It’s not hard to find modern game controllers which look just like classic gamepads, but the new wireless Retro-Bit Sega controllers work with original consoles if you want to keep using your vintage Saturn or Mega Drive without cables.
Each of the three options for each console come with a USB receiver for retro graming on a PC or any other platform with a USB connector. But they also have a dedicated receiver to fit the original console ports, as part of a collaboration with Sega themselves. Which means you can not only enjoy your vintage consoles from further away, but also store your original controllers away for posterity.
Retro-Bit have apparently taken care to make sure the D-Pad, Thumbsticks and buttons all feel like the originals, but now you also get a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which will last up to 30 hours, and twin Hall-Effect thumbsticks so you won’t end up battling stick drift playing Saturn classics.
As someone with multiple Mega Drives and Saturns in his retro collection, the idea of being able to sit further away and avoid any more wear and tear on my original controllers is definitely pretty appealing. Along with avoiding arguments over who gets the 6 button Mega Drive controllers for multiplayer games, or trying to remember which ones are still working and what needs some repairs.
The full range and prices are:
- Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller Black – £44.99/€49.99
- Retro-Bit SEGA Mega Drive 2.4GHz 8-Button Wireless Controller Black – £34.99/€39.99
- Retro-Bit SEGA Mega Drive 2.4GHz BIG6 Wireless Controller Black – £34.99/€39.99
- Retro-Bit SEGA Mega Drive 2.4GHz Wireless Controller Crimson Red – £34.99/€39.99
- Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Model 2 Wireless Controller Slate Grey – £34.99/€39.99
- Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller White – £44.99/€49.99
You can find the Retro-Bit 2.4GHz Sega controllers through various retails, including Amazon (aff link), which currently has the Mega Drive controllers for below list price.