The Best Wireless NES Controller Retro Bit Origin8

In this episode, we unbox and test out the ORIGIN8 wireless controllers from Retro-bit, designed for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo Switch, and other USB-compatible devices.

When it comes to the original Nintendo Entertainment System finding good wireless controllers, first or third-party, has been a bit of a challenge over the years. Back in the day, we were stuck with crappy, infrared solutions that really did not work well. In recent years there have been a few good controllers here and there, but there again few and far between. I was very excited to hear Retro-bit was working on a new addition to their Platinum series of controllers called the ORIGIN8.

Featuring three different designs and styles, the ORIGIN8 comes out of the box with the controller itself, a USB dongle, a dongle for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, a USB-C charging cable, and instructions. It also has additional features such as ZL and ZR buttons, L and R buttons, and turbo functionality for A and B. Overall this is well put together and has some really nice additional features.

After my initial unboxing, I did charge the ORIGIN8 for about 2 hours before I got to testing. Pairing could not have been simpler as I simply pressed the pairing button on the dongle, hit the start button, and within a few seconds, I was paired. I experienced this with both the original Nintendo dongle and the USB one.

Starting on the original Nintendo Entertainment System, the ORIGIN8 felt fantastic. While it is considerably lighter in the hands than the original equipment, it still feels good while you play. One of the things I did not know was how I was going to like the larger d-pad compared to The original NES controller, but it worked just fine. One of the great things is the fact that this falls underneath Retro-bit's platinum series of controllers, it uses better quality materials, buttons, and construction and it can be felt during gameplay.

I have to say I really appreciated the Turbo switches on the A and B buttons, it reminded me so much of the TurboGrafx16 controllers. If and when I wanted to use the turbo I just needed to slide the switch up, and when I was done sliding it back down turned the turbo off. It couldn't have been much easier. The one thing I will say is that I do wish that there was a 2nd, faster turbo, similar to the TG16, but for what it was this was fantastic.

I did attempt to use the ORIGIN8 with my Xbox One S, Xbox Series S, and my Wii U, but none of them would respond or connect to inputs. This was a bummer as it would have been great to use with the Wii U's Virtual Console or some of the NES-era games that are now on the Xbox.

My final tests were on the Nintendo Switch OLED using the NES, Famicom, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance services. I connected the dongle to one of the USB Ports on the side and was up and running. Man, this thing was fantastic! for all the above systems button presses were spot on, it had great range and battery life, overall this was a terrific experience!

Why It RoX:
- Only $25
- 3 different color options
- USB C for charging
- Fantastic battery life
- Turbo functionality
- Excellent performance

What could be improved:
- 2 turbo steps like the TurboGrafx would be nice
- Not compatible with Wii U or Xbox

Should you buy one?
This is one of the most resounding "YES" responses you'll get from me! Retro-bit has knocked this one totally out of the ballpark and this is going to be my go-to wireless NES Controller, hands-down. It performs so well, it is so comfortable, and it just works, all the things you want with a controller for gaming. One of my only 2 real nitpicks is that it's not compatible with more systems as I'd like to use it on the Wii U and Xbox, but I can live. For the money this is a fantastic controller and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

#Nintendo #Switch #RetroBit #Origin8 #NES #NesController