8Bitdo M30 Bluetooth Controller for Switch, Windows and Android, 6-Button Layout for SEGA’s Classic Games (Black)

EDIT 3/13/2019 - Information was incorrect, left for clarity but noted with a disclaimer. Remember to always read the manual closely kids.This this is a real blast from the past. I preferred the 3 button controller myself, but for maximum compatibility this was the correct choice. The D-pad feels as good as I remember (so it's probably better than it really was to use), the buttons are very responsive, and the overall feel is quality plastic and a modern USB Type C connection. The included cable feels like an upgrade of sturdier quality, and is black to match the controller with a rounded cable instead of flat. Works great for PC (bluetooth and wired) and android (Bluetooth) emulators in my testing, and will likely be my go to for the foreseeable future.Switch specific things of note:-EDIT: 3/13/2019: Inaccurate information, see seller comment below- The official Genesis collection for switch is my primary reason for purchasing this, however there is no remapping for controls in this version, sadly making it a mostly frustrating affair to play for certain titles. Many games are playable with only one or two buttons as the primary input, but for this game stick to the PC version if you plan to use this controller.- This works for Smash Bros Ultimate, and surprisingly competent at that. The DPad can be mapped as the left stick, though you lose fine control and will be dashing and smashing everything without tilt controls, for basic fun it's more than capable as a second controller.-EDIT: 3/13/2019: Inaccurate information, see seller comment below- The left stick mapping means that games like Tetris 99 will not function.-EDIT: 3/13/2019: Inaccurate information, see seller comment below - Additionally, while the D-input and X-input match the main face buttons to the Xbox layout, with C and Z mapping RB and LB respectively, and shoulders mapped to the triggers, the switch configuration matches the Nintendo layout physically, so A=B and X=Y which requires a little muscle memory.- Sega Ages games are the real dream for this, allowing mappable controls and are quite usable in Sonic and Phantasy Star at the very least.

I recently picked up the 8BitDo wireless controller, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This controller is a dream come true for anyone who loves retro gaming or wants a versatile controller for modern gaming platforms.First, the design is spot-on. It's a beautiful homage to classic gaming controllers, with a layout that's instantly familiar to anyone who grew up playing Sega Master System games. The build quality is excellent, and it feels sturdy and comfortable in my hands.The wireless connectivity is seamless. I connected it to my PC, Nintendo Switch, and even my Android device without any issues. The response time and range are top-notch, ensuring a lag-free gaming experience.The controller's compatibility is a highlight. With its ability to work with a variety of systems, it has become my go-to controller for various gaming setups, eliminating the need for multiple controllers cluttering up my gaming space.The battery life is impressive, lasting through long gaming sessions without needing constant recharging. And speaking of recharging, the USB-C port is a welcome addition, making it easy to keep the controller juiced up.In conclusion, the 8BitDo wireless controller is a fantastic addition to any gamer's arsenal. Whether you're playing classic retro games or tackling modern titles, it's a reliable, well-built, and versatile controller that won't disappoint. Highly recommended!

So from what I've been reading, a vintage Japanese Sega Saturn controller is considered the ultimate gamepad for shoot-em-ups. Some people prefer the arcade stick, but I think the Saturn controller is more popular in the SHMUP community. It's also considered the best gamepad for retro fighting games, though an arcade stick is favored over the traditional gamepad for fighting games. However, there aren't any adapters that will let you use a real Saturn controller on the Nintendo Switch, so I decided to give this a try. Well, my SHMUP skills shot through the roof as soon as I tried out this pad. I never got seriously into the genre, but I'm now starting to since I have the proper equipment for it.I found modern analog sticks terrible for SHMUPS. There are many instances where you'll need to slowly move in one direction with the bullet patterns(or in some games like Radiant Silvergun or Ikaruga, to get through tight corridors), and this can only be accomplished on an analog stick by tapping the stick to one side over and over again, which works horribly because it's an analog stick, not a button. The Sony/Microsoft/Nintendo d-pads work for moving slowl, but they're still bad for SHMUPS since it's hard to move diagonally or in a circle. However, the 8-direction Sega-style d-pad is perfect. You can move slowly to one side by clicking the d-pad repeatedly and easily move in 8 directions.I wish I could compare this to a vintage Saturn controller or the officially licensed Retro-bit Saturn controller for Switch, but I haven't used either. I can't say if those are better or worse than those. All I know is that this blows away trying to play SHMUPS on a a DS4, Xbox One controller, or Switch Joy-cons(some people do actually like the DS2 for SHMUPS though, try if if you want :Þ). Games I've tested on it include Radiant Silvergun in Retroarch, DoDonPachi Dai-Ou-Jou in Retroarch, Ikaruga on PC, Touhou 16 on PC, Danmaku Unlimited 3 on Switch, Gunbird 2 on Switch, and Aero Fighters 2 on Switch. All controlled beautifully.A few things to note. For Retroarch I had to put it into Android mode(start+B). Windows mode(start+X) had a glitch where the R-button was just a duplicate of the Z-button and L wasn't recognized at all. For Touhou I had to put it into Windows mode and to use Joy2Key, since Joy2Key would not recognize Android mode. Both Android and Windows mode work with Steam, however, in Windows mode LB is mapped to L on the gamepad, LT to R, RB to Z, and RT to C. With Android mode it's mapped like it is on the Switch where L is LB and R is RB, which makes way more sense. But the bottom line is, if Windows mode is not working right on PC then use Android mode, Windows will recognize either(note that I do not know if Android mode works in wired mode, I tested with bluetooth mode). Apparently one is Xinput and one is Dinput, hence the different compatibility. And of course, Joy2Key is always an option for games that refuse to recognize the gamepad like Touhou.I had no issues with it on Switch since the Switch let's you remap controls now. However, the manual doesn't tell you how to change the D-pad from emulating the left analog stick to emulating the D-pad, even though it does have that feature. It's so typical of retro stuff to put features in and not tell you they exist. The pad also worked great in the Sega Genesis classic collection on Switch with Sonic 2 and Streets of Rage 3, and it worked well with Sonic Mania. I'll have to try it with Streets of Rage 4 soon.So bottom line, I can't compare it to the officially licensed Retro-bit controllers for the Nintendo Switch, I just know this a really good gamepad on it's own. And of course a vintage Saturn controller and an adapter is probably superior if you're serious about PC SHMUPS, but they won't work on Switch and will cost you more than this gamepad and lack bluetooth and the extra buttons. Also, while Retroarch, Steam, Joy2Key, and Switch all worked perfectly with this gamepad in the end, it did take some trial and error(that is the norm for anything other than Xbox controller/Windows and pro controller/Switch). I'll just say if you want a gamepad for PC and Switch that's great for SHMUPS and fighting games and classic Sega games, this works great.