Famicom/Super Famicom USB controllers

[lkermel]

More and more Famicom/Super Famicom USB controllers have been surfacing and I was wondering if they are any good, or if someone know if there's a brand that's worth purchasing. I've been looking to buy one to play on my netbook (I currently use my sidewinder but it feels a bit too big) and I'm worried to buy one that looks good on the pics but doesn't do the job...

Here're some auctions: SFC controller,  FC controller

thanks for your help

[michaelthegreat]

I've heard good things about the buffalo ones. Supposedly, the famicom one is harder on the hands--especially with the extra buttons. The famicom ones are less than $15 in Japan if I remember correctly.

[satoshi_matrix]

Do you already have existing Famicom or Super Famicom controllers? You can find straight up converters on Retrozone (and ebay) for around $20.

This way you can use existing first party controllers on your PC or on their original consoles.

Retrozone also sells excellent USB conversion kits that are almost idiot proof, but making such a hack does mean your old controllers will be exclusively USB. I would recommend spending the few extra dollars so  you can retain their original functionality.

[lkermel]

Do you already have existing Famicom or Super Famicom controllers? You can find straight up converters on Retrozone (and ebay) for around $20.

I've been thinking about it, but I purchased a Playstation converter a couple of years ago and it wouldn't properly work on my PC. Some of the directions wouldn't be properly mapped if I remember well and I couldn't get the calibration to work
This is why I want to try a full-on USB controller instead...

Supposedly, the famicom one is harder on the hands--especially with the extra buttons.

I may get the SFC controller actually... I wonder if this is because FC controllers where designed for kids, but my hands usually hurt after I play my Famicom for 30mns or more... or maybe I'm just getting old

[satoshi_matrix]

There are so many Playstation to USB adapters out there its hard to say, but sounds like you got a bad one. I own the Retrozone USB adapters and can personally vouch they work perfectly. If you bought them you wouldn't have any problem at all.

[jpx72]

A USB Famicom controller from usb.brando.com just arrived to my door and I must say It's perfect! Really feels like original and the buttons have "the right -push- sound" Also the Turbo function is very well implemented (can be set for any button) and according to the manual booklet, a "second" (player two) controller model with microphone is out there somewhere ...
Recommended for all famicom fans !

- from another thread (and cheaper than on ebay)

[lkermel]

Thanks jpx72 - I went ahead and ordered a Buffalo Super Nintendo USB controller from the link you sent.
I'll let you know how it feels/works when I receive it. I thought about getting just an adapter but it'll be a lot simpler/easier for me to have everything in one device...

[jpx72]

I'm very happy with it, so I hope You will be happy too. My Buffalo FC pad seems pretty sturdy and plays exactly like original. I hope the Snes pad will be ok too.

[satoshi_matrix]

Wait, holy shit, I didn't notice that. That Famicom controller is actually a Super Famicom controller., complete with shoulder buttons! WHAT.

[lkermel]

OMG ! You're right, I didn't notice that at first either. I'm still glad I went for the SFC controller though, the shoulder buttons on that FC controller look paintful to use... jpx72, have you tried to use them ?...

[jpx72]

Yeah the shoulder buttons are there...its a shame... but they are nearly invisible because of the color and they don't stick up from the pad body, and they are small...and no, I don't use them. Haven't even tried. They are no bother at all, so I still recommend this pad. Maybe it's just me but I love the plastic it's made of. I think it's nearly identical to original.

Also I should say that that this is really a 8-button controller! A, B, X, Y, L, R, Start, Select. And of course the D-pad (x,y-axis). So yes, this is also a SFC controller. I use FCEUltra emulator for nes/fc games, and it is ideal because you can set buttons X and Y as Turbo A and Turbo B. About the Turbo/Clear buttons - when you want to add turbo function (strobe) during gameplay, you can press and hold for example A-button and press Turbo. To clear, just press-hold the button and press Clear.

review (not english): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3K50xZRmsA

[vgthing]

Why not just use the real thing?

http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=0331b8b3490755ba25fe663711cbe1cd

[satoshi_matrix]

Yeah, I pointed this out already. Retrozone adapters are the best on the market, might as well be considered first party. I don't think Nintendo themselves could make better adapters.

[jpx72]

Why not just the adapter? Well because retrousb doesn't offer Famicom-to-usb adapter, and even if they do, I will not  use my original famicom controllers, because I want to preserve them (that's the point). And no, NES and FC controllers are not the same! Sure I can use any famiclone pad but the quality is nowhere near the original FC one. And why use famiclone pads when I can buy buffalo USB pad that is already third party, it's very close to the real thing and feels and looks like the original? And is already USB ready!

[satoshi_matrix]

the difference between the original design of the NES and Famicom controllers is literally skin (or rather plastic) deep. The PCBs are identical and they feature the same button parts.

But either way, as iconic as the NES and Famicom controllers look, the pale in terms of comfert to the AV Famicom and NES 2 Dogbone controllers.

Also, since the controllers share the same PCBs, its entirely possible to remove a Famicom DB-15 connector (and cable) and replace with an NES 7-pin connector (and cable).

Of course its all a matter of preference, but here's the breakdown of what you could always do:

1. Buy SNES Retroport simply use a real SNES controller for both NES and SNES emulation
2. Buy NES Retroport and use real NES or NES2 dogbone controllers for NES emulation
3. Buy NES Retroport take apart NES controller cut its cord solder it onto a Famicom controller and use Famicom controller on real NES or on PC through the Retroport.
4. Buy third party knock off USB controllers


Side note: thinking now, it should also be possible to mod a Famicom with NES 7-pin connectors itself, entirelly eliminating both Hard-wired controllers and the need for DB-15 controller connectors. I think I might be onto something!

*Runs off to theorize further*