Retro-Bit Gaming has just released an odd line of Genesis-style controllers: A six-button controller, in the shape of an original Genesis 3-button controller. They have wired versions for both USB and original consoles, as well as a wireless version. Based on lag testing of their previous controller designs, the wireless will have over a frame of lag and USB could have between 1 and 6ms of lag (let’s hope they used the faster USB design for this one). Links and more info below:
Big6 USB: https://retrorgb.link/big6usb
Big6 Genesis: https://retrorgb.link/big6genesis
Big6 Wireless: https://retrorgb.link/big6wireless
While I’m normally really enthusiastic about anything related to the Genesis 3-button controller, check out the odd placement of the Start button…am I going to hit that by accident every time I go for X or Y??? Hopefully Retro-Bit had some large-handed people testing it:
Also, this type of design was done before in the 90’s, with an official Sega design (click for full-sized view). While it’s the same MK-1470 product designation as the standard Genesis 6-button controller, it’s in a 3-button-style shell. And it was okay; It was smaller than an original 3-button, making it less comfortable to hit all the buttons. I own the one pictured here and never really use it. I was excited when I saw it in a store, but really just bought it as a neat thing to add to my collection.
So, of course I’ll still be buying the USB Retro-Bit one, both to lag test and try out. And I hope that the larger size will make it more comfortable than the official Sega one. Either way, I’ll probably be sticking with my standard 3-button controller on all Genesis and SMS games, unless 6-buttons are required for gameplay.
