USB Super RetroPad - Click to enlarge
There are many USB controllers available on the internet for purchase. Some of them look like Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) controllers and plug into your computer so you can play games with a cool retro-looking controller. The problem is that many of these controllers are NON-Genuine SNES controllers. In fact, a bunch of them that are available from places like Amazon.com have reviews that the controllers don’t even look like what the advertisement picture promised. And there are many fake SNES controllers floating around the internet and Ebay. But I wanted an authentic USB SNES controller so I diligently researched the different options, read reviews, looked at forums and eventually I came upon an interesting piece of information. According to one forum, someone mentioned that the company, “The Retrozone” which you can visit by clicking on THIS link, offered a SNES USB SuperPad that was high quality and made from an authentic SNES controller. I looked at the website and it seemed familiar. It turns out that a couple of years ago I purchased a USB Super RetroPORT, which is a little bit different. Well what the RetroPORT does is that it makes it so if you have an actual SNES controller you can plug it into the RetroPORT and it will make it work as a USB controller for a Laptop or PC, and I think even a MAC. At the time I had a few SNES controller laying around so I purchased the RetroPORT and it worked great. But unfortunately my RetroPORT and SNES controllers are all in storage, so I can’t get at them. So when I saw that Retrozone offered a SNES SuperPad that was already converted to USB I was extremely excited.
Here’s what I paid for the USB Super RetroPad:
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1 x USB Super RetroPad = 38.00
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Sub-Total: 38.00
Zone Based Shipping Rates (USPS Priority Mail): 6.00
CA TAX: 3.23
Total: 47.23
OK, so it cost me just under $50 for the whole item. That may sound expensive, but the reality is that I wanted to pay a lot of money for my controller. This may seem crazy, but the fact is there are so many fake controllers that are low quality and NON-Authentic that were around $20 or so that I was willing to pay more for a product I would trust and appreciate.
USB Super Retropad wtih Packaging
So I purchased the controller and it said that it is, “In Production.” This was a good thing because these Super RetroPads are custom built by some dude and his, “minions.” I really like how he calls his assistants, minions. It gets me in the gaming vibe. I ordered it on the 23rd of October. And it was In Production for about 4 business days. Then it took only a couple more days for the item to get to me by USPS. Retrozone provided me with a tracking number once my controller was finished being constructed and was shipped. All I had to do was click on the link in my e-mail to track the shipment of my order. When I opened the package I was so stoked that the controller was in such good condition. It looked extremely clean and ready-to-be-used. I liked how Retrozone used bubble wrap to protect the controller during shipment. Also the quality of the USB cable from the controller was new and of perfect length to be used with my laptop. Roughly judging the cord length, I’d say it is about 3 or 4 feet in length.
USB Super RetroPad Model information - Click to Enlarge
After taking a look at the cord and pressing the buttons to make sure none of them stuck or were too loose, I examined the back of the RetroPad to evaluate the model number and other information. It showed the correct insignia and model info. For example it said: MODEL NO. SNS-005 Rd. 1991 Nintendo Made in Japan. When I saw that I was relieved and vindicated for spending my money on the thing. But that didn’t come close to how I felt when I actually got the controller working on my laptop. I use Windows 7 and I plugged the RetroPad into my USB port with the computer turned OFF. Then I booted her up. Once Windows was loaded a status indicator informed me that the USB input device was being installed. I watched the little green bubble dance around the icon for multiple rotations, each moment taunting me with anticipation. Finally it said that the controller was installed properly and was working. YES! I wanted to confirm this so I entered the control panel and looked at my connected device settings. I looked for a calibration setting but couldn’t find one. That’s when I remembered that the FAQ on the Retrozone website said that the USB Super RetroPad does not require calibration. It showed a cool icon for the RetroPad and I was ready to test the controller.
I loaded up a piece of software that emulates Nintendo Homebrew games. I activated one game and set up the input information. I changed the key settings from keyboard to the appropriate buttons on the RetroPad. I tested everything from movement to jumping and firing and everything was perfect. My fingers felt the specific form of pleasure from the accurate pressing of a button and watching the sprite on the screen dutifully follow that command. Mouse controlled games are fun, but the sheer visceral gratification of using an authentic SNES gamepad is unparalleled.
Thus I had a problem. Today is the day of the Halloween party. There are going to be sexy girls there and people in cool costumes. I also purchased a costume that I think will be fun, total spending was $65. In addition to a costume I bought some non-alcoholic beverages for myself and to share with everybody else. The guy at Trader Joes said that my drinks might make good, “chasers.” So everything was looking good for the party…Except, I now have my USB Super RetroPad. So I had a couple options that I was considering. I could go to the party and wait to use the RetroPad. Or another option was that I would throw out my costume and pour my drinks down the drain. I was really on the fence until I jumped on Facebook. My friend asked me if I was ready to have a great time at the party and I mentioned my situation. He seemed disturbed that I was even considering not going. But I just love the way the buttons for “Y” and “X” are concave and inviting, while the buttons for “B” and “A” are convex and bold.
After careful deliberation I decided that I am still going to go to the party. But the truth is, that part of me will always be here, with my USB Super RetroPad.
Click HERE if you want to get a USB Super RetroPad.
-Tyler