Retro Fighters Defender Review - The Best PlayStation Controller?

[@macmacintosh6664]

This is the only video that went ahead and talked about the pressure sensitive buttons off the bat, and I RESPECT that. I Subscribed just because of that great attention to details that a retro enthusiast cares about.

[@ArchadesGames]

Thanks!

[@shockwave.9749]

I like my defender but the shoulder buttons on mine are super sensitive. I haven't done the firmware update though so maybe it'll improve that 🤷‍♂️

[@ArchadesGames]

Do the updates

[@shockwave.9749]

@@ArchadesGames I just did earlier and finished recharging controller, gonna try it out tmr

[@StandingUpForBetter]

Good to know. I have a ton of PS1, PS2 & PS3 games but I have never been a fan of the DualShock controller. I love the Brawler 64 so I definitely will be picking up a Retro Fighter Defender.

[@AstralFrost]

Well, it's nice to hear good things about the d-pad as one review here on KZbin was extremely critical of it. I will be trying it for myself when it arrives! Thanks for the helpful review!

[@AxfNPn3l]

Wow a third party getting pressure sensitive buttons right. And in 2022 no less. Mine is on the way. Can’t wait. Nice video.

[@ArchadesGames]

Blew me away the first time I loaded up Metal Gear! On Both PS2 and OG Xbox I always hated the pressure sensitive face buttons for how they behaved. But now 🤩

[@brandyberry14]

Thanks! I'm glad you mentioned the analog button because I was wondering about that.

[@ArchadesGames]

An important aspect of any PS2 controller alternative!

[@RenegadeScooter]

Have you had any issues with over-sensitive triggers or imprecise analog sticks due to large deadzones on your Defender? I've seen many other reviews from people who have had those issues, and I want to make sure that the Defender I get is as responsive and stable as yours.

[@ArchadesGames]

Mine didn't have issues like that but they do have a firmware coming soon that's going to make everything even better with analog ranges.

[@cemeteryhill]

Awesome video!! That controller is so sick! Always happy to hear about a new controller/brand, love collecting them. Coincidentally I just put a 2000mAh battery in my DS4 today to go along with a 2TB Samsung 870EVO SSD in the PS4 to breath some new life into the old girl. Also ordered a USB-C conversion board for it so just waiting for that to arrive.

[@ArchadesGames]

Oh very nice! I need to look into the USB C boards

[@vickington]

Thanks for the review! Nobody else talked about the pressure sensitive face buttons and that's one of the main reasons I got one, since OEM controllers are old now and usually have really bad pressure sensitivity due to age.

[@GameCubeGalaxy]

Excellent review for this controller! My 2 backed controllers just came in today, and can’t wait to try it on my PS2/PS3, and more so on my Polymega!

[@ArchadesGames]

Oh nice, they showed up earlier than you thought! Let me know how they treat you

[@GameCubeGalaxy]

@@ArchadesGames Will do!

[@Ceielo]

When looking for a Brawler64, I saw one of these. I went looking for reviews yesterday and didn't find any. Just saw this, and now I'm 100% sold. PS3 controllers are way too hard to find, and this looks perfect for all 3 systems.

[@cemeteryhill]

So I installed & tested the USB-C board on my DS4 & working great with the new higher capacity battery. Super pumped it worked!!

[@kalmtraveler]

Always good to see reviews from different perspectives, even if they're different - sometimes we may miss an aspect or feature. In my case, I actually really prefer the original DualShock design up until the PS5 shape, but these are OK too. Honestly my only complaint about the Defender is that on both my units, the L2 and R2 triggers are way too sensitive - I have to hold my fingers up completely away from them because the slightest touch registers as a press. Analog sticks seem fine, d-pad is ok (though I would like if it didn't press down to be flush with the controller body), all the other buttons feel responsive as expected, and rumble is fine.

[@CaptainVideoBlaster]

Does anybody have issue where pressing additional buttons affects pressure sensitivity input? Like if you press X half pressure and then R1, X pressure goes to ~75.

[@Calakapepe]

just got my controller last night. it feels very nice! the buttons, the sticks, d pad, triggers.. they all feel great. it is true that you could accidentally hit the trigger depending on how you hold it; could be fixed with a software update giving a slight dead zone. but it's still very playable despite the sensitivity; it doesn't break it. the analog sticks.. might have a good or bad amount of dead zone depending on your preferences & which game you play.. Also very few mentions of this, the ps2/ 1 receiver has a very bright light when being used.. you'll learn to ignore it, but initially it's annoying like a flashlight in your face lol

[@takehirolol5962]

Finally got my controller! Charging it at the moment, too bad my CRT broke and it's being repaired at the moment.

[@ArchadesGames]

Nice, and aww 😅

[@takehirolol5962]

@@ArchadesGames Just tested it with my PS3...no issues. Will test it with my PS1 and PS2 with a 14" CRT I still have

[@ArchadesGames]

Have fun!

[@RobertHall-ef8yf]

I honestly can't believe that someone got the pressure sensitive buttons right. Hard to justify spending money on such an old console and not get fa full experience. I love that they took an xbox design with the ps thumbstick arrangement. Best of both worlds as far as being familiar but modernized.

[@thatguyblue4811]

I’m wondering if this works on the PS Classic Mini.

[@adamsampson7748]

I loved the N64 one. So glad to hear they have nailed it with this. I ordered two, grey for ps1 and black for ps2. Monday can’t get here fast enough lol.

[@ArchadesGames]

Fun times ahead!

[@TheAldo531]

The only problematic games I've had with this controller are the Dot Hack games. On original hardware with this controller, analog stick inputs are really messy. Moving around the ring will sometimes do a random input into the opposite direction. Apparently this is a common issue when people try to emulate the game and some older forums also point this to being an issue with some, not all, third party controllers. I verified that the Dualshock worked as intended and it does with the game, but don't have other third party controllers to try. Apart from those specific games, I haven't had any issues with the rest of my library.

[@takehirolol5962]

Good to know. I have issues with Ace Combat games, it's tough to use the R2 and L2 triggers in these games with the controller. I have a Hyperkin Warrior PS2 controller...it's still quite good. I use both depending of the game.

[@SMWiz]

What was the BPM in this video? That's bags per minute You roasted the DualShock and still had time to do a drive by on the PS3, haha. This is a great review. I might need to pick one of these up myself.

[@ArchadesGames]

Yes you do 😏

[@LeCoffreDuGeek]

Ordered mine. Thanks !

[@ArchadesGames]

Nice, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

[@blauerbruder596]

Is it possible to use two controllers on one console for Split Screen?

[@xEuroGino]

Can the dongle be used to let say hook up another controller to play on other consoles? Such as Ps3 on the Ps2, Ps1?

[@ArchadesGames]

Nope

[@seanwilkinson779]

Nice Review. Still Up in the air between this or sticking with my Series X|S Controller For my PC.

[@ArchadesGames]

Ooh tough one. On one hand you already have the Xbox controller so you save money and I think they work great for any number of uses on PC and emulation. On the other though, the D-Pad on the Defender is so 🔥🔥

[@DrGreenThumbNZL]

Kind of topic here sorry but have you got Quake 2 and 3 working on Xbox retroarch? im sure i have files setup right but they both don't work , Quake 1 and all expansions works fine , i can get Quake 2 Zaero expansion to work ,but the base game doesn't? Thanks

[@ArchadesGames]

I doubt 3 would work with DOSBox Pure tbh. But I haven't tried them since I don't own them.

[@DrGreenThumbNZL]

@@ArchadesGames no this is the retroarch vitaquake core's , but thx anyway

[@brandonkito]

Thorough review, thanks! You’ve helped me decide… now just need to choose colors😅

[@ArchadesGames]

They are all so pretty! I have the Black, Blue, and Green right now waiting till next check to order the grey.

[@rustymixer2886]

@@ArchadesGames would be perfect if it had 6 face buttons

[@victor-y]

I am going crazy. I can't pair it with the Switch. What am I doing wrong? I plugged in the USB stick and tried to Change Grip/Order. The controllers won't pair tho it worked on PS1, 2 and 3.

[@victor-y]

Figured it out for anyone who has the same issue: turn on Pro Controller Wired Communication in the Controllers and Sensors under Settings. Apparently the USB dongle acts as a "wired" connection. Also, I had to plug the USB dongle in the back of the Switch.

[@Mr.Morale7]

Does the pressure sensitive buttons work on emulators?

[@ArchadesGames]

If you use a compatible PS2 to USB adapter and this guide! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKu1pItolNZjiKssi=rvDqMSb-8NjBYRyd

[@mishal2k2]

I got mine but I am having problem with it on my xbox series x I have the brook wingman xb and I plugged the dongle in it everything works fine only the problem with the square button I don't know why when I press it the wingman starts flashing and changing colors but still the control works but the square button when I press it it is pressing multiple times I really want to fix it if any one have a fix I already updated the wingman to last version

[@donnietobasco4526]

Why didn't you mention that the pressure sensitive buttons don't work with the USB dongle, or am I misunderstanding your video about getting it to work with PSCx2

[@ArchadesGames]

You didn't watch my PCSX2 video very thoroughly as it is stated in there that the USB dongle doesn't work for it. That's why it needs a PS2 adapter.

[@donnietobasco4526]

@@ArchadesGames That's what I was commenting on. In this video you did not mention at all that the USB dongle did not work. I am curious as to why in this video you are extremely promotional about the controller but neglect to mention that important aspect until a later video. I think you should have mentioned that PS2 adaptor thing in this video. Retro Fighters should have said something about that as well before I bought it.

[@ArchadesGames]

My review covers its intended use cases and It works exactly as intended for its intended use case. I then covered additional use cases in additional videos as I was made aware of them. Do more personal research next time if an extra $5 adapter is so deal breaking. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@retroshane8844]

Thanks for the review, are you still loving it? I'm on the fence about ordering it? Thanks

[@ArchadesGames]

They are all I use to this day!

[@unclegoose3864]

I have one and been using it for a month or so. I love it, my biggest gripe is that the D-pad is total trash for fighting games but that could be said for 90% of all d-pads that have been released in the last 30 years and the back triggers are really sensitive. lol

[@WaverBoy]

Aw man, he says in the review that the d-pad is the best he’s ever used and works great for fighting games - now I don’t know what to think

[@donnietobasco4526]

I second this for the D pad. If I hold back it is extremely easy for it to give false up/down inputs on Tekken.

[@csolisr]

About the only thing it's missing is the gyroscope, which is a shame. This could have been a great Switch Pro controller if not for that little issue.

[@ArchadesGames]

Well it's meant to be a PlayStation 1/2 controller first and foremost Switch support was just a stretch goal. I'd rather the focus be on the original goal personally but I understand what you mean.

[@JPLC]

It looks like a future Retro Fighters controller might potentially do the trick; on the official page for the Defender, they've added this bit: "Please note that the USB wireless version does not have Sixaxis functionality on the PS3. PS3 only Bluetooth version with six-axis compatibility coming soon!" I'm personally more interested in the PS3 gyro, but maybe the new version could also support Switch gyro too, who knows

[@limited.timestruggle]

Can't wait for my controllers to arrive!

[@ArchadesGames]

You will be very happy with them!

[@limited.timestruggle]

@@ArchadesGames I'm really happy with the wireless Brawlers and the DC Striker pad for sure! But unlike you I have no problems with the original PlayStation controller, well except the Sixaxis/Dual Shock 3 lol. I'm sure the Defender will do the job!

[@AmartharDrakestone]

Call me blasphemous, but I would love it if there was an asymmetric design alongside this one. Say what you will, but it simply is more ergonomic for 3D games.

[@ArchadesGames]

I agree, but sticking to the aesthetics of the original has that nostalgic touch you just can't get over sometimes 😅

[@AmartharDrakestone]

@@ArchadesGames Well, it's not like Retro Fighters never strayed from original aesthetics. Some of their controllers deviated pretty heavily from the originals.

[@PvtHudson]

Incredible video. Just sold me on this. Bought one just now. Absolutely hate the PS2 controller and my Logitech wireless one is starting to have issues.

[@ArchadesGames]

Same things were happening to me! Been loving the controller even a month+ later.

[@dedcaesar2325]

On their website to buy this it says it also works for the Switch. Is that true?

[@ArchadesGames]

I show it running on Switch in the video

[@aweigh1010]

nice review. I'm always interested in all kinds of controllers.

[@ArchadesGames]

Same, I love being able to try out so many. Finding a great one is always a joy no matter how many times it happens.

[@conza1989]

Looks great actually, my DS3 has kinda died so may pick one up when it releases. How has your experience been (if any) with an 8bitdo Pro2?

[@ArchadesGames]

I stopped buying 8bitdo after 3 bad controllers in a row 😅

[@bs190413]

It already dropped

[@QxCooL]

oh my god, i thought i was going crazy! i ordered two different pro 2s and they both had really weird problems with them, so i'm glad it's not just me who's been having problems with 8bitdo lately

[@hotbigdog1]

what happen to showing how to set it up?

[@ArchadesGames]

because that's not relevant to my review.

[@jeffbrown4256]

Just got mine and works great but on my backwards compatible ps3 it only can play digital ps2 games not disc based ps2 games, anyone else notice that?

[@ArchadesGames]

Sony locked most third-party controllers out of working on PS2 games

[@patchyourselfup]

Of all the things that caught me off guard, are the sheer amount of PS2/PS3 games that use R1 to shoot and L1 to aim that spoil a lot of the comfort. Is there any way to toggle their usages, or am I stuck on a game-by-game basis?

[@ArchadesGames]

Game by game sadly

[@zhanewithah7462]

on xboxseries you can remap buttons for the whole console and xbox usually plays ps2,3 era games but on playstations you cant globally remap buttons until the ps4 sadly

[@thomasshakelton]

Does it work with iOS?

[@travisb1757]

Will this work with PS Classic?

[@ArchadesGames]

I believe their USB receiver also works on the PS Classic

[@aaronvasseur6559]

If the controller would work for both the ps5 and series x to I would probably get it I still can’t find a controller that works for both consoles is it so hard to make one

[@ArchadesGames]

They use completely different communication and controller protocols so yes you are going to be unlikely to ever find one that works on both without the use of adapters.

[@rustymixer2886]

The best ps1 controller would have 6 face buttons 2 shoulder 2 trigger and dual stick.

[@andrewsingsthehymns9567]

that shape looks so uncomfortable in comparison to the dual shock. and yes, im serious. ive never had an issue with it and hated when the new ones started looking that way

[@takehirolol5962]

Great, not in Amazon since I have a credit of $20, this would cost $60 to import this controller and not $80-85 the total cost... Will check if Castlemania and Retrofighters ship to Freight Forwarders... Amazon is so easy, the good guy for us outside the US...

[@ArchadesGames]

I hope it will show up on Amazon after the retail launch in September!

[@takehirolol5962]

@@ArchadesGames Or better order it now. Sony has a bigger fan base and more consoles around than anything from Sega, old Nintendo stuff up to the Gamecube and other systems. This controller with good reviews will sell like hotcakes. On eBay there are scalpers selling this one for $100!!!

[@takehirolol5962]

@@ArchadesGames Just bought it, a US PayPal account helps!

[@ArchadesGames]

Nice

[@takehirolol5962]

@@ArchadesGames Yep, better be safe than scalper prices or no stock.

[@nakajimaarts5955]

Damn so nice controller i am from brazil first video of your channel that i see cool videos i will be honest here in brazil a controller like that is too expensive its like a price of a razer controler hehehe

[@MulliganSnicker]

How can I take this review seriously when you blatantly disrespect the DualShock controller

[@ArchadesGames]

It's ok if you like a crappy controller 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@zviedelman9015]

I'd like to say something I say to others but haven't on the internet yet; Nothing is for everyone.

[@ufoguy]

Great review as always mr.Fanboy :D

[@ArchadesGames]

Such a fanboy of gaming owning all consoles 😂

[@greencastle337]

Looks to have a similar shape to the dualsense wich is my favorite controller of all time

[@cybermx8896]

This thing has a serveral problems, the L2 and R2 trigger are to high sensitive and press by it self at a minimun touch so it is annoying on the fighting games (same as ps3 controller but more annoying), the D pad aslo is not the best (no continous shoryukens on this controller, the OEM original control are way better). So , no this is not the best controller. I give 5/10, don't waste your money on this. Buy a BT transmiter and use a PS4 controller con your ps1/ps2

[@ArchadesGames]

And I give it a 10/10 because I don't have those problems 🤷🏻‍♂️ PS4 controllers also can't be used for pressure sensitivity so pretty worthless for some games.

[@cybermx8896]

@@ArchadesGames I'm sorry friend, it's the truth, there are even reviews that show that error. I see that you do your review showing all the benefits but you do not show the errors of this control. I just bought one on Amazon and I don't believe that everything is true. I am going to return it, I have been very disappointed. It seems that we are talking about 2 different products. For games with pressure sentitive I better go with the original control.

[@ArchadesGames]

Can't show errors I didn't have

[@cybermx8896]

@@ArchadesGames On the tweeter of the retro figthers there are people with the same problem. So is not only me.

[@modology]

worst kind of scanlines filter that you used.. next time might as well leave it without any extra scanline filter. otherwise good review