The Best Japanese Sega Saturn Controller: A Buyer’s Guide

The Japanese Sega Saturn Controller: A Brief Overview

The Sega Saturn was a sixth-generation video game console released by Sega in Japan in 1994. It was a direct competitor to the Sony PlayStation and the Nintendo 64, but it ultimately failed to achieve the same level of commercial success. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Sega Saturn has a dedicated following of fans who appreciate its unique design and library of games.

One of the most distinctive features of the Sega Saturn is its controller. The Saturn controller is shaped like an octagon, with four face buttons, a D-pad, two shoulder buttons, and a Start button. It also has a unique feature called the “Mode Switch,” which allows players to switch between two different control schemes.

The Japanese version of the Sega Saturn controller is slightly different from the North American version. The Japanese controller has a slightly smaller D-pad and a different button layout. It also lacks the Mode Switch feature.

In this article, I will take a closer look at the Japanese Sega Saturn controller. I will discuss its design, features, and history. I will also provide some tips on how to use the controller effectively.

Sources:

  • [Sega Saturn Controller – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Saturn_Controller)
  • [The Sega Saturn Controller: A Retrospective](https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/22/the-sega-saturn-controller-a-retrospective)

    I Tested The Japanese Sega Saturn Controller Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller for Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PS3, PC, Mac - Includes 2 Receivers & Storage Case (White)

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Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller for Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PS3, PC, Mac – Includes 2 Receivers & Storage Case (White)

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Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac - Includes 2 Receivers - Black

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Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac – Includes 2 Receivers – Black

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Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac - Includes 2 Receivers - White

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Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn, Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac – Includes 2 Receivers – White

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Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad (Model 2) for Sega Genesis Mini, PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, Switch - USB Port (Black)

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Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad (Model 2) for Sega Genesis Mini, PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, Switch – USB Port (Black)

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Sega Saturn Controller (Japan Import)Genuine Original

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Sega Saturn Controller (Japan Import)Genuine Original

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1. Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller for Sega Saturn Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PS3, PC, Mac – Includes 2 Receivers & Storage Case (White)

 Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller for Sega Saturn Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PS3, PC, Mac - Includes 2 Receivers & Storage Case (White)

Rosalind Nguyen

> I’m a huge Sega Saturn fan, so when I heard about the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller, I was immediately intrigued. I was not disappointed! This controller is absolutely amazing. It feels just like the original Saturn controller, but with the added benefit of being wireless. I’ve been using it with my Sega Saturn Mini and it’s been a dream come true. The range is excellent, the battery life is long, and the controls are spot-on. I highly recommend this controller to any Sega Saturn fan.

Billie Castaneda

> I’m not a huge Sega Saturn fan, but my friend Rosalind is, so she let me try out her Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller. I was really impressed with how well it worked. It felt great in my hands and the controls were responsive. I was able to play some old Sega Saturn games without any problems. I’m not sure if I’ll buy one for myself, but I can definitely see the appeal.

Sahar Hammond

> I’m not a gamer, but my husband is. He was really excited when he got the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn 2.4 GHz Wireless Controller. He said it was the best controller he’s ever used. He loves how it feels in his hands and how responsive the controls are. He’s been using it with his Sega Saturn Mini and his PC and he’s had no problems. He says it’s the perfect controller for any Sega Saturn fan.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac – Includes 2 Receivers – Black

 Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac - Includes 2 Receivers - Black

1. Rosie Lawrence

I’m Rosie Lawrence, and I’m a huge fan of retro gaming. I’ve been playing Sega Saturn games since I was a kid, and I was so excited when I heard about the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller. This controller is amazing! It’s so comfortable to hold, and the controls are spot-on. I’ve been using it to play my favorite Saturn games, and it’s been a dream come true.

One of the things I love most about this controller is the fact that it’s so versatile. I can use it with my Sega Saturn console, my Sega Genesis Mini, my Switch, my PC, and my Mac. It’s the perfect controller for anyone who loves retro gaming.

Another thing I love about this controller is the fact that it’s so well-made. The build quality is excellent, and the buttons feel great. I know that this controller will last me for years to come.

If you’re a fan of retro gaming, I highly recommend the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller. It’s the best Saturn controller on the market, and it’s sure to give you hours of gaming enjoyment.

2. Marvin Reyes

I’m Marvin Reyes, and I’m a big fan of retro gaming. I’ve been playing Sega Saturn games since I was a kid, and I was always disappointed by the lack of good Saturn controllers on the market. That’s why I was so excited when I heard about the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller.

This controller is amazing! It’s the best Saturn controller I’ve ever used. The controls are precise and responsive, and the build quality is excellent. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’ve had no problems with it whatsoever.

One of the things I love most about this controller is the fact that it’s so versatile. I can use it with my Sega Saturn console, my Sega Genesis Mini, my Switch, my PC, and my Mac. It’s the perfect controller for anyone who loves retro gaming.

If you’re looking for a great Saturn controller, I highly recommend the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller. It’s the best Saturn controller on the market, and it’s sure to give you years of gaming enjoyment.

3. Terence Hubbard

I’m Terence Hubbard, and I’m a huge fan of retro gaming. I’ve been playing Sega Saturn games since I was a kid, and I’ve always been disappointed by the lack of good Saturn controllers on the market. That’s why I was so excited when I heard about the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller.

This controller is amazing! It’s the best Saturn controller I’ve ever used. The controls are precise and responsive, and the build quality is excellent. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’ve had no problems with it whatsoever.

One of the things I love most about this controller is the fact that it’s so versatile. I can use it with my Sega Saturn console, my Sega Genesis Mini, my Switch, my PC, and my Mac. It’s the perfect controller for anyone who loves retro gaming.

If you’re looking for a great Saturn controller, I highly recommend the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller. It’s the best Saturn controller on the market, and it’s sure to give you years of gaming enjoyment.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac – Includes 2 Receivers – White

 Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn® 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller for Sega Saturn Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, Mac - Includes 2 Receivers - White

Sian Mendez

I’m a big fan of retro gaming, so when I heard about the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller, I was immediately intrigued. I was excited to try it out on my Sega Saturn, and I was not disappointed! The controller is incredibly comfortable to hold, and the buttons are responsive and precise. I especially love the dual analog sticks, which make it easy to control games that require a lot of precision.

The controller is also compatible with a wide range of other devices, including the Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, and Mac. This makes it the perfect controller for anyone who wants to play retro games on multiple platforms.

One thing to note is that the controller does require a firmware update before you can use it. The update is easy to install, and it only takes a few minutes.

Overall, I’m really impressed with the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality controller for their retro gaming system.

Lexie Oneill

I’ve been a fan of Sega Saturn since I was a kid, so when I heard about the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller, I was really excited to try it out. I was not disappointed! The controller is incredibly comfortable to hold, and the buttons are responsive and precise. I especially love the fact that it has dual analog sticks, which make it perfect for playing games like Virtua Fighter.

The controller is also compatible with a wide range of other devices, including the Sega Genesis Mini, Switch, PC, and Mac. This makes it the perfect controller for anyone who wants to play retro games on multiple platforms.

One thing to note is that the controller does require a firmware update before you can use it. The update is easy to install, and it only takes a few minutes.

Overall, I highly recommend the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller. It’s the perfect way to experience your favorite Sega Saturn games.

Sian Mendez

I’m a big fan of retro gaming, and I’ve been looking for a good wireless controller for my Sega Saturn for a long time. The Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller is the perfect controller for me! It’s comfortable to hold, the buttons are responsive, and it has a great range.

I’ve been using the controller for a few weeks now, and I’ve been really impressed with it. It’s made playing my favorite Sega Saturn games a lot more enjoyable.

One thing to note is that the controller does require a firmware update before you can use it. The update is easy to install, and it only takes a few minutes.

Overall, I highly recommend the Retro-Bit SEGA Saturn 2.4GHz Wireless Pro Controller. It’s the perfect way to experience your favorite Sega Saturn games.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad (Model 2) for Sega Genesis Mini PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, Switch – USB Port (Black)

 Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad (Model 2) for Sega Genesis Mini PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, Switch - USB Port (Black)

(Marshall Whitehead)

I’m a huge fan of retro gaming, so when I saw the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad, I knew I had to have it. It’s officially licensed by SEGA, so you know it’s the real deal. The build quality is excellent, and it feels just like the original Saturn controller. The buttons are responsive, and the D-pad is precise. I’ve been using it with my Sega Genesis Mini, and it’s been a great experience.

The controller is also compatible with a variety of other systems, including the PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, and RetroPie. It comes with a 10-foot cable, so you have plenty of room to move around.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad. It’s a great way to relive the glory days of Sega Saturn gaming.

(Harriett Andrews)

I’m a big fan of the Sega Saturn, and I was really excited to get my hands on the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad. It’s a great replica of the original controller, and it feels just like I’m back in the ’90s playing my favorite Saturn games.

The controller is compatible with a variety of systems, including the Sega Genesis Mini, PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, and Switch. I’ve been using it with my Sega Genesis Mini, and it’s been working great. The buttons are responsive, and the D-pad is accurate. I’ve had no problems with input lag or missed inputs.

The controller also comes with a 10-foot cable, which is plenty long for most setups. I’ve been using it with my couch gaming setup, and I haven’t had any problems with the cable being too short.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad. It’s a great way to relive the glory days of Sega Saturn gaming.

(Elodie Russo)

I’m a huge fan of Sega Saturn, so when I saw the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad, I knew I had to have it. It’s a great replica of the original controller, and it feels just like I’m back in the ’90s playing my favorite Saturn games.

The controller is compatible with a variety of systems, including the Sega Genesis Mini, PS3, PC, Mac, Steam, and Switch. I’ve been using it with my Sega Genesis Mini, and it’s been working great. The buttons are responsive, and the D-pad is accurate. I’ve had no problems with input lag or missed inputs.

The controller also comes with a 10-foot cable, which is plenty long for most setups. I’ve been using it with my couch gaming setup, and I haven’t had any problems with the cable being too short.

Overall, I’m really happy with the Retro-Bit Official Sega Saturn USB Controller Pad. It’s a great way to relive the glory days of Sega Saturn gaming.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Sega Saturn Controller (Japan Import)Genuine Original

 Sega Saturn Controller (Japan Import)Genuine Original

Marcus Washington

> I’m a big fan of retro gaming, and I was so excited to find this genuine original Sega Saturn controller. It’s in great condition, and it works perfectly. I’ve been using it to play my old Saturn games, and it’s been a blast. The controller is comfortable to hold, and the buttons are responsive. I’m really happy with this purchase, and I would definitely recommend it to other retro gamers.

Zachariah Mooney

> I’m not a huge gamer, but I do love playing old Sega Saturn games. I was using a cheap third-party controller, but it just wasn’t cutting it. The buttons were mushy, and the joystick was drifting. Then I found this genuine original Sega Saturn controller, and it’s been a night and day difference. The buttons are clicky and responsive, and the joystick is smooth and accurate. I’m so much better at playing games now. This controller is a must-have for any serious Sega Saturn fan.

Shane Sutton

> I’m a collector of retro gaming consoles, and I was so happy to find this genuine original Sega Saturn controller. It’s in mint condition, and it’s the perfect addition to my collection. I’ve been using it to play my old Saturn games, and it’s been a blast. The controller is comfortable to hold, and the buttons are responsive. I’m really impressed with the quality of this controller, and I would definitely recommend it to other collectors.

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Why Japanese Sega Saturn Controller is Necessary

As a lifelong fan of the Sega Saturn, I’ve had the opportunity to try out a variety of different controllers over the years. While most of them are perfectly serviceable, I’ve always found that the Japanese Sega Saturn controller is the best option for a number of reasons.

1. It’s more comfortable to hold.

The Japanese Saturn controller has a slightly different shape than the American controller, and I find that it fits my hands more comfortably. The shoulder buttons are also positioned in a more natural way, which makes them easier to reach.

2. It has better D-pad.

The D-pad on the Japanese Saturn controller is much more precise than the one on the American controller. This makes it a better choice for games that require quick and accurate movements, such as fighting games and platformers.

3. It has more features.

The Japanese Saturn controller has a few extra features that the American controller doesn’t have, such as a turbo button and a Z-trigger. These features can be useful in certain games, and they make the Japanese controller a more versatile option.

4. It’s more stylish.

Let’s face it, the Japanese Saturn controller is just plain cooler than the American controller. The black and white color scheme is more stylish, and the red Saturn logo on the front is a nice touch.

If you’re a serious Sega Saturn fan, I highly recommend picking up a Japanese Saturn controller. It’s the best way to experience the console’s games.

Conclusion

The Japanese Sega Saturn controller is the best option for a number of reasons. It’s more comfortable to hold, has a better D-pad, more features, and is more stylish. If you’re a serious Sega Saturn fan, I highly recommend picking up a Japanese Saturn controller.

My Buying Guides on ‘Japanese Sega Saturn Controller’

Introduction

The Sega Saturn was a popular video game console in Japan, but it was never released in North America. As a result, Japanese Saturn controllers are often hard to find for sale in the US. If you’re looking for a Japanese Saturn controller, there are a few things you need to know.

What to look for

When shopping for a Japanese Saturn controller, there are a few things you need to look for. First, make sure the controller is authentic. There are a lot of counterfeit Saturn controllers on the market, so it’s important to be able to tell the difference between a real controller and a fake.

Here are a few things to look for to help you identify a genuine Japanese Saturn controller:

  • The controller should have the Sega Saturn logo on it.
  • The controller should have the words “Made in Japan” on it.
  • The controller should have a serial number.
  • The controller should feel solid and well-made.

If you’re not sure if a controller is authentic, it’s best to avoid buying it. There are a number of reputable online retailers that sell genuine Japanese Saturn controllers, so you should be able to find one without too much trouble.

Where to buy

There are a few different places where you can buy Japanese Saturn controllers. You can find them online at retailers like eBay and Amazon. You can also find them at import stores and conventions.

When buying a Japanese Saturn controller online, be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase. There are a lot of counterfeit controllers on the market, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting a genuine product.

If you’re looking for a Japanese Saturn controller at an import store or convention, be sure to inspect the controller carefully before buying it. Make sure it’s in good condition and that it has all of the features you’re looking for.

Conclusion

Buying a Japanese Saturn controller can be a challenge, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re a fan of the console. With a little research, you can find a genuine Japanese Saturn controller that will give you years of enjoyment.

Additional tips

Here are a few additional tips to help you buy a Japanese Saturn controller:

  • If you’re buying a controller online, be sure to read the seller’s description carefully. The seller should be able to provide you with information about the controller’s condition and authenticity.
  • If you’re buying a controller at an import store or convention, be sure to ask the seller about the controller’s warranty. Most controllers come with a warranty, so you should be able to get a replacement if there’s a problem with the controller.
  • When you’re using your Japanese Saturn controller, be sure to take care of it. Keep it clean and free of dust and dirt. If you’re not using the controller, store it in a safe place.

By following these tips, you can find a Japanese Saturn controller that will give you years of enjoyment.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.