TurboGrafx-16 & PC Engine Third Party Controllers I Recommend | Johnny Grafx

[@GAMECLOSET]

Wonderful review, Johnny! I also love it when the kitties help out. That Polymega controller does seem very nice.

[@bjornh1527]

Thank you for checking these out! I’m interested in future replacements although my pads all work nicely. Still, I might one day want a 6 button one…

[@CompletelyAverageGameplay]

If you ever have the chance to check one out I'd recommend trying the Denpa Micomsoft XE-1 HE Pro arcade stick. PC Engine only (so you'd need an adapter for the TG-16) but it's got a slider-adjustable 4 or 8 way gate (square), is fully microswitched, has turbo speed adjustment sliders for both buttons, auto-hold selectors, *a built-in multi-tap with 4 ports*, and the buttons can be rotated ~270 degrees to accommodate any kind of finger placement (which sounds like a useless gimmick until you try it, lol). They're well made so generally if they've been decently cared for they're still in great shape even today. I think the XE-1 HE Pro might be the best classic stick to just pick up and play without any servicing or repair. It may be the best mass-produced stick for the PC Engine/TG-16, period. It's a little on the tiny side and the cable is short - my only complaints about the hardware. Unfortunately the sticks themselves are hard to find and usually very expensive. 😢

[@ScruffyLookinRGB]

Great review of this controller I would have never thought to grab on of these thank you ❤

[@wargameboy72]

Hey Bro, love your videos. I've been watching them for years!! I also really like the Polymega PCE controller. For me, it's a great mix the 2, 3 and 6 button controllers all rolled up in one, for a good price. But I do have two complaints... 1. The (Run) and (Select) should be on the bottom of the controller, so we could have the option of using them. 2. Polymega should definitely include an adapter for the Turbo Grafx-16 in the box... And I'm sure Polymega has plenty of money to do so, from they're overpriced consoles!! That being said, I still think this controller is well worth buying, 👍

[@Johnnygrafx]

Yup my thoughts exactly! I'd even pay an extra ten bucks or so if they'd throw in an adapter. But yeah, like you said, still a great choice overall. Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@CappsOffGaming]

KITTAH! My fav part beside seeing Brian's (BD Retro Mods) arcade stick, great reviews as always!!!

[@ForeverWinter1812]

Thank you for making this video it was super helpful!!! Definitely going to get the polymega controller now. Sucks that most of these controllers don't have the level two turbo fire. It's more useful in games like legendary axe. I will say the retromod arcade controller has 2 glaring issues. The joystick shouldn't be mounted directly to the top panel. It's supposed to be recessed in by an inch. Which standoffs can fix. It affects the throw distance and accuracy. And it just feels way better when it's correctly mounted. Also the countersunk screws that hold the case together should also be used on the joystick. Like it's totally fine to have bolt sticking up on the corners but where your hand goes it needs to be flat. Most People are going to scratch up their hands otherwise. That's why on American arcades you can see the mounting bolts but their carriage bolts so they're smooth. (I spent a lot of time with arcade hardware and maintenance)

[@Johnnygrafx]

Glad the video was helpful! I'm very much a layman when it comes to arcade sticks, but thanks for the info!

[@thetechn1que518]

I like the TG-16’s original controller, and I bought an extension cord for it, which is kind of necessary.

[@ReddMcKnight]

Just the video I needed! I have my Shuttle Pad (which I had to clean, but after, it worked perfectly) and the OldSkool Pad with an Adapter. My PC-Engine also came with it's default controller, but I mean REALLY default controller. No turbo switches on it. I think I'm gonna look into the Polymega Pad first. Thanks for taking the time to make this! EDIT: Can't wait to see the Homebrew CDs video too! Is that still on the agenda for you?

[@Johnnygrafx]

Glad to be of service! And yup, homebrew games is on the agenda. I still have to play a few of them though so it might be a whole, but it'll definitely come to pass! 🙂

[@ReddMcKnight]

@@Johnnygrafx Yay! Can't wait to see it! :)

[@johnt7372]

How about the Brook Adapters? You could get the Pce/ Gen Adapter and a universal stick like the Mayflash

[@ForeverWinter1812]

That's what I use in my setup for arcade Stick solutions. It's awesome

[@ultralance]

Oh man nice timing. I just bought a PC Engine on PC to work on my WR score for Galaga '88 on real hardware and have been considering wiring up my fightstick to a controller when it gets here in the mail. Time to see if there's any other/better options.

[@AirZonkWorldChamp]

There were a few other Turbo arcade sticks out there like the Ultimate Superstick and Acemore. I need to test them out, I don't have high hopes for the Acemore one.

[@Progearspec]

There also joysticks by third parties that were only released in japan that are solid.The Hori Fighting Stick and the XE-1 Pro HE.I own both but the catch is as of late they have become very pricey.

[@RedRanger2001]

The BD Retro Mods TG16 arcade stick should also have a variant - the third button and the fourth button that is Run and Select on top of the II and I buttons.

[@Robert_Shmigelsky]

The Polymega controller sold out quick on Amazon. Was my only chance to pick up one for a reasonable price lol since they got cheaper shipping. Thankfully, I have an Analogue, not an original Turbo, so my hori turbo mini controller is my go-to controller.

[@Johnnygrafx]

Yup the hori one is pretty solid!

[@retrobeliever]

Nice and fair review, was curious how you’d like Brian’s controller. And yeah man I thought the Polymega was/is a cool idea but that price…..yeesh 😬 I suppose though it’s still cheaper than re-buying all the original consoles lol, nice vid John!

[@hammerheadms]

FPGA is still cheaper. The Analog systems are nice. A bit pricey, cheaper than Polymega, but at least it's not emulation, if that matters. And if the multiple system compatibility is the real draw for Polymega, then Mister FPGA is cheaper still, if you don't mind not using original hardware, or game carts.

[@retrobeliever]

@@hammerheadms ahh!

[@IsaacG8]

Thanks for this. I'm so disappointed with 8bitdo for not having one, but at least I was able to order a controller for the PC engine

[@Johnnygrafx]

Yeah I like the one they put out that works with the mini and the analogue duo. It's neat. And I appreciate the wireless aspect. But I don't like how small it is and the fact that it doesn't work on original hardware. If they put out a real turbopad I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat!

[@Fahrenheit38]

My favorite controller for my PC Engine is the 8bitdo M30, I use USB2PCE to connect it. I use the 2.4ghz version with USB dongle and I can't feel any lag on my CRT and i'm usually very susceptible to it.

[@Johnnygrafx]

I've never tried a USB2PCE adapter. Where do you recommend I get one of those from?

[@kabbusses]

i'd hope for a 6-button counterpart to that arcade stick so I can retire my Hori Fighting Stick Multi.

[@robertpatterson5633]

The Beeshu Ultimate superstick is missing. Accommodations for left and right-handed players.

[@hammerheadms]

These remind me of Evercade controllers in size and form factor, and that's a good thing for me. I love Evercade controllers, especially for shooters. If Polymega controllers are at least that responsive, then that's appealing to me. I have two Avenue 6 pads for my PC Engine Duo-R, and they're all right, but not as responsive as I'd like. But then, I kind of think, whether because of age, or design PCE/TG16 controllers never really were the most responsive controllers ever made. And even though the turbo settings are kind of funny, and ironically it's the middle setting that I tend to use most, that's not even close to being a deal breaker.

[@Robert_Shmigelsky]

I use the middle setting for Bonk's adventure as I find I can consistently headbutt the ground while leaving the option for spinning. If there are games where enemies get an temporally immunity after hitting them, I can see the middle setting being advantageous. I don't have an evercade, but the controller always looked uncomfortable to me (how high the dpad was).

[@hammerheadms]

@@Robert_Shmigelsky At first glance, I thought the same thing about the Evercade controllers. I was actually very surprised that I liked them as much as I did. I found it very responsive for playing Sol Deace and other shooters on the system. On PCE/TG16 controllers, I feel like the middle setting is better for most SHMUPS that don't default yo a rapid fire setting. The only exceptions being SHMUPS with a charged shot like R-Type and Sinistron.

[@Robert_Shmigelsky]

@@hammerheadms Anything with turbo buttons, like the 8bitdo, would be an advantage for Sinistron. You pretty much need charged shots to beat the last two stages. I've only managed to beat the game using save states; it's hell.

[@hammerheadms]

@@Robert_Shmigelsky separate turbo buttons would definitely be awesome for that game, especially. Sinistron is hard as hell. Save states are a huge reason I love playing on the Evercade. Sol Deace and Gaiares are damn near impossible without save states.

[@jackofallgamesTV]

What do you think of the back in the day TG16 controller, the Beeshu Ultimate SuperStick TG? It's the only mass produced TG16 right handed joystick I know of, but the fire buttons are backwards in Side Arms.

[@crazyoldschool6342]

Would be nice if it was a 6 button turbo stick instead of 2 buttons.

[@Johnnygrafx]

Yeah that would be the best of both worlds. Hopefully somebody makes that some day!

[@Mekaneckpain]

I bought one and it's okay... the d pad is kinda bad though. I ended up going back to my 3 button Avenue Pad.

[@RAGINGMACHOMANX]

Where can I get an afapter ?

[@Johnnygrafx]

There's always a few on ebay! I also think hyperkin has one they sell on their website.

[@almeidachannel7121]

Nice Video ! Sub & Like ! And Love Retro Turbografx-16 Game !

[@arcadeages3917]

Sticks with screws that pop out of the deck are not good. Causes a lot of pain after eve a short amount of play. This is already well understood. Wonder why any one would try to sell one with a design like that in 2024. Amateur hour stuff.

[@Johnnygrafx]

The screw placement hasn't bothered me 🤷

[@williamRE]

The Polymega is absolute garbage. Just saying.

[@Johnnygrafx]

Yeah I've heard a lot of not-so-great things about it. Especially the software end of the experience. That controller is solid though!