Retro-bit Legacy16 2.4GHz Super Nintendo & USB Controller Review

3 years ago
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In this episode, we unbox & test the Retro-bit Legacy16 2.4GHz Super Wireless & Wired Super Nintendo & USB Controllers.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
1:58 - Unboxing Wired Controller
3:40 - Unboxing Wireless Controller
5:41 - Super Bonk (SFC)
7:20 - Super Mario Kart (SFC)
8:56 - Super Street Fighter II - the New Challengers (SNES)
10:06 - Super Mario World (USB Switch SNES Online)
11:24 - Donkey Kong Country (USB Switch SNES Online)
12:14 - Super Punch Out (USB Switch SNES Online)
12:44 - Super Castlevania IV (Wireless Switch SNES Online)
15:43 - Initial Thoughts
17:33 - Final Thoughts

I've said many times before that my favorite system of all time is the Super Nintendo or the Super Famicom. While the exceptional library, one that I don't think has ever been equaled, is one of the big reasons, another reason is the controller. I love the Super NES controller. It's comfortable, it's precise, I love the concave and convex button design, I love everything about it. Retro-bit looks to tap into that love with their Legacy16 controllers, design for USB devices and for the Super NES itself.

Both controllers are part of Retro-bit's Platinum Collection, and come in either an onyx black or a white. There are subtle differences between the wired and wireless controllers. The L & R and L2R2 triggers are placed differently between the two of them, and the wireless version includes twin analog sticks where this is omitted on the wired version. The wired version comes with a 10ft long USB cable on the end Which is fantastic. The wireless version includes two dongles, one for the Super NES and one for USB.

The face of the controllers both feature concave and convex buttons for the ABXY buttons, I love seeing this! I don't know why the other third party manufacturers don't do this, it was such a great design then and it's even better now. Also on the face of the controllers is a capture button and home button if you decide to use these with the Nintendo Switch, or they can also be macros on a PC or RetroPie. To get the wireless edition charged, a USB-C cable is included, no more Micro USB. Hallelujah!

I started out my testing on my Super Famicom, and one thing I did notice that I was not the biggest fan of was the overall length of the dongle. It's actually longer than it probably needs to be and something I would like to see them come back and revise. Beyond that, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. On action platformers, games that require lightning fast response time, racing games, fighting games, I felt completely dialed in while playing. This was terrific, and the exact same experience on my Super Nintendo.

I moved on to the wired version and connected it to my Nintendo Switch. The results were identical to the wireless version. Precise button presses, great responsiveness, although using the wired version I did discover that I preferred that shoulder button layout more than the wireless one. It was also great that I could navigate out of the menus in the NES and Super NES online on the switch without any issue. Finally, I connected the USB Dongle and tried out the wireless Legacy16, and the control was just as good as the Wired version. I'm sold!

Why it RoX:
- USB or Wireless Editions
- Wireless includes USB & SNES-port dongles
- Amazing performance
- Concave/Convex face buttons
- 10ft Long USB cable on Wired Version
- Twin analog sticks feel great
- USB-C for charging
- 2 color options
- Home and Capture buttons for Switch use

What could be improved:
- More color options
- Wired SNES connector in addition to USB
- Button and D-Pad travel felt a bit shallow
- SNES Dongle is too long

Should you buy one?
Retro-bit has raised the bar for third-party Super Nintendo controllers. The Legacy16 controllers are wonderful, and even though I had high expectations going into this they blew those away. The d-pad worked terrifically, the button presses were great, the controllers were comfortable, they were everything I was looking for and more. If you are looking for a Super Nintendo controller, this should be Your first consideration.

#Legacy16 #RetroBit #SuperNintendo #NintendoSwitch

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