A low-cost, wireless controller for the Switch or PC
Retro-Bit has historically focused on classic game systems, producing controllers based on older gamepads with options that include wired and wireless connectivity, and USB and original console connections. It isn’t the first name you think of for modern, dual-analog gamepads, but that should change with its Legacy16 Wireless. This SNES-inspired controller features the two analog sticks and four shoulder buttons you need to play modern games, and connects to your Nintendo Switch, PC, and old-school SNES via a 2.4GHz wireless connection. The Legacy16 Wireless lacks advanced features, such as rumble or programmable buttons, but it’s an incredible value at $29.99. It’s one of the best budget wireless gamepads we’ve seen yet, just trailing the all-around excellent 8bitdo Pro2. SNES Controls With Contemporary Touches The wireless Legacy16 is based on the SNES controller in size, shape, and layout, with additions for modern games. The gamepad’s flat, pill-like shape isn’t quite as faithful to the SNES dog bone’s profile as the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro, but otherwise, it looks and feels similar. A plus-shaped direction pad sits on the left, and four face buttons are arranged in Nintendo’s familiar layout on the right. Two, small analog sticks sit just below and between the direction pad and buttons, and two pairs of shoulder buttons sit on the top edge, just like the SN30 Pro. Start and Select (+ and -) are long, narrow, rubber buttons, with small, circular Home and Capture buttons above them. The controller is available in a gray that doesn’t directly ape the color palettes of specific 16-bit systems, and a more modern black. The design is classic, and evokes plenty of nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the 16-bit gaming era. Of course, the process of growing up means growing bigger, and that means my hands are much, much larger than they were in 1992.
