602
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #26,269 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★★
Exceptional quality and feel. As good as the original as it gets!
I've got an original SNES usb controller that I bought from Infinite Nes Lives for 50 bucks. The quality of that controller is flawless but the price tag was tough to swallow.
I wanted a 2nd SNES pad for 2 player action but just couldn't bring myself to pay another 50 dollars so I did some research and discovered the buffalo brand has quite a following from new and old gamers alike.
For the price, I couldn't say no and decided to get one.
I'm happy to report that it performs flawlessly and feels great. Side by side comparisons vs the original Japan controller (as most likely noted by numerous reviewers here) are that the buffalo controller is slightly lighter, slightly thinner and vs the original famicom pad, the dpad is slightly elevated on the buffalo controller.
The differences are marginal and the only REAL noticable difference to my seasoned retro gaming hands is the lighter weight of the buffalo controller. I have ordered a roll of lead tape and will weigh out a strip of that and apply it onto the inside wall of the back half of the controller shell to match the weight of the original controller. Other than that minor nit-picking there is very little to complain about.
If I had to change anything, it'd be to have the turbo buttons moved further up towards the top of the game pad. It's easy to accidentally press them instead of start/select. I don't actually use them so I may end up just removing the buttons all together.
I've attached numerous photos comparing the weight of the 2 game pads and thickness at various parts of the controller.
Bottom line is that if you want a near 100% authentic replica of the original super famicom game pad, look no further. Yes there are minor differences but the price gap between a real one and this one is FAR beyond the point of diminishing returns in my opinion unless you're a collector, which in that case, you most likely already have one or more of the original game pads anyways.
January 2015 · Video Games · verified purchase