Retro-Bit Licensed SEGA Gamepads

[SEGA60TH]

Hello all hope everyone safe at home or where ever you are,
I Own the SEGA Saturn bluetooth controller very shocked
knowing it had force feedback /- rumble capabilities.
Now i want the SEGA Genesis bluetooth version and was
wondering if it had  rumble capabilities thats all.

Really wish those controllers came with a case, but the wifi controllers
have them... anyone know where i could get a nice hardshell case
for my SEGA controllers?

Thanks sorry if i asking to much....

[Berto]

Hello too.
According to the Retro-Bit Amazon Store,there is SEGA Genesis bluetooth version too 2,4 GHz version (could be used for Sega Genesis Original/Mini, Switch, PS3, PC) but no rumble capability
and normal version which compatible with Switch, Android, PC, Mac and Steam but can't be used for Sega Genesis
The normal version is the one that has Rumble capability on supported games

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Retro-Bit/page/124EECA0-55DB-4C5C-99AC-B7EA2E93A390?ref_=ast_bln

[Mystic Monkey]

I forgot we had this thread. Can I bump it? (Given it's mostly just me and Berto around here.)

I am a proud owner of a Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller. It's my go-to for playing Mega Drive, Sega Saturn and Sega Renaissance games. What I like about it is that it also has modern gaming in mind, with shoulder-buttons, dual-thumbsticks and Select and Home buttons.

I'm still waiting for Retro-Bit's Dreamcast controllers to come onto the market, though whenever I'll get one... depends.
I would love there to be a "Dreamcast Wireless Pro Controller", but I've seen the schematics they have in mind, and I'm not too keen on it. I'm against the six-button layout (Ⓒ and Ⓩ are the same as L and R on the Saturn Pro Controller, while ZL and ZR serve as standard shoulder-buttons, despite the original Sega Saturn pad having shoulder buttons.)

I just think, if we do get a "Dreamcast Pro Controller", I imagine it should be something like this:


We don't need a Ⓒ or Ⓩ buttons, because it will already have new shoulder buttons which could be C or Z as well as Dreamcast default trigger buttons.

[Mystic Monkey]

Do you think Sega should do more promotions with Retro-Bit? Or the very least allow their PC games to have controller support for Retro-Bit?

I mean, the "Sega Collaboration" means the controllers are officially licensed by Sega themselves. Unlike, for example, Dreamware Enterprises who are third-party independent, I believe. Even if it turns out the DreamConn S is superior to Retro-Bit's Dreamcast controllers, Sega are still officially endorsing Retro-Bit.

Things in mind like:

• Sega games with six-button controller support. Doesn't have to be specifically for Retro-Bit controllers, just the option for six-buttons, or D-pad for movement. (Depending on the game, certain controllers can be in mind, but Pro Controllers would still be optimal.)
• Sega could ask Retro-Bit to produce promotional casings for various controllers. These controllers be released alongside Deluxe packages, or sold directly.

Ideas for "promotional controllers":

• Virtua Fighter series has released various controllers with designs promoting their games. Such as Type II's Virtua Fighter Pro Controller which comes in button-variety of PRO-4 and PRO-6. While "Virtua Fighter Crossroads" is not a reboot of the series, it will still be a brand-new game compared to VF5 and past games. Just as Virtua Fighters debut on the Sega Saturn was a major thing, Retro-Bit could release a VFC-themed Sega Saturn Pro Controller.
• If Retro-Bit already had their Dreamcast Pro Controllers, Capcom could ask Retro-Bit for recreations of the red and blue controllers that could be sold with a Deluxe Edition of Resident Evil Veronica.

I just don't see why Sega doesn't make the most from Retro-Bit's Sega controllers. It's thanks to Retro-Bit I get to be a Sega nerd while playing my PC/Steam games.
(Also Berto, will you be announcing any Retro-Bit news on this thread, if any in the future?)

[Berto]

Also Berto, will you be announcing any Retro-Bit news on this thread, if any in the future?

Hehe, sure. I'm not really following Retro-Bit news due to its shipping is not cost-frinedly to my country but I'll try to update here when I found news about Retro-Bit controllers.

[Mystic Monkey]

Hehe, sure. I'm not really following Retro-Bit news due to its shipping is not cost-frinedly to my country but I'll try to update here when I found news about Retro-Bit controllers.

Thanks. So do you agree that Sega perhaps should do more with Retro-Bits Sega Collab controllers? Such as promotional controllers and such?

[Berto]

Thanks. So do you agree that Sega perhaps should do more with Retro-Bits Sega Collab controllers? Such as promotional controllers and such?

Yes but only if could bring profits to Retro-Bit and the controller could be released at the same time with or before the game it has colab with released ... which it's kinda hard right now because the semiconductor industry is experiencing acute shortages of microcontrollers (MCUs) and power management ICs. Driven by the explosive demand for AI data centers and the automotive sector, major foundries are reallocating production lines from legacy/trailing-edge silicon to high-margin chips, pushing lead times beyond 50 weeks.
I'm sure SEGA would allow them if Retro-Bit had the initiative to ask SEGA for colab but just because a colab could be secured that doesn't guarantee a good sales number (especially if they could cancel the pre-orders when the controllers couldn't be released at promised date because of AI bubble). It's really a huge risk for Retro-Bit.

[Mystic Monkey]

Yes but only if could bring profits to Retro-Bit and the controller could be released at the same time with or before the game it has colab with released ... which it's kinda hard right now because the semiconductor industry is experiencing acute shortages of microcontrollers (MCUs) and power management ICs. Driven by the explosive demand for AI data centers and the automotive sector, major foundries are reallocating production lines from legacy/trailing-edge silicon to high-margin chips, pushing lead times beyond 50 weeks.
I'm sure SEGA would allow them if Retro-Bit had the initiative to ask SEGA for colab but just because a colab could be secured that doesn't guarantee a good sales number (especially if they could cancel the pre-orders when the controllers couldn't be released at promised date because of AI bubble). It's really a huge risk for Retro-Bit.

Hm, I guess so.

But still, not only is Retro-Bit's Sega Collab controllers are official licensed controllers by Sega, but it's thanks to Retro-Bit that Sega's fans are able to have iconic Sega controllers for PC gaming. Sega should at least give Retro-Bit more attention over it. Such as:

• Current Sega games that recognise and support PlaySega or Retro-Bit controllers. The very least ones styled after classic gameplay, or Sonic Rumble Party.
• Sega Shop actually selling their controllers (As well as the Sega Genesis Mini sold separately). While Retro-Bit has plenty or retailers and online shops, you'd think the Sega Shop be one of their primary market for Sega Collab controllers.

[Berto]

Hm, I guess so.

But still, not only is Retro-Bit's Sega Collab controllers are official licensed controllers by Sega, but it's thanks to Retro-Bit that Sega's fans are able to have iconic Sega controllers for PC gaming. Sega should at least give Retro-Bit more attention over it. Such as:

• Current Sega games that recognise and support PlaySega or Retro-Bit controllers. The very least ones styled after classic gameplay, or Sonic Rumble Party.
• Sega Shop actually selling their controllers (As well as the Sega Genesis Mini sold separately). While Retro-Bit has plenty or retailers and online shops, you'd think the Sega Shop be one of their primary market for Sega Collab controllers.

Thanks to Retro-Bit that Sega's fans are able to have iconic Sega controllers? But it's not only Retro-Bit that makes them.
There were Hyperkin, Retroflag, Gully Kid, MadCatz, and best of all in my opinion ... 8BitDo with their M30 controller series.
And also cheaper shipping price to my country.

[Mystic Monkey]

Thanks to Retro-Bit that Sega's fans are able to have iconic Sega controllers? But it's not only Retro-Bit that makes them.
There were Hyperkin, Retroflag, Gully Kid, MadCatz, and best of all in my opinion ... 8BitDo with their M30 controller series.
And also cheaper shipping price to my country.

Even if they are the better variations, are any of them officially licensed by Sega? (8BitDo seems to be officially licensed by XBox, thus allowing their logos.) As far as I'm aware, Retro-Bit are the only USB controller company that Sega themselves have given licence and permission for them to recreate their console controllers. I'm sure Retro-Bit's Platinum Collection is just as fine (the Tribute64 controllers look better and more comfortable than N64s default controllers) but as far as I'm aware, Retro-Bit Sega Collaboration controllers are legitimate Sega controllers for modern PC. Yes, still Retro-Bit controllers, but still officially Sega.

So makes me wonder why Sega doesn't do more with them. Such as promotional/collectors controllers, or allow Retro-Bit to market them on the Steam Store.

While I'm not saying it's that big of a deal, they seem to be overlooking their own brand of modern PC controllers. Especially if Sega wants to renew interest in Classic-era IPs to their customers.

[Berto]

Even if they are the better variations, are any of them officially licensed by Sega? (8BitDo seems to be officially licensed by XBox, thus allowing their logos.) As far as I'm aware, Retro-Bit are the only USB controller company that Sega themselves have given licence and permission for them to recreate their console controllers. I'm sure Retro-Bit's Platinum Collection is just as fine (the Tribute64 controllers look better and more comfortable than N64s default controllers) but as far as I'm aware, Retro-Bit Sega Collaboration controllers are legitimate Sega controllers for modern PC. Yes, still Retro-Bit controllers, but still officially Sega.

So makes me wonder why Sega doesn't do more with them. Such as promotional/collectors controllers, or allow Retro-Bit to market them on the Steam Store.

While I'm not saying it's that big of a deal, they seem to be overlooking their own brand of modern PC controllers. Especially if Sega wants to renew interest in Classic-era IPs to their customers.

Back then being officially licensed by SEGA wasn't guaranteed they're good.
Remember ATGames Wireless Controller? They are hell to play.
Unresponsive D-pads, loose internal wiring, and sudden registration failures.
May be SEGA learned their lesson so thankfully the last two officially controllers licensed by SEGA (Retro-Bit and Official Nintendo for Switch online subscribers' SEGA Genesis controller) were good.

[Mystic Monkey]

Back then being officially licensed by SEGA wasn't guaranteed they're good.
Remember ATGames Wireless Controller? They are hell to play.
Unresponsive D-pads, loose internal wiring, and sudden registration failures.
May be SEGA learned their lesson so thankfully the last two officially controllers licensed by SEGA (Retro-Bit and Official Nintendo for Switch online subscribers' SEGA Genesis controller) were good.

Retro-Bit's controllers are good, all the more reason why it befuddles me Sega doesn't promote them more.

[Berto]

Retro-Bit's controllers are good, all the more reason why it befuddles me Sega doesn't promote them more.

Retro-Bit's controllers are good but they are not the best for SEGA gaming.
At first I don't want to talk bad about Retro-Bit' controller since this is Retro-Bit thread so I'm really sorry for this one.
When I tried Retro-bit  2.4 GHz Genesis 6-button controller, it had a problem.
It couldn't register more than 1 button at a time in some games (X-Men 2 : Clone Wars, Eternal Champions, Sonic 3D Blast), especially when that button has to be charged then combine with other button.
At first I thought may be that was just me, but turned out I read in Facebook that others had same problem. Said it could be fixed with a firmware update but it's still a hassle to do that.
This problem wasn't found with 8Bitdo M30 2.4G. so for me M30 was superior.
Still I read Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller is better than Retro-Bit 2.4 GHz Genesis 6-button controller, so at least they learned from the old problems which may be make it better than M30 but I never tested it so I don't know.

[Mystic Monkey]

Retro-Bit's controllers are good but they are not the best for SEGA gaming.
At first I don't want to talk bad about Retro-Bit' controller since this is Retro-Bit thread so I'm really sorry for this one.
When I tried Retro-bit  2.4 GHz Genesis 6-button controller, it had a problem.
It couldn't register more than 1 button at a time in some games (X-Men 2 : Clone Wars, Eternal Champions, Sonic 3D Blast), especially when that button has to be charged then combine with other button.
At first I thought may be that was just me, but turned out I read in Facebook that others had same problem. Said it could be fixed with a firmware update but it's still a hassle to do that.
This problem wasn't found with 8Bitdo M30 2.4G. so for me M30 was superior.
Still I read Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Wireless Pro Controller is better than Retro-Bit 2.4 GHz Genesis 6-button controller, so at least they learned from the old problems which may be make it better than M30 but I never tested it so I don't know.

I could still test these games for you if you want.

I can't recall if it was just an XInput thing or not, given you can switch from XInput to DInput with a simple button combo, but I noticed the C and Z buttons are paired with the L and R buttons. It's a bit confusing the set button input to given normal Sega Saturn controllers have C, Z and shoulder buttons, so what normally would be L and R on a Sega Saturn game would be ZL and ZR. But I've had no other problems with my Saturn Pro Controller with Kega. I've yet to pick out a Sega Saturn emulator though.

This is why I am against the idea of the Dreamcast Pro Controller being a six-button controller. Sega Pro Controllers are just controllers that support Legacy controls (four action buttons, two shoulder buttons (the second pair often called trigger buttons), one D-pad, two thumb-sticks, pause, select and menu button.) I can understand the Sega Saturn Pro Controller having six-buttons because it's based on the Sega Saturn controller. The Dreamcast controller has one set of shoulder buttons, but if Retro-Bit were to make a Dreamcast Pro Controller, they will obviously be made into the trigger buttons while new shoulder buttons will likely be added to the controller. So there no point adding C and Z buttons if they're going to add shoulder buttons that'll do the exact same thing!

Still, I should test it again some time just to be sure. Especially with DInput and XInput.

[Berto]

I could still test these games for you if you want.

I can't recall if it was just an XInput thing or not, given you can switch from XInput to DInput with a simple button combo, but I noticed the C and Z buttons are paired with the L and R buttons. It's a bit confusing the set button input to given normal Sega Saturn controllers have C, Z and shoulder buttons, so what normally would be L and R on a Sega Saturn game would be ZL and ZR. But I've had no other problems with my Saturn Pro Controller with Kega. I've yet to pick out a Sega Saturn emulator though.

This is why I am against the idea of the Dreamcast Pro Controller being a six-button controller. Sega Pro Controllers are just controllers that support Legacy controls (four action buttons, two shoulder buttons (the second pair often called trigger buttons), one D-pad, two thumb-sticks, pause, select and menu button.) I can understand the Sega Saturn Pro Controller having six-buttons because it's based on the Sega Saturn controller. The Dreamcast controller has one set of shoulder buttons, but if Retro-Bit were to make a Dreamcast Pro Controller, they will obviously be made into the trigger buttons while new shoulder buttons will likely be added to the controller. So there no point adding C and Z buttons if they're going to add shoulder buttons that'll do the exact same thing!

Still, I should test it again some time just to be sure. Especially with DInput and XInput.

Oh, no, not in PC, they're fine in PC with KEGA or Blast'em.
I meant in real SEGA Mega Drive console (2.4GHz Wireless Model with DB9 receiver plugged in Mega Drive).
Well, if you still have the console, I won't mind you test it.
I doubt you have those three games physically but played the roms put in everdrive cartridge could work too I guess (but once again, only if you have it).