A lot of these game pads are designed around inspiration from classic gamepads, like the NES, SNES and Playstation controllers. In fact, there are even look a like clones of a lot of those classic game pads that connect through USB.
My biggest problem with most of these is they lack the feel of those controls. Whether it be the weight or material or just the way the buttons respond, something has never felt quite right.
Which brings me to the item I decided to review. It’s called the 8bitdo SNES30 Game Pad.
Modeled after the SNES control, this gamepad is the closest I’ve found to the original’s touch and feeling. The buttons feel sturdy, and the build doesn’t feel cheap. The weight is just right.
But what really sets this controller apart from the others is all of the features.
To start off with, it’s bluetooth and has the option to be used via USB with the included USB cable. The built in battery recharges through the USB cable as well.
The company 8bitdo tech even releases firmware updates to insure that the control continues to work with newer technology and software updates.
Quality and feel aside, the biggest selling point on this control is that it works with Macs, PCs, Android and even iOS Devices! Pairing the device is as easy as pairing a Bluetooth keyboard. Depending on what system you are using the controller with, there are different modes you can switch to;
The included instructions and their website have a handy table to refer to depending on the OS you are pairing it with.
Once paired, key mapping is extremely easy (as long as the program or game you are using makes it so).
If you are a Mac user and are a big fan of OpenEmu, it works great! It feels just like playing an SNES. For tablet users, there is even a touchscreen mode. Android users will have to root their device to get this mode to work.
I haven't tried using the controller with the 4th gen Apple TV yet, but it's to my understanding that currently it is not supported as the 4th Gen Apple Tv uses MFi for game controller connectivity. In the hacker community, some people are working on a jailbreak for the new AppleTV which would possibly open up bluetooth gamepads, but jailbreaking Apple products isn't the route I ever recommend going down.
It's also not compatible with existing game consoles, so for those of you looking to use this on your Wii U to play SNES games from the eshop, no dice. However, there are instructions included to pair it with the Nintendo Wii and Hyperkin RETRON 5 consoles.
If you happen to have two of these controllers and want to do multiplayer, the controller supports a dual keyboard code system. In simple terms, it allows two controllers to be paired to one device using different identifier keys. Again, Android users won’t be able to do this…
Battery life is advertised at around 20 hours, with a battery that is capable of over a 1000 charge cycles. It has an intelligent sleep system that automatically puts the device into sleep mode if no button is pressed for 15 minutes.
The packaging is premium quality. You can tell the team that created this really put their heart into everything. The box contains a really nice matching USB cable, instructions, a promotional keychain and a phone prop. It's these little details that just seem to be icing on the cake.
This controller runs around $35 on Amazon, and sometimes $30 for prime subscribers. At that price point, this makes a great gift for that gamer in your life. They even have other styles, ranging from NES, Famicom, Super Famicom, and micro sized.
I have to grade this controller at an A. I've never been so impressed with a 3rd party game pad. From the build, quality and feel of the device, to the functionality, price and even the packaging, this control is hands down one of the best on the market. It comes highly recommended from me.
For $30-35, BEST IN CLASS
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