Genesis wireless controller (1st party)

Post by **D.D.D.** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:37 am

Anyone have one? How are they?

Post by **loganm187** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:52 am

I found one at goodwill for a dollar the other day. it's perfect!

Post by **RadarScope1** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 1:09 pm

Wow - what timing. I just got some last week and was going to post a review of sorts for anyone interested. So, here goes.

These controllers use IR technology, just like a TV remote. I remember using similar NES controllers way back in the day, but they were horrible. You literally had to point them right at the receiver to get them to work. In short, they sucked.

But not these controllers. They work incredibly well and are very responsive. Right away I played some Lightening Force, Sonic and NHL 95 and it felt, to me, just like using a wired controller. I experimented with the range, too. My Genny sits about a foot off the floor. I was able to point the controller generally 4 or 5 feet to the left or right of the receiver while standing about 15 feet away and it still worked fine. At closer couch-range (about six feet away) the radius is more like 2.5 to 3 feet in either direction. My Genny sits just to the right of my TV and as long as I am sitting facing in the general direction of the TV, it works. There were a few times when I got a bit into a game and found myself tilting the controller upward past the 3 foot radius and it stopped working. But remember, my console sits only about a foot off the ground.

But there's another reason why I would recommend these controllers. We all know that the Sega 6-button pad is stellar. But one thing I don't like about them is their size and shape: small and almost banana-shaped. I just feel like my adult/American hands are too big for it. However, these wireless controllers -- being made by Sega -- have the six button layout and the fantastic d-pad AND they are shaped more like the traditional 3-button pad. YMMV but for me they are a perfect blend of the two first-party controllers.

One other note. I have a Genesis 3 and it works with that hardware. (Looks really cool, too.) I know they work fine with models 1 and 2, but I have read on another forum someplace that they don't work with the CDX.

So that's my 2 cents. I'd say if you can find them, GET EM!

Post by **vlame** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 5:53 pm

Post by **RadarScope1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:17 am

Post by **D.D.D.** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:17 am

RadarScope1 wrote:Wow - what timing. I just got some last week and was going to post a review of sorts for anyone interested. So, here goes.

These controllers use IR technology, just like a TV remote. I remember using similar NES controllers way back in the day, but they were horrible. You literally had to point them right at the receiver to get them to work. In short, they sucked.

But not these controllers. They work incredibly well and are very responsive. Right away I played some Lightening Force, Sonic and NHL 95 and it felt, to me, just like using a wired controller. I experimented with the range, too. My Genny sits about a foot off the floor. I was able to point the controller generally 4 or 5 feet to the left or right of the receiver while standing about 15 feet away and it still worked fine. At closer couch-range (about six feet away) the radius is more like 2.5 to 3 feet in either direction. My Genny sits just to the right of my TV and as long as I am sitting facing in the general direction of the TV, it works. There were a few times when I got a bit into a game and found myself tilting the controller upward past the 3 foot radius and it stopped working. But remember, my console sits only about a foot off the ground.

But there's another reason why I would recommend these controllers. We all know that the Sega 6-button pad is stellar. But one thing I don't like about them is their size and shape: small and almost banana-shaped. I just feel like my adult/American hands are too big for it. However, these wireless controllers -- being made by Sega -- have the six button layout and the fantastic d-pad AND they are shaped more like the traditional 3-button pad. YMMV but for me they are a perfect blend of the two first-party controllers.

One other note. I have a Genesis 3 and it works with that hardware. (Looks really cool, too.) I know they work fine with models 1 and 2, but I have read on another forum someplace that they don't work with the CDX.

So that's my 2 cents. I'd say if you can find them, GET EM!

Sounds good Radar~

I saw one unopened at my local shop and I think I'll get it. (Now to get that Mega Drive to go with it - only have US Genesis')

Post by **peace4myheart** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:12 pm

RadarScope1 wrote: I know they work fine with models 1 and 2, but I have read on another forum someplace that they don't work with the CDX.

Can you confirm that for the CDX? I am really interested to see if it works for the CDX or not. Technically, can you just use two extension cord to connect the receiver as the problem seems to be due to physically compatible. I really want to know if anyone has done that. I want to try it, but I don't want to waste money and it end up not working.

Post by **ubelaffe** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 4:09 pm

RadarScope1 wrote:

That's just plain sexy.

Post by **RadarScope1** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:46 pm

peace4myheart wrote:
RadarScope1 wrote: I know they work fine with models 1 and 2, but I have read on another forum someplace that they don't work with the CDX.

Can you confirm that for the CDX? I am really interested to see if it works for the CDX or not. Technically, can you just use two extension cord to connect the receiver as the problem seems to be due to physically compatible. I really want to know if anyone has done that. I want to try it, but I don't want to waste money and it end up not working.

Yeah - what I read said it was only a physical problem. The CDX is curved in the front, so the connectors don't quite fit. It could actually be a cool thing to use the extension cords because that way you could place the receiver just about anywhere you like without moving the console. I don't see any reason why using the cords wouldn't work.

Post by **ott0bot** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 12:55 pm

That looks great, I may consider getting a set if I can find one. But the reason I like the 6 button is the d-pad. This one still appears to have the ol' clunky wheel like the regular 3 button, is that correct? I really can't stand the regular genny controllers, they are feel soo loose and unresponsive to me.

Also how is the battery life?