8bitdo SN30 review: A lovingly crafted Super Nintendo-style controller for retro gaming - gambillweating

At a Glance

Expert's Valuation

Pros

Looks and feels even better than the original comptroller
Modern features that work across multiple platforms

Our Verdict

8bitdo's SNES30 stands unsuccessful from the motley bunch of third-party controller options. It's an amazing diversion of the SNES controller, crafted with care. If you'ray into retro gaming, this comes highly recommended.

Editor's note, October 2, 2018: 8bitdo has released new colours of the SN30 that are inspired by the Gameboy Pocket.

Emulating classic games on your PC has never been easier, but finding a perfect retro controller to play those games with has been a different story. Enter 8bitdo's SN30 ($35 on Amazon), a Super Nintendo Entertainment System-style controller for the present times. And by "SNES-panach" I mean "reflection."

Merely while the SN30 reminds me of interminable nights acting The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, information technology also introduces a few subtle changes that improve upon the archetype—a monumental exploit.

8bitdo SNES30 — 8bitdo's SNES30 looks and feels just like the original Nintendo controller.

8bitdo SN30 specs

The SN30 is fully congruous with Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.7 and later, Mechanical man 4.0 and in the lead, Steam clean, and the Nintendo Switch. Set u the 'Legacy' firmware systematic to use it with Raspberry Pi, Nintendo Wii, and Wii U. 8bitdo's controller supports clit correspondence and configuration support for X-stimulant and D-stimulant, Macintosh mode, and Nintendo Flip manner.

A 480mAh rechargeable battery rated for 18 hours of playtime is housed inside the SN30, which (officially) takes 'tween 1 to 2 hours to fully charge. These results held true during my across-the-board time victimization it. Despite putting continual hours into Topnotch Metroid in the past month I've only had to recharge it erst. But since you can still sport while the controller is charging via USB, it didn't bother me one bit to be plugged into my PC.

8bitdo SN30 connectivity

The SN30 connects to your PC via Bluetooth 4.0 or an included micro USB cablegram. A majority of my testing was done on Windows 10 with a USB Bluetooth dongle. It worked like a charm. Despite being surrounded by Bluetooth devices at my desk I never felt any substantial latency or suffered from born signals.

Arouse the controller by holding down the Start push button, along with the X button to map out it to the X-input layout. The LEDs light up when the controller is excited. At this point you connect it to your PC by plugging in via USB, or by keeping Select to go into Bluetooth pairing modality.

Excogitation &ere; features

8bitdo has held faithful the design of the SNES controller—easily, apart from the now-yellow patina recovered on originals. A wave of nostalgia washed o'er me every meter I picked it up. All of the dimensions and features are spot on, right downfield to the texture of the plastic. I've always felt that the SNES controller fits perfectly in my hand no matter what age I was, and it's the same with the SN30. In fact, the added weight of the barrage fire inside 8bitdo's controller gives it a more material feel than the original. Comparison the two now makes the classic one smel somewhat flimsy and cheap.

The buttons on the SN30 are more clicky than the ones on my original Super Nintendo controller. Partly of information technology could be from the countless hours of wear and tear I've set out happening the original over the decades, but eventide sol I prefer the spear carrier click of 8bitdo's hardware. It takes more pressure to set off and gives me a satisfying signal that it's been pressed. 8bitdo also hyperbolic the distance from fight to bottoming unconscious, which provides feedback and decreases trumped-up positives.

Although we didn't test it, a Asian nation pattern variant is likewise available for Super Famicom fans.

8bitdo SN30 conclusion

8bitdo's SN30 is an amazing recreation of the SNES restrainer, crafted with care. I loved my clip with it and I've never been happy with the 3rd political party controller options out there. If you're into retro gaming, this comes highly recommended.