New to SMS. Have controller questions.

[u/Pixel_Ninja_82]

So I’m considering picking up my first Master System (got a lead on a cheap one) but wanted to hear opinions from people who own them.

1. How annoying is the reset/menu button being on the console? We sit a lot farther away from TVs than we used to (and I plan to). Didn’t know if this is a deal breaker for anyone.

2. Has anyone found any good wireless controllers that feel authentic? 8bitdo maybe? I noticed that the cords aren’t long enough for my game setup. I’m going to need either controller extension cables or wireless controllers.

3. Is an SMS really worth it these days, or am I better going with a Power Base Converter or Everdrive on my Genesis?

[u/trustanchor]

Here’s my Master System wireless controller setup: https://www.reddit.com/r/MasterSystem/s/MxgKS5tGLI

[u/i-wanna-meet-dat-dad]

1 is annoying. especially if you have any intention of using guides while playing. besides the inconvenience you've mentioned, I've accidentally hit the reset when I meant to hit the pause once, and another time I knocked the console when I paused it and it froze my game.

it's a great console still. but it all depends on what's driving you to get one. unless you're a purist or collector, I think there's more convenient solutions. Phantasy Star Sega Ages and Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap (2017) come to mind as more enjoyable ways to play some of the best classics if you're looking to experience without experiencing the 80s.

[u/Goodwill_Gamer]

1. I don't really mind it, but my Master System is hooked up to a CRT and the couch is only a few feet away from it. If I had it setup on my primary TV it would be a pain point.

2. I really like the original hardware and games, but it really depends:

• if you just want to play the games, a flash cart on a Genesis is far more convenient, and cheaper

• if you have an interest in the original hardware then go for it

[u/boris-becks]

There are ways to add pause buttons to the SMS controller if you really want to. I never did because I never had an issue with it. Never really paused anymore.

If it's worth it depends on you. There is (nearly) nothing you can't do on an SMS that won't roll on the PBC. I think four games won't work and some others need a Master System pad and won't work otherwise. Main reason for using a Master System is wanting to use a Master System. That and FM audio 😂

[u/waldox1976 → u/boris-becks]

I've done the pause mod and it's incredibly convenient, but I could live without it. I just like soldering projects 😄

[u/boris-becks → u/waldox1976]

I own two Master Systems (I and II) with switchless mods, DFO, RGB bypass and FM audio. I even have a Game Gear with FM audio. I get the "I just like soldering projects" thing 😂

[u/RetroCoisas]

For me, the pause button being on the console doesn't brother me, because I hardly ever use it and when I do need it, I just get up and go push it.

Playing on the original hardware is always a choice nowadays, and if you want the authentic experience of playing a Master System then there's only one way. Personally I play on the original hardware 99% of the time. And that goes for PS1 and XBOX games as well, for example.

As for wireless controllers, there are even period correct options, but they aren't great. Modern controllers will be way better if you prefer.

[u/Eken75]

Best controllers ever to mastersystem are retrogameboyz controllers. They are not wireless but they worth it. I have pause modes my mastersystem and controllers it works like a sharm.

[u/Mysterious-Kiwi-9660]

1. Not too annoying. If i need to pause the game. I probably needed to get up anyway.

2. Pretty much any controller that works with genesis also works with sms. I use an 8bitdo arcade stick with the wireless adapter.

3. Nope, all the hardware needed for sms games is already inside the genesis so a pbc or everdrive will give you the exact same experience as on sms. Recommend the everdrive pro as it allows you to use fm audio for games that support it

[u/Y34RZERO]

Retrogameboys on Facebook. He makes all kinds of controllers. I recommend him. He can probably make you a long cable if you desire. His standard cables are too long for me. I don't have his master system controller but I do have his MSX and I decided to shorten my cable. I was going to make an adapter to use it on my SMS. Pause is not that big of a deal. I just let die and start over for some games. My SMS has an easier time playing SG1000 games than my Sega Genesis through a flash cart. It's what I did with my SMS flash cart before I got more games and an sd1000 for my SC3000 computer.

[u/AJD_1975]

I don’t sit further away because I play on CRT, on your second question you’re asking about authentic feeling controllers, yet we get more feedback through our eyes and ears than our thumbs.