Retro-Bit BIG6 Sega Genesis, USB, & Wireless Controller Review
77In this episode, we test out three controllers from Retro-Bit designed after the Sega Genesis 3-button controller with a twist. These are the Retro-Bit BIG6 Sega Genesis Wired, USB, and 2.4GHz Wireless controllers.
When we attended the Portland retro Gaming expo in 2019, Retro-bit showed us a number of exciting products they had coming down the pipeline. One of them was a Sega Genesis controller that was inspired by the original Three-button controller, however, it had six face buttons. After quite a bit of testing, research, and development the result is officially coming in 2022, and that is the BIG6.
Retro-bit had a long, hard look at the original 3-button control pad that was released alongside the original console. It was wide, comfortable, and sleek with a unique DPad, a Start button, and the classic A-B-C buttons. Its design provided comfortable ergonomics for long play sessions, which SEGA® was aiming to do by bringing the arcade experience to homes with the Genesis® & Mega Drive. Their team updated the design by adding additional X-Y-Z buttons while incorporating a Mode shoulder button without changing the overall form of the original. It keeps the same feel and shape of the original adding new features to give players a new way to experience their favorite games. Since revealing it, the response has proven to them that they were definitely on the right path.
We have been able to spend some good time playing with each of these controllers. We started out with the Wireless Genesis BIG6, however, we actually used it on the Sega Master System. I will say that the Dongle was a bit of a tight fit in the controller port upon initial insertion. However, once everything was connected it worked perfectly with Master System games. The C-button registered as the start button, while the X, Y, and Z buttons did not function. The D-Pad felt very similar to the other Retro-Bit controllers I've tested over the years, which is a good thing.
I next relocated the Dongle to my JVC X'EYE, and just like on the Master System, the fit was a bit tight. Since that was the case I actually swapped out the Wireless dongle for the Wired version of the BIG6. Again, all of the button presses and inputs worked perfectly, with great responsiveness across all games tested.
Up next was testing the USB variant on the Genesis Mini and Mini 2. As with the Wireless and Genesis versions, the USB version functioned perfectly. With the Genesis Mini, it didn't utilize more than 3 buttons, so having the X, Y, Z buttons didn't mean anything. On the Genesis Mini 2, however, it did have 6-button games on it. They worked perfectly each and everytime, which was awesome. The select button worked perfectly to access the main menus as well.
My final test was with the USB-Wireless dongle on the Nintendo Switch. I will say pairing was a bit of a pain with the USB dongle until I hit the reset button on the back of the controller itself. Once I did I was able to quickly and easily pair to the USB Dongle. The home button worked to navigate in and out of games and the menu system. When I went into the Genesis Switch Online menu, it didn't read it as a Genesis controller, simply a USB controller. However, once again the performance was terrific whether playing Genesis games, or other titles on the Switch.
Why It RoX:
- Wireless, Genesis, & USB Versions
- Great performance
- Perfectly recreates the 3-Button Controller ergonomics
- USB-C Charging on the Wireless Version
- 10ft Long Controller Cables
- USB Vartiants Work with Genesis Mini, Mini 2, & Nintendo Switch
- Compatible with Genesis & Master System
What Could Be Improved:
- Start Button Location is less than ideal
- Dongle Pairing Requires Button Press vs Auto-Pairing
- I'm Not As Big Of a Fan of The 3-Button Controller Shape
Should You Buy One?
If you are a fan of the 3-button Genesis controller's shape and layout the BIG6 is definitely right up your alley. The D-Pad and buttons all feel similar to the 3-Button contrtoller while providing the extra 3-buttons of the 6-button layout. I'm, personally, not as big of a fan of the 3-button controller's shape myself, but from a comfort stantpoint this is very simialr to the original's. Best of all, you have options whether you need a USB, Original Port, or Wireless.
#Sega #RetroBit #Big6 #Genesis #MasterSystem #JVCXeye #Nintendo #SwitchOnline #NintendoSwitchExpansionPack
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107
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