List of Games Not Compatible With the 6-Button Controller

[BurningDoom]

So I discovered something today, that rocked my world. Golden Axe II is not compatible with the 6-button controller on Sega Genesis. I own the official Sega 6-button controller, and it works fine with all my other games, but not Golden Axe II. I stuck Golden Axe II in my Genesis to test it since I just received from a trade with Rurouni_Fencer here on RacketBoy, and the directional pad was unresponsive. I unplugged it, plugged it back in, even reset and powered-off and powered-on the game. No response. But the action buttons worked fine, strangely enough. Just to be sure, I popped in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and it worked fine with the controller. As soon as I tried the traditional 3-button Genesis controller on Golden Axe II, everything worked fine.

I never even knew there were game incompatible with the 6-button controller.

Are there any more? If we could, let's get a running list of the games not compatible with it. Thanks.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Did you try pressing the mode button? I'm pretty sure thats what it's for.

[dedalusdedalus]

Forgotten Worlds is also incompatible.

[BurningDoom]

Oh, the mode button. I always wondered if that did anything on any game. Unfortunately for me, my mode button is broken. So I'll be using the classic Genesis controller for Golden Axe II.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Oh, the mode button. I always wondered if that did anything on any game. Unfortunately for me, my mode button is broken. So I'll be using the classic Genesis controller for Golden Axe II.

I found this on the googles

It is used to emulate an original 3-button gamepad for Genesis, because some games may glitch when you use a 6-button controller. To emulate an original 3-button controller, you should insert a game cartridge into Genesis console and hold the mode button before turning it on. Then turn it on, wait while the game boots up, and release the mode button. Now your controller should work as 3-button one.

[Breetai]

Oh, the mode button. I always wondered if that did anything on any game. Unfortunately for me, my mode button is broken. So I'll be using the classic Genesis controller for Golden Axe II.

I found this on the googles

It is used to emulate an original 3-button gamepad for Genesis, because some games may glitch when you use a 6-button controller. To emulate an original 3-button controller, you should insert a game cartridge into Genesis console and hold the mode button before turning it on. Then turn it on, wait while the game boots up, and release the mode button. Now your controller should work as 3-button one.

I thought that was common knowledge here. Maybe it is forgotten knowledge?

So BD, are you SURE the mode button is really broken after following the directions above? If you test it with Street Fighter II (if you have one of the two versions on the Genesis/MD), the type of controller you are using is displayed in the options menu; three buttons will be customization if you are using a 3-button controller (or pushed mode when you powered the system on), or six on the 6-button controller. That will for sure tell you whether your mode button is working or not. If it isn't, usually taking the controller apart and cleaning it solves all problems.

It really is not practical to make a list of games that you need to use the mode button for, since they all work as long as you hold the button when you power on. I suppose for interest sake, it would be interesting at least.

[Rurouni_Fencer]

I went through this very same problem on Golden Axe II until I did the very same thing - post on Racketboy..

Yup - it's the mode button.. Never knew it had a function until then.

[Redifer]

Forgotten Worlds is also incompatible.

Damn, and here all along I thought that the game was just crazy-difficult and presented me with the Game Over screen immediately after pressing START.

As far as the MODE button is concerned, it is used to "boot" the controller into 3 or 6 button mode. It is not used to toggle back and forth between 3 and 6 button modes. You only have to hold it while you turn the power on. Once you let go of the Genesis power switch, you can let go of the MODE button. Another way to fix this without having to power down your system is to simply unplug the controller. Hold the MODE button in as you reattach the controller to the Genesis and it will be in 3 button mode. The MODE button is also used for special functions in certain games that assign a function to that button. Many games use it.

As for the games that require 3 button mode, here are the ones I can remember off of the top of my head:

-Forgotten Worlds
-Ms Pac Man
-Golden Axe II
-Decapattack starring Chuck D. Head
-Clue

I'm sure there are others. If you are experiencing wonkey controls, try re-powering up the controller with the MODE button. This may not work with crappy 3rd party controllers.

[Inazuma]

The MODE button is also used for special functions in certain games that assign a function to that button. Many games use it.

First time I've heard of this. Can you give us an example?

[arnold_the_bartender]

I think Ms. Pac-man is another title that is incompatible with the 6-button controller. The MODE button is meant for making the 6-button controller compatible with games that won't work with it. You hold it at boot up I believe then it will work. Joe beat me to it.

Edit: Copied this from wiki answers
"It is used to emulate an original 3-button gamepad for Genesis, because some games may glitch when you use a 6-button controller. To emulate an original 3-button controller, you should insert a game cartridge into Genesis console and hold the mode button before turning it on. Then turn it on, wait while the game boots up, and release the mode button. Now your controller should work as 3-button one..."