The Best Retro PC and Raspberry Pi Controllers of 2022
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The Best Retro PC and Raspberry Pi Controllers of 2022

What to Look for in a Retro Controller in 2022

There are so many video game systems to choose from that the "perfect" controller doesn't exist. If you want an authentic retro gaming experience, you'll generally want to go for a controller that replicates the feel of playing retro games on the older system.

Starting with the NES console generation, the controller has become relatively standardized. If your general interest in retro gaming is from this era, it is possible to purchase a single gamepad that adequately covers multiple systems.

This includes modern controllers you already own, but modern controllers have one major flaw that makes them less than ideal for retro gaming. Specifically, they tend to have soft D-pads.

Most retro games make extensive use of the D-pad to control gameplay. Modern games use the D-pad for tasks such as using items or switching between game modes, so they don't have need to be so specific. Therefore, a good retro controller must first have a crisp, precise d-pad with good feedback.

The next thing to look for is compatibility. Most modern retro controllers will work with anything that has Bluetooth or USB, but only a few are compatible with original hardware. In this article, we're not specifically looking for controllers to use with original consoles, but some do offer this option as a bonus.

Finally, the layout and quality of the buttons are essential. If you want to play a game designed for a controller with six face buttons, using one with only four can be a hassle. The buttons should also be comfortable enough and give good, crisp feedback. In retro games, button presses tend to be more frequent and intense, so any controller should withstand this.

With a focus on making retro games play as well and authentically as possible, let's take a look at some of the best retro-styled controllers you can buy.

Best Retro Controller Overall: 8Bitdo Pro 2

8bitdo Pro 2 controllers surrounded by consoles

Benefits

  • More comfortable than most retro controllers
  • Suitable for all retro gamepad era games
  • Rumble support
  • Back paddle buttons
  • Custom Profiles

The inconvenients

  • A hodgepodge of different controller designs

If you don't have the budget to buy multiple retro-style controllers, then the 8Bitdo Pro 2 is the one we recommend. It has all the controls for retro gaming up until the modern 3D era where analog sticks came into the picture.

While it lacks the six-sided buttons that Genesis or fighting game fans would prefer, it does come with two additional rear buttons, so you can compensate for that when mapping buttons for those titles. These back buttons can also be useful in games that are hard on your fingers, but where you don't want to resort to a turbo feature that spams key presses.

This 8Bitdo controller unfortunately doesn't match any particular retro console, so if you're looking for a controller that matches your console's aesthetic, you might be a little disappointed. However, the Pro 2 makes up for that with modern grips, making it more comfortable than most controllers that strictly adhere to old-school design.

The Pro 2 is officially compatible with Switch, PC, macOS, Android, Steam and Raspberry Pi.

Best retro controller overall

8 Bitdo Pro 2

The Retro Pro 2 tries to be everything for all retro gamers and overall succeeds. If you need a controller to play games from multiple retro systems, this is the one.

Best Budget Retro Controller: 8Bitdo SN30

8bitdo SN30 used with SNES

Benefits

  • Great quality, affordable
  • Wireless compatible with the original SNES

The inconvenients

  • No bluetooth
  • Must use USB cable for non-SNES devices

The SNES-style 8Bitdo SN30 Controller lacks the analog sticks, rumble, and extra shoulder buttons of the SN30 Pro, but it comes at a significantly lower price. The SN30 uses a proprietary 2,4 GHz wireless standard which allows it to work wirelessly with original or modern SNES reproductions such as the Analog Super NT.

That means this budget retro controller doesn't have native Bluetooth. If you want to use the SN30 Pro with a different system, you will need to plug it in with a USB cable. But it ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices while providing a way to play with your original SNES.

The original SNES controller design was already great, but the SN30 manages to retain what makes it special while giving it the right amount of polish for modern gamers. The old-school semi-transparent plastic is a nice touch.

If you're not concerned about wireless connectivity to original SNES or SNES-compatible consoles, a better alternative would be the wired version of the SN30 Pro. It costs the same and adds all the features of the SN30 Pro, just without a battery or wireless feature.

According to our research, the SN30 should be compatible with any device that can use controllers via USB.

Best Budget Retro Controller

Retro-Bit Saturn controller on a pink background

Benefits

  • Six-button layout makes it perfect for retro fighting games
  • Generous cord length
  • Officially licensed
  • Xinput and Dinput compatible
  • Works with almost anything with a USB port
  • Super price

The inconvenients

  • Only two shoulder buttons
  • Does not work with original Genesis or Saturn

Having a wireless controller is a nice modern convenience, but the best latency and responsiveness are yet to be found with wired controllers. Most wireless controllers you can buy also allow you to use a wired connection, but if you're only using it in wired mode, why pay for a battery and Bluetooth radio you'll never use?

The Official Sega Saturn USB Controller from Retro-Bit is a reproduction of one of the most respected controller designs in history. The original Genesis six-button controller was already highly regarded, but the Sega Saturn version refines it into something even more comfortable. So whether you want to play Genesis or Saturn games, the Saturn controller is the overall best choice.

This wired USB version obviously won't work with an original Saturn, but Retro-Bit offers a wireless model with a Saturn connector. If you want to play on an original Genesis, you will have no choice but to go for the Genesis model with the original connector. Whichever model you choose, it will do so with a generous 10ft of cable.

Although it's a quality replica of the Saturn controller, it's quite modern under the skin. In particular, you can switch the controller between modern Xinput standards and older Dinput standards, so it should work with both new and legacy titles on PC.

This controller is officially compatible with Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, RetroPie and Raspberry Pi.

Best Wired Retro Controller

8bitdo N30 on wooden table

Benefits

  • NES style control with better comfort and quality
  • Includes turbo buttons

The inconvenients

  • Requires additional dongles to work with original PC, Raspberry Pi or NES
  • Can only be used with NES or other two button games

The original NES controller was never the pinnacle of ergonomic design, but there's nothing quite like the authentic rectangular controller for playing those classic 8-bit games. The 8Bitdo N30 Bluetooth Gamepad is one of the best modern NES controllers, taking the iconic design and improving it. However, there is a small catch: it is specially designed to be used with the Nintendo Switch.

However, as with any Switch controller, it will work just fine with other systems that support Bluetooth controllers, but we've seen mixed reports of results when it comes to latency using Bluetooth over a wide range of 8Bitdo controllers.

This is solved by also purchasing the 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 1. This works with any 8Bitdo Bluetooth controller and solves all latency and compatibility issues. You can even use it with the original NES when combined with the 8Bitdo Retro Receiver for the original NES.

8Bitdo also periodically releases new firmware for controllers (including the N30) to address issues such as lag and disconnections. So it might be worth trying out the controller with the latest firmware before assuming you also need the receiver to get the most out of it.

More importantly, why go through all the hassle of converting this Switch-centric controller to work with other systems? That's because we believe it's the best modern interpretation of an NES-style controller. The N30 is more comfortable than other NES controllers, adds two shoulder buttons, has two turbo buttons, and has excellent build quality.

Besides the need to buy extra dongles, the other main downside is that you can only use it with NES games, because the two face turbo buttons can only be used as turbo buttons, not extra buttons needed for games from other consoles.

The N30 should work with any Bluetooth device that supports Switch controllers, but you'll need the extra dongle for seamless PC and Raspberry Pi compatibility.

Best NES-style controller

8Bitdo N30 Bluetooth Gamepad

Probably the best modern take on NES controller design. Requires additional dongles to work perfectly with PC, Raspberry Pi or the original NES.

8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter 1

An essential companion to any 8BItDo Bluetooth controller if you want seamless compatibility with Windows, Mac and Raspberry Pi.

8Bitdo SN30 Pro used with laptop

Benefits

  • Mimics, improves and perfects the SNES design
  • Available in both regional color palettes
  • Wireless compatibility with the original SNES (with separate adapter)
  • Includes additional shoulder buttons and analog sticks

The inconvenients

  • Requires an additional dongle to work with the original SNES

The SN30 Pro takes everything the SN30 does well and improves on it. With analog sticks and four shoulder buttons, this controller has all the same inputs as a modern gamepad, making it very versatile. You can play your SNES games with the classic controls or mix things up using the gamepads.

Even better, the SN30Pro can also double as a standard modern controller, so you don't need to make multiple purchases if you're looking for a PC controller.

The SN30 is compatible with virtually all Bluetooth systems but is not compatible with the original SNES. This can be fixed by purchasing the 8Bitdo SNES Retro Receiver.

The SN30 Pro is officially compatible with Switch, PC, macOS, Android, Steam and Raspberry Pi.

Best SNES-style controller

8Bitdo Sn30 Pro Bluetooth Gamepad

The SN30 takes the already stunning design of the SNES controller and refines it for a modern audience. It's widely compatible, offers great quality, and can even work with a real SNES if you buy a separate wireless adapter.

Retro-Bit Saturn controller on blue background

Benefits

  • Eight buttons, six face buttons, works with Genesis and Saturn games
  • Wide compatibility thanks to USB interface and proprietary 2,4 GHz wireless
  • Includes SEGA Saturn Port Receiver

The inconvenients

  • Not compatible with the original Genesis, only Genesis Mini

As we mentioned in the best wired retro controllers section, the Sega Saturn controller design is better for playing Genesis and Saturn games, thanks to a more refined design but similar layout to the six-button Genesis controller.

Like the wired Saturn controller we mentioned above, this official Retro-Bit Sega Saturn controller is an officially licensed product. It includes a carrying case with two receivers. One fits into the original Saturn and the other is USB.

What really sets the Retro-Bit controllers apart from the competition is the official SEGA endorsement, showing how seriously the company took their job when designing these replicas. Many user reviews praise the accuracy and authenticity of the controllers, with improved modern materials and quality. Considering the punishment Genesis games could inflict on a controller, that's high praise.

Unfortunately, if you have an original Genesis, it won't work with it. In that case, you'd better buy the Retro-Bit Genesis Wireless Controller. This controller is compatible with any system that works with USB controllers, including the Genesis Mini.

Best Megadrive/Genesis Controller

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