Mock NES Dogbone Controllers any good?

[jbeedham]

So I'm looking to get back into NES after digging some games out of my storage bin. I'm gonna pick up a top loader somewhere and seeing how expensive the official dogbone controllers are I was wondering if the mock dogbone controllers are any good?

[Ziggy]

I don't know about the controllers, but as far as the top loader versus toaster goes... Unless you're planning on modifying the console with better video output, you might be better off with the toaster NES. The top loader's cart slot is better, but the toaster has composite video output while the top loader only has RF. The toaster's cart slot isn't hard at all to either repair or simply replace. You may not notice a difference in video quality, but the difference in audio is pretty obvious. RF will have very muffled audio compared to the AV output.

Anyway, just my two cents.

[KalessinDB]

If you do go front loader, I highly suggest Arcade-Works' Blinking Light Win. I picked up 2 of them on the Kickstarter and they're beautiful. Much better than any replacement 72 pin connector I've ever had, as well as better than cleaning/repairing the original.

[ejamer]

I have some of the mock dogbone controllers from Tomee. They are... ok? I own two, one works pretty well and I'm satisfied with. The other is pretty much garbage. Considering what I paid for the set of two they live up to expectations but definitely don't go above or beyond.

In my opinion, getting first-party controllers would be worth the expense if you are playing any action or platforming games where you need precise controls.

[Tanooki]

Did something change because a used dogbone controller should be $20 which isn't cheap but it's not awful either since they're quite durable like the old brick ones.

Now since you're after a system. The top loader over all is more durable, it also has no security chip so anything will work including most PAL games too, and the controller is more comfy. The negative, RF only unless you pay (or DIY) to have it modified which could add like 50% to your system cost maybe but doing so would add at least RCA cable output, potentially stereo audio separation wheel installation on the back and maybe a LED under the power switch.

Then there's the old classic, and while rugged over all, it's a prissy princess as far as that zero force slot goes. You can still stay stock yet make it as rock solid as the top loader, or you can get that blinking light slot already mentioned (but I'd prefer stock.) It takes two tasks to be done on a standard system to make it top loader durable/reliable. One, you find a pic online to see which, but cut the 4th pin on the security chip -- bye bye blinking and PAL lockout. Second, remove the pins and boil them (seriously.)

It sounds nuts, but the pin connector Nintendo alone used (not the shitty modern knockoffs) are 100% aluminum which can't rust. Boil water in a pot, place rag in bottom. Toss in connector for 5min. Remove, use a NES cleaning kit (or an equal knockoff) and in and out the pins, you'll see lots of gray goo come off. Dip it again, and remove after another 5min and try some more. Do it until it comes away clean.

The heat not only will boil off the crap, but it also will greatly strengthen the pins and return them to factory location if not a bit tighter. The last system I did this to last year was a 100% reliable as a top loader, and it would also run a game both in the LOCK and UNLOCK position.

So you have the cheap way out and the expensive way out with the system, and then the really expensive way out (modded top loader.) Perhaps your best bet -- get an original one with the parts that all came with it (maybe the Action Set which had no zapper since they're useless without a CRT) and then pay the $20 for a dogbone. Best of both worlds.

[Anapan]

Toaster NES compatible dogbone controller is desireable?
All the dogbone controllers were made with a ridiculous 2 foot cord so the animators didn't have to draw extra foreground details when making anime about NES being played - same reason the main character is always in the back-right seat @ school. Not that the controller extensions are expensive, [color=#0000FF]just a weird fact. They feel weird, like you're supposed to be driving a Ferrari or a Trans-Am and instead you're riding in the back of a minivan - if that makes any sense.
In any case, since you're serious about getting into the NES and want to use a dogbone for the best experience...

OP can PM me and I'll send him 1 NM official for $5 shipped from Canada, or swap 1:1 for a decent original brick controller
Note: shipping an original controller to BC, Canada may cost more than $5 USD, but shipping a dogbone in the smallest bubble-mailer will cost less than $5 USD to get to anywhere in north america using a slow shipping rate .

Nobody I know wants to play NES unless it's using an original brick. Getting a NM real original 80's brick controller - that's a challenge!


I actually bought all the parts and cords to make extension-conversion cables to use American brick controllers easily plugged into original Famicom controller sockets before finding out I was better off modding an AV Famicom than a Titler for my needs. Pile of chords will never be used... I'll throw the controller extension in too.[/color]
Is this a legit move? Bluetext everything?

[KalessinDB]

Av Famicom dogbones were 2 foot cords. Top loading NES dogbones had NES length cords. Trust me, I've got at least 3 of them.

[Tanooki]

Av Famicom dogbones were 2 foot cords. Top loading NES dogbones had NES length cords. Trust me, I've got at least 3 of them.

Agreed I have 3 of them as well. If I ever come across them for a decent price and in good shape I snap them up as they're comfy and the cords are definitely not gimped.

[Anapan]

Agreed as well - the cord length is 3'3" a model HVC-102. I was so drunk I don't even remember posting I had a great time.
Deal still stands. I value my NM dogbone at that as it's useless to me and I don't haggle prices - PM me if you want it. $5 paypal and your address - I'll send it with a NES extension cable. It came with my NOS AV Famicom (was in plastic) which I'm happily using with my brick controllers. Any wear was from being jostled in the box.

[jbeedham]

It may sound silly but getting a top loader is a bit of nostalgia for me. Reason being is after I sold my original NES to get money to buy the SNES back when it came out, I ended up buying a Top Loader brand new for $50 when it was in the stores so I could play StarTropics II. This was while I was waiting for the Atari Jaguar.