Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller Review

In 2021, I looked at the Saitator for the SEGA Saturn, a full-on ODE or disc replacement system that allows loading ROMs and homebrew through the VCD expansion port of the system. Having access to a library of games at my fingertips, without the need to swap discs or cartridges, almost made me forget I was looking at a system from 1994 — the controller, however, grounded me back to reality with its hard-wired connection, adding to the mountain of cables in my nest of tech and gaming paraphernalia.

Enter the SEGA Saturn 2.4ghz Wireless Pro Controller from Retro-Bit. Now, I’m no stranger to Retro-Bit’s products — owning one of their wired Saturn pads to go with my original Japanese Model 2 Saturn, a controller I loved for its close approximation of an original six-button original. So, I was eager to check out Retro-Bit’s take on a Pro Controller, particularly its utility in 3D controller-supported titles on the SEGA Saturn.

Unfortunately, although a great controller for modern platforms, the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4ghz Wireless Pro Controller stumbles somewhat when used on an actual SEGA Saturn. Before discussing Retro-Bit’s Pro Controllers’ biggest flaw, I’ll briefly review the controller’s design.

Inspired by the standard Japanese 1994 SEGA Saturn controller, Retro-Bit’s latest offering adds several new buttons and dual hall-effect analogues to the mix, approximating the feature set of something like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller without the risk of potential stick drift. These new additions include Home and Select buttons on the face of the pad, with additional ZL and ZR trigger buttons next to the standard L and R bumpers. The new triggers feature a slightly raised lip, contributing to a better hand feel for modern titles like FPS games. It also comes in white or black.

“Platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and even the PlayStation 3 play nicely with Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn Pro Controller.”

Of course, the most significant addition to Retro-Bit’s latest refresh on the SEGA Saturn controller is the inclusion of Joy-Con style dual analogue sticks, which rests directly on the bottom of the gamepad, widening the overall circumference of the controller. Using said sticks took a bit of getting used to, forcing me to claw the controller with both thumbs on the tiny sticks while my index fingers rested on the bumpers.

In terms of charging, the controller uses USB Type-C and can be wired in addition to the included USB and 2.4ghz Saturn-style receiver. Finally, the back of the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4ghz Wireless Pro Controller features a recessed reset button, which can also be triggered by pressing a button combination on the pad.

In terms of hand feel, the pad feels very close to a stock Saturn controller, with the exception of the wider berth required to reach the new sticks, coupled with a slightly stiffer feeling D-pad, at least, when compared to both my original Japanese controller and Retro-Bit’s own wired reproduction. Retro-Bit has opted to use smaller, Joy-Con-style sticks, which can take some time to adjust to but ultimately help keep the overall footprint of the controller down, keeping it feeling as close to stock as possible.

Pairing the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4ghz Wireless Pro Controller is fairly straightforward. Both the included proprietary Saturn-style receiver and its USB equivalent simply require the user to hold the sync button on said receiver while pressing the start button on the controller. Holding the Start, Select, and R together resets the controller to factory settings, something I found helpful when quickly swapping between using it on an actual SEGA Saturn versus more modern consoles and PCs.

For testing purposes, I first put Retro-Bit’s SEGA Saturn Pro Controller through its paces with my Japanese Saturn, which unfortunately faired worse than expected. Starting with the positive: the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4 GHz Pro Wireless Controller’s dual analogue stick works exceptionally well in 3D-oriented games such as both the Panzer Dragoon titles, Sonic R and even lightgun games such as The House of the Dead.

Holding Start + B will activate the analogue stick mode when used on Saturn hardware, allowing the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn Pro Controller to approximate the functionality of the Saturn3D Control Pad. Sadly, any game that utilizes analogue bumpers in addition to the sticks simply will not work due to Retro-Bit opting for digital triggers and bumpers, meaning any nuance in pressure will not be detected, breaking compatibility in games like Nights into Dreams and Daytona USA.

“…it’s hard to beat the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn Pro Controller.”

The omission of analogue triggers is odd, as its inclusion would easily make the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn Pro Controller the best choice for retro enthusiasts wanting to play on real Saturn hardware. Thankfully, if you’re looking for a solid dual-analogue gamepad to use on modern platforms that just so also happens to feature one of the most comfortable d-pads ever to exist, it’s hard to beat the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn Pro Controller.

Moving on from the SEGA Saturn, outside of the PC, Retro-Bit’s controller excels when used with emulators such as Retroarch and with modern games that utilize the triggers. Platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and even the PlayStation 3 play nicely with Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn Pro Controller.

On the Switch, the controller behaves like a standard Pro Controller, minus the NFC and gyro features, making it apt for use with Nintendo’s back catalogue of retro titles, indie games and the vast majority of titles on the console that don’t require gyro or haptic feedback. Interestingly, the Retro-Bit Sega Saturn 2.4ghz Wireless Pro Controller works great on the PlayStation 3, which may not matter to the vast majority of users, but as someone who uses their PS3 to play PS1 game discs on my CRT TV, I found Retro-Bit’s controller to be an excellent option as the gamepad features everything found on a standard analogue controller, with the added benefit of a home button.

Ultimately, the Retro-Bit Sega Saturn 2.4ghz Wireless Pro Controller stands out as a good choice for use on modern platforms or even older consoles such as the PlayStation 3, but when used on an actual SEGA Saturn, the lack of analogue triggers takes away from the otherwise excellent analogue sticks that differentiate the controller from Retro-Bit’s other offerings for the SEGA Saturn due to the lack of 100% compatibility.

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