Is the Genesis Nintendo Switch Online Controller Overhyped?

In this episode, we ask whether the Genesis Nintendo Switch Online Controller is Overhyped.Show more

One of the interesting things about the #NintendoSwitch Online Service has been the fact that not only do you get to play games from the original NES, Super NES, N64, and Sega Genesis, but Nintendo has also released corresponding controllers for each system. The NES and Super NES controllers have been easy to get your hands on, but the N64 and Sega Genesis ones have been notoriously difficult. Earlier this year, we got our hands on an N64 controller, and now thanks to @VideoGameDeals (AKA Cheap Ass Gamer) on Twitter, we were able to get our hands on the Genesis NSO controller.

The Nintendo Switch online Sega Genesis controller is modeled after the three-button variant of the Genesis, or Mega Drive if you will, controller. As such, this is the chunkier of the two versions of the controller for the Genesis. It features three buttons, ABC, along the right-hand side of the controller. On the left-hand side, you have a d-pad that is definitely a departure from what Nintendo used at the time. Some people love it, other people, not so much.

The controller is designed with Bluetooth technology for wireless communication to your Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, or Nintendo Switch OLED. In the box, you will get the controller itself along with about a 3 ft long USB C charging cable. The controller itself has been faithfully reproduced from the original, however, we found the d-pad to be a slightly different size when we measured it up with our calipers. For wireless and Nintendo switch compatibility, the top of the controller has been slightly modified with a few new buttons and USB-C charging ports. Along the top of the controller, you get a capture button, home button, and mode button. The mode button is what will allow you to go back to the game selection screen from within the Sega Genesis or Sega Mega Drive online games menu.

Pairing the controller to my Switch OLED was super easy. Turn on the switch, go to change grip order on the controllers menu, and hit the pairing button. It really could not have been much simpler which I really appreciate. Once I was paired it was time to play some games

The first thing I noticed was that the d-pad felt rather plasticy, to use a 3D printer term it's almost like the infill was set to a very low rate. I would have preferred something with a more substantial feel myself. All of the buttons felt super clicky, my hand felt right into place like it was a regular Genesis controller.

I did notice a little bit of inaccurate performance while playing Earthworm Jim. There are sections in the first level where you have to swing with Jim's head across a few different hooks. While I can pull this off normally with my Pro controller, I was having some difficulty getting it to work just right here with the Genesis controller. It just felt, it felt off. It felt a little disconnected, which I did not expect.

Next up, I tried some non-Switch online games, but games that were designed for the Genesis. The button mappings were all over the place, and nothing worked as I thought that it should out of the box. I don't know if that's due to the controller, how Nintendo is mapping the buttons, or what. Castlevania Bloodstained is a perfect example, I could not get the buttons to work in the Castlevania Collection version, but the Switch Online version works perfectly.

Battery life was decent overall, out of just a half an hour charge I was able to get over 2-hours worth of playtime, so I can imagine what a full charge will do. If battery life was a concern of yours, I would say don't worry about it.

Why it RoX:
- Nearly perfect replica of the original
- USB-C for charging
- Fun sound when you connect to the switch online

What could be improved:
- WAY OVERPRICED
- Some responsiveness issues
- Button mapping was incorrect for non-Switch online games
- Only one controller in the box
- Where's the six-button variant?

Should you buy one?
While the Super Nintendo controller is sold as a single unit, just like the Genesis controller, that one is only $29.99. the Genesis 3 button control? 50 bucks! I'm not sure why they went with this exorbitant pricing, and I'm also surprised that that hasn't made finding them easier. This is a fun memberberry to have in your collection, I would say the Genesis controller for the Nintendo Switch online is a pass from me. There are other controllers that do a better job and cost less, and still, others that are six-button variants versus just the three. The button mapping issue was highly irritating, this literally only works for the switch online games which reduces its value to me. I also look at what Retro-bit is doing with their six-button controllers which are available for $20 less and can even be used with the original systems. This to me just has the feeling of a cash grab which is unfortunate.

#Sega #GenesisDoes #NintendoOnline