​@@necromax13you know nothing nothing at hall

[@supersaiyanbro]

First