Want to get ready for Nintendo Switch Virtual Console, but don't want to be stuck with an otherwise useless retro gamepad while you wait? Good news: there are classic controllers, there are current-gen controllers, and then there's this strange new chimera from 8bitdo. The game accessories company just opened up pre-orders for its SN360 and SF360 controllers, serving Super Nintendo looks with modern control options for Switch and beyond.
• View product: 8bitdo SN30 Pro Controller for $49.99 on Amazon
• View product: 8bitdo SF30 Pro Controller for $49.99 on Amazon
The two models differ only in color (you can go for North American purple buttons or Everywhere Else-ican primary color buttons). They both have a face design that clearly evokes Super Nintendo while bulking up the design to add joysticks, a second set of shoulder buttons, and extra option buttons suitable for all your home-going and screen-capturing needs.
You can see in this side shot that the SN360/SF360 is an appreciably thicker wedge of plastic than an original SNES controller. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially since you didn't need to swap back and forth between joysticks and buttons back in the old days. A little more bulk to hold onto could be helpful in this scenario, though that's just speculation since I haven't tried this new design myself.
The controllers are also compatible with PC via bluetooth or USB, as well as other systems like Retron 5 and Raspberry Pi (though they're clearly made for Nintendo fans first and foremost). They'll start shipping out on December 10, 2017. Even if Switch Virtual Console still isn't good to go by then, at least you can play the best Nintendo Switch games without swapping controllers.
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