8bitDo FC30 controller - any good?

[gorgar]

@caver01 yeah same controllers with Bluetooth dongle.

[windjammersfan]

I've been using the 8butdo FC 30 Pro and NES 30 Pro with Pi3 on board bluetooth and no noticeable lag. Not the controllers the OP asked about but probably very similar spec. I've found them both to be very good.

[caver01]

@gorgar That's good news! Would you mind sharing the make/model of the dongle you are using? Maybe it doesn't matter much, but I figure a known working device is better than gambling on something. Besides, there are plenty of BT versions out there!

[Eldrethor]

I have the FC30 Pro and the NES30 Pro, and I have a love-hate relationship with those controllers. On one hand, they're really sleek and sturdy for a third-party controller, and I don't notice any input lag, so they're the best retro controllers that you can get right now. It's great if you're putting together a full retro ensemble (NES case, controllers, theme, CRT, etc).

But on the other hand, my PS2 controller performs way better in every possible way. When I compare the two, the NES30's D-pad feels clicky but almost to the point where it's a tad too stiff, which is not how it was on the original NES controller (or any first-party controller for that matter). I also think that the face buttons are small, and the L2 and R2 buttons are hard to reach (no faults of their, as I can't see where else on the controller that they could possibly go). The L3 and R3 buttons are perfect for activating hotkeys, but I otherwise haven't had a practical use for the analog sticks. If I play a PS1 game that uses analog, I use my PS2 controller to make the experience feel more "original".

Overall, it's still a good controller for what it is, and most retro games play just fine with them (fighting games are horrible on those things though), but it's in no way mind-blowing. Still, it's the highest quality retro controller that I'm aware of, and it goes really well with a retro Pi case.

[mikechi2]

@gorgar @itsnitro What kind of games do you play?

[A Former User]

Mostly SNES Games. I do dive in a little bit into Game Boy, but that's about it.

[RumblinBuffalo]

@Eldrethor said in 8bitDo FC30 controller - any good?:

But on the other hand, my PS2 controller performs way better in every possible way.

I've been looking at controller options and was thinking about giving the 8Bitdo model(s) a try. I've used the iBuffalo's to this point.

But I've read a couple times (and now here!) about the great performance of the PS2 controllers. I have access to a couple of these already - but what I don't know, is what adapter to buy to hook them up?

Would you mind sharing which adapter you use to connect them to USB?

Thanks!

[edmaul69]

@RumblinBuffalo on ebay the ps1-2 adapters in the clear blue plastic work great for me. They were listed as hde brand on the ones inside my pistation 1. Dont buy single controller adapters other than the radio shack because they are really still 2 player adapters with the second player as the only useable player.

[RumblinBuffalo]

@edmaul69 Thanks! I saw those on Amazon (HDE brand - blue plastic) for about $4 + shipping. I think I'll give them a try.

[edmaul69]

@RumblinBuffalo no problem. I havent done it but i believe there is a post to make the rumble work on them.

[Lyle_JP]

@itsnitro Nope, I solved my lag issues by disabling the wifi radio completely and by turning off threaded video. There is still lag compared to the genuine article, but no more than expected with any emulation. It seems to be just as good now as when I was using wired controllers.

I will say that the NES30 is a little small for my hands. I may need to pick up the SNES-looking equivalent.

[jamesbeat]

Why on Earth would you play Robotron and Smash TV with a controller? :D

I'd advise you to stock with wired controllers. They have the best performance and never need to be charged, and besides, they are more authentic.

10' extension cables are your friend :)