Features:
6-button layout
10 buttons total
Wireless (2.4g OR Bluetooth)
Turbo functionality mapping
Price:
$30
Availability:
New from Amazon
Review:
So I haven't really been actively looking for new controllers since the start of the regional and "King" tournament scene picked up in 2015. I've been buying/fixing original OEM Sega controllers for use at these tournaments. But a Christmas post from NHL94.com legend @wboy, put my eyes on this new wireless/bluetooth controller from 8BitDo. I am familiar with the brand, mainly for their Nintendo-inspired controllers, so I was intrigued by the new Sega-inspired model. The reviews were great, and the price was surprising - given how the prices of PC/Xbox/PS4 controllers has crept up to the $70-$100 level over the previous decade. I found the model I wanted on Amazon and was rewarded with an $8 coupon and free shipping...
... and they sent me the wrong model.
There are actually 3 different models of this controller, 2 use a 2.4g wireless band and the newer is bluetooth. All models include a USB cord for charging, which can also be used as a wired option. The 2.4g models include a wireless adapter, one includes a 15pin Sega adapter for use with original hardware, the other includes a USB adapter for use with PC. The bluetooth model does not include an adapter, but one can be purchased separately for use with original hardware ($25).
I thought I was buying a bluetooth model for use exclusively with my PC, but received the 2.4g model with the Sega adapter. I briefly thought of returning it, but they could not replace it with the model I wanted, so decided to simply use this one with the USB cable.
[tl/dr] Be careful that you are ordering the model you want, as there are 3 different models and they are all listed as "M30".
The review. My first reaction was to the size of this controller, it is smaller than the OEM Sega 6-button controller. The size of the d-pad, and the size and position of the buttons are very similar but the overall size of the controller is smaller. It's well constructed, and feels great in the hands (if just a little slippery to hold, perhaps also due to the size). The d-pad and buttons perform well, the d-pad particularly feels great, the buttons feel more like a micro-switch technology rather than the bouncy buttons on the original. Overall, I really like the feel and will definitely use this controller for other emulated games on my PC. The M30 has shoulder buttons, very similar to their SNES offerings. I mention this because it would be a cool controller to use if you were playing both Classic leagues for Sega and SNES, as it would function well for both formats.
If I had to put my finger on it, I'd say that this Sega-themed 6-button controller was designed as a combination of the features of their original Nintendo offerings with 6-buttons and a Sega-themed wrapper. Functionally, it does everything it says it will and I have nothing bad to say about it, other than I wish it was a little bigger.
Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I will give the M30 '8 $10 Amazon giftcards'.