Dreamcast Controller Alternatives

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Logan Jones
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Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2017 3:35 am

Dreamcast Controller Alternatives

Post by Logan Jones »

Is there a good or decent alternative to the Official Dreamcast Controller? My main problem with the Official One is that its too uncomfortable. My thumb doesn't adequately line up with the thumbstick, and the shoulder triggers are too darn low. I've heard of the MadCatz Dreampad, which has a form factor modeled after the Xbox controller (me likey). However, I've also heard that it's not well made and breaks easily. Is this true? If anyone has experiences with this controller, please tell me all the details.

There are the Total Control accessories that allow you to connect a Saturn controller (for fighting games) and a PS2 controller (for 3D games); are these any good? Any lag?

Is there a single alternative that I haven'e mentioned that's good? Thanks.
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Xer Xian
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Joined: Sun Feb 06, 2005 3:23 pm
Location: Italy

Re: Dreamcast Controller Alternatives

Post by Xer Xian »

Pretty much all 3rd party DC controllers range from terrible to bad. Most use the adapter you mentioned, or the official arcade stick (modded or not).

We had a similar discussion here not long ago: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=61404
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ASDR
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Joined: Sat Aug 12, 2017 3:43 pm
Location: Europistan

Re: Dreamcast Controller Alternatives

Post by ASDR »

Yes, read that older thread!

I had a Mad Catz one and mine was so poorly build that the analog stick would actually rub against the case and not re-center itself. One of the triggers would always be triggered a little bit in the neutral position. Just hilariously bad. The original DC controller has terrible ergonomics (bend wrists, low triggers, crappy dpad) and all 3rd party ones are crap as well. Only real option is to use PS1/2/Saturn adapters. I use a DC ASCII pad for racing games (build in rumble, but dpad diagonals too unreliable for shmups/fighters), a Neo Geo CD PS2 controller for fighters and a Saturn controller for shmups.
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