In this video, we unbox and test out the Retro-Bit Sega Saturn 8-Button Wireless Arcade Controller featuring Bluetooth technology. The Sega Saturn is the last of the great 2D home consoles. While the PlayStation and the Nintendo 64 were diving into 3D realms, the Sega Saturn was entrenched firmly in 2D. While the system would go on to attempt 3D, design elements such as its controller show its 2D roots.
Many of those who are fans of the system point to the controller as one of the best ones ever created. Thanks to their partnership with Retro-Bit, we once again and have a OEM-quality Sega controllers, including a wireless Bluetooth Saturn controller such as we see here. The controller itself is available in a clear plastic or a traditional molded black. Whichever color you go with, the quality and feel are identical.
Out of the box, the wireless Bluetooth controllers include the controller itself, a charging cable, and a set of instructions. I was a bit surprised upon opening the box to discover that the Saturn dongle was not included with the controller. Retro-Bit does include this dongle with their 2.4 gigahertz controller, so I had assumed this would be the same. As it does not, out of the box it is better equipped to work with emulation systems, Android, iOS, Mac, PC, and the PS3.
Once the controller was charged up, I paired it to my nVidia shield TV. Pairing was an absolute snap, and the controls felt great! I played a number of different games through emulators, RetroArch, and games available for download from the Google Play store. Everything fell spot on, boom shakalaka, even NBA Jam!
Moving up to the game room, I paired the controller to my Nintendo Switch. Once again, pairing was a snap. The integrated home button made it super easy to go back to the Switch's home menu, while the d-pad and buttons all function properly. I did discover the same button mapping issue when playing the Sega Genesis Classics on the Switch as I found with Retro-Bit's similar Genesis Bluetooth controller. A/B/Y functioned as the A/B/C buttons, where the C-button functioned as a fast forward button. Since most of the games on the collection only require three buttons, I have to figure that is part of the reason for the odd button mapping.
Why it RoX:
- Officially licensed by Sega
- D-pad and buttons are all spot on
- Compatible with a wide variety of devices
- The clear variant is sexy as hell
- Tumble is extremely powerful
- Battery life and range are both excellent
What could be improved?
- Not including the Saturn dongle reduces the value to some gamers
- More color options would be nice
- USB C charge port would be a nice upgrade
Should you buy one?
I will admit, next to my Dreamcast, my Saturn is probably one of my least played systems. As such I don't have a huge affinity for the console or its games. Since the Bluetooth receiver for the Saturn is sold separately, I would probably lean towards Retro-Bit's Bluetooth Genesis controller over this one. That's strictly ergonomic preference. That being said, if you do have an affinity for the Saturn controller and you are looking for a Bluetooth controller based on that design, this is exceptional. Retro-Bit has worked hard on their collaboration with Sega to ensure that they have an OEM-level experience each and every time you pick up one of their Sega controllers. And I have to admit, the Retro-Bit Saturn Bluetooth controller absolutely nails that.
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:
Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include—
(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;
(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)
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