MiSTer FPGA MiSTer Addons Reflex Adapt Review! An Amazing Device for Controllers on MiSTer and PC

Everyone loves MiSTer FPGA, whether its the work in progress MiSTer FPGA N64 core, the MiSTer FPGA Saturn core...or anywhere in between. But I get asked constantly what are the best controllers for MiSTer FPGA...and a new device has entered the ring! MiSTer Addons Reflex Adapt lets you use your original console controllers over USB on MiSTer FPGA!
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Reflex Adapt : misteraddons.c...
Lately I have been getting a LOT of questions from people...as to whether or not MiSTer FPGA is worth the price of the hardware and whether or not its right for you when it comes to your retro gaming obsessions! Well I am here today to tell you that MiSTer FPGA is a piece of video game history and video game preservation perfection that you NEED to have in your gaming collection!
Patreon Thanks: Seth Peterson, John Thompson, Paul Daniel, Porch, Jon Anderson, RayceARoni, Kurangui, Jason Hixon, Alex Tessler, Jonathan Leung, Martin Donlon, Tom Van Deusen, Barabob, Steve Randall, Ahab, K-2, Renaissance 2K, Ivar Wennerholm, Adrien Sebbane,
tobemorecrazy, Mike Puelinckx, Tony Escobar, H7, Humanoide70, Ben Parfitt, Holder Schmidt, Tim Lehner, Shad Uttam, Dan L, James Mann, Richard Schneider, Coupon Joe, Sunder Raj, Dorfus the Maple Syrup Man, John Booty and Craig M!
I asked, you answered...and I try to listen :) Of all the requests for new content on the channel one of the most frequently asked for videos is a series on the Terasic DE-10 Nano MiSTer FPGA hardware...so here it is! Retro gaming goodness.
On this episode of our MiSTer series we are going to be talking about MiSTer Addons Reflex Adapt USB controller adapter, how Reflex Adapt works, what controllers work with Reflex Adapt on MiSTer FPGA and PC, how to set Reflex Adapt up on MiSTer FPGA...and just showcase the hardware and how incredible it is when it comes to controllers for MiSTer FPGA!
and if you are here to say 'but software emulation exists'...I know...and I love that too but still
I mean there is MiSTer FPGA PS1 Core, MiSTer FPGA Neo Geo core, MiSTer FPGA SNES core, MiSTer FPGA NES core, MiSTer FPGA Sega Genesis Core, MiSTer FPGA Sega CD core, MiSTer FPGA Sega Saturn Core, MiSTer FPGA N64 core, MiSTer FPGA PC Engine Core, MiSTer FPGA Capcom CPS and CPS 2 core, MiSTer FPGA Sharp X68000 core...and the list goes on!
Questions? Comments? Just leave them below and I will do my best to answer each and every one of them!
/ videogameesoterica
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#retrogaming #retrogames #retrogamer #misterfpga #emulation #emulator #konami #arcade #segasaturn #neogeo #arcade #arcadegames #arcadegame #sega #sega #nintendo #nintendo64 #gaming #gamingcommunity #gamingvideos #gamingvideo

[@mbe102]

Wow, this is far more impressive and feature packed than I had initially thought. This is a VERY necessary video. I thought it was just a more encapsulated form of SNAC... but naw, this is MUCH bigger and broader. Definitely going to be grabbing one of these, thanks VGE and Porkchop!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Def get one. Stock should be back asap from what I know

[@bransomething]

It's insane to me that there hasn't been more coverage for this product. I remember when bespoke USB controller adapters were laggy nightmares, but they were literally all we had. Then companies like Brook came along with their amazing line of converters. I love my Reflex Adapt, both for MiSTer and PC. My only gripe is that Steam didn't want to play nicely with it the last time I tried a few months ago. And my unit is black instead of that amazing translucent purple color you got!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I believe more color options are coming in the next batch. I didn’t have any issues with Steam but I mostly checked it on an OS basis with stuff like X2 titles

[@blandmanager]

3D Pad *AND* Twin sticks for Saturn! Hope they are in stock soon. I just installed the Reflex snes board in a broken Super Famicom controller, and it is amazing!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

The new replacement boards is a great idea

[@METR0lD]

Cheeeeeeese! .....that's what we would have for our state. That, and kringle! With the review video up, I assume that the restock is imminent! Been waiting for the Reflex Adapt to be restocked. I need one of these!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Restock is imminent. Also I’d suggest you go with a Bloody Mary. Not cheese

[@Norweeg]

This just went back in stock! I snagged one up after already owning the controller adapters while waiting for a restock. Good timing!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I had a feeling they’d go back in stock (ok I knew 100% lol)

[@Norweeg]

Ah, so it WAS good (intentional) timing! Haha

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I had this made and I released it when I knew stock was incoming so people weren’t waiting forever

[@linkzz00]

I have SNAC/SNAX adapters already but I did purchage a Reflex a couple months ago, yet to open (kids...such a time sink!). I'd like to see comparisons between a specific game - Super Mario World - often time running off a pipe will have you fall on your face if the input lag is too great. The main reason I picked up the Reflex was to prepare for the MiSTer N64 core which wasn't nearly as advanced months ago.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha buying and not opening things is a curse that plagues a lot of us

[@TrevHolland]

USB: 50% chance of getting it right. Get it wrong 100% of the time. Also, seeing JogCon compatibility is wild. Love that controller.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha whoever designed USB knew what they were doing to us

[@Norweeg]

I’m pretty sure USB falls under 50/50/90 rule. If you’re presented with a 50/50 chance, 90% of the time you’ll get it wrong. Andy Rooney was the one that came up with it.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I think it’s more “50% of the time you are wrong 100% of the time”

[@kirin347]

Waiting BREATHLESSLY for the next shipment to arrive in store!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Should be VERY soon

[@kirin347]

@VideoGameEsoterica I've bought a lot of MiSTer Addons products, love them! I have like 5 things I want to pick up, just waiting for these to show up so I can make it 1 purchase. Also, SNAX64 is soon so we can play 4p Mario Kart 64 through SNAC!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

He makes too much cool stuff lol

[@nino_coco]

It's like 2017 again, don't see the awesomness in using adapter, over dongle, over, adapter, over dongle, again on my MiSTer in 2023 to just use a retro controller via snac.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It’s about choices. For people who want to run every core on something like a PS5 controller wirelessly it’s there. For people who want to run retro controllers per core in via usb you get this

[@Cookiedon15]

I think the GC controller would be great for the GBA core. Maybe it can use the rumble feature for the few GBA titles that use it

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

GameCube controller is good for near to anything.

[@Cookiedon15]

@@VideoGameEsoterica lol it is 🤣👍

[@evh347]

Now if they ever come in stock. I’ve been waiting awhile for mine.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Stock will be added soon

[@evh347]

I hope so. These look like they're going to be awesome.@@VideoGameEsoterica BTW...love your videos, I have watched every one. I am so looking forward to a public N64 release.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Another N64 vid today at 4!

[@BNGamesYT]

An IN N Out Burger would be mine if we were going to put State related things

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

California eh?

[@BNGamesYT]

@@VideoGameEsoterica East Los Angeles represent!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha knew it

[@Tstumpman]

My state's logo would probably have either a pile of meth, cocaine, or bath salts. Maybe a flamingo.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Why not all four?

[@Tstumpman]

@@VideoGameEsoterica one... very happy... Flamingo.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Or dead lol

[@LordBarko]

It's a great device I use daily and finally a decent video on this. I saw one on another channel that was just rambling nonsense, this is much better.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Glad you enjoyed

[@simon41978]

I have some SNACs for SNES as it's my preferred pad for nearly everything. I haven't got them working. They probably do but I can't figure it out yet. So, I use an old SNES smart joy adaptor which works fine.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Odd they aren’t working

[@simon41978]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Yes. I bought a really expensive MISTer from Portugal. It came with a proper, metal case, dual-RAM etc. So, I got my SNAC's from the same seller thinking there'd be no issues. Hasn't worked but I haven't entirely given up. I may be doing it wrong.

[@bmwmd110]

NY - Logo would be a handgun, heroin needle or a puddle of blood.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

🤣

[@blarghblargh]

do you record voiceovers first and then point, or do you just point wildly, then do a voiceover on top of whatever footage you managed to get?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Voice over is second but I know what I need to say so I shoot with that in mind

[@kennynunez6792]

Awesome! Must have, IMO.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I agree. It does a metric ton for MiSTer and you can pop it into your PC. Plus there are new features added since I shot this that I’ll have to do a part 2 on

[@kennynunez6792]

@@VideoGameEsoterica sweet! I’ll be looking to buy one next week. Keep up the great vids.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Plenty more vids coming!

[@BreakMan333]

Georgia would probably be chicken wings. Or a peach I guess

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Def a peach

[@kosmosyche]

It's interesting to compare input lag between SNAC and Reflex (on the same controllers). Don't think there's much difference tbh.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It would just be a mathematically difference. In practice it feels great

[@mumfnah]

They have that shown on the site, it reads as 0.0007-0.003 seconds [Reflex] Vs 0 seconds. I'm sure I'm not going to notice any difference with those values

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

The difference is def just measurable by machine at that number

[@tomferrier6143]

The wireless Brawler 64 isnt listed. Have you tried this? Using a Raphnet adapter it requires changing the polling to 4ms or higher.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Lol coming soon to a video. Very soon

[@-Zaby-]

So with the 2 hdmi ports on the adapter, does this mean if I want to hook 4 N64 controllers for playing Mario Party or sth I would only need 2 adapters?

[@mumfnah]

Looking to get one when stock back, looks to have wide support for controllers. Just wish could get a deal on buying multiple of the adapters

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Should be stock soon. A three pack combo deal would be fun. I’ll mention the idea to Porkchop

[@mumfnah]

@@VideoGameEsoterica yes please if you chat to them that would be a wicked and welcome offering... I want to order around 6 of them, and it adds up eh. I'm on the mailing list for when they get stock too, it's showing as expected mid December, so anytime now 👍

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I’ll check into it

[@ryancouldrey]

I'd want a Saturn adapter, but only if it works with the Saturn 3D Analog controller as I haven't had any luck creating my own Sonik arduino (have tried but the DIY steps don't factor in the layman who doesn't already code or work with arduino) and the mayflash Saturn adapter I got doesn't play well with the 3D pad either on MiSTer. Also, the saturn reflex cables aren't ever in stock either (wonder if I could rewire my own with a saturn extension and an hdmi cable...)

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

3D controller support is listed in the spreadsheet. The official 3D pad!

[@dorfus]

GameCube controller fits into the micro sd slot if you apply enough force and syrup.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Rumor has it you’d fit with room to spare

[@dorfus]

@@VideoGameEsoterica hey not cool micro sd can go to like 2TB these days that’s totally big enough

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It hurts my brain to think we can get that much storage on something the size of my fingernail

[@AdotFenderson]

I'm not seeing the link to the compatibility spreadsheet: could you add it to the description please? Thanks.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Here you go : docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gui7ouhirBTg1XKM49T4SLBljmaZ8Mxr0rrCZ0pLC7Y/edit

[@AdotFenderson]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Awesome, thank you so much! I love the channel: it's been very helpful in learning as a MiSTer noob.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Glad it’s helping. Sorry bout the link. I constantly forget lol

[@arbbo1675]

I currently have a 4dapter but I ordered a Reflex with NES/Neo Geo/Genesis/N64/PSX adapters. I will have to wait until SNES and Saturn controller adapters are back in stock. Can I use Sega Master System and Atari 2600 controllers with Reflex via Sega Genesis adapter?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

No I believe they are wired up differently even though it’s the same port shape

[@arbbo1675]

@VideoGameEsoterica I actually asked the folks at MiSTer Add-ons about using Atari 2600 and Master System controllers with the Reflex adapter and they replied saying: "the answer is yes you can. There’s a mode for SMS+2600"

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Ooh perfect

[@sanchiani9717]

cant find any cable for my n64 controller for the mister, do you know where i can find one? thanks

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Cable? Sorry not sure exactly what you are looking for

[@sanchiani9717]

i ended up fingind in their website, the cables need for connecting a real n64 controller to mister, thanks anyway for answering@@VideoGameEsoterica

[@Spokavriel]

did you try any setups with a usb extension cable between the Reflex Adapt and the MiSTer? does an extended cord impact it at all. I'm finding putting my USB break out closer to players is making it easier to use my MiSTer with our largest screen. Easier to lay extended cords flat to the couch than standing up at it.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It comes with a large usb cable so I think that would cover all but the longest setups imaginable

[@Spokavriel]

@@VideoGameEsoterica I'm 4 meters from my MiSTer and using a 64" screen just because its the main one in the living room ;)

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

As long as it’s a high quality cable I’d presume it’s fine

[@otachi_r2x458]

Does this allow for MiSTer menu control too?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Which option?

[@otachi_r2x458]

Oh sorry, the Reflex Adapt

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yep it let’s you assign menu buttons and control it

[@halla6323]

What's the difference between plugging in the hdmi end of the cable directly to the Mister? Will it reduce lag? I can't notice any lag when it's plugged in directly to the Mister.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Sorry what? You don’t plug the port into the HDMI port on mister. That’s HDMI video out. This is just using the HDMI form factor with a custom pinout. It has to go through Reflex Adapt

[@halla6323]

@VideoGameEsoterica if I plug in a N64 controller to the Mister I use one of the cables that you showed in your video that has the n64 controller port to the hdmi port. I haven't noticed any lag with this setup. What's the difference between this setup and using the device in your video? Have you noticed any difference when playing or is the purpose to just get as close to zero as possible? I just signed up for a monthly subscription. Thank you for all the videos and support.

[@Uzumaki82]

I already have the bliss box gamer pro. I was thinking about getting this but I don’t know if I gain any functionality. Maybe a few ms of lag reduction?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

You gain some of that but the huge ability to take it to your PC and use it there

[@Uzumaki82]

@@VideoGameEsoterica The bliss box gamer pro is a usb to hdmi based adapter that works on pc and mister. You may be thinking of the blisster. Thanks for the video.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Yes I was thinking of blisster

[@Jokerwolf666]

Mine would be a maple leaf lol

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

VT or Canada?

[@Jokerwolf666]

@@VideoGameEsoterica Canada!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Second best syrup after VT! What part? I used to live in Whistler

[@Jokerwolf666]

@@VideoGameEsoterica New Brunswick, East Coast!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Ahh the opposite direction lol

[@tog2842]

Nice idea and latency, but the firmware situation is a very off-putting to me.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I don’t think anyone should be put off with that. It’s a ten second change tops in menu. It takes as much time as changing cores and nobody would think that takes too long :)

[@StevePinkham]

The latency numbers are about the same as demonbite though, and seems less convenient. Maybe further testing will show some advantage, but not convinced yet.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

A lot of this is convenience. HDMI adapters into a package. Plug and play. Then again I made my own Daemonbite so it’s not cases

[@mAakes]

Does it make sense to use reflex adapt with wireless controllers, e.g. a 8bitdo SNES wireless controller? Of course there will be more input lag compared to wired controllers, but is the quick pull rate of the reflex adapt better than connecting via standard Bluetooth? Or is it not worth it for a wireless use case?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

This is really for wired instances. Bringing controllers with no wireless implementation to USB with adapters

[@mAakes]

@@VideoGameEsoterica thx for the quick response :)

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

That’s what I’m here for :)

[@melcrose]

No atari? ouch

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

There are 2600 and Jaguar adapters so yes Atari

[@philexile2954]

How does this compare to Bliss? It seems very similar.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Similar concept but it’s doing everything externally leaving you a standard usb hub

[@philexile2954]

The Bliss can also be external. I use the Gamer Pro. You should try it. It seems much more intuitive than this product.

[@robibennobi3775]

I use the blisster v2 board it's great but has some drawbacks. U have to update each port fiddly to do so and the cores update on a script but dont know how well maintained they are or if more cores will support blisster, its not official supported by mister crew and case options are limited. I also find it hard to see the light that tells u are in llapi mode and not usb. On the pros it does make a difference playing and once its set up it's rock solid.

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Good into to know. Thanks

[@Piglet6256]

One question, why use this Reflex Adapt? if it clearly says on their page: SNAX has one advantage over Reflex Adapt: zero latency. Reflex adapt has 0.0007 to 0.003 seconds of latency. The only devices that won't work with Reflex Adapt are light guns and peripherals like memory cards. So why use this over SNAX??

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Few reasons. 1) you may want the user port to be occupied by a diff device 2) Adapt allows for a lot more types of controllers currently and 3) adapt works for more than just MiSTer

[@jeremyzeeky3024]

Will this allow the n64 online controllers to work on the n64 core?

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

I haven’t tested that config. It support OG N64 controllers but with the wireless in the mix down the line I’d have to ask Porkchop if that would fly. I’ll respond when I know more

[@jeremyzeeky3024]

@@VideoGameEsoterica gotcha. Thank you VGE!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

NSO already works via wireless on MiSTer. It’s been added into main. So there would be no reason to use Reflex Adapt outside of the sheer curiously to see if it would work

[@jeremyzeeky3024]

@@VideoGameEsoterica got it. I didn't realize that my bad!

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

No worries :) I had a feeling maybe you hadn’t seen that news based on the question

[@firstnose8885]

Cool but SOLD OUT 😢

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Stock should be released soon. Keep checking

[@josiahfreep7765]

I’d have someone stealing his grandparents social security check for florida

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Lol what?

[@josiahfreep7765]

You’ve got maple syrup, we’ve got elder abuse

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

Haha ahh I see

[@siskavard]

Always out of stock looks like :/

[@VideoGameEsoterica]

It comes and goes. You can do email alerts on stock though I believe