Remember the SNES Controller? This feels exactly like one!
nubduck
Ingredients List:
8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth gamepad (S$52.90)
Today we are taking a quick look at the 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth gamepad. 8BitDo is based in Shenzhen, China, and is known for making wireless controller replica from NES/SNES era, including custom 2.4GHz wireless connectors compatible with the Genesis/NES/SNES! At the time of writing, there is an SN30 Pro+ controller available for purchase, with the key difference being the Xbox/PlayStation styled grip — functionally, there is no difference between the two.
Features
- Bluetooth 4.0 (The SN30 Pro Bluetooth, just like the SN30 Pro USB has wired mode operation)
- X-Input Mode (Xbox 360 Controller), D-Input Mode (Direct Input, Windows 7 or newer), Mac Mode (For Apple), Switch Mode (Nintendo Switch)
- Rumble Vibration Motors (Not compatible with the Nintendo Switch)
- Motion Control Input
- Turbo Key Function
- USB-C charging
Impressions
Thus feels exactly how my SNES Controller felt like back in the days — Nostalgia! D-pad is a hard-mushy feel, buttons functional, shoulder keys placed exactly where the originals were, and now modernized with dual shoulders (L2 + R2) and dual thumb-sticks (with L3 + R3) — modern games runs fine, so long as you are fine with using it in this manner/layout.
I fired up RetroArch, loaded good old Super Mario World on the Snes9x, and had a really good time on it. Connected via Bluetooth, there is some input lag to watch out for, but everything is within expected norms. If it bothers you enough, the SN30 Pro Bluetooth has a wired-mode, just connect the controller to your PC with the included USB cable.
Next up, I connected the included USB cable for some fun with PSP emulation using PPSSPP on RetroArch, and loaded up DJ Max Black Square. Gone are the input lags, and because of the controller’s button layout, these are very comfortable for any PSP or PSVita gameplay!
Summary
Appearance / Presentation
Build Quality
Value
nubduck’s Satisfaction
The controllers just feel so good in a nostalgic way. These are keepers on my shelf, and I will keep playing with them for some time to come. However modern games that may rely on the newer switch-styled button layout such as Monster Hunter: Rise, may experience some discomfort and time getting used to.
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