Should You Buy The 8BitDo Neo Geo CD Controller? Full Review and Teardown

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Should You Buy The 8BitDo Neo Geo CD Controller? Full Review and Teardown

Рет қаралды 20,451

Күн бұрын

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Sometimes a surprise just falls out of the sky and into your lap...and 8BitDo announced and released a brand new Neo Geo CD pad compatible with Windows 10, The Neo Geo Mini, Android...and while they don't advertise it...it also works PERFECTLY with MiSTer FPGA on all cores...but most importantly the MiSTer FPGA Neo Geo core!
The Neo Geo CD pad originally came in box with the Neo Geo CD and is considered by many to be one of the best controllers ever made as it uses micro switches on the D pad vs rubber membranes like most video game controllers. Sadly over the years many Neo Geo CD controllers have broken down and almost all of them require repairs to keep working...so its amazing to have a replacement on the market!
But the question is...is the 8BitDo Neo Geo CD pad worth it? Let's put it through some tests, do a complete tear down and look at the internals...and do a full 8BitDo Neo Geo CD Controller Review!
Patreon Thanks: Seth Peterson, John Thompson, Paul Daniel, Porch, Jon Anderson, RayceARoni, Kurangui, Jason Hixon, Alex Tessler, Jonathan Leung, Martin Donlon, Tom Van Deusen, Barabob, Steve Randall, Ahab, K-2, Renaissance 2K, Ivar Wennerholm, Adrien Sebbane,
tobemorecrazy, Mike Puelinckx, Tony Escobar, H7, Humanoide70, Ben Parfitt, Holder Schmidt, Tim Lehner, Shad Uttam, Dan L, James Mann, Richard Schneider, Coupon Joe, Sunder Raj, Dorfus the Maple Syrup Man, John Booty and Craig M!
I asked, you answered...and I try to listen :) I've had a metric TON of questions as to whether or not I'd be picking up the new 8BitDo Neo Geo controllers...and of course you know I did!
Tests I did: Neo Geo gameplay, Capcom CPS II gameplay and CAVE 68K core gameplay. All the systems I'd want this controller for as I am a huge Neo Geo AES fan and arcade retro gaming fan.
I tested the controller wired into my MiSTer FPGA as well as hard wired on Windows 10 as well as 2.4ghz wireless. I will share the results in the video!
But for everyone asking...the 8BitDo Neo Geo CD Controller works perfectly on MiSTer FPGA. Its just plug and play over USB and instantly detects and binds all its buttons exactly as you would expect.
This controller is going to become a favorite of many arcade fighting game fans and shmup fans! It worked amazingly well on Garou Mark of the Wolves as well as Matrimelee for me...and those are games I know and love!
Questions? Comments? Just leave them below and I will do my best to answer each and every one of them!
/ videogameesoterica
You can follow us at IG : ChicagoGameCollector , or join our Discord Server : / discord
#retrogaming #retrogames #retrogamer #misterfpga #emulation #emulator #neogeo #arcade #arcadegames #gaming #gamingsetup #kingoffighters #arcadegaming #snk #kingoffighters #controllersettings #8bitdo #streetfighter

Пікірлер: 506

@dorfus Жыл бұрын

The first update makes the pad compatible with Switch via 8bitdo’s other usb Bluetooth dongle.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

pinning this

@dorfus Жыл бұрын

Should be noted you have to run an update that as well.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

👍

@mushroom4051 Жыл бұрын

The mario brick adapter

@dorfus Жыл бұрын

@@mushroom4051 the 2.0 works- the original does not.

@StardustX7 Жыл бұрын

Now it s up to 8bitdo to build the retro controller holy grail, with saturn buttons layout and neogeo cd thumbstick

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Haha that would be quite the thing to see

@MakeKasprzak Жыл бұрын

Count me in.

@HollowRick 6 ай бұрын

Wow I'd buy that tomorrow

@VideoGameEsoterica 6 ай бұрын

Me too

@alidan 11 ай бұрын

really hope they do a mashup of this and the 6 button gennesis controller, probably the two best fighting game controllers mashed into the perfect fighting game controller

@VideoGameEsoterica 11 ай бұрын

That would be an interesting concept for a controller for sure

@TalentedAndHot 5 ай бұрын

that would be my dream controller for fighting games

@VideoGameEsoterica 5 ай бұрын

It’s def a niche but it would be useful for some people

@HollowRick 2 ай бұрын

@@TalentedAndHot same I just wish If they do make another iteration that they make the stick closer to the neo geo pockets as that has less of a throw

@ledrevolver Жыл бұрын

Thank you for reviewing this, I was concerned after their last attempt at a modern controller lacked the clicky stick

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Happy to do it. Controller is a banger

@Allyouknow5820 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I had been waiting and looking at this one, because I'm really happy with my M30 controller from them for everything 2D, but it's true that this would be extra nice for Neo-Geo and Arcade 😊

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Its 100% worth ti IMO

@chiefthunderhorse4430 Жыл бұрын

Those look great, I'm a huge fan of their controllers my personal favorite being the Turbo Grafx wireless controllers they released, but I also own the Genesis/NES/SNES and absolutely love them

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I love the TurboGrafx one. Use it on the MiSTer PC Engine core. Great controller

@AJ_UK_LIVE Жыл бұрын

Looks really nice. I have a megadrive and SNES one from 8BitDo. Quality pads.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Ive had hit or miss results with 8BitDo so far. This is a hit

@CaptainFalco311 Жыл бұрын

ESP Ra De is such an underrated gem. I expected nothing less from this channel!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Haha thanks. Classic CAVE

@jonathanlisowski5618 Жыл бұрын

Esp Ra De is soooo good! M2 did a bang up job with the port too. The included training mode is friggin' amazing & for anyone wanting to seriously "get good" they created a mode to do just that!

@CaptainFalco311 Жыл бұрын

@@jonathanlisowski5618 Yep I'm so happy I picked it up

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s a classic for sure

@poodudeelite Жыл бұрын

I share the exact same sentiment, it is great and the perfect controller for arcade games on Mister. I tend to switch between this and m30 genesis controller for both console and arcade games. Glad to see more people getting to know this great controller seeing as how originals are wearing out and getting very expensive now.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes mine are either repaired or needing repair. Keeping them alive is a job

@chrislaustin Жыл бұрын

I never owned the NeoGeo CD, but I did have a few different NG Pocket models, and I love these types of sticks. I love fighting games, but for the life of me I can not you arcades style fight sticks, so I've always used 6 button fight pads. But those always vary in regards to usability by there design, having actual microswitches changes the game in regards to accuracy. During the PS3/360 era PDP released some fight pads that used switches and while the pad worked pretty good, the build quality wasn't the greatest, and they wouldn't stand up to heavy use. I would love to see 8BitDo offer up some fight pads in this stick style at some point in the future.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

They really are just better than a membrane D pad hands down

@flink1231 Жыл бұрын

I pre-ordered it and got it super early. It is great but I still prefer the neogeo pocket mechanism for the stick. Having said that, this is great and available, so kudos to 8bitdo.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s nice to have a modern option

@fercanelita224 Жыл бұрын

I about to recive my controller, and I have been playing to much with my NGPC i hope the sensation feel similary ♡

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s very similar

@bournedevinesupreme Жыл бұрын

This is a dream come true for me. I didn't think we've ever get a true modern version after the infamous "clicky button is expensive" email from SNK.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Lol SNK really botched that one

@nicholasgarratt5646 Жыл бұрын

This is now available in the UK. I have ordered it from Amazon and want to play Neo Geo with Batocera. I hope the buttons are already mapped. I do prefer the button layout of the regular Neo Geo controller.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

They were mapped on Windows but that’s all I’ve tried outside of MiSTer

@Robert-G Ай бұрын

just ordered one. not just for neo geo. having a proper directional stick/pad is also important for Amiga games. And probably just a nice luxury for SNES games, too

@VideoGameEsoterica Ай бұрын

True. Useful for a lot of diff platforms

@devilxking2 Жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for someone to finally release the Neo Geo CD controller with microswitches. The 8bitdo M30 is fantastic so I'm not surprised this pad is quality too

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’ve had good luck with 8BitDo stuff lately. Some of their earliest stuff was a pain to get to work but that was years ago

@Bugatti12563 Жыл бұрын

Mine is coming in next week! Will be using it on my Mister and PC. I have an OG NGCD controller but USB adapters for these are very rare and very expensive!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes. I have two OGs. One rebuilt and one in need of repair

@SuperKokuJin916 Жыл бұрын

I love this! I still never managed to snag a NeoGeo or NGCD but I still have my Neo Pocket Color and that AMAZING clicky thumbstick spoiled me forever! This seems viable for KOFXV. Matrimelee is one of my favorites. But the end boss and her "theme song" gave me salty PTSD back in the day. I actually wince a little whenever I hear it outside the game! 😅 Scarring Memories! ❤

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Would def be viable for XV

@chfgn Жыл бұрын

I absolutely *love* this controller for playing Neo Geo games on the Switch. Between Arcade Archives and the NGPC collections there's a vast Neo Geo library to choose from on the eShop and this controller makes them such a joy to experience.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’ve yet to try it on Switch but I’ve heard with the adapter it works quite well

@rars0n Жыл бұрын

I always wondered why the Neo Geo CD controller didn't get more recognition. I'm assuming it's because it was a pretty niche system by the time it came out. I like a good d-pad but having that arcade stick-derived design makes inputting movements into fighting games so much easier for me. I might pick one of these up just to try various games with it on my PC and MiSTer.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s well known with people who’ve used it but that’s still a pretty niche market

@Turbotef Жыл бұрын

Never got one, but I did get two Neo Geo Pocket Colors back in August 1999 and that clicky stick it had was amazing and extremely durable! I did order one of these new pads and it immediately reminded me of all those portable good times I had 24 years ago! I use it wired to play arcade games on Steam. Will buy more if they add more versions. My Neo Geo Pocket Color collection on Switch will be a lot more faithful now. I was secretly hoping for a clicky stick joycon but this is even better!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Click joycons would be awesome

@FuzzyVids 11 ай бұрын

@@TurbotefMe too! I was thinking about returning mine until I saw that it has Switch support now.

@VideoGameEsoterica 11 ай бұрын

Yes it’s funny they didn’t launch with it considering they announced support so close after

@defkonzer0 8 ай бұрын

I've been having those controllers I preordered a pair on day one and it works with my MiSTer flawlessly especially when you are playing NEOGEO games.

@VideoGameEsoterica 8 ай бұрын

Yes the implementation is perfect and they are great for Neo Geo

@Charlie-Cat. Жыл бұрын

Fantastic review on the NGCD controller from 8BitDo. I ordered a few for the collection and looking forward on making good use to them VGE. Thank you for sharing this with us bro. Would you be interested on sharing this upload on the Neo-Geo thread VGE? The members and guest would be really interested on seeing this from you bro. Anthony..

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yep I’ll share it later today!

@Jeffmetal42 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this review, I was wanting to get one but was waiting for a proper review before I got one. 👍

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Happy to do it!

@PixelCherryNinja Жыл бұрын

Great Review. Now i just need my controller to arrive.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Seems like some people are getting delayed per comments

@Witchboard1 Жыл бұрын

I pre-ordered mine, but they won't be here until Monday. Glad to hear they are as good as expected. Can't wait, but I'll just have to!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

The shipping seems a bit messy. Some people got them a few days early. Some got them on time. Others are late

@michaelmonstar4276 8 ай бұрын

I'm not someone who is invested in retro, or rather actually old, consoles and games, although I want to try some of the older games (and systems in a way) through emulation, but I'm something of a gamepad/controller/peripheral enthusiast and like to "collect" (but also actually use) the more unique ones that are also well-made. I'm particularly a sucker for say "retro hybrid" stuff, in that they're not just things looking like older things, but also revised and combined with newer technology. - What 8BitDo has been doing is exactly what I like. Because I'm not someone who would just go and buy up old stuff, both because it's... old... which doesn't always mean "better" as it can physically have deteriorated, and that for the kind of money you can spend on it these days. - No, I like that they make new products that are similar to the old products, plus some extras, like wireless and programming and such. - Oh, and not that expensive at that, without really cutting on quality. - But anyway, thanks for the look at this one. Good to hear that it's actually a good product.

@VideoGameEsoterica 8 ай бұрын

That’s fair. It’s fun to have old style controllers made with modern tech

@beebot 8 ай бұрын

I got one and have used Neo Geo CD controllers for years - it seems very decent from a few hours of use on various shmups in Mame. I'd say it definitely has a bit more throw than the original, but that will be an easy fix (by embiggening the shaft slightly). I'll now have to look into getting this working on other systems via adapters as right now it only works on Mister and the PC. Ideally I'd like to get this working on the Switch, Xbox 360 (which still gets a lot of use) and PS4.

@VideoGameEsoterica 8 ай бұрын

Embiggening 😂 nice

@maximaxxx2531 Жыл бұрын

I got two myself! I would like a NGCD-style six-button controller though, that'd definitely be great for Capcom fighters. Of course, I can just use my Saturn pad for those haha.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes a six button would be great. I can’t do shoulder buttons for the games. Never works for me

@Blas4ublasphemy Жыл бұрын

Awesome, would love to also be able to buy this as a "split pad" to connect to the sides of the Switch or with PS4 support. Will buy one anyway.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Now there’s an idea!

@SuperKokuJin916 Жыл бұрын

Don't worry. I'm sure Mayflash and Brook have dongles that can help with that...

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes it’ll get adapted to almost everything eventually

@Blas4ublasphemy Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica Would make the NGPC games so much more authentic feeling IMO

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Would go a long way for sure

@BenjaminHoudu 7 ай бұрын

Currently using it on SF6 on PC. Zangief SPD are perfectly done with this pad.

@VideoGameEsoterica 7 ай бұрын

It’s a great setup for so many games D pad wise

@Helvetica_Scenario Жыл бұрын

I wish the switches on the d-pad were more crisp, and that it didn't require as much play to activate each direction. This keeps it from being identical to the original. The build quality on this is excellent, though. No creaking, or rattling plastic parts. It's very solid, unlike the Retrobit Saturn pads, which feel extremely flimsy, especially the shoulder buttons.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

The hard part about “identical to the original” is we all have diff controllers with diff wear. Mine feels diff than yours. Because of how old they all

@Helvetica_Scenario Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica The thing is, it's the 8bitdo switches that feel kind of spongy, not the original Neo Geo ones. I even have a PS2 version of the Neo Geo CD pad that has crisp microswitch inputs. If the difference were simply due to age, the original SNK pads would feel worn, not the other way around. The good thing is the difference isn't so extreme that I'll be returning the 8bitdo. I just wish they had sourced better internals.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

They have a less pronounced actuation but it’s so marginal I find them to perform the same in game

@Helvetica_Scenario Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica I've mostly gotten used to it. I'm using it for the Neo Geo core on the Mister. :)

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s a great controller for MiSTer. Works right out of the box

@kramerdesign9443 Жыл бұрын

Exactly the endorsement I needed

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

👍

@mrcwalker33 8 ай бұрын

Of all the videos on this controller, this is the best one! Man, great work. Super informative

@VideoGameEsoterica 8 ай бұрын

Thanks. I try to put in as much info and teardown as I can where I can

@mrcwalker33 8 ай бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica there is a momma joke in there somewhere

@VideoGameEsoterica 8 ай бұрын

I mean your mom bought me the controller as thanks for a good time so 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

@vicviper5009 Жыл бұрын

I see ESP Ra. De. and Progear, I upvote My controller will arrive in 2 weeks (Europe here), I can't wait to get my hands on it !

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Two weeks. Bummer!

@NeggyNegi 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for this! I wasn't sure if I wanted one of these until this video. It seems like something really fun to try out with some fighting games when I don't want to pull my stick out, but people's complaints about the large throw on the joystick made me second guess it. Your teardown shows how trivial an issue this is, though. I just have to 3D print little blocks of various sizes until I find the perfect throw length for me, then fix them to the actuators of the microswitches. The controller is on sale for 20 bucks right now, what's there to lose

@VideoGameEsoterica 9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. It’s def worth the asking price. And yes modding the internals to shorten the travel would not be hard at all

@optionlV Жыл бұрын

I just got mine, and can only compare it to my Exar NeoGeo PS3 pad. On the 8bitdo, it takes more force and there's longer throw to actuate the directions. The deadzone is essentially larger. I'm thinking the microswitches used are just not comparable to the older replications. Or perhaps the actual lever to actuate the switches is simply not large enough. Another user compared to their PS2 NeoGeo pad and had the same findings.

@optionlV Жыл бұрын

I just popped open both my controllers. It's definitely the switches used in 8bitdo's. They take more force and have longer throw to actuate compared to PS2/3 replicas. the lever size is the same, however on my Exar, the stick top is lower profile.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I like the big longer of a throw

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Good info to have!

@theconsolekiller7113 Жыл бұрын

Awesome review and breakdown. Main issue I had with these is the fragility. Had to keep selling them and rebuying used. Will give this one a thorough beating for a few months and see how it holds up before ordering more back ups. For 35 bucks I could deal with a 6 month lifespan of HEAVY use. The black version takes a while to ship from Amazon, so Im not sure how limited these will be. First review that brought up shooters too. Very nice. I always felt a little more delayed with shooters on the Neo pad, but you make me want to give it a longer test. Maybe I will end up using it as a replacement for the M30. Blew my mind for fireball style fighting games and was awesome for Shock Troopers and DKC games. Im also now a modded stick user for shooters mainly. They shouldve added the two extra face buttons, for 6 face buttons, like the SNK re-released PS2 Neo Geo SNK pads, but most games should be fine for me. Im glad they included turbo though. Retrobit never does.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

For me shmups are as important as fighting games when it comes to input reliability and ease of use. They are as fast Twitch as a fighting game

@theconsolekiller7113 Жыл бұрын

Definately. I play through a large volume of games yearly, the full range of new and old, all genres pretty much. I enjoy specialised controllers for certain types of games but this was a controller that inspired me to use on everything, since it was so enjoyable to use. Major disappointment with the constant breaking , reselling, buying another used one, again and again. Hopefully these new ones last a little longer before having to re-purchase. Im not expecting M30 durability, but 6 months of heavy use would be acceptable. @@VideoGameEsoterica

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’d expect at least a year myself for the price

@theconsolekiller7113 Жыл бұрын

That would be nice. Ill believe it when I see it, ha ha. @@VideoGameEsoterica

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Time will tell!

@xONLYFEET Жыл бұрын

Great review; I love mine! Back in high school, when UMVC3 was new, my dad drove to a GameStop to get me the last Marvel Comics sticky pad in my local TriState. Maybe even further, but I remember he drove after work for like an hour each way to pick it up. It had an 8-button clicky stick 360 pad with a Marvel Comics design and quickly became favorite controller of all time. Until the stick stopped clicking and broke after a few months... And when the company (Pelican?) replaced it they gave me a generic black pad design, I was pissed. But art design isn't everything so I could've lived with the replacement had it lasted more than a MONTH. Gave up on the pad and the company after the second controller broke. All this to say while I miss the 6-button configuration from my Marvel pad, this NGCD stick feels superior closer to my NGPC's sticks. 8bitdo's Neo Geo CD controller brings back great memories from a better time in my life.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes we still need to wait and see longevity tests on these pads. The one thing that’s not possible to do yet is say how they hold up long term

@sketchy0078 11 ай бұрын

So my controllers have just turned up. I exclusively use them for mister and honestly for anyone looking to play shmups these are a must. Thank you for your review and I hope for anyone on the fence they jump in and just enjoy what is probably once of the best controllers ever released in the 90s.

@VideoGameEsoterica 11 ай бұрын

Glad you are enjoying them!

@nmnate 5 ай бұрын

Appreciate the thorough review. I think I'm gonna have to pick one or two of these up to go with all the neo geo titles on switch or mvs mini. I could never love the 4 face buttons for capcom games either. I had started getting into fighting games on Genesis (SF2 SCE / SS2T) and then Saturn (Alpha 2), and going to PS1 was pretty jarring for Alpha 3. I love the hell out of that game, but didn't care for sony's button layouts. IMO the neo geo style microswitch dpad + 6 face buttons and 2 single shoulder buttons would be ideal for me.

@VideoGameEsoterica 5 ай бұрын

It would be fun if they used this design for a six buttons on the face variant too

@gez9145 Жыл бұрын

thanks. ordered two after watching this.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Enjoy them!

@Animated__Freak Жыл бұрын

Oh I've been wanting a new one of these for a while. I remeber they made some for the PS2 and PS3 that are crazy expensive now. So I'm happy to see a new one from 8bitdo. I'm a little split on the button layout. On one hand I really like that they where daring enough to go with the original layout and it's going to be great for neo geo emulation. On the other hand, there are a few modern titles I want to use this one with that won't work because of those two missing buttons. Are the buttons just the same as the original? I always loved how they manage to make the buttons on the original lose enough that you can rapid press them like an arcade button. Most controllers have their buttons a little to stiff to do that with.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes it’s great to have this style controller back in a reasonable price point. Buttons def feel identical

@TitchgamerRG Жыл бұрын

Great vid man, I ordered 2 of these to! My Kyo and Mai ones landed today but not had a chance to play yet. Love that colicky stick :)

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Colicky lol. Like a baby?

@TitchgamerRG Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica damn auto correct LMAO

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

🤣

@Jerome-C Жыл бұрын

Yes !! You should buy the 8BitDo Neo Geo CD Controller .... great stuff

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s a great controller. Highly recommend

@shotgunl Жыл бұрын

Great review. I might have to go and buy one. Since I a waffled around in the late 90s and early 00s when I more interested in getting a Neo CD/CDZ and never got one, I've never actually used a Neo Geo CD controller. So, does the stick feel like the Neo Geo Pocket Color thumbstick? I fell in love with that when I picked it up just after it came out, but that's really the only clicky thumbstick I've used I think so it's the only perspective I have.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I def recommend one. Feels great. Somewhere between Pocket and NGCD

@Ragesauce Жыл бұрын

My only issue is the cosmetic look of it, the start and select buttons specifically. The original controller you showed it looks like the font is slightly italicized and in all uppercase, for the 8bitdo they chose to do some weird + and - as well as lower case font which just seems really redundant to spell out select and start but then include symbols. I wish they would have stuck with the italicized caps font. The other gripes I have are the SNK is repeated twice, that seems really weird to have it all at the top like that then have this little tiny SNK at the bottom. Again more unecessary stuff, it's so bizzare. Lastly and this is minor...why is the start and select button black and not gray? So weird! What are they doing!?

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes the black and not gray was a weird choice to me too. It’s so accurate h til that

@stopatgod Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tear down! I'm happy to see that it actually has a sorta square gate. So it might be very good for fighting games. Shame that there are only 1 set of shoulder buttons.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Not sure what people are using the second shoulders for? Well if they existed

@stopatgod Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica Mostly for street fighter games. I like the heavy punch and kick available on the right hand side.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Interesting. Makes sense. Never tried that

@abusukar 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video full of wonderful details. You should try the new 8BitDo micro and open it for us. This would be awesome. It is rare for KZfaqrs to open the product and show the details of the electronic circuit and battery.

@VideoGameEsoterica 11 ай бұрын

That’s exactly why I opened it. I hadn’t seen anyone else do it

@lolcat Жыл бұрын

definitely will be getting that mai version before it gets expensive she's a cutie

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Haha probably going to prove to be the most popular variant

@victorhasselblad311 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! And how cool that the release of the controller coincided with the update of the Neo Geo CD core. I've been waiting a very long time for something decent to play arcade games with. This week we got a double argument for playing Neo Geo (and other arcade cores)!🤘

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes it’s like they planned it but honestly how could they? Can’t really schedule to a core dev on a niche device!

@victorhasselblad311 Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica Of course! The keyword is "coincidence". It's just entertaining to watch these gatekeepers of fate))

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

So is your last name Hasselblad or are you a photographer?

@victorhasselblad311 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm a photographer. And you, apparently, are knowledgeable in this area.

@GenesHand Жыл бұрын

They did make a PS2 and a PS3 version of this controller with front buttons. Unluckily they are very rare and hard to come by.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Not cheap either sadly

@vers1fier 10 ай бұрын

FINALLY, the greatest gamepad ever conceived is BACK!

@VideoGameEsoterica 10 ай бұрын

So nice to have it back too!

@VOAN 8 ай бұрын

Not all Capcom fighting games used 6-buttons, only Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, Rival Schools, Red Earth, and Star Gladiator use the 6-button setup. Other fighting games such as the Marvel vs. games, the Capcom vs. SNK game, Saturday Night Slam Masters, Pocket Fighter, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Power Stone, and the Mega Man Power Battle games all used 4 buttons.

@VideoGameEsoterica 8 ай бұрын

The great thing is whatever the layout they are all covered here

@dogey8831 Жыл бұрын

I just bought their M30 controller and I kinda hate how they rounded out the controller compared to the original saturn one, but I highly prefer the triggers

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’ve yet to try that one

@johzho123 Жыл бұрын

I thought the travel was a cinch long so I added the silicon stem mods from Novelkeys custom keyboard switches to the actuators and now it feels perfect.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’m testing mine with heat shrink tube over the shaft to semi open the gates at default

@johzho123 Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica I actually tried that, the white low friction bits grip too much to the heatshrink material sadly. With the Novelkeys stem inserts, I had to actually drill the contact stems deeper slightly and wider by some micro amount. The pieces are actually infuriating to place back together if not careful, loose springs on all four directionals. I do wonder if there's a better method, the stem does hold most of em in place though.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yeah I’m still playing around trying to find something perfect myself

@G.G.___162 11 ай бұрын

As much as I've always wanted, and tried, to love the Neo Geo CD controller for fighting games like so many people say they do: both the original Neo Geo CD controller and the 8BitDo one, are just straight up disadvantageous to play with for fighting games; especially if you're competing. Like with any commands in Fatal Fury / KOF / all those fighting games, that have double qcf / qcb + attack, ESPECIALLY double qcb + attack, (qcb qcb + attack) is just incredibly inconsistent to pull off; and even when you do pull those moves off, it takes significantly longer to input it compared to using a Saturn d-pad, for example. It's just simply not good for that. I've always really wanted to love the Neo Geo CD controllers, but no matter how many times i go back and give them a chance, it just always falls flat of expectations in regards to performance. It's a shame really, because they're so cool and I want to like them.. but they're just simply not good for fighting games, and never have been. I don't know how they ever got the reputation for being "the best controller for fighters", cuz that was just straight up never the case If you took the best Fatal Fury player, and cloned them, and had them play against each other; with one using a Saturn controller, and the other using a Neo Geo CD controller: The one with the Saturn controller would absolutely destroy the one with the Neo Geo CD controller every single time. Absolutely no contest

@VideoGameEsoterica 11 ай бұрын

That’s fair. Everyone gets their own feels about a controller. I love it but I’d also take an arcade stick over anything else if I had my choices

@G.G.___162 11 ай бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica yeah for sure; nothing quite beats a proper arcade stick

@G.G.___162 11 ай бұрын

really it's just the double qcb + attack (qcb qcb + attack) that's the issue Like, just a single qcb + attack works beautifully, and just feels great to pull off on these controllers, every time Same with qcf + attack, and actually even double qcf + attack. And really every other common motion for moves in those games. It's just specifically double qcb + attack (qcb qcb + attack) Which in Garou: Mark of the Wolves, is the command for every character's Super & Power moves (if you're on the right side) It just simply won't trigger like 70% of the time; it almost seems like an rng situation if it does or not But when it doesn't trigger, if that character has a regular special move that is just a single qcb + attack, it will do that instead of the special every single time; suggesting it clearly got my qcb + attack input; And I'm just straight up doing the exact same motion twice, but no dice I almost wonder if it's something with the game itself; but the same exact situation happens with SVC Chaos: SNK vs Capcom If just that one specific command would trigger like it feels like it should, I would be 100% on board with these and they would be my main controller I've kinda figured out a technique to pull them off more frequently, but it basically requires doing half-circle-back twice instead of qcb, which takes a lot longer to pull off Plus pulling it off in the middle of action is a whole nother thing, rather than just practicing it fully prepared I'm gonna try to really get it down, cuz I really want to use these controllers. But ive tried and failed many times before.. but I'm better at it now at lesst than ever before

@shiningphantasy1393 Жыл бұрын

Well you sold me on the product without much trouble; looks excellent for Neo-Geo, Arcade, and other four button or less fighting games like Tekken and Virtua Fighter.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Easy to sell people on it. It’s so good

@RazorRazorsEdge Жыл бұрын

Absolutely love the Neo Geo! My favorite 2D system of all time! So happy to see modern controllers for this one...

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

One of my fav consoles as well

@miaouew Жыл бұрын

THE Perfect non-analog old school style game pad. My favorite non-arcade stick controller ever made....8BD really outdid themselves!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’m glad the NGCD pad is back and it’s good

@32_bit_gamer Жыл бұрын

Mine already came in and I love it for Shmups.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s amazing for shmups.

@viewtifuljoe99 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see this turned out well. I want to love my white m30 controller but it keeps sticking on diagonals and holding the input, was worried this would have a flaw too. Need to see online if there's something I can do for that issue with the m30 dpad since it seems to be pretty common.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Hmm that’s a bummer. Bet there’s a solution

@Zilog80_ Жыл бұрын

I haven’t noticed that issue but also haven’t used it extensively. This featured controller would be the primary alternative to the M30. So far I’m happy with my M30, has anyone else had issues?

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard from a few others that have had issues

@Zilog80_ Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica thanks for this impressive video. It looks like a great controller for strikers-like or even Metal Slug games. I’m going to need a bigger controller drawer. Maybe I’ll 3d print something…

@KokoTheGorilla69 9 ай бұрын

@@Zilog80_I've owned a couple M30s for over two years and never had a single problem with either

@yllib2012 Жыл бұрын

Looks like my purchase. 2 thus of the black models. So far, I love them.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yeah I had to have two. Mostly because I knew I’d tear one down and had no clue what was inside so it was possibly I’d break it along the way

@FuzzyVids 11 ай бұрын

I wonder if 8bitdo would be allowed to make an ultimate pro fighting game controller with (inhale) - 4 shoulder buttons - At least two programmable back buttons - Rumble - Two analog sticks - 6!!! Face buttons And last but not least, the Neo Geo clicky thumb stick as the d-pad. (mic drop)

@VideoGameEsoterica 11 ай бұрын

haha my guess is no but Id buy it (then rip it apart and mod it)

@wildside4822 Жыл бұрын

I'm considering purchasing this for Fortnight play, thanks for the review

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Lolol nice callback

@dorfus Жыл бұрын

It working on Neo Geo mini is such a weird addition. I get it, but like, was anyone waiting for a good way to play their Neo geo Mini?

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

haha probably just because SNK insisted

@alexwoywood5950 Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if i just got a bad one or they're all like this. When holding any direction I let off slight tension (before the release click) it drops the input. My C button also requires a harder press than the other face buttons. If i hammer on everything then the controller works fine. I just don't like being rough with any of my peripherals.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Sounds like maybe you should swap it out. I didn’t encounter any of those issues. Button input shouldn’t drop that soon

@bruhmaxxer Жыл бұрын

Can't wait for mine to arrive

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Hopefully soon!

@TheRealDustinNunn Ай бұрын

Will the Neo Geo CD controller work on the Neo Geo AES? And by the way, according to 8BitDo, their company name is pronounced "Eight-Bit-Dew".

@VideoGameEsoterica Ай бұрын

Original CD controller yes. This no

@SatoshiMatrix1 Жыл бұрын

Do you have a PS3? I'd love to know how this controller mapping works on PS3. PS3 is so old ow that controller reviews don't document comptability but the PS3 works with virtually all third party USB controllers, so I would imagine this would work too. Just wondering what the mapping is!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I do. Next time I am using it I will plug it in

@Mingodough Жыл бұрын

Do you think the clicks stick would be easy to repair in the long term? That’s my only concern, otherwise it’s great, I love how they added shoulder buttons, makes it like a snes controller but with clicky sticks!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

If they sell the units as spares it’s solder and go. Tearing it down to repair one switch? Probably not doable

@MarquisDeSang Жыл бұрын

they are cheap, just buy 2 or 4

@gcolombelli Жыл бұрын

I don't have the courage to disassemble mine to check it out in detail, but considering there were people modding the Neo Geo Mini pad to remove the analog stick, 3d printing parts and converting to a microswitch dpad, there's a decent chance this one is going to be easier to repair.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Oh I’m sure modders will step in with some cool stuff

@AndrewStottisTheIndiWerWlf 5 ай бұрын

What do you say at 3:24? Even with closed captions I cant make sense of it. I'm trying to figure out if these work with the AnaloguePocket dock.

@VolJoe 15 күн бұрын

You mention that you like the square opening on the bottom of the arcade stick. Are you aware you can spin it to make it a 4 direction controller for games that need it (like Pac-Man)?

@VideoGameEsoterica 15 күн бұрын

Was not aware no

@VolJoe 15 күн бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica there are a couple of companies that sell a simple motor that you can throw with a switch To go between four and eight direction stick.

@pedrozanon7245 Жыл бұрын

Very good review! 2 things i wanna ask 1) do you have any thoughts on the 8bitdo M30? The Saturn like. 2)do you have any more hardware reviews like this?

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I don’t have the Saturn controller so I don’t have much to say on that. And I generally don’t do a lot of modern hardware reviews but I am changing that :)

@analog_ape Жыл бұрын

Was waiting for your video on this and you were quick! Now just gonna see for a lag test number and then make the purchase. Got affiliate links for Amazon Japan? ;)

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Haha I don’t even have affiliate links for the US. I should probably do that

@PixelGod240 Жыл бұрын

Good morning thanks for the content

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Happy to do it

@MarquisDeSang Жыл бұрын

WOW always wanted a Neo-Geo CD, now I it is kind of possible. Just ordred one on Amazon.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

The time is now lol

@IcyTorment 2 ай бұрын

Have you tried out any leverless controllers? I've started using them for fighting games and shmups and it's been great so far.

@VideoGameEsoterica 2 ай бұрын

I have. I can’t hang with it

@JB____________ Жыл бұрын

ok ok ok ... you win.. im ordering two :) Great review brother :)

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@MakeKasprzak Жыл бұрын

I'm still waiting for mine to reach Canada.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes seems some people have experienced some shipping delays

@greensun1334 2 ай бұрын

My controller arrived yesterday. It's very clicky and precise, almost like a stick. Sadly, it's not compatible with the Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro (a missed opportunity. I would like to use it for a 2nd player), but it works very good with Windows PC and Anbernic ARC (Linux).

@VideoGameEsoterica 2 ай бұрын

It’s good for what it does work for

@bloopbloopbloops 7 ай бұрын

I hear that the control thumbstick is on a square gate instead of a circle/octagonal gate. is that true? I really LOVED the Neo Geo Pocket Color's thumbstick. clicky, and full smooth circle motion, with 8 distinct clicks at each direction. THAT's what i'm looking for in a controller.

@VideoGameEsoterica 7 ай бұрын

It’s the same gate as the original

@emailpragabriel 7 ай бұрын

What game is this before Progear? Thanks for the great review!!

@VideoGameEsoterica 7 ай бұрын

I’d have to check. It’s been a minute since I made this and I forgot what I put in lol

@JARL0RD Жыл бұрын

Iirc, the original controller design had a flaw in that there was residue build up from the moving parts and they'd eventually lose their clickiness or certain inputs wouldn't register. I've repaired 3 of them myself. In taking this apart could you tell if these improved on the design at all to avoid this issue?

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes I have one with no left input currently. I can’t say what it’ll do long term wear wise. Only time will tell

@BenJelter Жыл бұрын

There is also an official controller for the neo Geo mini that's cheaper and comes in white. It doesn't have shoulder buttons but I'd be curious how the build quality and sticks compare.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Not that I’m aware of no

@oblivieon1567 Жыл бұрын

Those are analog because according to SNK at the time "Clicky sticks are hard to make" 🤣

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Lol SNK…why 🤣

@BenJelter Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica I also am confused about what color each button is supposed to be... I see pictures of different colors in different positions!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Really? I haven’t seen those. Got a link?

@Supaslicer Жыл бұрын

This is not fun or random...thanks for this man

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Not fun? Lol

@Supaslicer Жыл бұрын

@VideoGameEsoterica lol.... crap...sorry was changing my daughter's diaper while watching and responding.... multitasking failed me Awesome video as always friend

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Hahaha no worries

@gunsmithx Жыл бұрын

morning got mine and the click is so satisfying

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Its a great click. I love all micro switched controllers

@gunsmithx Жыл бұрын

Never tried this style before shame it didn't catch on

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

More expensive. That’s why it never caught on

@brendanroberts1310 Жыл бұрын

What about compatibility with og neo geo hardware. You would of thought there would be a adapter or something.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Maybe in the future but at this rate that’s such a small use case for people

@brendanroberts1310 Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica shame I.was gonna get one for my AES.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I still use my OG AES sticks I changed parts in

@Hreasvalgor Жыл бұрын

Seems like a well made controller, the soldered in joystick may present some problems if joystick starts to drift and you have to replace it.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yes but basically the only way to really do it would be soldered to PCB

@Vara91391 Жыл бұрын

I can even play this with my Analogue Pocket Dock (need the 8bitdo USB Dongle 2 tho for an extra 20 bucks), and you need to update the dongle also to the latest beta (you can choose it top left during updater).

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’ll test on Pocket once mine arrives but good to know

@RetroRockGamer Жыл бұрын

Just got mine, if you love neo geo buy it,, it's great

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Yep! I can’t recommend it enough. Love it

@erick103 Жыл бұрын

I wonder if you could take the microswitches from the 8bit and transplant them to the original NG controller? Great review on this by the way!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Anything is possible but wouldn’t be easy

@erick103 Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica I like those odds!

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Haha those are the odds I use on all my mods

@retrobrahhh Ай бұрын

when i press down, mine doesn't click, but the other directions click. is yours the same?

@VideoGameEsoterica Ай бұрын

No. Should def click in all cardinal directions and diagonals

@AaronPaden Жыл бұрын

Ooooo. With that stick, this might be a good mame controller

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’ll def make a great MAME controller

@prince_rakeems_retro_gaming Жыл бұрын

Have you used the NEO GEO mini pad? Wondering how it compares to this. I have a couple I picked and use with the MiSTer, but now thinking maybe I should pick up an 8bitdo 😁

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

Fundamentally better.

@RyRyTheBassGuy Жыл бұрын

Did they really not mold braces in the back panel for the sholder PCBs?

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

There is a tiny .5mm plastic edge it sits under but otherwise it’s kind of just chilling out a bit. My only real issue with the build quality is you can watch the wires move when the button is pushed. But it’s just an observation…may never prove to be an issue

@ultraspinalki11 Жыл бұрын

Ordered two of these recently. Excellent review! Did you happen to review Retro Bit's Saturn Wireless controllers in the past?

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I mentioned it in a MiSTer controller video but not a specific review. Mine is great. I’ve heard from others there’s aren’t. Seems hit or miss

@ultraspinalki11 Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica Do you have V1 or V2 Saturn controllers? I have both but can't tell any difference between versions. Mine have yet to give me any issues.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I’d have to check

@man33li41 8 ай бұрын

I got the usb versions of the of the original meogeo pad and they are awesome just a bit softer of the cd pad. Also , they are fragile.

@VideoGameEsoterica 8 ай бұрын

This one hasn’t proven fragile yet for me

@videogameobsession Жыл бұрын

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! :(

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

I mean it’s a lot of systems already so I have no issues with it. It does what it says on the box

@videogameobsession Жыл бұрын

@@VideoGameEsoterica When it comes to 8Bitdo products, they rarely list all of the compatibility on the box, often adding them later, such as with Switch compatibility on the M30, . I don't think a single one listed compatibility with Analogue products at the time of launch. It was expected though as Analogue and 8BitDo have a strong partnership, where each new Analogue console is shown with their controllers, with 8BitDo even making special edition controllers to match the color schemes of their consoles, I.E. the translucent controller perfectly matching the translucent Super Nt. The Analogue Pocket Dock in particular had compatibility with just about every 8BitDo 2.4g controller, so it seemed like a natural progression to add the NGCD controller, especially with the Neo-Geo Pocket Color core+cartridge adapter on the way. My guess is that SNK is not happy with Analogue making hardware which is significantly better than their own recent offerings, and gave 8BitDo explicit instructions NOT to allow their licensed controllers work with Analogue products.

@VideoGameEsoterica Жыл бұрын

It’s possible. SNK licensed it so they had a say