Maybe it's just me... but I've always liked the controller design Sega had going with their 6-button Genesis controller and then later the Saturn version of that. To me, it was the perfect controller as far as its shape and button layout... very comfortable for me.

I mentioned this in a post a month or two back here on Vizzed and was told about the Play Sega USB controllers that were based on that Saturn design I liked. It seemed like it would be the perfect PC controller, so I went out and immediately ordered one.

When it came, it seemed like the best thing ever. It was only like $7 or $8 but it had everything I wanted in a controller (except maybe a select button). It was 100% plug-and-play no drivers or extra software needed. Not only did it configure to my games easily but it even matched the layout of RPG Maker so well that every button lined up correctly without configuration, making it seem like the perfect controller for that as well.

I began using it for all of my PC gaming as it seemed to serve the task very well... that is until just now. I was in the middle of playing Spiral Knights when I found my character suddenly unable to move right. This pretty much got me killed in the game. I tried unplugging and re-plugging it in and even restarting. I went to Windows Game Controllers area to test input reading... every single button and direction reads EXCEPT "right" on the d-pad. So the controller is effectively useless now.

I loved it at first but now I hate it. Even at the small price tag, I don't think it was worth buying considering how short of a lifespan it had. I don't even play video games THAT often to wear it out so easily. It's just really poorly made. I was told that Sega themselves makes this which extremely disappoints me because I expected much better from them. If this lasted maybe 5 or 6 months, I'd be satisfied, but I'm not sure if I've even had it for two yet and it's already useless.

While this may just be a fluke, I'm not really willing to take a chance on buying another and seeing if I have any better luck and I wouldn't advise anyone else take a chance on this controller. Just avoid this piece of junk and buy something else. After all, Play Sega kinda gave these things away for free, so it's hard to say how much effort they put into making them.

Wow that's just sad. Thanks for the tip. I probably would have tried one, as I'm currently using a playstation type controller, but it can be confusing assigning anything with more than four buttons (I have trouble adjusting to using the R1 R2 etc. for more common functions).

Yeah, if a controller that appeared to be that awesome was only $7-$8, I would probably just move on past. Nothing electronic that seems that good is that cheap for no reason

rcarter2 : This is typically true... though for that price, I had to at least try it.

I know Sega released authentic Saturn USB controllers and PS2 controllers for a limited time in the past, but those are impossible to find now except for the occasional Ebay auction asking for $200+

I would never pay more than $50 for a controller, honestly and even that's a bit high for my tastes. I don't believe quality needs to be THAT expensive.

A lot of people recommend getting an original Saturn controller and using an adapter to go to USB... but my hesitation about this is that all Saturn controllers are going to be used and could be so well-worn that I won't get much more life out of them than this... and on top of that, they're going to be $30 or more. I don't mind paying $8 for a controller that breaks in 1-2 months nearly as much as I would paying $30 and having a button wear out right away,

Actual Saturn controllers are really sturdy, though. Mine only broke recently, and that's because it was sitting in a box with a bunch of other stuff, and something shifted and pinched the cable. I agree that it was a great design, but I don't know about the "best". For my money, you can't beat the 360 controller, but that's a different topic altogether.


Have you tried contacting the manufacturer? Sometimes hardware vendors have 30 day or so warranties, so it's at least worth a try if you haven't had it too long. Don't count it out just because it's cheap, sometimes they still have them.

Lazlo Falconi : I can't do the 360 controller. I have REALLY small hands.

Anyway on topic... I got it on like ebay or Amazon or something, so no... can't contact the manufacturer. Also I doubt PlaySega actually ever had a warranty on these controllers because they literally gave them to subscribers for free (if you didn't know PlaySega, is basically a crappy version of Vizzed with only select games for some Sega systems on Java-based emulators).