Sega Saturn Pro Wireless Controller - Adam Koralik

It's Adam Koralik here and today we're discussing the wireless Sega Saturn Pro controller by Retro-Bit! This is a relatively new wireless solution for the Sega Saturn.
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[@AidGum]

The analog sticks look so weird on the Saturn controller. Would’ve preferred if they had done a wireless version of the 3D Control Pad.

[@rustymixer2886]

They did its called ipega hillbilly 9191

[@LonnyMacdonald-tw8zy]

2 analog sticks on the new saturn controller, wow! Now they can put some call of duty games on the saturn

[@banditkeithkingofduelmonsters]

Well, if we ever get the shenmue 1 and 2 prototypes for saturn it may be fun to test out with joysticks.

[@CCH3900]

Seems like this controller's got a ways to go. Hopefully it can reach its full potential. But gotta do something about that firmware update process, just brutal. Anyways, great video as always Adam.

[@jmullner76]

Thanks for the review, Adam.

[@ricardovivas7686]

Off topic comment,but I recently bought an og genesis and It’s all because of you, thank you for all the great content throughout the years Adam keep it up

[@AdamKoralik]

Thanks for watching!

[@Yakobu90]

The other thing I would like is the white and grey colours with the multi-coloured buttons and maybe even H-Saturn and V-Saturn limited editions. A really cool idea would also be have it fully emulate racing wheels and the VIrtual-On controller so you can fully utilise both sticks and (assuming it had them) analogue triggers.

[@summerishere2868]

Maybe I missed but you should have mentioned that you need to do a button combination to switch to the analogue mode. Also I had the same issues updating the firmware of the saturn receiver (the usb one worked fine). Of all things it end up working when I used a usb hub instead of a port directly on the pc.

[@matthewnikitas8905]

Great video Adam, I’m still wondering when one of these wireless controllers will release for the SNES

[@carlosaugustodinizgarcia3526]

When will they release a wireless Saturn 3D controller ?It was great for Nights and racing games.

[@Progressive.G]

Great informative video 👍

[@greenhxify]

My original controller from the nights into dreams bundle stopped working correctly about a week ago. Thank goodness this product came out.

[@IanNewYashaTheFinalAct]

16:00 hearing your troubles syncing the Saturn dongle made me want to throw a controller lol

[@charlesanthony6368]

That Nights 3d controller is my favorite controller of all time

[@robm2007]

I like it as my main dreamcast controller with a brooks wingman and the usb dongle. Works great

[@blairharrison1603]

I may well be mistaken, but I've read that the charging of a new lithium ion battery to 100% prior to fist use is not necessarily required. Lots of folks seem to recommend just sticking to the 20%-80% rule, although a cursory google indicates that this is a bit of an ongoing debate haha. Thanks for the video!

[@andman433]

I miss the good ol days when products didn’t ship until they were actually 100% complete and/or bug free.

[@OGDomTheAtariDJ]

Finally did myself a favor a picked up a Saturn last week I am soo happy I did the arcade fighters are top tier 💯 Paired with a Psuedo Saturn and some cheap imports your in for fun times

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Coolness, it gets better and better. God bless.

[@Noobsaibot21]

That breaker gen looks like it would be pretty well adapted to N64 actually (c buttons always feel weird on a second stick and six face buttons with good sticks rarely happens these days)

[@segaherman_twitch]

@AdamKoralik Hey Adam, have any advice for capturing videos of old consoles like ps1 and dreamcast. Is elgato the best?

[@AdamKoralik]

There's no universal answer for that. Each one has a different solution. At least if you want to do it right.

[@segaherman_twitch]

@@AdamKoralik I get what you mean. I want to start my channel someday I hope I do as well as you👍👍

[@Matrix803]

Yeah, I completely agree about the thumbsticks honestly, and that's why I kinda refrained from getting one of these (I also prefer wired controllers frankly, can't be arsed to charge things lol). It's kinda unfortunate because I had been following this one for a few years actually and the prototype ones looked AWESOME. Hopefully Retro-Bit can improve the thumbsticks physically somehow (but I do sorta get it, because it can get crowded with 6 face buttons rather than the usual 4 on most modern controllers). Anyway, I say all of this with the utmost respect for Retro-Bit. I'm a huge fan of their stuff and would like them to perhaps take a second crack at this one. Great video as always man. See you in Discord. ;O

[@_longgaming]

Retrobit and 8Bitdo have been becoming my favorite non-1st party controllers for retro uses. I have controllers from both companies. I will say though, I am actually not a fan of these "pro" style retro controllers that are literally the same controller, just now with dual analogue sticks and triggers. I got a couple of 8Bitdo SN30 Pro controllers (SNES controllers but with dual analogue sticks - not to be confused with their Pro controller that is basically the same but with grips). This was back in Fall 2017 when I got these and after all these years of playing them, they really dont serve much of a purpose other than using a L3 + R3 combo to trigger the Retroarch menu when playing emulation. I tried using the controllers with game like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and it was a pretty gimped experience. Having triggers and analogue sticks added really doesnt make it a full-blown controller replacement, like joy-cons with the grip or the Switch Pro Controller. With that being said, I would probably approach these Saturn controllers the same way. I would use the knobs for like a quick menu combo and maybe an additional bind, but not an actual controller replacement for 3D games.

[@dlzchaos588]

Oh I gotta ask are you gonna do a video on the VM2/ if you do could you show how it interacts with the dreamconn controller?

[@AdamKoralik]

If I had one, I would.

[@chaseincats]

Does the Pluto have a different boot screen or is it just the standard Japanese one with the chime?

[@AdamKoralik]

Same as the US. The Pluto is American, not Japanese.

[@chaseincats]

@@AdamKoralik got it, thanks Adam

[@emerickscott]

just bought this one recently. It works fine so far. The original wireless one you have has been out of production for awhile I think, so it's not really available.

[@hardmancanada]

I'm also late to the party. I received mine like 2 weeks ago. I wish retro bit had a version for the 3D controller for the Sega Saturn

[@joshmullen136]

Hey Adam, are you coming to Corgscon in Columbus, OH this year? I missed out on it last year unfortunately!

[@AdamKoralik]

As of now, no, we'll see if they reach out! Send them a message, that's usually how they generate demand.

[@joshmullen136]

@@AdamKoralik awesome, I just sent them one. Would love to see you there!

[@primaltalis4587]

So the Sega Saturn controller dongle communicate with the controller. Would it be more complex to have the controller send the firmware updates to the controller dongle? Or am I over thinking it hehe.

[@AdamKoralik]

No idea to be honest.

[@MizzahTee]

I’m always so torn with these modern controllers for my retro consoles. The purist in me makes me feel like I’m doing something against god using them lol

[@pixelpoppyproductions]

Might try this for my PC. I really like their other Saturn controllers, but I have 2 analog Saturn pads already if I want to play on an actual Saturn.

[@albey1816]

If the battery is dead can you use the controller wired?

[@AdamKoralik]

I assume so, my battery isn't dead so I can't test that.

[@Cookiedon15]

Ya, that brawlergen looks more appealing

[@TheAlphaWoomy]

I want one of these but I don’t like rechargeable batteries in controllers it’s just not my thing. If they gave the option to use regular batteries I would of bought it.

[@initial_kd]

I actually prefer removable batteries to a fixed li-ion; easy to swap when they're drained and not a pain if the non replacement battery dies (often requires soldering and disassembly).

[@rDanny]

I have the megadrive/genesis mini/switch retrobit controller and found the battery life to be poor when using it for the mini, When using it for the Original megadrive I had issues with the dongle for the md console been dead and needing firmware flashing to bring it back to life (taking multiple attempts as you did) , not sure if the most recent one has fixed anything I may try it soon, I like the idea of these controllers since I own most platforms and also emulate. there not 100% there yet but I guess they can be sometimes got quite cheap on Amazon, and there also the switch button mapping you can swap AB / XY that can be a good or bad thing depending how confused you get but I'm just nit picking now 😂

[@miguelcarneiro1192]

Hi, do you think that this Retro-Bit controller is better for Sega Saturn than M30 from 8BitDo? Or you think the oposite Adam?

[@AdamKoralik]

I haven't used the 8BitDo ones so I can't say.

[@miguelcarneiro1192]

@@AdamKoralik Oh, ok ok

[@elronaldese]

A wireless gamepad with 2 analog thumbsticks, 6 front action buttons plus 4 shoulders ones... that's the only controller you'll ever need for console emulatiion but I wish they release a non dongle Bluetooth version.

[@dlzchaos588]

I don’t have this controller but from this review it almost sounds like sega saturn fans are paying for extra features they cant use because the controller is more useful for the switch. If they stripped down the features to just what the core Saturn system would need then the controller could be cheaper.

[@borrellipatrick]

Sounds like it would be the perfect controller to play Penny's Big Breakaway on Switch 🤓 Game designed to feel like a lost 90s platformer that would've been on Saturn 👀

[@nunyabusiness69]

Still has issues with the action replay cartridge, right?

[@AdamKoralik]

The Pluto?

[@nunyabusiness69]

No, the first version of these retrobit Saturn controllers has an issue where it will not work after booting into the action replay menu. Its been an ongoing issue thats never been fixed

[@Pingwn]

I wish they made it with better analogue sticks, two analogue triggers and better firmware. I really like it, but the physical limitations of the sticks and triggers make me hesitant for the chance of a better model.

[@richfan10]

Will get around to picking this up as some point … I heard it was a bit iffy with NiGHTS? :/

[@ForeverWinter1812]

I believe Saturn Dave confirms it is perfectly suitable for Nights. You can't have a one-to-one replacement because of the proprietary chip on the Saturn 3D controller. But this is absolutely a great option.

[@richfan10]

Yeah it does look really good I got one of the wireless retro bit controllers they put out few years ago and had no issues

[@ForeverWinter1812]

@@richfan10 I had the original retro bit Bluetooth Saturn controllers, the Saturn pro controller is much better. Also I can confirm that the version 2 2.4 gigahertz 6 button Genesis controllers are vastly better than the original launch Wave and Bluetooth versions. Like they are physically better controllers.

[@summerishere2868]

Works great with nights using the updated firmware.

[@MatticusFinch1820]

Still waiting for a six button Dreamcast pad with the saturns Dpad. Like WTF how has no one made that, just take the NiGHTS controller and modify the thing.

[@initial_kd]

Retro fighters Dreamcast controller is great as it's really the only option apart from some expensive bluetooth adapters (2.4ghz is better than bluetooth when the firmware works correctly lol). However, yeah they missed a trick with not going for 6 face buttons. I have a joy tech 3rd party controller from back in the day that has 2 additional buttons that are mapped to L and R since that's what all 6 button dreamcast fighters use.

[@Chris2323518]

I think you missed something here, when you say the analog stick is clone mapped to the D-Pad. This is the default value but it is not how it is inteded to be used. The idea is that you switch to the analog mode so that the stick is analog working as on the 3D pad or the arcade racer controller of the Saturn. Using the thumb stick in digital mode is pointless.

[@darktetsuya]

I was on the fence for a while about one of these, but the last review I heard of this one (which may have been with the old firmware) said the triggers didn't really work with nights?! I don't know if that's changed but that was basically the dealbreaker on this controller. I tried to get the retro brawler but the one they sent me was *only* USB, oddly enough. But suppose if the retro-bit one actually works with nights I may reconsider picking one up!

[@ForeverWinter1812]

The firmware update has fixed the shoulder button issues. Its set to rock and roll with everything. I highly recommend the Saturn pro controller. I use it for Saturn and Nintendo switch as my primary controller.

[@darktetsuya]

@@ForeverWinter1812 ah thanks for the update! may have to track one down after all.

[@chrisgreen521]

The Sega Pluto wow💯👍🏾🎮

[@vikashv1]

This should have been the Dreamcast controller

[@smokeyarcade]

I couldn't update the firmware for the same reason. It doesn't need to be connected to the console at the same time right? It's really annoying how they update their firmware.

[@AdamKoralik]

Nah, has to be plugged in. It was frustrating as hell, I explained it in the video though. Should help.

[@smokeyarcade]

@@AdamKoralik So does it have to be connected to the console as well as the PC? that's gonna be a bit of an issue due to where the console is in relation to my PC....just seems very counterintuitive lol.

[@AdamKoralik]

@@smokeyarcade You're talking about upgrading the dongle? It just has to be connected to the PC. Forget about connecting it to the console. The hard part if getting Windows to recognize it, which involves holding down the sync button at the exact moment you connect it to the PC.

[@smokeyarcade]

@@AdamKoralik Gotcha. Thanks! and do you have to update the actual controller as well?

[@AdamKoralik]

@@smokeyarcade No, just the dongle.

[@CandisClassicGameShrine]

Yeah some of the design choices on this are odd. Maybe they can rerelease it with better joysticks. It seems ok but the controller I see you using at cons or that wired one in this video seem like better options especially with that update process.

[@gdtjuice]

I thought the the time and date has been correct since the 90s? Looks like it needs a new battery like any other saturn.

[@AdamKoralik]

Yeah, that was a recent development.

[@pauldoake6188]

But there was a Saturn mutl tap up to 4 player's by sega and 3rd party one's lots of games that are compatible with 4 player's

[@ForeverWinter1812]

I get why people have certain issues with the controller but after using this for a few months it really is one of the best controllers I've ever had. I Play it on Saturn, Nintendo switch, and with a mayflash adapter I play it on PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. The initial firmware had issues but they were fixed. Taller thumbsticks would have been weirdly more awkward to use. Like when you're using the controller you don't want your thumbs actually that high. I found the perfect medium ground was using some thumb caps. Better grip and better control. Z & C being mirrored on the shoulder buttons it's kind of dumb but there's not really anything you can do with modern layouts. Everything else is just super solid. This is my definitive Saturn controller. Not everyone will like it but it's absolutely worth trying.

[@rentoptional1524]

BrawlerGen is still the way to go. Also, you're insane in not liking the Saturn 3D controller. Amazing Dpad, buttons, and the Analog stick has a chip under it that has yet to be reverse engineered. That chip is why the movement is so precise. Other controllers kinda guess on sensitivity and BrawlerGen's guess is better than RetroBits.

[@emerickscott]

BrawlerGen is impossible for me because my setup requires wireless. I wonder why there isn't a wireless version.

[@rentoptional1524]

@@emerickscott weight/cost

[@JohnyRedcrow]

SS joypad DX is the true pro controller

[@JohnSmith-xq1pz]

SEGA!!

[@kiyoshimatsutsuyu1931]

THERE ARE....... FOUR LIGHTS

[@NeoWave346]

Id get one if there was a bluetooth version.then i could remap for switch segagames.

[@MacUser2-il2cx]

There are 4 lights!

[@hugo-garcia]

Adam are you going to comment about all this discussion online where everybody is complaning this 9th generation of console has no games and that this generation has the smallest leap in technology of all time ? And now we are already going to PS5 PRO even though most PS5 games are also on PS4.

[@AdamKoralik]

I've covered it in my podcast actually.

[@hugo-garcia]

@@AdamKoralik Oh. In which episode ? I mostly don't have time or patience to listen to podcasts. I only watch your videos

[@STP.83]

Better late than never 🎮

[@pRandzq]

i bought their original wireless controller so i could play the Saturn without a tether. no matter what i did it never worked so while i don't hate them I sure wont be offering them money anymore.

[@SpeedPunkOfficial]

Steam deck , through the dock so you can play Sega games on it

[@AdamKoralik]

You're saying it works with the Steam Deck?

[@bENOFFICIALMASSIVE]

Your hair looked combed!

[@AdamKoralik]

It was!

[@SsspraakForsskkarring]

Hi😊

[@HedgehogY2K]

6:23 oh... The piece of crap that can't reach passed a METER before partially losing connection despite being RF instead of Bluetooth.

[@mackdee911h3]

This dude's hair is short. Who are you and where's Adam? 😂

[@CAPCOM784]

Dont care what others may think but nothing beats the original wired or wirless Sega Saturn controllers. None of these Retrobit or Retro Fighter controllers are on par with original Sega branded controllers.

[@Midori_Hoshi]

The cable is only for charging? So it can't be used wired? Welp, so much for that. I'm at least glad you mentioned it early in the video so I don't have to waste more of my time.

[@AdamKoralik]

It'll work connected.

[@Midori_Hoshi]

@@AdamKoralik Oh, that changes everything. Thanks.

[@summerishere2868]

You can using it while charging but I think it still uses wifi for the connection.

[@Midori_Hoshi]

@@summerishere2868 Oh, that changes everything.... again. Thanks. I refuse to use wireless controllers unless they are motion controls and the wire would get in the way.

[@RetroRockGamer]

Never a fan of the retrobit build quality, and the analog stick placement on this makes me wonder if they even really designed it for Saturn.

[@soundsonline796]

retro-bit have great ideas and never execute.

[@Kenhawk98]

I'm sorry to say this Adam but I find your review really poor, you fail to cover the 3D functionality of the controller, the Sega Saturn 3D (Nights) Controller didn't just have an Analog Stick, but it also had Analog Triggers which were used by games such as Daytona USA Circuit Edition or Manx TT Superbike, in fact, the Brawler Gen lacks the Analog functionality of the sticks and trigger and yet you seem to be oblivious to it, have you never known of that before? Also you fail to cover that the Sega Saturn Pro Controller starts in Digital mode and must be set to Analog mode with the press of a Button combination (Start + B for 4 seconds) this is very significant since the controller lacks Analog Triggers and that disrupts functionality with games like Daytona USA, and that was a heavy criticism of the controller upon release, I was hoping you could elaborate on that given that you are using a later firmware. I must admit I disagree greatly with your criticism of the controller being designed for modern systems instead of the Saturn, you are correct in that it was likely the design philosophy that they used, but I do not see it as a bad thing, I mean it is in the name Sega Saturn Pro Controller, it alludes to be made for modern systems more than the Saturn, the additions do not impair functionality, and if you are looking for a controller that was more faithful to the Saturn original, they already sell that, in fact you were showing it in the video, and it is cheaper to boot, also you should've bring up the price point, since that was another point of contention, this controller is $50 whereas the prior one they made (which you showed) is still up for $35, I know you receive this devices for free, but do not ignore prices as they are very important when pointing criticism, and in fact may strengthen the theory that these "for purposes of review" giveaways are a way to unconsciously manipulate reviewers into recommending their product. In the end I appreciate your review, I myself am not convinced by this product since it feels somewhat lazy in design, they just took a mold of a Saturn Pad, and added 2 knobs (Which have Hall Effect Joysticks, very important to point out by the way) and triggers, I would have preferred something much more creative, but as long as its functional, it is of no harm for its existence, I hope the controller improves and thank you for your input regardless.

[@AdamKoralik]

Acknowledged. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jakesmith5278]

Oh my god!!! Really Switch sticks?? Really?? How cheap can you be??? Couple of Xbox sticks are too expansive, right???

[@indiaalphanovember8217]

I just feel it looks crap 🤷‍♀

[@kamarrawlings6285]

This controller is useless for Saturn if you are using the action replay smh

[@GhibliNova]

Everything retrobit makes is halfbaked. Im so done with them. Saturn usb contrillers shoulder button harnesses broke, wired big6 c button unresponsive unless I play a mastersystem game, n64 hall effect stick has massive input delay. Crap company.

[@initial_kd]

How can they mess up the hall effect sticks? Those should have almost no dead zone or wear but here we are people are saying retro bits hall effect sticks have terrible movement. It uses magnets rather than potentiometers where the resistance is measured on both x and y axis (potentiometer use traces which wear down or get dirty)

[@GhibliNova]

@@initial_kd I know what they are, it's because the chip that converts the digital signal of the hall effect sticks into the analog signal from the old optical stick takes FOREVER because Retrobit put half effort into it so there is massive input delay.