When it comes to modern takes on classic gaming, Retro Fighters has been making a name for itself by designing controllers that blend nostalgia with contemporary features. Their latest lineup includes controllers inspired by the Dreamcast, GameCube, and original Xbox, each offering wireless connectivity to their respective consoles while also working with modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch and PC.
You can see them all in my latest video.
The Dreamcast-inspired D6 is a six-button controller designed with fighting games and shooters in mind. It features mechanical switches for responsive actuation and comes with a dongles that allow it to function wirelessly with the Dreamcast, as well as on modern systems. While the button feel is satisfying thanks to its mechanical Kailh switches, the D-pad’s rolling maneuverability felt bumpier than expected. This could be a pre-release issue, and Retro Fighters acknowledged that it shouldn’t feel this way. Otherwise, the controller offers solid performance with minimal input lag.
The GameCube-style BattlerGC Pro brings modern enhancements to the classic design. Its octagonal-gated sticks are hall effect sensors, meaning no drift issues, and the triggers replicate the analog and digital functionality of the original including an digital button push when the trigger is fully engaged. Like the D6, it includes a dongle for GameCube compatibility and also works on the Nintendo Switch, PC, and other platforms with a second dongle. Interestingly, Bluetooth connectivity is an option, which actually provides lower latency on the Switch compared to the USB connection. The controller performs well across platforms, offering a familiar feel for Super Smash Bros. players.
The Hunter controller is a modernized take on the original Xbox gamepad. While visually similar to an Xbox One controller, it’s designed exclusively for the original Xbox, along with PC and emulation compatibility. The controller maintains pressure-sensitive face buttons, a feature for certain original Xbox titles, while integrating hall effect sensors for the sticks and triggers. A slight drawback is the D-pad, which feels restricted by a raised plastic lip, though this is a minor issue given the Xbox’s limited reliance on the D-pad. Unlike the other controllers, the Hunter doesn’t support wired connectivity, functioning solely through its included dongles.
Across all three controllers, latency performance using my method of shooting a display at 240 fps was excellent. Wired connections on each came in at seven frames and wireless around ten to eleven frames for a button push to be registered on screen. Given the industry’s improvements in reducing input lag, these controllers are competitive with the fastest options available.
All in the Retro Fighters controllers bring a welcome update for those looking to get the right ‘feel’ for their emulated console favorites on modern platforms along with the ability to plug these same controllers into the original console that inspired them.
You can find the controllers on Amazon or via the Retro Fighters website (compensated affiliate links). If you purchase direct from Retro Fighters you can get 10% off your order if you use the code lontv.
Disclosure: Retro Fighters provided the controllers free of charge. However, they did not review or approve this content before it was uploaded and no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.