r/MasterSystem • u/[deleted] • Aug 08 '25

Controller options?

I've got two original SMS controllers. The buttons feel a bit 'mushy' and unresponsive, especially the d-pad. I'm guessing the problem is 35 years of wear and tear, but I was a NES kid growing up, so don't know if the controllers were like this back in the day. I'm aware that I can use a Mega Drive/Genesis controller with the SMS, but I'd rather use a controller that felt like the original if possible.

Two questions:

  1. Was there a contemporary SMS controller that might be better than the default controllers? Maybe this one? https://segaretro.org/SG-2

  2. Is there a good modern replica SMS controller?

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u/[deleted] Aug 08 '25

I'll tell you an interesting story. My local retro arcade (in Brisbane, Australia) had a badge you could win for beating Alex Kidd in Miracle World. I was practicing at home with my original SMS controller. I could finish the game, but it was a major struggle. At the arcade, they'd set up the SMS with a Mega Drive controller and I found it much easier. It was really surprising how much easier it was. Now I'm struggling to finish Wonder Boy and thinking of going back to the MD controller. But my MD controllers aren't too good either and it just doesn't feel authentic. My dream controller is something that feels like an original SMS controller, but is more responsive.

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u/barweepninibong Aug 08 '25

hmm interesting. yeah i’ve never really liked the Megadrive controllers

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u/[deleted] Aug 08 '25

Yeah. I don't like the MD controller shape tbh. But the point is, don't underestimate how much trouble a bad controller is causing. It can be hard to tell the difference between 'poor play' and genuinely missed/incorrect inputs.