This morning, the folks at Retro-Bit announced pre-order availability of their long-awaited 2.4 Ghz “Wireless Pro” Controller. Designed as an ideal solution for playing Saturn ports and retro-style games on the Nintendo Switch & PC, Saturn fans can also pair it with real hardware using a special 2.4Ghz receiver.
OFFICIAL RELEASE TRAILER:
The Wireless Pro controller features a slightly larger design than a standard Saturn pad, in order to accommodate all of the necessary components, and it’s just a bit heavier due to the inclusion of lithium ion battery and dual rumble motors. That said, it actually feels quite nice in the hands! As a licensed collaboration with SEGA, the pads will carry the SEGA SATURN branding and logo.
Changed from last year’s volume sensor-based Alps sticks, is the inclusion of HALL EFFECT analog sticks that should ensure greater longevity and higher input accuracy over time and many play sessions. These sticks come in a low-profile form factor similar to Switch’s Joy Con sticks, and they occupy a recessed area at the bottom of the pad so they won’t be easily snagged or beat up when throwing the pad in a backpack or pocket. Saturn fans wanting to play any 3D Analog compatible games (such as NiGHTS for example), will simply hold down Start + B for 5 seconds to put the left stick into 3D analog mode!
The Wireless Pro also includes four DIGITAL shoulder triggers (R, L, ZR & ZL).
It also comes with a USB receiver that will enable compatibility with PC, Mac & ‘other USB devices’.
The 500mAh Lithium Ion battery is rechargeable via USB-C connector.
Official packaging will accurately mimic both the original US & PAL design language.
The Wireless Pro controller is currently slated for a December 2023 release, and you can pre-order it NOW from both US & European retailers at an MSRP of $49.99 & €49,99 respectively.
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| Castlemania (Black) Rondo Products (Black) | Castlemania (White) Rondo Products (White) |
ALL LISTED FEATURES:
- Includes SEGA Saturn® and USB® wireless receivers
- Accompanied with a 3.3ft / 1m USB-C® charge cable
- Features dual Hall Effect analog sticks for durability and precision
- 3D Control Pad support* enabled by macro via console receiver
- Dual analog rumble motors** incorporated in the controller
- Four shoulder buttons, Home, and Select buttons
- Rechargeable 500mAh Li-ion battery
- Compatible with SEGA Saturn® consoles via console receiver
- Compatible with PC, Mac®, Switch, and other USB®-enabled devices via USB® receiver
- Up to 30ft / 10m wireless range
A massive Saturn fan since Christmas ’96, Dave is enthusiastic about growing the community and spreading Saturn love and knowledge to fans old and new. Co-founding the SEGA SATURN, SHIRO! podcast back in 2017 and creating the SHIRO! SHOW in 2020, he seeks to create interesting and engaging Saturn-related content for the community. Dave’s interests circle around game preservation, and he is a huge fan of game magazines and developer interviews.
Such a shame there aren’t analogue shoulder buttons. Retro-Bit is always a couple steps from a great product, but never quite there. I guess for use with the Saturn this is great, but as an universal pad it’s quite useless with all digital shoulders.
I’ve been waiting on these since the original announcement a couple years ago. I’m a bit torn on the final design but I’m waiting until it’s in my hands to make any judgements.
One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is the possibility of using the twin sticks for Virtual On as a stand in for the dual stick arcade style controller. I’m sure if this was viable and implemented it would be mentioned, but I hope it’s a possibility through future firmware updates. This could be the ultimate Saturn pad if they were able to get that working
as an owner of the 8bitdo sn30 pro and the m30, I very much look fwd to this saturn controller with shoulder buttons! Great work guys, plz keep it goin!