Review: Sega Saturn USB Game Pad
 
The hardcore fighting fans will undoubtedly recommend an arcade stick when you ask them for controller advice. However, there's a huge population of players yearning to step in the ring without dropping a wheelbarrow of cash on the Madcatz TE or other top tier fight stick. At around $22 on eBay, the Sega Saturn USB Game Pad is the perfect option for players that don't want to upgrade to a stick but still want the best possible weapon in the ring.



Overview

The Sega Saturn USB Game Pad is an exact copy of the Saturn Model 2 controller available in three different color schemes (black, gray/blue, and white). For inputs you'll find a floating directional pad, six face buttons, two shoulder buttons, and a start button. The controller's cord is about seven feet long and is runs on a USB 1.0 connection. Don't worry folks, USB 1.0 has more than enough speed to handle all of your button mashing. This controller will work on both the PS3 and PCs.

Feel

This Saturn pad is extremely light weight compared to modern rumbling controllers. Since there are no motors or batteries involved, the pad actually weights about half of a Dualshock3. All of the buttons are extremely responsive but not over sensitive; all of them giving very nice tactile feedback. The six main buttons and start button on the face are membrane buttons and the shoulder buttons are mechanical switches. The floating d-pad is exceptionally comfortable and very responsive. It's slightly textured and is probably the most comfortable d-pad I've ever used.

Performance

After getting comfortable with the controller in a few online fights in Street Fighter IV, I was able to hop into Chun-Li's hard trials and complete the whole set within an hour. As much as I like the DS3, my speed and accuracy is noticeably better with the Saturn USB pad. In case you're wondering, the Xbox 360 D-pad can't compare to either the DS3 or the Saturn pad. The layout of the face buttons lends itself well to fighting games even though the top row of buttons is slightly smaller than the bottom row. They layout actually made it easier to kara-throw on the Saturn pad than the DS3, XBOX360 controller, or Madcatz official fight pad. I know there are a small few of you out there that hit the buttons with your fingers like a keyboard; you won't have any issues there either.

Durability

After two months of playing with this pad it still feels like the day I bought it. The buttons haven't given in, the d-pad is just as smooth and responsive as ever, and none of the parts are showing any wear at all (I play a lot of fighters, you can see it in my other controllers)

Downsides

The biggest downside of this controller is the lack of a PlayStation Home button. You'll need to keep a dualshock3 handy for quick access to the XMB but on a PC it's a non-issue. The length of the cord may also be an problem for a few players that like to sit further from the console that it allows. An extension is a quick fix but an added cost. One last annoyance is the key mapping on the PS3. The good people at sdtekken.com threw this button assignment key together.


 
Final Verdict

If you own a PS3 or PC and you're not an arcade stick user, buy this pad. It is the best pad you can use in a fight. It's also good for classic games and emulators but won't replace a Dualshock 3 on the PS3 for overall functionality.  The simple truth is that fighting without one of these is like  throwing muffins instead of punches. You won't hurt your opponent and it's just plain stupid.  

When you go to buy one (yes, you're sold, just do it), buy from a seller that guarantees that the pad works on the PS3 and it's the Sega Logistics Service version.