Officially licensed and clear plastic? I’ll take two.
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The Sega Genesis Mini looks like it’s going to be the real-deal as far as high-quality all-in-one classic consoles go. With 40 games, two controllers, an AC adapter packed into the box, and authentic 1990s styling, it’s looking closer to the NES Classic and Super NES Classic than it is to the PS Classic.
There’s one slight problem, though. In spite of the fact some of the games announced for Sega Genesis Mini are almost unplayable on the traditional 3-button controller, the superior 6-button controller isn’t available with the US Sega Genesis Mini. The Japanese Mega Drive Mini has a pair right in the box, but here in the States, we’re stuck with 50% fewer controller buttons.
But don’t let that make you consider cancelling your Sega Genesis Mini preorder just yet, because there are some truly excellent, officially licensed options for getting your hands on a proper, 6-button controller. They’ll come in handy so you can play Street Fighter II: Special Championship Edition without having to switch the buttons between punches and kicks on the fly.
Official Sega Genesis Mini 6-Button Controller
Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis 6-Button USB Controller
On Amazon
This USB controller is officially licensed by Sega, and not only is it compatible with the Sega Genesis Mini, it also works on PC, Mac, and whatever Raspberry Pi emulation machine you’ve cobbled together in your mad-scientist laboratory. Best part? It’s $19.99 and you can get one as soon as shipping allows.
With great user reviews and a relatively low price point, the Retro-Bit USB controller is the best way to get your hands on an official Sega Genesis Mini 6-button controller. Even though it’s third-party, it’s officially licensed by Sega and looks everything the part of a first-party piece of hardware.
Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller (Genesis Mini Compatible)
On Amazon
While this controller is designed with Sega Saturn emulation in mind, it also works with the Sega Genesis Mini.
If you’re holding out hope for an official Sega Saturn Mini but want to get your hands on a Sega Genesis Mini-compatible controller in the mean time, consider this Retro-Bit Sega Saturn controller. It adds a pair of shoulder buttons and is compatible with Sega Genesis Mini, PC, Mac and Raspberry Pi. It’s a little more expensive than the USB 6-button Genesis controller, but those shoulder buttons will come in handy for emulation on your computer.
Preorder the Sega Mega Drive Mini
On Amazon.jp
If you’ve never ordered something from Amazon Japan before, I’m here to tell you not to be afraid. They deliver to the United States without so much as a second thought, and the speed at which it ships is astonishing given just how far away Japan is.
The truest and most pure way to get your hands on a pair of 6-button Sega Genesis Mini controllers is to preorder a Mega Drive Mini from Japan. It costs more than a Sega Genesis Mini, and the difference might not be worth it, depending on the exchange rate. But it’s the best way to get yourself a pair of first-party 6-button Sega Genesis Mini controllers, and for now, the only way to get first-party controllers.
Where to Preorder Sega Genesis Mini
On Walmart
Free 2-day Shipping
Sega Genesis Mini preorders are $79.99 with a September 19, 2019 release date:
Seth Macy is IGN’s tech and commerce editor and just wants to be your friend. Find him on Twitter @sethmacy.
