As controllers continue to become more advancedin pursuit of competition-level gaming, those who prefer to stick to the sidelines may not be as interested in top-of-the-line options. Some gamers may have an old favorite they wish they could hook up to their current systems, while others may wish to revisit gaming’s origins through hands-on experiences.
Retro-Bit Origin 8
Retro Fighters Defender Next-Gen Controller for PS1 - PS2 - PS3 - PS Classic
For any gamer who wants to buck modern trends and use older models, retro controllers are a great way to go. Although most retro-style controllers are nottrulyretro, their design, shape, and button layouts feel authentically old-school yet perform well even with the latest consoles andPC builds. This guide comprises thebest gaming controllersfor playing retro titles in 2024.
Updated on June 11, 2025 by Sarfraz Khan:As the demand for better and more affordable controllers increases, we have updated the list with the best affordable yet functional controllers you can buy for your console or PC.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Retro Gaming Controllers in 2024
8BitDo SN30 Pro
Available in several nostalgic color options, like the transparent purple of the Game Boy Advance, or the gray and red colors of the SNES, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro boasts all the modern-day features associated with gaming controllers. These features include Bluetooth connectivity, rumble vibration, motion controls, and a rechargeable battery over USB-C.
8BitDo is well known within the retro community forits top-tier accessories, so it’s no surprise that its lineup has some of the best retro controllers around. The SN30 Pro has plenty of modern features, such as clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, Bluetooth and wired connection, a rechargeable battery, a home button, and a screenshot button. Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, Android, and Steam, most gamers can use the SN30 Pro to play through decades of retro titles.
This retro gamepad is somewhat styled after the SNES controller, with bulbous sides and clicky bumpers. 8BitDo offers the controller in five colors, including coveted transparent options in purple and green. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with support for Xbox and PlayStation consoles, something diehard fans of those consoles must consider before purchasing. Also, keep in mind that it’s going to be significantly smaller compared to the modern gaming controllers you get with the current-gen consoles. It’s not a big deal but can be a problem for users with big hands.
Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller Cortana 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
This Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller is a special edition Halo 20th Anniversary Cortana design controller that features a Cortana montage played right inside the Xbox button. The bumpers of the controller mirror black and white buttons, and it has precision analog triggers. The controller also includes a 3.5 mm headset jack and vibration feedback for more realistic gaming experiences.
If the previous one was too small for your hands, you should consider the Hyperkin Duke controller, which will fill your hands through its excellent ergonomic grip. It might cause memories of youthful gaming to come flooding back, especially with their limited edition Cortana version of the controller. Shaped likethe original Xbox controllerbut designed with a bit more comfort, this stylish controller is perfect for revisiting classic games from the early 2000s. With its unique design and features, this controller is an ideal choice for fans of classic first-person shooters likeHaloandHalo 2,as well as gamers who appreciate high-quality gaming accessories.
Complete with the iconic animated startup screen in the center, the Hyperkin Duke Xbox controller is certainly a sight for sore eyes. The rumble packs have been updated to provide quality haptic feedback, and a 3.5mm jack means that players can chat away regardless of how old their game is. Plus, with precision analog triggers and a detachable USB-C cable, players can enjoy retro vibes alongside modern specs.
8BitDo Pro 2 Controller
The 8BitDo Pro 2 retro controller is the latest version of the company’s most popular model. Featuring advanced functions such as rumble, hall effect, and motion controls, this controller is the best of both retro and modern gaming. The Bluetooth connectivity is compatible with Apple, Switch, PC, Android, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi. With a 20-hour battery, players can keep gaming on the go without worrying about recharging.
The great thing about retro gaming on PC is that there are far fewer limitations on which titles are available. Once again, 8BitDo steps up to deliver exactly what retro gamers want: a great controller. The 8BitDo Pro 2 features a ubiquitous design that seems to draw on both NES and PS1 controllers. The result is a simple retro-style controller that’s comfortable to hold for hours.
A bit more advanced than some other retro controllers, the Pro 2 offers wireless Bluetooth, haptic feedback, motion controls, and an impressive 20-hour battery. The controller is also fully customizable, with two paddle buttons on the back and three profile slots. While the motion controls only work with the Switch,the rest of the controllerworks perfectly well with PC, Android, and iOS. Another notable feature that makes it stand out is its Hall Effect joysticks that register the input even at the slightest movements and don’t introduce any drifting in the long run. At just $50, this is perhaps one of the greatest retro controllers ever made for the PC.
PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller
The PowerA Wireless GameCube Style Controller brings back memories of gaming in the 2000s, and it remains a favorite forSuper Smash Bros.tournaments. Offering players the classic octagonal gated sticks, extra-large A button, and the unique bean-shaped X and Y buttons, this officially licensed Bluetooth wireless controller for Nintendo Switch is almost perfectly identical to the original GameCube version. Naturally, the design has been improved with larger shoulder buttons and D-pad, plus added left shoulder and system buttons for compatibility across all Nintendo Switch games.
One of the first retro controllers that fans demanded for the Nintendo Switch was the iconic GameCube controller. Although the new iterations aren’t exactly the same as the original, PowerA’s wireless GameCube-style controller is one of the best options for Switch players. Although competitive players will prefer it while playingSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, with re-releases of old favorites such asSuper Mario Sunshineand the olderPikmingames, PowerA’s wireless GameCube controller has plenty of action to tackle in classic form.
The new version of theGameCube controller uses Bluetooth 5.0. Plus, it can last for up to 30 hours on a single charge, so players can game the night away without feeling the need to recharge. However, the controller uses two AA batteries, and the need to replace them every week or so does make it somewhat unappealing to some users. Still, the controller compensates for some of its flaws by featuring Switch-specific functions, such as motion controls and the correct array of menu buttons in the center. One downside of this controller worth mentioning is that it has limited PC compatibility.
8Bitdo M30
8Bitdo M30 works wirelessly out of the box and has an excellent and stable connection through Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz RF receiver. Its small layout makes it easier to game for several hours and its button layout is exceptional as it provides six buttons on the face for various functions. With a retro design and modernistic approach to compatibility and working, it’s an excellent controller for playing your favorite games.
The 8Bitdo M30 is one of the most affordable retro controllers on the market. Its unique six-button layout is uncommon on mostgaming controllers. If you ever playedfighting gamesin childhood, you’ll remember how convenient those two extra buttons were, giving you an edge over your friend to execute complex moves. The M30 isn’t just limited to the extra buttons but brings a Sega-style D-pad, which features eight-direction functionality to help you in numerous Sega games.
Compatible with PC, Switch, MacOS, Android, and Raspberry Pi, it is a terrific multipurpose controller with big triggers on top and a good battery life of up to 18 hours. The charging time is just a couple of hours, and if you wish to play with the wired connection, feel free to do so. With tri-mode connectivity, you can connect it via the 2.4GHz RF receiver, Bluetooth, or even with a wired USB-C connection.
8BitDO N30 Wireless Controller
Taking cues from the original NES, the 8BitDo N30 wireless controller is a retro-looking controller that can be used on modern platforms. The controller connects via Bluetooth 4.0 or a mini-USB cable, with button mapping and configuration support for X-input, D-input, Mac mode, and Nintendo Switch mode.
Gamers who were alive when the NES came out probably dreamed about having a wireless controller at some point. Now, thanks to the 8BitDo N30, those dreams have come true. The controller connects via Bluetooth and works with most modern platforms, but for gamers who still have an NES, 8BitDo makesthis controller with a wireless donglethat works with the NES.
With Nintendo releasing the retro game packs for Switch Online users, this NES-style controller makes those games feel much more nostalgic and appropriate. The D-pad and face buttons on the N30 are very responsive and have a nice feel to them, making platforming games a ton of fun. Being a wireless controller, having a good battery life is absolutely essential. Just like the M30, the N30 also uses a 480mAh rechargeable battery and boasts an impressive 18-hour battery life. Plus, it only takes one to two hours to recharge completely.
Retro-Bit Origin 8 controller gives the vibes of an old-school Nintendo controller and has an interface with a couple of buttons and a simple D-pad for those who like to keep it simple. With dedicated turbo buttons, users can activate the A and B buttons and let the controller do its job. An additional pair of shoulder buttons add more functionality to it and the wireless connection helps it achieve hassle-free connection with various devices.
If you are craving the original NES controller, then the Retro-Bit Origin 8 will scratch the itch for you. It is a literal copy of the original NES controller but with some modifications that make it more versatile than the original. Not only is it wireless, but it is also compatible with various platforms, like Windows, macOS,Nintendo Switch, and, of course, the original NES. You can use its USB Receiver for these platforms or the NES receiver for the NES console.
It’s pretty small and lightweight, allowing you to enjoy your favorite classic NES games like you did in childhood. The wireless connection is a big addition that lets you play from your couch and has a 500mAh battery that can last up to a week on a single charge. Unlike most retro controllers, it just has two face buttons like the original controller, but you do get two turbo buttons for each to activate a single move rapidly without having to press it multiple times. Two shoulder buttons are also added on the top and the Home and Screenshot buttons for convenience.
The Retro Fighters Defender next-gen controller is ideal for players looking to relive the glory days of their retro PlayStation consoles. Sporting a modern look along with advanced features like vibration feedback and responsive analog sticks, gamers can enjoy their past with a bit of the future in the mix. Using its wireless connectivity, players don’t have to sit directly in front of the TV. A range of 30+ feet makes this controller highly convenient to use. It also has a 10+ hour battery life, making it reliable for long gaming sessions.
Despite the massive improvements that newer PlayStation console generations like the PS4 and PS5 brought, many gamers are still drawn to older-gen consoles like the PS1 and PS2. Unlike the times when players had to sit a few feet from the screen due to the limited range of wired controllers, the Retro Fighters Defender controller gives gamers a bit more freedom. Thanks to the controller’s wireless feature, which relies on USB dongles, players can sit over 30 feet from the TV screen without encountering any connectivity problems. It also ships with a battery life of over 10 hours, which is pretty decent.
Living up to the title of a “next-gen” controller, Retro Fighters opted for a more premium look that’s complemented with modern controller features. The controller’s ergonomic build makes it comfortable to hold for long periods. Its responsive analog sticks, a well-built D-Pad, and vibration feedback allow gamers to feel physical sensations from in-game actions, further enriching the gameplay.
Not only does thiscontroller support retro PlayStation consolegenerations (PS Classic, PS1, PS2, and PS3), but it is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch and PC. Along with the controller, buyers get two USB dongles for PS1 and PS2. Meanwhile, some users have complained about the controller’s somewhat cheap build and the trigger buttons being too sensitive. Anyone willing to look beyond these shortcomings should have no trouble loving this controller.
How To Pick Out The Best Retro Controller
Choosing the best retro game controller depends on a few key factors: the original platform, compatibility, and connectivity.
Original Platform: For retro gaming, the types of games being played or what console the gamer wants to play on (or emulate) have a much bigger effect on what controllers will make the gaming experience fun and nostalgic. Playing a Sega game with an Xbox controller doesn’t quite evoke the same feeling as playing it with a Genesis controller. So, before purchasing a retro gaming controller, thinking about what type of game or console evokes that nostalgic feeling can help narrow down the results dramatically. Luckily, at this point, there is a good chance that there is a modern-day controller for any console that is meant to resemble a retro console controller, no matter how old or obscure.
Compatibility: As with all controllers, the platforms it can connect to are critical when choosing one that works best. Keep in mind that just because the controller supports Bluetooth or has a cable that works with a platform’s I/O, the controller might not be recognized if it is not supported. It’s important to check the specs for the controller to see if the platform and games fully support the retro controller that gamers plan to use.
Connectivity:Regardless of whether the controller is retro or not, wired versus wireless is a constant debate among gamers. Typically, wired controllers are more plug-and-play with better latency, and they tend to be a bit more budget-friendly. However, wireless controllers keep gaming spaces more clutter-free. For some consoles that never supported wireless controllers, having a wireless version of a retro controller can fulfill some childhood dreams.
FAQ
Q: What is the best retro gaming device?
The Evercade EXP is considered the best overall device for playing retro games and for the right reasons. It comes with a retro-style design that fits the theme. It also supports a vast number of classic titles from multiple publishers.
Q: Are wired or wireless controllers better?
Gamers debate over the merits of wireless and wired controllers. However, there are a few things that most agree on. Wireless controllers are more convenient than wired controllers since they allow players to move around without being tied to a console or PC. The downside is that wireless controllers tend to be more expensive. Wired controllers are more reliable as they do not require batteries or charging, but the cords can create clutter and tripping hazards.
