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Classic 16-bit Nintendo controllers get modern makeover for use with Switch, current-gen consoles

Casey Baseel Nov 14, 2017
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Everything old is new again with these awesome reimaginings of the beloved Super NES and Super Famicom pads.

For the most part, I’m really impressed with the design choices Nintendo made when creating the Switch. Its hybrid console/portable nature gives users an unprecedented level of flexibility in when and where they play, and it’s great for adult gamers who no longer have hours at a time to spend on gaming sessions, or who simply don’t want to tie up the family TV as they track down those elusive final Power Moons in Super Mario Odyssey.

One thing that baffles me, though, is that the Switch, in its base form, has no digital direction pad, which is especially weird since Nintendo itself created the D-pad itself for its 8-bit Famicom/NES controller. Granted, you can shell out 70 bucks for Nintendo’s optional Switch Pro Controller, which includes a D-pad, but that’s a lot to pay for such a humble gameplay interface.

Luckily, if you want to save a bit of cash, and also give yourself a nice dose of nostalgia for the days when Nintendo always gave you a D-pad, there’re the SN30 Pro and SF30 Pro controllers from third party peripheral maker 8Bitdo.

8Bitdo says “We set out to design a fully featured retro controller to play 30 years of video games.” You could argue, though, that using the word “design” is being sort of generous. The size and shape of the SN30 Pro and SF30 Pro are almost exact to the standard controllers for Nintendo’s 16-bit Super NES and Super Famicom.

There are a number of additions that bring the ‘90s-era inspirations into the modern age. Most obvious is the inclusion of two analog sticks, and on the face of the unit you’ll also find home menu and screenshot buttons. Swing your eyes around to the top edge. And you’ll see that instead of the single pair of triggers of Nintendo’s 16-bit versions, the SN30 Pro and SF30 Pro have two sets, with the lower triggers being analog. They also have rumble and motion control functions, and are wireless too, making them thoroughly contemporary in functionality.

The retro design and prominent positioning of the D-dap should be great for playing re-releases of classic Nintendo console games once Nintendo finally gets around to utilizing the NES emulator that’s buried in the system hardware of each and every Switch. Granted, 8BitDo’s controllers lack the secret message of Nintendo’s Pro Controller, but at US$50 they’re also 20 bucks cheaper through their Amazon pre-order page, where shipping is promised on December 10.

Source: Hachima Kiko
Top image: 8Bitdo
Insert images: 8Bitdo (1, 2)