Should You Buy the Retro-Bit Officially Licensed Bluetooth 8 Button Sega Genesis Controller

In this video, we unbox and test out the Retro-Bit 8-Button wireless Bluetooth Genesis Controller.
Some time ago, Retro-Bit announced a new partnership with Sega where they would be producing officially licensed controllers for different systems. From the Saturn to the Genesis, they announced a number of varieties. One that many people have been waiting for has been the wireless Bluetooth Genesis controllers. I was lucky to see them in-person at the 2019 Portland Retro Gaming Expo, and shortly after that, I received one in the mail for review. With much excitement, I dove in.
The Bluetooth controller looks and feels just like the traditional 6-button controller for the Sega Genesis, however, it adds 2 shoulder buttons. It also trades out the cord for Bluetooth technology to cut the cord. While going Bluetooth means that it is compatible with Android, iOS, Amazon and other devices along with the Switch and PS3. Now, it WILL work with the Genesis, Mega Drive, and Master System, however, the dongle to connect to these systems is sold separately.
Since Android devices are listed as one of the primary device groups I paired the controller to my nVidia Sheild TV. The pairing was very easy, especially with the new 2019 model. I was quickly and easily able to play games on the system, from emulators to Google Play games. It was really good to play NBA Jam!
From here I paired the Bluetooth controller to my Nintendo Switch. Again, it was super easy to do, just as with my Android TV. I thought it made the most sense to dive into the Genesis Collection available on the Switch, and it worked well but not flawlessly. Firstly, with the Genesis Collection, the A & B buttons worked properly, but the C button fast-forwarded the game footage. The Y button functioned as Y. Weird! Once I got used to that I was able to play all the games without any issue, but it was strange.
After the Genesis Collection, I tried to play the SNES Online games, and, well, it was strange. Again, the button layout just felt, but that's also because the SNES controller is one of my top-3 controllers of all time. While the Genesis controller was perfectly functional, the layout just felt... off. It functioned perfectly fine but just felt dirty.
The final test was with the Street Fighter Collection since this is one of my go-to tests for lag and latency. I had to take a few minutes to map out all the buttons, which I wish I could have done to the Genesis Collection. I have to say the responsiveness was spot-on, very little if any lag and latency, and I was able to pull off all my moves successfully.
Why it RoX:
- Officially Licensed by Sega
- Available in Blue or Black
- Great Battery Life
- Responsive
- Ergonomics are spot-on
- Exceptional Connectivity
- Long Range
- Works with Android, iOS, PS3 and other BT Devices
What could be improved:
- I initially thought the BT receiver was included
- More color options would be nice
- Weird button mapping on some games
Should You Buy One?
If your primary usage is for the Genesis, Mega Drive, Genesis Mini or Master System then you're going to be better off with Retro-Bit's 2.4GHz wireless controller instead, as that controller includes the proper dongles right out of the box. If you're looking to use this more on emulators, the PC, Android, iOS, or other Bluetooth devices, then this would be the way to go. The responsiveness felt just as good as the 2.4GHz system, but the fact that it has doesn't have the receiver dongle for either the Genesis/Mega Drive or Master System is somewhat of a bummer to me. But if you need Bluetooth, give this a look!
#RetroBit #Genesis #Controller
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws:
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[@LindaTheGAMERGal]

I see that they work with a lot of systems and that is cool. I will pick one up!

[@RoXolid]

Pretty much anything with Bluetooth!

[@john-sp8jk]

Can you use these controllers on the Nintendo switch?? 🎮🕹️🎮

[@BirdOPrey5]

Looks so good even I'd consider getting it.

[@RoXolid]

You'd still crash in whatever game you're flying/driving in.

[@needhambunch]

Welp, ya sold me! Good solid video as always!! Thank you!!

[@RoXolid]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sintacs]

What sucks about the Genesis collection on the Switch is that the buttons aren't remappable (they are in the PC version for those wondering), but what's nice about the Switch is that you can completely remap the controller itself, and save those remaps as presets. I use this for my 8bitdo M30, but it should be the same (or at least similar enough to only need a few swaps): [physical button on map->mapped press] L->X, R->A, Y->L, X->R, B->Y, A->B. You'll still need to have an idea of where things are mapped for menu use, so it's a little wonky to use outside of Genesis games, but that's why having it as a preset is nice, it's saved for later, and you can swap back to defaults when not playing the collection. An annoying workaround, but at least you can enjoy the Genesis controllers with the Switch collection.

[@RoXolid]

Correct

[@Sintacs]

@@RoXolid So I actually just grabbed one of these specific controllers, if you update the firmware, you can hold Start + Left until the controller vibrates to switch into a Genesis Classics mode, which will have everything mapped appropriately. The Retro-Bit controller by default has ABXY mapped as they're labelled, so the mapping I provided isn't relevant, but with how easy it is to update the firmware, it seems a no brainer which is simpler. I haven't been able to connect it to a Raspberry Pi sunning Blast16 wirelessly though, but it does work wired in direct input mode (hold B as you plug it in, may need to hold L+R+Start till vibration if you find the D-Pad isn't working in-games, or that Y/C are unmappable). Nice controller for those looking for authenticity/nostalgia, but IMO the 8bitdo one is probably what I'd recommend to most folks.

[@bflippsytrance]

These are very nice, just got me a pair and although they're a bit smaller and lighter than the original it makes for a great gamepad covering everything needed for multiple console emulations.

[@RoXolid]

They are actually the same size as the originals.

[@Hynotama]

You can probably use rumble for Sonic Mania and Streets of Rage 4. And maybe Sonic CD on steam? It's also a great way to play Cristian Whitehead's Sonic 1 and 2 ports on phones and tablets.

[@RoXolid]

Maybe

[@VileMike]

Genesis controller and games on the Nintendo Switch, looks cool.

[@RoXolid]

But it feels so dirty!

[@VileMike]

@@RoXolid Take a shower and enjoy the what Nintendoes

[@RoXolid]

I suppose!

[@calebg2762]

Looks great! Another great video and happy new year!

[@RoXolid]

Happy New Year to you too Caleb!!

[@ZeroB4NG]

already got mine and the Saturn pad as well. 2 things you should know: - both Genesis and Saturn pads have the IDENTICAL vendor and product ID (effectively RetroArch sees the 2 pads as the same device, so you get to make one config for both). - Bluetooth has trouble reconnecting (identical problem with both pads), i always need to delete the pairing and pair the device again in Windows 10, i talked to 3 other people by now who had the same problem and retro-bit support forwarded the problem to their engineers. I hope there will be a firmware update to fix this, it is extra annoying because the pad does turn OFF when idle for a few minutes and then you can't turn it on again without pairing it again in the bluetooth menu, so you can't pause a game come back a few minutes later and just resume, there are always these extra steps. I would not recommend the bluetooth version until there is a firmware update to fix the connectivity issues, maybe the 2.4GHz version is an alternative. The 8bitdo M30 is also a solid choice.

[@RoXolid]

I will say I love the 2.4 gigahertz version

[@djwrahfael]

I have this controller to play with my Mega Retron HD and it's really good. The rumble feature works really well with emulators and the nintendo switch. Highly recommended!

[@RoXolid]

I have to admit I am surprised at how much I like this for my Switch!

[@tonedevice6021]

I have a snes 8bitdo which works perfect no connectivity issues. I bought the retrobit 2.4 for my megadrive and had connectivity issues, returned and the replacement then had charging issues which is quite common. I decided to try the 8bitdo m30 with original hardware receiver instead and had no issues and grown to love it. It might not look quite as slick as the retrobit but plays, feels and performs much better in my opinion

[@DjOdyssey1971]

Doesnt look too bad... Happy New Year..

[@RoXolid]

They are only not bad, they're quite good!

[@goomba008]

Quick note about using this controller with the Sega Genesis Mini. It's possible to use it by plugging a Bluetooth receiver to a controller port, then installing the Bluetooth Linux module (using Hakchi for instance) and pairing it. Unfortunately the controller has no mode for the Genesis Mini. This is not a problem when using a third-party emulator like Retroarch because the buttons can be remapped. Not so with the stock emulator however. I found that the Mac mode (X + Home to pair) is the only mode where buttons other than the d-pad work, but then the button mapping is wrong. I reached out to Retro-Bit to see if there could be some solution, like making a custom mode with a different button mapping. Waiting for an answer.

[@RoXolid]

I've tried pairing it to an 8BitDo Retro Receiver, no dice

[@goomba008]

@@RoXolid Tried that too! It seems the 8BitDo BT receiver is designed to only pair with 8BitDo controllers. Also, if you look in HakChi in the Bluetooth menu (with the BlueZ module installed), you won't see it, so it doesn't work as a "generic" BT receiver. What you want to use is a generic BT receiver instead, pluggued in a controller port. Then you should see it in HakChi and when you put the Retro-Bit controller in pairing mode, it will appear in the list as well. I don't know the brand of mine, when when pluggued in a PC, Windows says "Generic Bluetooth Radio", manufacturer = "Cambridge Silicon Radio Ltd."

[@RoXolid]

I will say that I am not using hackchi anymore on really any devices. My collection is pretty significant so I tend to just play what I actually have

[@goomba008]

@@RoXolid Well myself I only installed it on my Genesis Mini to make the bluetooth controller work. It's pretty non-invasive if you keep everything else stock

[@RoXolid]

I understand, since I have the 2.4 gigahertz wireless one, no need for me

[@LifeWithMatthew]

Hey @RoXolid Productions, my son got one of those "retro" systems where the entire console is shoved into a single controller that you hook up to the composite input on your TV for Christmas. The neat thing about it is the controller is an arcade stick with two buttons, it would be almost perfect for using with an NES or MAME emulator for younger kids as a stick takes less dexterity than a D-Pad. Have you come across a controller like that (arcade stick and some buttons) that is wireless?

[@RoXolid]

I have seen those before, where they have like Atari games or Spongebob as the controller, etc. So there's a company called AtGames that make these HDMI dongles and wireless controllers that emulate Atari 2600 & NES games. And not very well but they do it, and it is wireless. THat's the only thing I know of.

[@RedRanger2001]

Yes, if your computer has built-in Bluetooth. Otherwise, just get the wired one if you're on a budget.

[@wolverinescratch]

Gone a bit off from these retro consoles I have the SNES mini but the app on the Switch gives me the games already

[@RoXolid]

For me the Switch Online service makes my SNES and NES Classic dust collectors. I've actually boxed them back up for safe keeping!

[@EmiratiAuto]

small question if i get the 2.4 wireless Sega Genesis Controller and also the Sega Saturn 2.4 wireless Controller does the wireless adapter which is in Sega Genesis Controller will work with the other one? so i dont have to use 2 wireless adapter on my PC

[@RoXolid]

I want to say it will work. I swear I tried this a few months ago

[@greenkoopa]

Yes.

[@milleniafalcon]

I couldn't get this working in retropie, it recognized it as a usb device but it didn't seem to recognize it as a controller when i went to assign the buttons.

[@RoXolid]

Not sure, I don't have a retropi to test it on

[@sirfroggusfellow9980]

How well does it work with other switch games such as steel assault, cyber shadow, Turrican Flashback Edition?

[@RoXolid]

I haven't tried those, sorry.

[@adiaz973]

Have you tried pairing with a Rasberry pi? if so, how was the gameplay? Thank you.

[@RoXolid]

I have not, I do not own Raspberry Pi systems.

[@Jkoziol72577]

I bought a USB 6 button Genesis controller for my Genesis mini but when I try to use it with retroarch weather on a Android tablet or retroarch through the Genesis Mini hakchi it seems to show up as a Nintendo switch controller and causes all kinds of Chaos

[@RoXolid]

Not sure, I don't use Retroarch any longer. Have you reached out to Retro-Bit?

[@TornacenseDeFuturo]

Is it possible to connect this to the SNES/NES with the 8bitdo receiver?

[@RoXolid]

Not sure, in theory... Maybe?

[@sKpT7]

Can I plug it with cable on switch?

[@RoXolid]

No need, it will connect via Bluetooth

[@EmperorMAR]

Sucks this controller is perfect for the genesis Classics Collection but the button mapping is all wrong!

[@mattnova18]

So looks like not great on switch.....

[@RoXolid]

Is decent, the mapping is a little weird is all

[@RoXolid]

Order the Retro-Bit 8-Button Genesis Bluetooth Controllers from CastlemaniaGames.com using the links below: Black: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/copy-of-sega-genesis-8-button-arcade-pad-ft-bluetooth-technology-black?ref=RoXolid Blue: castlemaniagames.com/collections/retro-bit/products/copy-of-sega-genesis-8-button-arcade-pad-ft-bluetooth-technology-black?ref=RoXolid Bluetooth Dongle: castlemaniagames.com/products/retro-bit-receiver-fo-the-sega-genesis-ft-bluetooth-technology?ref=RoXolid Follow Us on Social Media! Instagram - @RoXolidProductionsGK Twitter - @RoXolidStudios Facebook - facebook.com/RoXolidProductions/ Get early access to our videos and support RoXolid Productions for as low as a dollar a month through our Patreon page, www.patreon.com/RoXolid Looking for some RoXolid Merch? Check out our T-Spring store for shirts and swag at teespring.com/roxolid-productions-official-s Would you like to have your products featured on RoXolid Productions? Do you have Questions? Comments? Email us at [e-mail]!! Do you want to send products, donations or gifts for us to feature on the channel? Send all items to: RoXolid Productions 411 E Water Street Farmer City, IL 61842