Sega Genesis controller, 3 or 6 button?

Nathan1031982

Ok, so I plan on getting original game system controllers and converting them to USB to play my ROM's.
All the systems are actually easy except the Sega ones. I have some Genesis, 32X, and a couple Sega CD ROM's I will want to play.
My problem is I don't know if I should get one six button and one three button controller, or just get two six button controllers.
In addition, I am unclear on exactly what model(s) I should look for.
I prefer to stay with authentic Sega controllers, as modding them won't be an issue.

Any advise?

barbudreadmon

I think it depends if you intend to play sf2 or not.
Also, it is worth mentioning it is always a good thing to have a few "extra" button for retroarch hotkeys if you are using retroarch.

By the way, i prefer saturn controllers over genesis 6 buttons controllers (i used mine for every emulator, until i bought 2 "Hori FC4", which is my new reference gamepad), but that wouldn't be original system controllers :)

jsawhite

For my genesis conversion, I used the 6 button MK-1470 controllers. I connected them to a 2 port Sega to USB converter I got off Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QRZ1HVS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Reason being is that with the start and mode buttons (which both show up as gamepad buttons), you can have a start and select with an OEM Genesis controller...

Also, make sure to follow the Wiki on the genesis emulator. By default it's set for only 3 buttons (even though you have six)...

Nathan1031982

@jsawhite I would prefer to just have the cable be USB, so I have no issue cutting cables. I plan on getting this circuit for the conversion. I used it to make an adapter cable for a TurboGrafx 16 controller. No way do I want to cut that cable up.
I will just get a nice 6 foot USB cable from Anker for the controller.
Otherwise, it looks like getting at least one 6 button controller, if not two, is the best rout in terms of functionality. Now to find a MK-1470.

edmaul69

@Nathan1031982 the 6 button controllers are far more comfortable the 3 button ones. Remember to make the mode button your "select" button when you setup your controller.

edmaul69

Also i think you said you have used them before, but for anyone reading this, i highly recommend all products from raphnet-tech.com. Good stuff and really small boards.

Nathan1031982

@edmaul69 said in Sega Genesis controller, 3 or 6 button?:

Also i think you said you have used them before, but for anyone reading this, i highly recommend all products from raphnet-tech.com. Good stuff and really small boards.

Ya, I ordered another conversion circuit from there. It can be a little dificult soldering to it because of it's size, however you can't beat the functionality.

markyh444

I bought and converted an old Saturn controller which I found pretty easy. I used the db9 driver and wired it to the gpio pins, but when researching the wiring loads of people had been converting them to USB.