Buffalo Classic USB Gamepad for PC

I bought this controller because I, like most other reviewers use SNES Emulators a lot and wanted a more authentic SNES experience. Having previously used generic PC USB controllers in the veign of a PS2 controller, you never get the feel of an official SNES controller even if you have the basic button layout. I have also never owned a SNES although I had enough friends who had/has one to get a feel of the controller, though I haven't handled an official one in nearly 10 years.If memory serves, this controller feels at least 99% identical to an official one, though I can't comment too much on the authenticity or do a direct comparisson, although there's enough feedback elsewhere praising it's authenticity including a Youtube video review where a guy spends a good part of it picking up this one and the official SNES controller and playing with the buttons commenting that they feel identical. (As well as the other reviews for this product. Even if you're interested in retro gaming, but never owned any of the old consoles I would recommend this because the clicky-ness and responsive-ness of the buttons and D-Pad are very impressive. (no nasty mushy or spongy D-Pads or buttons here).Setting the controller up is a snap. It's a generic DirectInput device so Windows will recognise it and know exactly what to do with it straight away, it also claims to be compatible with Windows versions from Windows 98 through to XP though my box has got extra stickers put on to include Windows 7 - 10. (this is a technology that has been perfected years ago but I'm glad they haven't locked compatibility behind a reliance on proprietry drivers which cause issues with other hardware or software or make the controller unrecognisable by other devices like Android Tablets etc.). After connecting the controller, it's a case of mapping the buttons to the ones on the controller in your preffered emulator. I have tried this out so far with Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island, Micro Machines, Super Mario Kart, Street Fighter 2 Turbo and F-Zero and haven't stopped being amazed at how good this controller feels for these games, it is so natural you will feel like your PC, laptop or tablet has been transformed into a SNES.There are 2 (very very, VERY) minor nitpicks that I have for this controller. They have zero impact on the actual use of the controller but I feel it worth mentioning for some reason.1:I would have liked Windows to recognise the name of the controller rather than only reffering to it as a "USB, 2 axis 8 button gamepad" (though this might make the controller less compatible with other devices as another controller that I have which Windows does show the name of doesn't work with Android).2: I personally would have liked a font for the Start/Select (and Turbo/Clear Buttons) which was more like the one present on the official SNES controller, for some reason the bold non-italic font is mildly bothering to me. (this is actually because this is modelled after the Super Famicom, the Japanese SNES whch uses that font... oh well)3:This is a Japanese product, therefore, it ships from Japan, if you have an Amazon Prime membership or a pending free trial, I would probably recommend using it if the seller will let you, I used a cheaper seller so I couldn't anyway but the controller took about 2 and a half weeks to get to me from when I ordered it. Unfortunately, most Japanese sellers I've seen on Amazon only use basic airmail rather than paying the extra couple of hundred Yen to upgrade to registered airmail which is so much more reliable and you can track where your item is as well as reduces delays. This just means you either have to wait, or shop elsewhere if you want it fast. (so worth the wait though). The box and manual are also in Japanese so if you can't read or interpret it (I'm semi-fluent in Japanese and struggle with the explanation of how the Turbo and Clear buttons work), though there's enough English on the box to help you out.In conclusion, if you are looking for a controller for your SNES emulator which provides an authentic experience, look no further. Seriously, the only way you will get a more authentic experience is with an official SNES controller and a pad converter. (but would it be worth it?) . Would I recommend this controller? YES! if you use a SNES Emulator, this is a worthy addition to your gaming arsenal, I would only not recommend it perhaps if you have a decent enough controller that you use for your emulators or maybe if you really, really despise the SNES controller, or if you honestly looked at this, read all about it and didn't get the urge to buy one.

I still get to play on SNES consoles and I'm familiar with the weight and feel of an official control pad. This replica from Buffalo although really, really good, is not quite spot on. The D-pad is slightly more raised, and it's a little bit clicky! its lighter too, and the plastic perhaps cheaper. Also the cable is not as long as on a traditional SNES controller, maybe slightly over 2 feet long... however don't let those things get in the way, this replica is accurate when playing games!Finding diagonals are no problem, you'll be performing hadoukens and spinning-bird kicks with ease. The face and shoulder buttons are great; they're just the right thickness and feel like they do on an old SNES joypad, and the Start & Select buttons have that SNES fleshy-plasticy feel down to a tee!I'm not a console purist, though. I appreciate emulation (been using it on and off since 2002) for giving me the chance to play games I was never able to find then and couldn't afford now. The downside to emulation of course, is using a keyboard instead of a joypad, which makes playing console games a pain in the backside; as a result I've never really had much fun playing emulated SNES games (apart from RPG's and Bomberman).This controller brings all those glorious SNES days back! Finally I can last more than five seconds on Super Ghouls & Ghosts (12 seconds now!), but what's really interesting is that my feeble 'can't play console games with a keyboard' brain is properly freed up to appreciate those awesome SNES graphics and sounds again.Street Fighter II (and Turbo, and Alpha 2) play sublimely. Contra III, which is a mess on keyboard and no mistake, is just superb with this controller; the difference is like night and day. The ability to edge your way with pixel perfection around a Mario Kart track, or weave through a space minefield whilst powering up a super shot in R-Type III... all that muscle memory is there just waiting to let rip again. For the price of a few pints at the pub; this is a purchase and a half!Just one caveat then: If you're a dyed-in-the-wool SNES purist who insists on 100% authenticity; then steer clear. If you're a casual/regular gamer who loved the SNES/16-bit days and you want to experience that again, this is a great device.I tested the Buffalo controller on a Mac running OSX El Capitan. The emulator was OpenEMU. All I had to do to get it running was open the Preferences window in Open EMU and map the controls to the Buffalo controller, which took all of 10 seconds. It can also be similarly configured to emulate your Megadrive, NES, Master System, PC Engine, GBA controllers. Loads of fun. There are Bluetooth versions of this controller that will do the same thing, but they cost well over twice as much.It only took two days for standard free delivery, too. Excellent service!