Should You Buy the Retro Bit 8 Button 2 4GHz Wireless Controller for the Genesis and Genesis Mini

In this video, we unbox and review the Reto-Bit 8-Button 2.4GHz Arcade Pad for the Sega Genesis, Mega Drive, USB Devices, and possibly, the Master System!

Retro-Bit has been hard at work making some amazing controllers for some time, and they've taken things to the next level with their collaboration with Sega. Their wired controllers for the Genesis/Mega Drive have been featured here on the channel in the past, and they are nothing short of exceptional. In addition to their wired controllers, they also announced 2.4GHz wireless controllers at the same time. These controllers are not only designed to work with the original Genesis/Mega Drive, but also with USB-compatible devices.

The 2.4GHz Arcade Pad comes in a really nice storage case. Like, normally I keep the boxes for display but that's about it. These boxes are built extremely nice, with storage underneath for instructions and the USB Charge Cable, while the insert not only holds the controller itself but both dongles as well. This is a nice touch that, while it probably adds a little to the cost, it also adds a nice value too.

While it wasn't advertised as being compatible with the Master System, I had to try this out on the system. The dongle was a tight fit in the port, but it did eventually plug in. Pairing took just a few seconds, and once it was paired it was time to test out the Master System.

From the word go, the controller felt really locked in as I started playing Double Dragon. The B and C buttons worked as the 1 and 2 buttons from the Master System controller, however, the start button didn't work as a pause button. Bummer! Even though it wasn't advertised to be compatible, it worked with the Master System like a champ!

Up next was my Genesis, Sega CD, and 32X. The dongle still felt tight going into the system, just as on the Master System. Weird! I fired up Wonder Boy, Final Fight CD and Star Wars 32X, and again, it felt like I was wired to the system, not playing wirelessly. Each game I threw at the 2.4GHz Arcade Pad worked flawlessly, just as the wired Retro-Bit controllers I've tested in the past.

The final tests were run on my Sega Genesis Mini using the USB dongle. I had to pair the controller to use the dongle and, just like the Genesis dongle, the USB one paired quickly and easily. I started testing on Street Fighter and man, I was able to pull off all my moves without any issue! Hadukens, Shiryoukens, spinning sidekicks, everything worked as expected. Up next was Earthworm Jim to test how it worked with a run-and-gun, and once again it felt super locked in and connected. Finally, a classic platformer in Sonic the Hedgehog and, to no surprise, it once again felt great. This is the way to play!

Why it RoX
- Available in 2 different colors
- Comes with both USB and Genesis dongles
- Works with Genesis/Mega Drive, AND Master System
- Great responsiveness
- Long battery life
- Super nice storage case included

What could be improved?
- Genesis dongle was a tight fit
- More colors would be nice
- A little on the pricy side at $35

Should You Buy One?
Retro-Bit has been killing it with their Sega Controllers lately, and this is no different. They have their molds perfected to match the originals, the D-Pad and buttons all feel like OEM, and the fit and finish is amazing. At $35 they're a little pricier than their wired counterparts, but you have additional versatility with both dongles and the wireless functionality. This is how I plan on playing my Genesis, Master System and Genesis Mini more often than not. This is a great package, you should definitely consider.

#RetroBit #Sega #Genesis

The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:

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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.)