The Best Wireless NES Controller Retro Bit Origin8

In this episode, we unbox and test out the ORIGIN8 wireless controllers from Retro-bit, designed for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo Switch, and other USB-compatible devices.
When it comes to the original Nintendo Entertainment System finding good wireless controllers, first or third-party, has been a bit of a challenge over the years. Back in the day, we were stuck with crappy, infrared solutions that really did not work well. In recent years there have been a few good controllers here and there, but there again few and far between. I was very excited to hear Retro-bit was working on a new addition to their Platinum series of controllers called the ORIGIN8.
Featuring three different designs and styles, the ORIGIN8 comes out of the box with the controller itself, a USB dongle, a dongle for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, a USB-C charging cable, and instructions. It also has additional features such as ZL and ZR buttons, L and R buttons, and turbo functionality for A and B. Overall this is well put together and has some really nice additional features.
After my initial unboxing, I did charge the ORIGIN8 for about 2 hours before I got to testing. Pairing could not have been simpler as I simply pressed the pairing button on the dongle, hit the start button, and within a few seconds, I was paired. I experienced this with both the original Nintendo dongle and the USB one.
Starting on the original Nintendo Entertainment System, the ORIGIN8 felt fantastic. While it is considerably lighter in the hands than the original equipment, it still feels good while you play. One of the things I did not know was how I was going to like the larger d-pad compared to The original NES controller, but it worked just fine. One of the great things is the fact that this falls underneath Retro-bit's platinum series of controllers, it uses better quality materials, buttons, and construction and it can be felt during gameplay.
I have to say I really appreciated the Turbo switches on the A and B buttons, it reminded me so much of the TurboGrafx16 controllers. If and when I wanted to use the turbo I just needed to slide the switch up, and when I was done sliding it back down turned the turbo off. It couldn't have been much easier. The one thing I will say is that I do wish that there was a 2nd, faster turbo, similar to the TG16, but for what it was this was fantastic.
I did attempt to use the ORIGIN8 with my Xbox One S, Xbox Series S, and my Wii U, but none of them would respond or connect to inputs. This was a bummer as it would have been great to use with the Wii U's Virtual Console or some of the NES-era games that are now on the Xbox.
My final tests were on the Nintendo Switch OLED using the NES, Famicom, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance services. I connected the dongle to one of the USB Ports on the side and was up and running. Man, this thing was fantastic! for all the above systems button presses were spot on, it had great range and battery life, overall this was a terrific experience!
Why It RoX:
- Only $25
- 3 different color options
- USB C for charging
- Fantastic battery life
- Turbo functionality
- Excellent performance
What could be improved:
- 2 turbo steps like the TurboGrafx would be nice
- Not compatible with Wii U or Xbox
Should you buy one?
This is one of the most resounding "YES" responses you'll get from me! Retro-bit has knocked this one totally out of the ballpark and this is going to be my go-to wireless NES Controller, hands-down. It performs so well, it is so comfortable, and it just works, all the things you want with a controller for gaming. One of my only 2 real nitpicks is that it's not compatible with more systems as I'd like to use it on the Wii U and Xbox, but I can live. For the money this is a fantastic controller and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
#Nintendo #Switch #RetroBit #Origin8 #NES #NesController

[@RoXolid]

Order the Origin8 Controllers at collabs.shop/w3ztmg Check out all of our 3D Printed items by visiting roxolid-productions.weeblysite.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: kzbin.info/door/znAOWQLsiCAMNRq9fzQJpwjoin 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]!!

[@1UpJohn]

I just got this controller and I really like it but I've only been able to pair it to my Switch. The NES dongle does not connect to the controller for me. 😔

[@robinson32993]

I want to get the dongle that lets you use the wii mote for the nes.

[@DanRockProductions]

I really dig your channel! I was recommended your Retro Trio vs Retron 3 video on my front page, and I've been watching your other videos. Your style reminds me a lot of the early retro gaming community on KZbin in the early/mid 2000s; channels like Classic Game Room and early RTU, which we don't really have anymore. Subscribed and I can't wait to see whats next!

[@RoXolid]

Thank you so much for the compliments and welcome! New KZbin short will be later today and, if it i can get it edited, new video tomorrow and Friday!

[@TravirusTheKing]

I'm hoping for a dogbone controller I never seen one yet.

[@FraterSpiritus]

This is interesting, but I really like my Retro-USB Controller. I know they are like $70, but something about those micro-switch clicks really does it for me 🤣

[@RoXolid]

I have a strong dislike for micro switch controllers myself.

[@DDRPenguins72]

Gasp!! You know the Konami code and executed it flawlessly in Gradius! You’re one cool guy!! 🤩

[@RoXolid]

Glad you can recognize

[@GenerationPixel]

I'm a fan of retro-bit, and this looks like another great bit of kit from them 👌

[@RoXolid]

It totally is, and it's a great value too. For what it is and how much it cost it's amazing

[@Psmgamer]

Great review, Gary.

[@RoXolid]

Thank you sir, I appreciate it

[@cowscrazy]

Just got mine and the wireless range is horrible. I'm so mad. I can sit farther away with a wired controller. Once I start to move away it won't connect.

[@RoXolid]

Weird, I'd reach out to Retro-bit, I had zero range issues

[@NeonPizza80s]

I'm curious about latency. It says it comes with a 2.4ghz dongle, so it should be pretty low I'm guessing. 8bitdo's 2.4 wireless NES, SNES, TGFX & Genesis controllers only have 3.6ms of latency. Wonder where the Origin8 ranks.

[@caseywaterhouse6596]

How are you switching from game to game?? What system is this??

[@RoXolid]

Besides just physically swapping the games on the tests on the NES I'm just using the Nintendo switch functionality to switch games

[@krillen64]

It looks great and the turbos are proper switches not buttons. I may have to get one for use on my Analogue Nt mini I have. Now if only they would make a TG16 controllers that looks like an og one but with proper 3-way turbo switches not those ugly and more confusing to use turbo buttons.

[@BeyondEntertainment_]

Nice

[@RoXolid]

They're so good!

[@Rezigunn]

I genuinely like the idea of this since I personally don't like the controllers with turbo buttons and instead gives you the option with the switches. Only thing I'd like to see is another version that emulates the look of the dog bone controller if they can do that they can have all my money

[@RoXolid]

I dig the dogbone controller too!!

[@NeonPizza80s]

If they made a 2.4G wireless replica of the dog bone controller, but instead made the B&A buttons a bit closer together and had them placed straight instead of diagonally, I'd bite! :P

[@unforgivencaleb528]

Looks like an amazing NES-style controller. I was disappointed with 8BitDo's N30 controller, for the sole reason that it will not connect to my Switch, even after following the instructions to the letter.

[@RoXolid]

And I'm sure that they never replied if you reached out to them

[@kwicksandz]

i wish it had a reciever for the nes classic. otherwise seems like a good product. im a sucker for the GB colour scheme so i might pick up that version for PC emulation use.

[@RedRanger2001]

They should've made these in more colors, like those PC Engine/Turbografx 16 colors...

[@RoXolid]

I'd rather see them make turbo graphics 16 controllers in those colors myself :-)

[@RedRanger2001]

@@RoXolid At least the Origin8 has turbo switches like those PC Engine/Turbografx 16 controllers...

[@JGRICH61]

Can it work on. NES mini? I have an 8bitdo retro receiver.

[@gabbothegiver]

Xbox has the best controller 🎉🎉

[@RoXolid]

Seriously, I love you my friend but stay off the drugs.

[@gabbothegiver]

@@RoXolid 🤣🤣🤣🍌

[@albertwayne2323]

Awesome controller, but I have a Twin Famicom and it don't have the NES controller port (it has another port in the side that was used for third party controllers). Hope one day companies like retro bit also include an adapter for that port.

[@RoXolid]

You can make an adapter! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKG9mKSAa9acnNUsi=z9LefSrU0vQEi3JO

[@ThatSneakman]

The 3rd design reminds me of the Famicom to be honest.

[@AllStarAaron]

Did you end up having any issues with the L and R buttons causing unwanted button clicks playing the NES games on Switch?

[@RoXolid]

Thanks for bringing that up, no I did not. And I did test that

[@MIAMI_VIBES_]

I didn't like that black and red though, I wish they would of replace it with a famicom design!!!

[@RoXolid]

Yeah to me that red almost looks more orange than anything. I think it looks interesting, but I agree with you not my favorite design. I really like this Game Boy one and the NES style one is fantastic too. That reminds me, I got to go order one of those NES ones

[@destindude1978]

Gary: I like that it's a USB-C, I like to SEE that there! LMAO Gary feeling a bit punny LOL

[@RoXolid]

Sometimes

[@michaeldemers2716]

I think i would like to try this through a Classic Mini NES controller adapter to NES on an 8bitdo G Bros Bluetooth adapter. More than one way to skin a cat. I could then use it with my SNES 8bitdo Dongle. I have my reasons. Mostly Consolized GBA. I don't think I am going to get L and R out of it though. I hope they make a Bluetooth version in the future. I like the Gameboy style one.

[@NewGabeOrder]

You can buy the wireless Legacy16 and use its receiver for the Origin8. It not only works well with a consolized GBA, but also for Super Mario All-Stars (Type-B controls), Nosferatu, Ninja Gaiden Trilogy, Mega Man X 1-3 (input left or right twice to dash) and maybe Home Alone. I never grew up with an SNES, so it is up to you to test that out.

[@michaeldemers2716]

@@NewGabeOrder Thanks. I will pick both up. I hope I can use the Legacy 16 with Linux. I only need the SNES Dongle.

[@RKR2969]

Bruh I bought a new one e and the wireless recital was broken didn’t work at all and it’s BS they don’t sell them separate L on retro Bit

[@RoXolid]

I'd reach out to them on the 2nd

[@realtime4559]

Hey Gary does it work on a PS4? Thanks for the review!

[@RoXolid]

No sir

[@SkrappyIE]

With l and r buttons, it makes me want it for gameboy advance.

[@RoXolid]

Very understandable

[@chrish6373]

RetrroBit burned me with the controllers they shipped with the Super Retrocade that both broke after a few uses. They can suck it; I'll stick with 8bitdo.

[@RoXolid]

Did you ever reach out to them for support? That's the one thing, they may have issues and mistakes but they have always taken care of me. 8BitDo? They have never responded to a single email, tweet, social media message, or anything. I have no use for them as they have shown they have no use for me as a consumer

[@NeonPizza80s]

8bitDo did a better job with their N30 2.4G NES controller. It's D-pad and B&A buttons feel a bit snappier, more tactile and a touch more premium, not to mention more authentic to an actual NES controller if that matters to you, there's no shoulder buttons to get in the way, and it doesn't rattle like the Origin8 either. In fact, there's zero rattle. :P Origin8 just feels a 'little' cheap by comparison. Also, Origin8's dongle has a distracting larger glowing red light at the end, where as N30's is just a tiny blue circular light.Time to bust out the black electrical tape! ;) Although, I do LOVE the GameBoy themed Origin8, it looks beautiful in person and it's thee reason why I'm keeping it, and I prefer the feel of it's taller Start & Select buttons, where as the N30's are more sunken in and less satisfying to push. But that's where the positives end for me. Latency wise, they feel nearly identical. N30 may have an ever so slight edge, but it's tough to say unless you have the proper equipment to test input lag. Retro-bit however did an outstanding job with their 6 button Genesis clone controller. That thing is an easy 10.

[@NeonPizza80s]

@@RoXolidif you can put 8BitDo's poor communication aside and not let it cloud your judgment on their actual products, than they're absolutely worth considering. Besides, Retro-bit could have the nicest people imaginable working for them with tip top stellar communication, but what does any of that even matter if the product that you're purchasing from them doesn't meet your expectations. They want your money, and we want a good product. Having the option to choose between both Retro-Bit and 8BitDo just gives you more variety or options when looking to upgrade your retro gear. Besides, when i buy an 8BitDo controller, i'm not buying directly from them anyways. Any communication is dealt with a 3rd party market seller through amazon ect. Plus, 8BitDo definitely has the better quality 2.4G NES & SNES Controllers.

[@z3razerviper]

I dont know why they only made the turbo switches 2 position vs 3 like the turbographics

[@RoXolid]

Cost or patent I'd assume

[@z3razerviper]

@@RoXolidseems like a missed opportunity

[@RoXolid]

@@z3razerviper If it was a patent issue they may not have been able to

[@dcf3601]

Great video, I didn't know about this controller. Will it work with the original nes with the door to insert the cartridges?

[@RoXolid]

Absolutely will! It's designed to work on original hardware, clone systems, and more

[@dcf3601]

@@RoXolid thanks for the quick reply. I just ordered 1 on Amazon and will purchase another soon. Wishing you a safe and prosperous 2024.

[@RoXolid]

Thanks so much and same to you!

[@marsbase1357]

I'm still waiting for n64 HD console

[@RoXolid]

That was actually Hyperkin who teased that a few years ago, not Retro-bit

[@AnekoFoxx]

How did you get the Famicon games on the Switch?

[@Danosauruscrecks]

You make a Japanese switch account then download the apps at least that's what I hear

[@daviddisbrow6519]

Would this controller work with SNES Classic?

[@RoXolid]

It does not

[@NewGabeOrder]

It's a shame, because nowadays retro-bit refuses to acknowledge that the NES Classic or SNES Classic exists. Same with the Wii and its Classic Controller. I wonder if more aftermarket Wii Classic Controllers are next, considering GameCube products being overproduced in this time.

[@michaeldemers2716]

​@@NewGabeOrderIt actually probably would if you got the SNES to Classic Mini controller adapter from Hyperkin and the Legacy 16 controller from Retro Bit and used the SNES Dongle with the Origin8 controller. I plan on getting all that jazz at some point.

[@NewGabeOrder]

You can try this controller out with the Nintendo 64 and SNES as long as you have the receivers that came with the wireless Tribute64 or wireless Legacy16. I have a receiver for the wireless Tribute64, but I have yet to buy the Origin8 and test it out on some N64 puzzle games like Magical Tetris Challenge and Puyo Puyo SUN. There are also the hidden Famicom games in Animal Crossing, and I can check if the Origin8 works on both the main game and the Famicom games. SNES game software I recommend with the Origin8 are Super Mario All-Stars (Type-B controls), Nosferatu and Ninja Gaiden Trilogy, as they have control options that map all the main actions to just A and B.

[@johnc7512]

These controllers are very hard to grip and hang onto the rectangle controllers are much better.

[@Psmgamer]

I get my controller tomorrow, can't wait to try it with the NES library on Switch Online. Actually surprised it's arriving a month early as I wouldn't have expected to ship till mid next month.

[@CreativeNotJustYet]

did u get it to pair?

[@Psmgamer]

@CreativeNotJustYet Yes easy to pair with my Switch.

[@hectorleon465]

Would of been nice if they made a Famicom themed color one... I would of bought one no questions asked... ❤