The Super Nintendo and the Sega Genesis were both quality consoles. But the fact that Nintendo still exists as a hardware maker while Sega doesn’t should tell you how the 16-bit war ultimately went. However, when it comes to retro revival mini consoles, we think the recent Sega Genesis Mini is actually superior machine, if only because it has twice as many great games. The only big flaw is that in America the system only comes with an accurate but limited original three-button Genesis controller. For the full Genesis throwback experience you’ll need the Retro-Bit Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad.
The Retro-Bit Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad is precisely what it sounds like. It’s a way to play retro Sega games with all eight buttons featured on later controller revisions. That includes two shoulder buttons and a whopping six face buttons, doubled from the original three. Fighting games alone, like Street Fighter II, make the upgrade more than worth it.
The controller features solid build quality to back up the extra buttons. It has a classic mold and sturdy feel but is as responsive as you would want a modern gamepad to be. You can even get a design based on the less popular Sega Saturn controller, complete with logo, if you want to be extra cool.
The compatibility isn’t perfect but pretty comprehensive. It works just fine with the Sega Genesis Mini and other Genesis-adjacent hardware like the Analogue Mega Sg. Multiple input modes also let it connect to computers or even Android devices. But just know that when you branch out like that you may experience issues like menus not working or buttons not functioning since you can’t really remap them that much. Such is the price for tinkering with old games.
For more on the Retro-Bit Sega 8-Button USB Arcade Pad check out the extensive review on our sister site PCMag.com. And for more Sega watch us talk about Sonic the Hedgehog 2, a Sega Genesis game to play before you die.
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