Review: Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn and Legacy16 Controllers are Decent with Trade-Offs
Retro-bit recently launched the SEGA Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Pro Controller. This is a controller designed in conjunction with SEGA and features the look and feel of the original Saturn controller, but with some newer technology and inputs. A couple of years ago, they also released the Legacy16 2.4GHz wireless controller which is modeled on the SNES controller. The team at Retro-Bit was kind enough to send me samples of both which I will be reviewing in the below article because they are so similar. Both controllers are available from a variety of retailers including Amazon and Castlemania Games.
Both controllers are designed to look like (or at least very similar to) classic gaming controllers. However, to meet with modern hardware designs, there are some changes. For instance, both controllers feature two thumbsticks (Hall Effect for the Saturn and analog for the Legacy16), a capture button, a Home button, and ZR and ZL buttons. In addition, both controllers can be charged via USB-C. Overall, nothing too special. It is also worth noting that the Saturn controller does offer rumble motors while the Legacy16 does not. It’s not a deal breaker for me though since most games that I would use the Legacy16 for don’t have rumble.
Ergonomically, the Saturn controller feels very nice. I have never played a SEGA Saturn before, but this controller is comfortable. The Legacy16 is just fine. The original SNES controller usually has more circular ends but with the addition of the analog sticks, the space at the bottom got filled in making it slightly less comfortable than the original. It’s not bad, but it’s not as nice as the original. The buttons are all exactly where you’d expect them with the exception of the shoulder buttons being a little different because they got split in half. That said, my fingers naturally gravitated towards the more raised L and R buttons which feel nice despite how skinny they are.
In terms of appearance, the Saturn controller looks perfect in the gray with the colored buttons. I’m sure this was possible due to the fact that SEGA worked with the team on the item. The Legacy16 does look nice in the white and gray color scheme, although I do wish it could have had the same splash of color for the buttons to mimic the Super Famicom controller but I’m sure licensing prevented that. Both controllers do have black options though if that’s more your thing and they do look sleek although the Saturn controller loses the colored buttons.
Now it’s time for what you really care for, how do the controllers function? Do they work? Any secrets? I need to caveat this with the fact that I do not have a SEGA Saturn and therefore cannot speak to how it works with the original console. However, I did plug it into my Nintendo Switch and was promptly disappointed. The way the controller is mapped, it doesn’t line up how you might like it. When I went to play some SEGA Genesis games via Nintendo Switch Online, the D-Pad was properly mapped and the A and B buttons were properly mapped, but nothing else seemed to line up how I had hoped. The worst part is that you cannot remap the controller on Switch! That said, you can use it just fine on a PC since you can easily remap things on there.
Meanwhile, the Legacy16 works just fine on the Nintendo Switch. I imagine this probably has to do with the 1:1 button layout. I did find it nice to use even for titles outside of Nintendo Switch Online such as the Mega Man X Legacy Collection. Basically, for ports and basic remasters of SNES and GB/GBA games, I prefer the Legacy16. The D-Pad is more prominent making the controls feel a bit more natural. I was also able to pull out my SNES and see how well it works on the original console. It took some troubleshooting, but after using a paperclip to reset the controller, I was able to get the controller to sync with the receiver. Once synced, I saw no problems. The controller worked just fine and I didn’t notice any latency issues or anything.
What’s my final verdict? There are pros and cons to both controllers. If you plan to use the Saturn controller with a PC, then you have nothing to worry about and I would imagine the same holds true for a Saturn console. It feels fantastic in the hands, has Hall Effect joysticks that feel nicer than the analog sticks on the Legacy16, and dual rumble motors. Unfortunately, the controller mapping is not great if you want to use it for Nintendo Switch Online games like I did. Meanwhile, the Legacy16 trades out rumble, Hall Effect, and slightly worse ergonomics for perfect mapping that works on every platform I tested it on as expected (although the required reset required to sync with the SNES receiver was a little inconvenient). I do wish that Retro-bit could partner with Nintendo to get more of a Super Famicom colored controller, but it’s alright. At the end of the day, I think both controllers deserve the score listed below, although if the mapping gets changed for the Saturn one, it might go up a point or two.
