Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

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Jagosaurus
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Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by Jagosaurus »

I thought it might be beneficial, or at minimal fun, to discuss some of the controller adapters I've ran across lately.

I stumbled on this Brazilian modder when looking for alternative controllers to use on modded oXbox & PS3s for emulation purposes.

http://shop.brunofreitas.com

All you need is a cheap USB to oXbox controller port now (which any one soft modding likely has) & you're using a 6 button Genesis controller on your OG xbox emulators! This is the USB RetroPad Adapter Lite for USB only output for oXbox, PS3, or PC. There are adapters for other input controllers, Genesis natively supported.
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The Wii RetroPad Adapter 2 supports Android! Also great for emus on soft modded Wiis.
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The additional possibilities with the more robust RetroPad32 are impressive.
Check out the "RetroPad32 Output Cable" drop down order menu. This cable is a RJ45 (ethernet type) from RetroPad32 into the receiving console.
RetroPad32 adapter, you'll be able to connect the controllers listed above to the following systems and consoles:
- PC, Mac OS and Linux based systems, including Raspberry Pi, via USB (DINPUT or XINPUT)
- MS Classic XBOX
- Sony Playstation 1 and Playstation 2
- Sony Playstation 3
- Nintendo Wii U (via USB and also Wiimote connection)
- Nintendo Wii (via Wiimote or Gamecube port connection)
- Nintendo Switch (via USB connection)
- Sega Dreamcast
- Nintendo Gamecube
- Nintendo 64
- Sega Genesis, Nintendo NES, Nintendo SNES, NeoGeo, MSX and Sega Saturn via special expansion board


The "RetroPad32 Input Cable" represents the controllers you can use on the consoles above.
These include:
RetroPad32 currently supported controllers:
- NeoGeo controller (doesn't require any extra input cable - connects directly to the RetroPad32's DB15 port)
- Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, Atari 2600 controllers (and compatible controllers)
- NES controller
- SNES controller
- Playstation 1 and Playstation 2 controllers
- Nintendo GameCube controller
- Nintendo 64 controller
- Sega Saturn controller
- Turbografx 16 and PC-Engine controllers
- Sega Dreamcast controller
- Nintendo Wii Classic Controller and the Wii Nunchuk

Note: there's also a USB input adapter.

For example, use your GCN controller on your N64, use your PS2 controller on your DC, use SNES controller on PS1, use NES on Rasberry Pi. You get the picture. All from 1 device!

Saturn controller listed (and pictured) as supported but not currently available for order (same for TG16) :cry:

Image

Neo Geo on Switch... why not!
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Cool note on wireless for any consoles listed above:
Additional (wireless!!) controllers supported via 8bitdo Retro Receiver connected to the RetroPad32 adapter via Wii Classic Controller Input Cable:

- Sony Playstation 3 wireless controller
- Sony Playstation 4 wireless controller
- Nintendo Wiimote
- Nintendo WiiU Pro wireless controller
- All 8bitdo bluetooth controllers (except SN30/SF30 2.4G controllers)


Honestly, too many combinations to name. Check them out.

These next 2 sites for adapters came recommended from Atari Age:

Retro centric
Using retro controllers on emus & more
https://www.raphnet-tech.com/products.php

Newer consoles
http://www.brookaccessory.com/Super%20C ... /list.html

I have no experience ordering from any of these 3, but that may change soon.

What do you all think? Any useful combos for your set up & needs?
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chuckster
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Re: Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by chuckster »

Great thread!

I've recently been wondering if a Raphnet adapter (or any other low lag option) could be used with an 8bitdo 2.4GHz wireless adapter. I'd love to have the sweet, sweet D-pad of the M30 2.4g with half-frame wireless latency on PC. I have Saturn adapters and even USB Saturn pads, but wireless remains elusive for me.
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Jagosaurus
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Re: Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by Jagosaurus »

chuckster wrote:Great thread!

I've recently been wondering if a Raphnet adapter (or any other low lag option) could be used with an 8bitdo 2.4GHz wireless adapter. I'd love to have the sweet, sweet D-pad of the M30 2.4g with half-frame wireless latency on PC. I have Saturn adapters and even USB Saturn pads, but wireless remains elusive for me.


I don't know much about their device portfolio,
but looking at 8bit Duo site, seems Retro Receiver Compatibility excludes 8BitDo controllers 2.4G controllers. Assuming that's what you're running into? You'd have to go with one of their bluetooth options today for wireless? If you're doing that, could likely go BT straight to PC. If your PC doesn't support BT you could still go:

8bitdo Retro Receiver (one with input same as Wii/NES mini) + RetroPad32 adapter + Wii Classic Controller Input Cable + 8 Bit Duo BT controller

I know the oXbox scene is a bit outdated but I still really love my giant emulation & Halo station 8). I know it's a novelty, but... Really tempted to pick up the USB RetroPad Adapter for $42 so I can use my 6 button Genesis controller on the oXbox emus. The full RetroPad32 that connects to more systems run $67. $25 buck difference. I have several of these oXbox to USB cables laying around so no added cost there. I also like the idea of being able to use it on modded PS3. Future project...
- You will be able to convert your XBOX adapter to a PC/Mac/PS3 model, and vice versa, simply by changing the firmwarepo


Any one interested in these?

The native Wii adapter is also tempting for Android & Wii emus...

The RetroPad32 with the correct inputs could really compete with Bliss Box type devices for PC, while ALSO allowing you to use on retro consoles. Friggin cool it works on Pi too. Swiss army knife.

@Dikdikvandik, that guy is awesome too.

Any one have other adapters we should know about? 8)
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stickem
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Re: Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by stickem »

Dam, no 3do support? Was hoping to finally use a decent controller for the few games that needed more than 3 buttons.
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Jagosaurus
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Re: Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by Jagosaurus »

stickem wrote:Dam, no 3do support? Was hoping to finally use a decent controller for the few games that needed more than 3 buttons.


Hey man, check out Joe from Game Sack's video. He covers this device. Looks like 3DO now supported!

2:40 3DO version explained
3:10 diagram

https://youtu.be/bt1ZDvf4YOs
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stickem
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Re: Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by stickem »

i watched it when it came out, but like a dumbass i didn't pay attention to the part you pointed out lol, that there is a version 2 for the 3do and etc. thatnks. sold out at the moment
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Re: Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by Ziggy »

I've been looking for something that I can convert a SNES or Playstation 1/2/3 controller to use on an arcade board. The only ones I've been able to come up with are for use on a JAMMA board with a Supergun. The problem there is that I want to consolize a Mortal Kombat II arcade board, which uses the "kick harness" (it adds extra buttons beyond what JAMMA supports).

I know this can be accomplished fairly easily using a microcontroller. The only hurdle there is that I'd have to learn to make sense of the controller's protocol and also learn to program for a microcontroller. I did find this, which will convert a SNES controller for use on an arcade board. The only problem is that it ignores the L and R shoulder buttons. I would need to map all off the buttons of the SNES controller for my project. So again, I'd have to learn enough about the SNES controller protocol and how to program for the Teensy microcontroller in order to modify this for my needs.
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Re: Let's Talk Awesome Controller Adapters

Post by samsonlonghair »

Ziggy587 wrote:I've been looking for something that I can convert a SNES or Playstation 1/2/3 controller to use on an arcade board. The only ones I've been able to come up with are for use on a JAMMA board with a Supergun. The problem there is that I want to consolize a Mortal Kombat II arcade board, which uses the "kick harness" (it adds extra buttons beyond what JAMMA supports).

I know this can be accomplished fairly easily using a microcontroller. The only hurdle there is that I'd have to learn to make sense of the controller's protocol and also learn to program for a microcontroller. I did find this, which will convert a SNES controller for use on an arcade board. The only problem is that it ignores the L and R shoulder buttons. I would need to map all off the buttons of the SNES controller for my project. So again, I'd have to learn enough about the SNES controller protocol and how to program for the Teensy microcontroller in order to modify this for my needs.

Maybe the Capcom CPS Changer is what you’re looking for. I’ve never owned one myself, but I know it will allow you to play arcade Street Fighter II with a SuperNES controller. That’s the original Jamma + Kick if I’m not mistaken. Maybe you can use a breakout board or cable to adapt a Mortal Kombat board. Just spitballing. Seems like it should be possible.
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