Old school gaming is even more fun with a retro controller, but which ones are worth ditching more modern options for?
As controllers continue to become more advanced in pursuit of competition-level gaming, those who prefer to stick to the sidelines may not be as interested in top-of-the-line options. Some gamers may have an old favorite they wish they could hook up to their current systems, while others may wish to revisit gaming’s origins through hands-on experiences.
For any gamer who wants to buck modern trends and use older models, retro controllers are a great way to go. Although most aren’t truly retro, their style, shape, and button layouts are perfectly old school yet perform well with even the newest consoles and PC builds. This guide comprises the best gaming controllers for playing retro titles today. How To Pick Out The Best Retro Controller
Choosing the best retro game controller depends on a few key factors that are discussed below.
Original Platform: For retro gaming, the types of games being played or what console the gamer wants to play on (or emulate) have a much bigger effect on what controllers will make the gaming experience fun and nostalgic than with typical gaming. Playing a Sega game with an Xbox controller doesn’t quite evoke the same feeling as playing it with a Genesis controller. So, before purchasing a retro gaming controller, thinking about what type of game or console evokes that nostalgic feeling can help narrow down the results dramatically. Luckily, at this point, almost any console, no matter how old or obscure it is, there is a good chance there is a modern-day controller that is meant to resemble it.
Compatibility: As with all controllers, the platforms it can connect to are absolutely critical when choosing a controller that would work best. Keep in mind that just because the controller supports Bluetooth or has a cable that works with a platform’s I/O, the controller might not be recognized if it is not supported. Be sure to check the specs for the controller to see if it is fully supported by the platforms and games the controller is planned to be used with.
Connectivity: Wired vs. wireless is a constant debate regardless of whether the controller is retro or not. Typically, wired controllers are more plug-and-play, have better latency, and tend to be a bit more budget-friendly. However, wireless controllers keep gaming spaces cleaner and less cluttered. For some consoles that never supported wireless controllers, having a wireless version of a retro controller can fulfill some childhood dreams. These are the Best Retro Gaming Controllers to Buy in 2023
The 8BitDo SN30 Pro combines the retro styling of a classic SNES controller with modern-day features like Bluetooth. It also boasts a full button set with clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, and a rechargeable battery over USB-C.
8BitDo is well-known within the retro community for its top-tier accessories, so it’s no surprise that its lineup has some of the best retro controllers around. The 2023 version of the SN30 has plenty of modern features, such as clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, wireless Bluetooth, a rechargeable battery, a home button, and a screenshot button. Compatible with Switch, Windows, macOS, Android, and Steam, most gamers can use the SN30 to play through decades of retro titles.
This retro gamepad is somewhat styled after the SNES controller, with bulbous sides and clicky bumpers. 8BitDo offers the controller in five colors, including coveted transparent options in purple and green. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with support for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, something diehard fans of those consoles must consider before purchasing.
This Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller is a special edition Halo 20th Anniversary Cortana design controller that features a Cortana montage played right inside the Xbox button.
