Which 6 button Genesis controller?

[tjstogy]

Gotta buy a Genesis controller, wondering if anyone has played on BOTH of the ones below, and has a preference?

MK 1653:

Spoiler

Mk 1470:

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[Dochartaigh]

These are my jawns! I have maybe 4 to 6 of each. Hands down, the bottom MK 1470 (which another different looking Genesis controller shares that same exact model number for some reason FYI, so when you buy make sure it shows an accurate picture because the other one is much cheaper and I don't like it).

There is a caveat though: I literally had to order maybe 6-7 of those off eBay to find 3 or 4 which worked (I'm not even kidding). The most common flaw I think was the down or right direction wasn't as accurate as I would have liked. But those I kept are my favorite controllers, bar none. The 3 or 4 I bought in person at flea markets, only 1 had a problem (and I haven't even taken it apart and cleaned it so it may work after all). OR maybe I just had a bad run of luck on eBay...

The top ones are very nice as well - haven't had a stinker of those yet, they're just not quite as responsive IMO (but still much better than the original 3-button style). Either of these 6-button types are my preferred controllers for fighting games as they mimick the 3x2 rows of buttons many fighting games use.

Also, if you're not using these on a real Genesis, the Hyperkin USB 6-button Genesis-style controllers are very nice as well (little stiff...I'm hoping they break in).

[tjstogy]

Awesome, thanks for the info! I had read conflicting things on the ol' internet, so I thought I'd ask. BTW, I'd never heard of jawns so I googled it trying to figure out what country you are from, and it says eastern PA dialect. I'm in NY and never heard that term lol.

[Dochartaigh]

That kind of jawn was just what I was looking for (people to google the word "jawn" lol).

I think the controller I like is actually made by Majesco (or the later versions maybe)? some knowledgeable eBay seller told me that once if my memory serves. Like after Majesco took over the Genesis product line late in it's life. I think they had QC issues on some products which may be why some of those controllers are stinkers (plus, if we say they're from 1993ish? They're 25 years old by now!)

Regardless, I think of it as the best Genesis controller in terms of control - and it's design (specifically how the d-pad kinda floats on a little plastic ball bearing stem of sorts) went over to the Sega Saturn controller - and that controller people say was the best ever made (and their design is extremely close to my layman's eyes when I took each apart to clean too).

[Taiyaki]

My preference is neither, the best 6 button official Genesis controller is the Japanese variant also released in the US as the Genesis 6 button Jr (in japan it's SJ-6000). It's a bit smaller, feels better in the hands even for someone with big hands imo. It's the closest thing to the Sega Saturn controller 2.

Otherwise the MK 1653 is the next best thing and you can't go wrong with that I suppose.

[tjstogy]

Interesting! I didn't know a smaller version existed. I found a comparison picture with the MK 1653 on top and the SJ 6000 on the bottom

Spoiler

My preference is neither, the best 6 button official Genesis controller is the Japanese variant also released in the US as the Genesis 6 button Jr (in japan it's SJ-6000). It's a bit smaller, feels better in the hands even for someone with big hands imo. It's the closest thing to the Sega Saturn controller 2.

Otherwise the MK 1653 is the next best thing and you can't go wrong with that I suppose.

[Xyga]

The original is my favourite too, I have the european version with a red start button, unfortunately it's got a faulty button I could never fix.

Another one I have is that which came with the Genesis 3 (I think), it works but is less comfy than the original (harder to make shoryukens with it for instance) and the cable is ridiculously short.

[bigbadboaz]

You would do best to try both. For me both smaller versions are too small, and I don't even have particularly large hands. The way the original (larger) pad extends outward may not be the best looking design, but it gives me something to grip onto and makes all the difference.

Hey Taiyaki, do you know if the blue start button from the 6000 can be swapped into the American pad?

[FinalBaton]

I have the official wireless pad, which I think is the same size as the smaller SJ-6000, and I don't like it.

I think that a rounded structure does not work well with a controller that size. I just can't get a good grip of it. The jp saturn pad, in comparison is flat, and that one is awesome.

When 6 buttons aren't required, I always go with the 3 button pad, that's my fave Genesis one. Very comfortable for me

Thinking about it, a Saturn -> Genesis adapter would be pretty sweet for fighting games, eh? sadly it seems impossible to do, aside from an any-controller-to-any-controller widget solution.

[Dochartaigh]

I should also mention that if you're using these on an actual Genesis console (I have a Version 1 "high definition" model), that the MK 1653 wouldn't let me play Golden Axe II the other day (even when I held the mode button as the system turned on). MK 1470 worked just fine (haven't tested the 1653 with many other games to see if it has problems with others or not...think it may just be a few rare titles).

[bigbadboaz]

But why the heck would you want to play Golden Axe II?

[LK4O4]

I quite like the official Genesis wireless pad, actually! Though of the two listed above, I've only ever used the top (MK 1653) one, so I can't give a real comparison. Good luck!

[Dochartaigh]

But why the heck would you want to play Golden Axe II?

Because it's one of the best Genesis games EVER amongst the likes of Streets of Rage 3 and Sonic!. Plus, how bad ass is it that the main character's name, with the sword, is Ax-Battler. While the guy with the Ax, his name is Frank (ok, it's really Gilius-Thunderhead, but close enough

[Taiyaki]

You would do best to try both. For me both smaller versions are too small, and I don't even have particularly large hands. The way the original (larger) pad extends outward may not be the best looking design, but it gives me something to grip onto and makes all the difference.

Hey Taiyaki, do you know if the blue start button from the 6000 can be swapped into the American pad?

Yeah I believe it can, it's the same molding in a different color is all.

I guess it really depends on one's preferences then. I have large hands and sort of long fingers too yet I find the smaller controller despite lacking large sides is ergonomically very well thought out. It feels like you can change your grip at any time without affecting performance. As a result long gaming sessions feel more comfortable to me. I always thought the larger ones feel exactly like what they are, a redesign based on what they "thought" would be more comfortable, when in actual use the extra padding just feels more restrictive to me, but since you say otherwise then Sega was right in redesigning it. Anyway more choices is better.

I should also mention that if you're using these on an actual Genesis console (I have a Version 1 "high definition" model), that the MK 1653 wouldn't let me play Golden Axe II the other day (even when I held the mode button as the system turned on). MK 1470 worked just fine (haven't tested the 1653 with many other games to see if it has problems with others or not...think it may just be a few rare titles).

Yes this is a known issue with Golden Axe II. All you have to do is hold the MODE button when starting the system. Golden Axe II is not compatible with 6 buttons controllers, it's one of the reasons the MODE button was added.

By the way Golden Axe II is awesome. Too many people don't realize this. IMO almost on par with the original.

[Dochartaigh]

Yes this is a known issue with Golden Axe II. All you have to do is hold the MODE button when starting the system. Golden Axe II is not compatible with 6 buttons controllers, it's one of the reasons the MODE button was added

I know, but what I was specifically saying is the 1470, with mode button pressed on start, worked fine. BUT the 1653, with the mode button pressed on start, wouldn't work in the game at all which is unusual.

[Taiyaki]

Yes this is a known issue with Golden Axe II. All you have to do is hold the MODE button when starting the system. Golden Axe II is not compatible with 6 buttons controllers, it's one of the reasons the MODE button was added

I know, but what I was specifically saying is the 1470, with mode button pressed on start, worked fine. BUT the 1653, with the mode button pressed on start, wouldn't work in the game at all which is unusual.

That's not unusual, it's very weird. Are you sure the mod button works otherwise? Does it deactivate the top three buttons on other games?

[azmun]

I own both MK-1470 and MK-1653 (as well as SJ-6000). I prefer the latter ones as they are way better. Higher quality and buttery smooth response. In fact, the highly regarded Saturn pads are based on the same dpads and face buttons as MK-1653 and SJ-6000, a testament to their legendary status.

[Dochartaigh]

That's not unusual, it's very weird. Are you sure the mod button works otherwise? Does it deactivate the top three buttons on other games?

Could very well be a bad pin or connection on the controller - don't think I use that button for anything else so that could very well be the case. I also know this was when I was playing 2-player with my brother the past week - so we tried 2 of these same controllers. I'm curious now so I'll whip out the others of that model and test when I get a chance (I usually use the 1470's with Turbo).

[Limbrooke]

I've had one just like the bottom photo for many years and while it is ok I'm not keen on the ABC face buttons.
A and C more often get stuck since they don't sit in a perfect cylinder. Many times C would be pressed with a slight angle and get stuck moving out of position due to lack of vertical support. The turbo/auto fire feature is nice but otherwise I would prefer it on the top model or original 6 button Genesis controller. The original 6 button is one of the best controllers around bested by the mk2 Saturn controller and few others. The d-pad is outstanding and the overall shape is very comfortable - that's my recommendation.

[FinalBaton]

which model is the original 6 button one, Limbrooke? (I thought that was the one in the top photo)

[Limbrooke]

which model is the original 6 button one, Limbrooke? (I thought that was the one in the top photo)

I just referred to the top-most controller by that designation versus the MK or Sega product ID code since the ID can vary from region to region.

[Gunstar]

This is a rather timely thread, I've been looking to get a six button pad but couldn't decide which one. I think I'm leaning more towards the US/EU 6 button pad. Is it about the same size as the model 2 Saturn pad?

[Limbrooke]

This is a rather timely thread, I've been looking to get a six button pad but couldn't decide which one. I think I'm leaning more towards the US/EU 6 button pad. Is it about the same size as the model 2 Saturn pad?

Slightly different but very similar, the Genesis 6b is more uniform in shape (akin to a true boomerang) while the Saturn has more contours for firm holding. Both are great.

[Taiyaki]

which model is the original 6 button one, Limbrooke? (I thought that was the one in the top photo)

The original is actually the SJ-6000 since it came out first. The MK 1653 came out next.

[ChuChu Flamingo]

I really like the MK 1653 6 button compared to the 3 button style controller. It probably has to do with me preferring looser D-pads.

[Taiyaki]

I really like the MK 1653 6 button compared to the 3 button style controller. It probably has to do with me preferring looser D-pads.

Yeah the form factor of the original 3 button controller is incredible, feels so good holding it, but that D pad is stiff. Maybe it's best suited for rpg's or games that don't require continuous d pad wiggling.

[ApolloBoy]

For those interested in an SJ-6000, it was also released in the US as the "Sega Club" controller:

[bobrocks95]

I really like the MK 1653 6 button compared to the 3 button style controller. It probably has to do with me preferring looser D-pads.

Yeah the form factor of the original 3 button controller is incredible, feels so good holding it, but that D pad is stiff. Maybe it's best suited for rpg's or games that don't require continuous d pad wiggling.

I don't suppose there's any way to mod the 3-button controller's D-Pad, is there?

[tjstogy]

Sort of- the later 3 button d pads were redesigned to rest on a metal ball underneath the d pad and they are a bit smoother. You gotta open your controller up to see for sure. The earlier ones don't have it. Usually the ones with white paint around the d pad have the ball, the earlier ones with red paint usually don't (in my experience). You can swap them between controllers, like I did, because I wanted the longer cord on one of them but with the better feeling d pad. Still pales in experience compared to a snes d pad.

[ApolloBoy]

Sort of- the later 3 button d pads were redesigned to rest on a metal ball underneath the d pad and they are a bit smoother. You gotta open your controller up to see for sure. The earlier ones don't have it. Usually the ones with white paint around the d pad have the ball, the earlier ones with red paint usually don't (in my experience).

I've seen white painted controllers that had the original D-pad and the red ones always do. It's pretty easy to tell them apart though, the later D-pads have considerably more travel than the older ones. Another thing I noticed is that the later D-pads have a matte, slightly textured finish while early ones are smooth.