In 1988, SEGA released the SEGA Genesis. The original console came with a three-button configuration. Due to the popularity of games that required more buttons, a new controller was released with six buttons which was better suited for games, such as STREET FIGHTER. The six-button controller allowed players to have better combinations in-game.
Recently, Retro-Bit, the company that released the SEGA Genesis 6-button Arcade Pad and the SEGA Saturn Controller Pad is releasing a new licensed controller called “BIG6,” based on the original SEGA Genesis controller from 1988, keeping its form while being updated for modern systems.
📢 PRE-ORDERS LIVE NOW!
Keep the same feel and shape of the original 3-button control pad while adding new features for a new way to experience your favorite games! Introducing the #BIG6
Available to pre-order here: https://t.co/RhciEwBHtq pic.twitter.com/kLSJiRBg3D— Retro-Bit Gaming (@RetroBitGaming) June 21, 2022
While it retains the ergonomics of the original 3-button configuration, the controller is designed with 6 buttons, while keeping its original factor. Retro-Bit explained its process of redesigning the controller for modern systems on the pre-order page for the controller on its website.
“We had a long, hard look at the original 3-button control pad that was released alongside the original console. It was wide, comfortable, and sleek with a unique DPad, a Start button, and the classic A-B-C buttons. Its design provided comfortable ergonomics for long play sessions, which SEGA was aiming to do by bringing the arcade experience to homes with the Genesis & Mega Drive,” it elaborates.
“Our team updated the design by adding additional X-Y-Z buttons while incorporating a Mode shoulder button without changing the overall form of the original. It keeps the same feel and shape of the original adding new features to give players a new way to experience their favourite games.”
Multiple versions of the BIG6 controller are being produced for different types of consoles, including, a version compatible with vintage SEGA systems available for $16.99, a version with USB that can connect to PC and other modern consoles releasing in October and available for $19.99, and a wireless 2.4GHZ version compatible with modern systems and vintage SEGA consoles for $34.99 which will be released in November.
Compatible systems include PC, macOS, and the SEGA Genesis and SEGA Mega Drive, of course. Retro-Bit says that its console is also compatible with the Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio, Analogue MegaSg, and the Playmaji Polymega, among others. The three controllers will be available for pre-order at Castlemania Games later this year and may come to other retailers in the future.
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