Thanks ScarletSprites, long time fan, am a Massive Neogeo fan, nearly got the full jp aes collection and jp neogecd collection, never thought I'd be able to get another neogeocd pad (after those terrible non clicking neogeocd pads), so I just ordered 4. You rock so much, never give up, and i'll be a sub for life mate

If you update the firmware (to the latest beta, at the moment I am writing these lines), you can connect it to the Switch and the Analog Pocket! (using the 8bitdo adapter) More systems are rolling and it will get fully compatible, I have the feeling!

I originally sent a lengthy plea to 8bitdo back in May of '22 about all the virtues of the Neo-Geo CD pad. In it I linked them a video of an individual who'd created the world's first bluetooth rechargeable Neo-Geo CD pad from a heavily-modified 8bitdo Zero board. I did my absolute *best* to butter them up, and also said that it makes sense to make a Neo-Geo DIY board for both the original pad and the mini pad, in order to achieve parity with the other retro consoles that they already have original + mini boards for. Back then they replied to me only with: "I'm sorry, we don't have any plans at the moment, but we'll consider it." .... *THEN* literally a year later they announced this pad, and I was over the _moon._ Obviously I expressed my gratitude to them (no response), but it's just weird how the universe works lol✨

8bitdo and retrobit are saviors for retro console controllers

Best review I've seen regarding the 8BitDo NGCD style controller on the internet Scarlet. Well thought out and informative to give the public the information needed to purchase one for their collection. Well done bro. I loved this upload from he moment it started bro. 8^) I posted this informative piece up on the Neo-Geo thread for others to take notice and enjoy. Thank you as always for sharing this awesome video for us to see for the community to benefit from Scarlet. 8^) Anthony...

I got this controller yesterday and I don't know that I've been so stuck on a controller before. I really like it. There's something about the click that helps with accuracy. Works so well with not just Neo Geo games but lots of arcade games through MAME on the PC. Works great on SNES games also. I have most of 8bitdo's controllers and this is one of the best so far. Tested it for 4 hours

This is the review I was waiting for. Glad to hear the perspective of an SNK guru and just ordered one. Thanks!

I just picked this for $229 in Hong Kong. That's $40 bucks Canadian which is a good $15 cheaper than Amazon with taxes factored in. I literally just picked up the last copy in stock so I haven't had time to test it out yet

The star and heart buttons are respectively turbo and hotkey. To use the turbo you hold down the star button and then the button you want to turbo. The heart button is used as a "home" button in retroarch for example. Everything needs to be configured, and they come, I think, on all 8bitdo controllers.

Your channel was the only one i cared to hear from when it comes to reviewing this controller. Thanks for giving your honest opinions. I'm glad the professionals have weighed in!

I will say it now and before watching the video. WE WANT THE SNK AES ARCADE STYLE CONTROLLER NOW!!!!

I'm putting in an order for one now that i got to see your opinion of it. I got concerned when someone on reddit stated how this 8bitdo joystick had too long of a throw (though the vid clip seemed like they were more critiquing the engage distance), but the person was comparing it to the 6 button ps2 version of the pad so maybe that one is just built a bit different. Your review was enough to make me feel this pad is at least worth trying for myself. Thanks for the vid and comparisons!

was waiting for your review before grabbing one. MiSTer is my main way of playing neo and im excited to try this out on other fighting games too

Just received mine from Amazon JP and it only took a few minutes to update the firmware on it and the 8bitdo 2 Wireless Adapter 2. Connected immediately to my Switch. I think the stick needs bit of wearing in as the diagonals felt a bit tough on Garou, but overall really impressed. Should be great to play all the ACA games I have in my Switch library.

Using this controller on MiSTer has been a blast. I map the OSD to the little "heart" button and it makes getting around a breeze.

Was very happy with the quality of the controller for sure. Was shocked it worked right out of the box once I plugged it all into the MiSTer, noticed a little lag but nothing too bad. I really hope they'll do more with SNK. I'd kill for a brand new controller using the thumbstick from the Neo-Geo Pocket Color and maybe a new wireless version of the AES Stick?

With the 8bitdo USB Wireless Adapter 2 you can indeed use the Neo Geo pad on the Switch and even on the Analogue Pocket.

Star button is to toggle Turbo, on Nintendo Switch and PS4 it's use to take screenshots. The heart button is the home button. On Steam Deck, NeoGeo Mini, Switch, and PS4 you use it to return to the home screen or the UI.

A recreation of one of the greatest console controllers of all time. Thanks for the review. 🤩✌🏻👍🏻

Nice, didn't notice the difference in the font until you pointed it out lol. Glad to see you're slowly coming back with NEO GEO vids! 👍 PS. To all the haters, screw emulation and get you a MISTER FPGA for the superior experience not even the NG BT dongle can touch... WIRED, CRT, and NO LATENCY.... Nuff said. 🤷

I tested with neo BT via Bluetooth on my AES and it works fantastic. I also tested using turf masters and metal slug. I didn't notice any additional lag. VERY HAPPY with the new pads.

Nice review Joe! Mine is supposedly showing up today. Sucks no adapter for original hardware but I’ll definitely rock this with the mister. I believe madlittlepixel posted that they got switch compatibility working with the last firmware update. Take care man!

Great review, thanks! I've been using the controller via Bluetooth (no dongle) on Raspberry Pi 4 in Emulation Station. Paired fine after a couple minutes of configuration, and works great for Neo Geo MVS, CD, and beyond!

Woah! You're back! I haven't seen when one of your videos pop up in my feed in a while! Awesome video!

I hope they make a wireless Dreamcast controller

I’m buying 2 of these for sure.. 8bitdo should do the same thing with the neogeo arcade sticks. The ones from that portable neogeo arnt good enough I want something closer to the original

I agree I cant wait for that bt adapter to go back for sale for my mvs

I spoke with an 8bitdo rep and he told me they have absolutely no plans to add support for any further systems to firmware updates. This is very disappointing. I pre-ordered four of these thinking at the very least they would add support for the Analogue Pocket Dock. I thought they were nearly partners at this point. I woukd have much rather had original AES/DB15 dongle support + Analogue Pocket + Switch, than to have it work with the low point in SNK history, NeoGeo Mini and PC/Android. I know there are other ways to get those working, but I just spent $160 on these.. I'm not keen on dropping more cash! :(

The star button may be a turbo. Bit of a trend with 8bitdo's controllers. (STAR+Button to toggle turbo)

Kind of glad it's not compatible with original hardware because it would be yet another reason for me to start a NEO GEO collection.

I’m one of those “cretins” that bought it for the MiSTer lol 😅 Should be arriving any day now from China (AliXpress was the only option for the UK as Amazon UK wasn’t stocking it at the time of pre-order) Can’t wait to try it out. Glad to hear it gets the SS thumbs up! 🎉

Solid review, appreciate the enthusiasm and honesty. I ordered 2 😊

Im really liking mine so far. Think they really nauled this one. Hoping to test if with some db15 adapters soon. Metal slug limited edition for the win!

The clicky stick indeed is the most important aspect of this controller and good to know they got it right. I would image they have a firmware update with more compatibility such as the Nintendo Switch. I didn't know this was officially licensed and spent 3 years to get it right. It makes me happy to see a company getting it right because there's no point in making modern retro tech if they can't get it right, great video!!!

They freaking dropped the ball for not making this compatible with the Neo Geo ASP.

Yup can confirm that the pads work on the NeoBT…this was the first thing I tried when I got them.

It looks pretty authentic and most of all they got the legit feel of the stick, that is harsh it's not able to be used on a neo geo cd right out of the box

Thank you for the honest review! I was looking forward to your comments. Seem you had nearly the same disappointments I did but to me, the killer is the click wheel just not being there. Just feels too mushy and has more travel than my originals. Not to mention not working with original hardware without a $50 BT lag introducing adapter is concerning. Also to note as of now does not work with analogue pocket with doc. I see this as an emulator and mister device only currently. And for those its a great controller and finally something reasonable compared to the previous mini controller which was unacceptable.

I would assume this controller would also be made compatible with the Switch, since start and select are also called plus and minus. If it was, then chances are it was meant for those arcade archive titles and other arcade based ports, not just Neo Geo. It would be cool if it was compatible with the Evercade, so we could use them to play its library of arcade titles. Speaking of which, if they could add support for Neo Geo titles and labelled them as arcade collections, then that would be awesome too!

Now I just need SNK 2 release all the Neo Geo titles on the Play store so I could start playing them on the go. But I also wish they'd adapted an online multiplayer instead of just a couch co-op.

Finally! a Neo Geo CD replica controller, now we can use that controller to emulate NGCD instead of other analog controllers. 8bitdo is getting better and better, this replica is perfect! one of the best looking controllers ever made, the original had a short lasting, kinda weak analog stick, this one is probably 10 times better

Great content as always my dude!

Nice, your review is the one I was waiting for! Granted, I got my preorder in a few days ago but haven’t had a chance to open it and play it yet. Maybe those black select/start buttons were easier to source or make but yeah, slight disappointment.

This controller caught my eye specifically for Street Fighter 6. I was always a pad player, however, I enjoyed the tighter execution of arcade sticks. But the far throw of the stick and the travel for each button never kept me on. That might change with this.

Hey Scarlett sprites Thank you for the advice for the Mr. FPGA It worked perfectly with my controllers that f12 really helped out thanks again 🤙

will this work on a mac for retroarch? looking for a good low-profile controller for 8bit/16bit and arcade games that has a stick instead of a D-Pad. I currently have the 8bitdo M30 genesis controller which works fine, but I prefer using a control stick over a d-pad most of the time.

This controller is amazing for shmups!

I wonder if I could remove the clicky stick from the 8bitDo pad and put it in my real NGCD controller. The clicky stick in that has never worked tremendously well and it feels... not very smooth.

Great video brother! I think we’ll be covering the controller too, hopefully.

What I want 8BitDo to do is make a wireless kit for NeoGeo controllers-from AES to CD. I also love what 8BitDo did with the design: it’s like if the Super Nintendo controller and the NeoGeo CD controller made sweet love, and made an amazing controller. It may have its father’s shoulder pads but it’s definitely got it’s mother’s good looks!

Thx for the review, if you like it then its worth getting for the mister, after all you are my goto for all neogeo things m8

So bummed I wasn’t able to preorder in Australia & still can’t get one yet. Hopefully this isn’t a US only release. Like you I want to use it with original hardware if I can.

This controller sounds great! I'm definitely getting one. Thanks for the review. Have you ever had any issues with the sticks on your original pads wearing out? I hope 8bitdo found a way to avoid the micro switch failures that I've heard about regarding the original controllers.

Star is screenshot button on Switch, and 8bitdo logo is the home button on a Switch

It’s my first time holding a neo geo controller I enjoy it

Just got this, the only bad part is the Start and Select font.

If you’re reading this 8bitdo, please make this awesome NEOGEO controller compatible with the SNK Arcade Stick Pro! 😁

Great that you do new content again! 🎉

I really wanted I've for my original Neo Geo CD. I already have more than enough controllers for my other consoles and PC. It's a Pass for me but still amazing product.

You can get an 8BitDo USB Wireless Adaptor2 with a firmware update to use this on the switch. I wish it cam with this adaptor in the first place is another nitpick I might add, but it really is a nice controller.

I was waiting for your review, no doubt about that. I KNEW you would give us the NO BS opinion here. With that said, I agree with everything you said about the center being an absolute mess of design. Too many words! Even SNK didn't put ANOTHER logo at the bottom, what were they thinking there? Needs 2 SNK logos on front to appease the Neo Geo gods!!!! MUHAHAHA! Serious though.... cmon 8BitDo, you got more class than that. VERY happy to hear the stick is good and the buttons are good. I plan to use the heck out of them on our MiSTer and this just gives us an excuse to dive into more NG games and might even give some SNES games a go since its got the layout for it. NES, TG16 / PC Engine... this could be my go-to controller. Hell it will make an amazing Amiga or Amiga CD-32 controller! Yeah mine needs to ship NOW! haha, still waiting for our pair but i'm super excited now to get it. Thanks dude you are an absolute legend!

@Scarlet Sprites The Star and Heart buttons are for Home (Main menu) and Take Screenshot when using it with Nintendo Switch.

I can't wait to get mine in the mail!!!!!! So excited!!!

You said this pad has never been reproduced but SNK did make a version for PS2 called "Neo Geo Pad 2"

The 8bitdo button works as it should on the Analogue Dock which brings up the menu. I believe it would work as it does with other 8bitdo controllers on the Switch as well

They’re pretty damn good Been using on the neo geo mini

5:27 on my controller start and select is grey.

Thank GOD they added shoulder buttons. Without it the options would be so limited, there are so many 2d games I want to play on Steam and I am going to have fun using this pad

Hold Star button and hit the button you want Turbo on. Home is for going to the Neo Geo Mini menu.

I love mine! I wonder if it would be possible to 3d print a small sleeve to go over the joystick post to shorten the throw.

Nice, a controller with micro switches... Will it work with my Neo Geo ASP as well?

With the switch always worth checking you have pro controller wired connection selected in the console settings...

$50 for a neo geo bluetooth adapter. Humbly smoking the crack!

I know the original control pads need maintenance with its directional pad from time to time. In terms if reliability do these and a modified SNK mini controller have the same issue?

Neo geo cd controller is arguably the nicest looking console controller ever. Snk is amazing.

no mention of Mac. Has anyone tested this controller on any Apple computer?

I wonder if SNK did not want 8BITDO to use the font or have other similarities, to avoid confusion with the original NEO GEO controller 🤔

I know it's blasphemy, but I actually prefer the button layout of the Neo Geo Mini controllers. It's the way I play Neo Geo, and KOF games, so the original NGCD button layout always bugs me. I can just map the buttons to my liking, but the visual layout of the controller is gonna be that one little nitpick for me. I do wanna get this controller eventually when I can.

Hey, have you tried with the Game Linq Arcade Stick Pro? I use on my ASP when I connect to the PS5 or the Switch.

Curious to know if this will work on Xbox Series consoles with the Wingman XB.

It should work on the Steam Deck, right? I have plans using it for MAME.

3:38 how come 8tendo didn’t italicized the letters?

When are you going to release more arcade cabinet repair and restoration videos? Those are my favorite videos you make.

Great video! About the switch compatibility, 8bitdo has since released a firmware update for their bluetooth USB dongle for various systems (switch,ps classic, md mini, etc) that adds support for the neogeocd pad. So If you have one of those, its now possible to use this pad on the switch (and other systems)

Games Care in Brazil, makes Bluetooth connection for all models of Neo Geo consoles, even for the MVS board. ❤

Wow, this was your favorite controller from the past? How many did you try out as a kid? Hahaha Jokes aside, congrats on the review. I didn't know this had been released, and I was glad to see such an honest and comprehensive analysis. Now, 8BitDo, bring us the AES controller!!!

I want this but it doesnt work on switch

I plugged mine into USB on PS3 and worked for the most part the buttons were mixed up still kind of playable I had trouble backing out of apps games so have a Official PS3 controller to do the testing. Thanks for the video Scarlet Sprites

So does this pad work for the Neo Geo AES system🕹🎮😀👍🏾

Now I wish I bought this system back in the day. The prices for this is through the roof.

I wonder if it works on the SNES Classic mini

YES HOT DAMN!!!.....wait.....NO DB15??!??!.....not for that price. I'll refurbish original NGCD controllers and keep using them with my AES and 4 slot via supergun. Really screwed the pooch on that one. I realize it's a small market, but to not include original hardware support in any way? Adapter/cord? I could take them apart and wire them up to cords, but not for what they're charging! XD

Is it compatible with the Mini Neo Geo consoles?

Getting the Scarlet seal of approval isn't easy! They should put this on the box. Slightly upset you made me notice the font change though 😂 Even the A B C D part is wrong, and much worse looking

Hi, can you give me a link to the 8bit do test latency ,,,i don't find it ? thank you

Mine arrived today. The up direction doesn't make a click noise. Has anyone else seen that on theirs? I'm assuming it's a manufacturing defect, just wondering how common it is.

Does anyone know how to set this controller up in Retroarch???

Mate thats what i noticed straight away "The lower case font" Why? A small nit pick, but its about the detail.

I purchased two of these, and I LOVE the clicky microswitches that the controllers for the mini lacked. Having said that, I wish they would have included a dongle for the AES. That would have made purchase really worth it. I'm really hoping that they correct this, and come up with something in the near future.

It's about time this happened 👍👍