Retro-bit SEGA USB and Bluetooth Genesis, Saturn and Dreamcast accessories revealed!

Retro-Nerd · 10 January 2018, 19:01

Great. Finally a good move from Sega. I've waited long enough for bluetooth Mega Drive and Saturn controller. Usable on many devices including the original hardware. Even on pictures you can see that is probably very close to the original quality. The perfect 8bitdo counterparts.

http://segabits.com/blog/2018/01/10/...ries-revealed/

Amiga1992 · 10 January 2018, 19:14

Wow that does look very accurate, but only testing will determine how accurate they are.
6 button MD or Saturn pads are the end-all-be-all joypads!

But I worry because they are not SEGA products, so you never know.

Retro-Nerd · 10 January 2018, 19:17

I'm very convinced. Looks like they used the original molds. The d-pad and buttons seems very accurate too. Let's prey that the interior is right too. Krikzz (the Everdrive guy) is also working on wireless MD pads (no bluetooth so). Exciting times for retro gamer.

Amiga1992 · 10 January 2018, 19:48

Well I would say it goes beyond the molds you use for the plastic exterior. The type of rubber contact pieces you use inside will also make a huge difference. Also the way the D-Pad travels to make that contact, is KEY in these two pads (it's the main reason I don't really like SNES controllers, the D-Pad is just icky).

Sure, just by pics, it looks spot-on, especially the 6 button MD one, looks like it's based on the GOOD early model, not the later model which sucks.

I cannot be convinced just by looks, I will have to test, but at the very least, I am happy this is happening! Would also love if somehow they made a Bluetooth receiver for thee to be connected to SNES

or that the 8bitdo receiver would work with these!

Baboon · 10 January 2018, 19:50

I've still got a couple of the saturn sls usb pads from years ago and they are still going strong!... I'd love some official Bluetooth pads though!!

idrougge · 11 January 2018, 10:06

Let's just hope they don't act up when plugged into an Amiga (I know that they will have to pass through a converter for rearranging the power pin).

Amiga1992 · 11 January 2018, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by idrougge

(I know that they will have to pass through a converter for rearranging the power pin).

A hugely widespread misconception that I wish would die.
You do not *need* to do this. Doesn't hurt to not do it. C64s, it might hurt, but not the Amiga.

You only use a converter if you want to play with a game that supports most buttons (the 2 or 3 that allow you to do so).

Either way, if they are done like a 1:1 copy, they shouldn't act up. they should perform like any other MD controller in an Amiga.

Daedalus · 11 January 2018, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akira

A hugely widespread misconception that I wish would die.
You do not *need* to do this. Doesn't hurt to not do it. C64s, it might hurt, but not the Amiga.

Careful with this. MD controllers only work on the Amiga by accident, because one of the pins is set high and that's what is used to power the chips in the pad. Some game and Kickstart combinations don't set this pin high, meaning that the pad doesn't work at all without correcting the power pin assignment. The thing with wireless controllers is that the receivers likely require much more power than the simple logic of the wired controllers, and therefore might have issues running off a logic output that was never intended to power anything.

Amiga1992 · 11 January 2018, 15:46

But there shouldn't be any chips in the pad involved, unless you use the multiplexing. up/down/left/right and C all act like a normal Atari joystick directly, with no multiplexing circuitry.

It could be that the wireless receiver has issues if it relies on this 5V line though, yes, but I was under the impression these people will also make regular wired controllers too.

Daedalus · 11 January 2018, 16:22

Nope, they don't. The only inputs that act as standard are up and down, and that's only on the 3-button pad (and they also have pull-ups). The rest of the controls all go through the multiplexer, so require the 5V supply at all times to work.

Amiga1992 · 11 January 2018, 17:04

And which computers create this issue? It's the first time I hear it. I never had an issue in any of my machines, and I have used these pads for 20 years now. I never required any sort of adapter.

For reference, here is a PCB image. If you had not mentioned it, I would have never noticed most signals go to the multiplexer

Ah you said "some game" don't do this. I get it. I mean, yes, this is why a lot of games work with a Master System pad and NOT with an MD pad. But if you use the converter, will they then work?
We discussed this before, I remember now. I never realized it is because the signals go through the multiplexer.

So it's not like you need the converter, as I said before, like on a C64 where you can mess something up. It just will not operate with some games if it remains as-is.
This is why I usually prefer a Master System pad on Amiga, even if they are terrible.

happymondays · 11 January 2018, 17:13

Same here, never experienced any issues with neither Sega controllers nor third party MD controllers.

Daedalus · 11 January 2018, 17:30

Yep, Mastersystem controllers are wired in the standard Atari 2-button way, so they should work in every situation. With an adaptor (or mod), the MD pad will also work perfectly as a 2-button pad, even with games where it did not before. An adaptor that lets the Amiga read all 4 buttons is also possible, but games that don't work directly won't work with that version either. That's the main problem, reasons it simply might not work. Generally the logic chips used have extremely low power requirements and so are happy to be powered by a data pin, but I wouldn't expect that to be the case for a wireless unit.

As for damage, no, there's not the same risk as there is for a C64, and 99.9% of the time it's perfectly safe. The only risk is from spurious behaviour of the multiplexer fighting the inputs (i.e. contention) when it has its power rapidly turned off and on again while voltages are still applied to its inputs. This can only happen where games continuously attempt to read a CD32 pad, even when they find that one isn't connected (or don't bother checking). It's an extremely niche case and nothing to worry about really, but I'm including the information anyway for completeness.

Amiga1992 · 11 January 2018, 17:41

Thanks for clarifying all that man. I always wanted to look for an answer, and this is the most precise and helpful one I ever had. It also sheds more shit over those who keep claiming an adapter is a MUST. It really isn't. But maybe it is wanted. I might even make one myself! This SMS/MD pad shit pissed me off for years.

idrougge · 12 January 2018, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akira

A hugely widespread misconception that I wish would die.
Either way, if they are done like a 1:1 copy, they shouldn't act up. they should perform like any other MD controller in an Amiga.

I though we were talking about wireless controllers here, how do you suggest powering the receiver without supplying power to it?

Amiga1992 · 12 January 2018, 16:31

I said sorry, I assumed we were talking about a cabled joypad, which I thought (I hope!) these people will make.

Retro-Nerd · 24 August 2018, 00:38

More infos from the Gamescom.

Gallery

http://www.gameblog.fr/news/77726-ga...-drive-officie

Intended prices for the pads. The Bluetooth pads looks like the 8bitdo SFC30 Pro.

Genesis Wired 6-Button Original Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 19,99 €
Genesis Wired 8-Button USB® Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 24,99 €
Genesis Bluetooth® Controller (Black) 44,99 €
Genesis Bluetooth® Receiver 19,99 €
Megadrive Wired 6-Button Original Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 19,99 €
Megadrive Wired 8-Button USB® Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 24,99 €
Megadrive Bluetooth® Controller (Black) 44,99 €
Megadrive Bluetooth® Receiver 19,99 €
Saturn Wired Original Port Controller (Black, Slate Grey) 24,99 €
Saturn Wired USB® Port Controller (Black, Slate Grey) 29,99 €
Saturn Bluetooth® Controller (Black) 44,99 €
Saturn Bluetooth® Receiver 19,99 €

Retro-Nerd · 19 February 2019, 22:51

Wired and USB MD/Saturn controller are soon available.

http://retro-bit.com/sega-collaboration

Gordon · 20 February 2019, 16:38

Thanks for sharing. If anyone wants to use these on Amiga CD32 I recommend
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Amiga-CD3...JUFb:rk:5:pf:0

Retro-Nerd · 20 February 2019, 17:02

This one works great too.

http://melbourneconsolerepros.com/pr...roducts_id=141

10 January 2018, 19:01	#1
Retro-Nerd Missile Command Champion Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Germany Age: 52 Posts: 12,438	Retro-bit SEGA USB and Bluetooth Genesis, Saturn and Dreamcast accessories revealed! Great. Finally a good move from Sega. I've waited long enough for bluetooth Mega Drive and Saturn controller. Usable on many devices including the original hardware. Even on pictures you can see that is probably very close to the original quality. The perfect 8bitdo counterparts. http://segabits.com/blog/2018/01/10/...ries-revealed/ Last edited by Retro-Nerd; 10 January 2018 at 19:07.

11 January 2018, 17:04	#11
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	And which computers create this issue? It's the first time I hear it. I never had an issue in any of my machines, and I have used these pads for 20 years now. I never required any sort of adapter. For reference, here is a PCB image. If you had not mentioned it, I would have never noticed most signals go to the multiplexer Ah you said "some game" don't do this. I get it. I mean, yes, this is why a lot of games work with a Master System pad and NOT with an MD pad. But if you use the converter, will they then work? We discussed this before, I remember now. I never realized it is because the signals go through the multiplexer. So it's not like you need the converter, as I said before, like on a C64 where you can mess something up. It just will not operate with some games if it remains as-is. This is why I usually prefer a Master System pad on Amiga, even if they are terrible. Last edited by Amiga1992; 11 January 2018 at 17:10. Reason: revelations!

24 August 2018, 00:38	#17
Retro-Nerd Missile Command Champion Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Germany Age: 52 Posts: 12,438	More infos from the Gamescom. Gallery http://www.gameblog.fr/news/77726-ga...-drive-officie Intended prices for the pads. The Bluetooth pads looks like the 8bitdo SFC30 Pro. Genesis Wired 6-Button Original Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 19,99 € Genesis Wired 8-Button USB® Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 24,99 € Genesis Bluetooth® Controller (Black) 44,99 € Genesis Bluetooth® Receiver 19,99 € Megadrive Wired 6-Button Original Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 19,99 € Megadrive Wired 8-Button USB® Port Controller (Black, Clear Blue) 24,99 € Megadrive Bluetooth® Controller (Black) 44,99 € Megadrive Bluetooth® Receiver 19,99 € Saturn Wired Original Port Controller (Black, Slate Grey) 24,99 € Saturn Wired USB® Port Controller (Black, Slate Grey) 29,99 € Saturn Bluetooth® Controller (Black) 44,99 € Saturn Bluetooth® Receiver 19,99 € Last edited by Retro-Nerd; 24 August 2018 at 01:08.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
How to configure with retro.bit Genesis USB adapter?	gingerbeardman	support.FS-UAE	12	04 September 2015 20:00
Sega Saturn question ???	plasmatron	Retrogaming General Discussion	169	27 March 2010 16:26
Sega Saturn emulation	boing_1000	Retrogaming General Discussion	50	07 March 2010 12:10
Sega Saturn or Dreamcast for A1200 Memory or 030 Accelerator	fitzsteve	Swapshop	3	09 September 2009 14:07
Best Sega Saturn Games?	Uukrul	Retrogaming General Discussion	45	24 July 2009 10:24

10 January 2018, 19:14	#2
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	Wow that does look very accurate, but only testing will determine how accurate they are. 6 button MD or Saturn pads are the end-all-be-all joypads! But I worry because they are not SEGA products, so you never know.

10 January 2018, 19:17	#3
Retro-Nerd Missile Command Champion Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Germany Age: 52 Posts: 12,438	I'm very convinced. Looks like they used the original molds. The d-pad and buttons seems very accurate too. Let's prey that the interior is right too. Krikzz (the Everdrive guy) is also working on wireless MD pads (no bluetooth so). Exciting times for retro gamer.

10 January 2018, 19:48	#4
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	Well I would say it goes beyond the molds you use for the plastic exterior. The type of rubber contact pieces you use inside will also make a huge difference. Also the way the D-Pad travels to make that contact, is KEY in these two pads (it's the main reason I don't really like SNES controllers, the D-Pad is just icky). Sure, just by pics, it looks spot-on, especially the 6 button MD one, looks like it's based on the GOOD early model, not the later model which sucks. I cannot be convinced just by looks, I will have to test, but at the very least, I am happy this is happening! Would also love if somehow they made a Bluetooth receiver for thee to be connected to SNES or that the 8bitdo receiver would work with these!

10 January 2018, 19:50	#5
Baboon Moon Monkey Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Plymouth, Devon Posts: 419	I've still got a couple of the saturn sls usb pads from years ago and they are still going strong!... I'd love some official Bluetooth pads though!!

11 January 2018, 10:06	#6
idrougge Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Stockholm Posts: 4,332	Let's just hope they don't act up when plugged into an Amiga (I know that they will have to pass through a converter for rearranging the power pin).

11 January 2018, 15:46	#9
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	But there shouldn't be any chips in the pad involved, unless you use the multiplexing. up/down/left/right and C all act like a normal Atari joystick directly, with no multiplexing circuitry. It could be that the wireless receiver has issues if it relies on this 5V line though, yes, but I was under the impression these people will also make regular wired controllers too.

11 January 2018, 16:22	#10
Daedalus Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dublin, then Glasgow Posts: 6,334	Nope, they don't. The only inputs that act as standard are up and down, and that's only on the 3-button pad (and they also have pull-ups). The rest of the controls all go through the multiplexer, so require the 5V supply at all times to work.

11 January 2018, 17:13	#12
happymondays Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Szeged Posts: 219	Same here, never experienced any issues with neither Sega controllers nor third party MD controllers.

11 January 2018, 17:30	#13
Daedalus Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dublin, then Glasgow Posts: 6,334	Yep, Mastersystem controllers are wired in the standard Atari 2-button way, so they should work in every situation. With an adaptor (or mod), the MD pad will also work perfectly as a 2-button pad, even with games where it did not before. An adaptor that lets the Amiga read all 4 buttons is also possible, but games that don't work directly won't work with that version either. That's the main problem, reasons it simply might not work. Generally the logic chips used have extremely low power requirements and so are happy to be powered by a data pin, but I wouldn't expect that to be the case for a wireless unit. As for damage, no, there's not the same risk as there is for a C64, and 99.9% of the time it's perfectly safe. The only risk is from spurious behaviour of the multiplexer fighting the inputs (i.e. contention) when it has its power rapidly turned off and on again while voltages are still applied to its inputs. This can only happen where games continuously attempt to read a CD32 pad, even when they find that one isn't connected (or don't bother checking). It's an extremely niche case and nothing to worry about really, but I'm including the information anyway for completeness.

11 January 2018, 17:41	#14
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	Thanks for clarifying all that man. I always wanted to look for an answer, and this is the most precise and helpful one I ever had. It also sheds more shit over those who keep claiming an adapter is a MUST. It really isn't. But maybe it is wanted. I might even make one myself! This SMS/MD pad shit pissed me off for years.

12 January 2018, 16:31	#16
Amiga1992 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: ? Posts: 19,645	I said sorry, I assumed we were talking about a cabled joypad, which I thought (I hope!) these people will make.

19 February 2019, 22:51	#18
Retro-Nerd Missile Command Champion Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Germany Age: 52 Posts: 12,438	Wired and USB MD/Saturn controller are soon available. http://retro-bit.com/sega-collaboration

20 February 2019, 16:38	#19
Gordon Settler Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Serf City Posts: 1,760	Thanks for sharing. If anyone wants to use these on Amiga CD32 I recommend https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Amiga-CD3...JUFb:rk:5:pf:0

20 February 2019, 17:02	#20
Retro-Nerd Missile Command Champion Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Germany Age: 52 Posts: 12,438	This one works great too. http://melbourneconsolerepros.com/pr...roducts_id=141

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)