The perfect retro gamepad is a myth
A Super Metroid rom hack that I've been waiting for over 10 years has recently been released. This rom hack, despite using Super Metroid as its base, as I mentioned, is an alternate story from the events of Metroid Fusion; another game that even is from another console. It's so amazing and replicates its gameplay and look so well that many people think it's a hack of it.
After so much time watching its creator release bits and pieces every few months, I obviously had to play it in one go, so I got to it. There was just one problem: the D-pad on my usual controller (GameSir G7 Pro) is a mess. It has a very short travel, and since it uses microswitches instead of the classic rubber membrane, it's very easy to stick a finger in and press four extra inputs beyond the one you initially intended. I tried my replacement controller (8BitDo Ultimate 2C), but while I really like the D-pad, the plastic on the face buttons cause callus on the crook of my thumb. I don't know how do you grip a controller, but my hands are relatively large and it's much easier for me to use the crook for the A (bottom) button so I can reach the X (left) button with the tip and the B (right) button with the side.
This made me think of a crazy idea: What if I got a controller specifically for games that primarily use the D-pad?
Bold statement
![dTk1qEK[1]](https://bear-images.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/kryst4line/dtk1qek1.webp)
I've been keeping a close eye on the third-party controller market these past few months since my old one broke (I'll share my history in another post), but I don't recall seeing any recent releases with an emphasis on the D-pad or that are retro-focused. Obviously, there are tons of "retro" (with a lot of quotes) controllers, but they're all dirt-cheap and awful. I don't want to waste money on a crappy controller if playing with my current one is a better experience.
My first thought was to go with 8BitDo, a brand I'm already familiar with and which recently released an evolution of one of its most popular models: the Pro 3. Although the D-pad looks like the Ultimate 2C's (with microswitches, but with much more body), you take a look at the price and... I probably don't need another €80 controller. This one will be used much less than my main controller, after all. The grips don't really convince me either, and I don't want to risk getting calluses like the 2C.
They had another older model, but one I've always loved: the SN30 Pro. It's a modern SNES controller with all the extra buttons that entails, and it looks beautiful, so... well, why not? It was on Amazon, so even if I had any issues with it, I could return it.
Well, said and done, the same afternoon I got it, I started testing it and... Meh. Something wasn't right, I wasn't comfortable. The diagonals (a controller's ability to input diagonally only when you want it to) were terrible. It was harder to input straight than diagonally. Plus, I noticed a huge response time from the moment I pressed a button until the emulator reacted. Nah, this isn't it. Returned.
Sega does what Nintendon't
![AFLu0Nt[1]](https://bear-images.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/kryst4line/aflu0nt1.webp)
Forgive me, Iwata, but I haven't had a SEGA controller since the Mega Drive. I know them perfectly well; I grew up with a Master System and a Mega Drive before getting my Gameboy and falling for Pokémon, but I don't know... Very recently another controller from a brand named Gulikit came out, also quite popular, this time based on the Saturn controller: the Elves 2. So recently, in fact, that it's not even on Amazon Europe yet. I had to order it from Aliexpress, which, on the other hand if I'm right this time, will have been cheaper than ordering it on Amazon.
Looking at the reviews and specs, it seems like this is going to be the one: very low latency, rounded buttons in line with its inspiration, and a very ergonomic shape overall. It remains to be seen if I can get used to SEGA's floating D-pad. If you've never used a Mega Drive or Saturn controller, I think the best comparison would be the Xbox 360 controller's D-pad, but without being disgusting. Look, the 360's D-pad isn't one of the worst I've ever played (and I've played a few), but it wouldn't be in the good group if we're talking about a precision D-pad for platformers.
I'll tell more when it arrives, but until then... I hope I've found the right controller. I've already finished the ROM hack I mentioned, but I'm really looking forward to trying a couple more. Maybe when that happens, I'll write about my favorites, just as an excuse.