The 12 Best Retro Gamepads (2022 reviews)
It is important to have the best retro gamepad.
In the following post, we will help you to select the best retro gamepads.
Also, you can see our guides on Best Retro Controllers and Best Gamepads For Pc for a wider range of candidates.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: 8Bitdo Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Chromebook: Buy: Innext Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Tv: Buy: Exlene Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest With Gamepad: Buy: Rii Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Android: Buy: Mafiti Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Cod: Buy: Gamesir Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest With Quick Shipping: Buy: Miadore Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Fighting Games: Buy: Retrobit Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Snes Emulator: Buy: Jteey Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest With Windows: Buy: Modeslab Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Great Price: Buy: California Trader Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest For Wireless Transmission: Buy: Ytfu Retro Gamepad READ REVIEWBest Overall: 8Bitdo Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon The 8Bitdo line of gamepads comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The 8Bitdo Retro Gamepad is very simple, It works extremely well and has a retro design. A sega genesis & mega drive inspired bluetooth controller. Further, it is more comfortable, is simple, it fits well and has a special design. The gamepad is used for longer cable, has a bluetooth connection, it is compatible with switches and has a solid design. And, it is black, is great for the same thing, It is perfect for direct input and has an excellent design. Most importantly, the 8bitdo retro gamepad is stable, reliable, it works like a charm and has a comfortable design.Most customers agree that the gamepad is comfortable to hold, though a little small as mentioned. In addition, they strongly agree that the gamepad will work, but it is a game-by-game issue. Further, a few say that the start button is prominent and centered, which is great, while the capture, select ( minus ), and home buttons are quite muted and out of the way. Overall, many customers have used the 8bitdo retro gamepad for more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is compatible with Nintendo switch, computers computers and Android only.
- This site does not have built-in bluetooth support.
- This is very accurate, and doesn't feel at all uncomfortable to use.
- This fits the bill perfectly, and might be their best control to date.
Best For Chromebook: Innext Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another gamepad that manages to win our hearts. It's the Innext Retro Gamepad and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient gamepads you can buy. The next retro gamepad has an android smartphone and it is easy to tweak. Inputting both joystick and keyboard buttons. Also, this provides a good cable and it is great with Linux mint. The gamepad works great with snes and it is really really good. Also, this provides good cable length, is good for longer cables and it works great. Above all, the innext retro gamepad is the perfect emulator for Windows computers.Almost all customers agree that the gamepad is sturdy and does everything a sadvertised. In addition, a few also found that the gamepad is good for casual gameplay. Moreover, they strongly agree that the gamepad is used to the new feel. With no doubts, this gamepad passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Top Customer Quotes:
- You can try powering down and booting back up with the controllers connected.
- This is a great deal, getting two.
- This works well, it doesn’t have quite the same center-deflection as the original.
- This is great for good luck and it makes for excellent quality.
Best For Tv: Exlene Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself scrambling for an appropriate and satisfactory gamepad, Exlene Retro Gamepad is your end point. The exlene retro gamepad is great for long cord, is black, it is easy to program and has a perfect design. Manufacturer says: Kindly Please feel free to message us, we will try everything to help you. This new updated version controller solved the problem by using high quality conducting resin inside. The gamepad worked as advertised, is perfect for raspberry pie, It is very responsive and has a solid design. Finally, the electric retro gamepad does not work with TV box android to play emulators.Most buyers quickly discovered that the gamepad can be used on snes with multi tap mode running for some nba jam awesomeness with buddies. In addition, they also found that the gamepad is a perfect pair of controllers for emulation. Also, a few say that the d - pad is stiffer, so it does n't wiggle easily in all directions, but it also is n't hard to press. In short, buyers found this to be one of the best gamepads for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is a great, inexpensive controller in the retro style.
- This sne usb game controller works with an emulator on Android.
- It brings back your youth memories with a USB snes / NES controller.
- It is amazing to feel what an old-school controller used to be like.
Best With Gamepad: Rii Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon For a low asking price, Rii Retro Gamepad has managed to overwhelm their customers by packing as many features as they could. The rii retro gamepad looks nice and it works great. I need a 2 x USB controller warm tips. In addition, it buy again and it is great for high sensitivity. The gamepad is simple, is made with fast delivery and it is good for an excellent price. Also, the gamepad is not compatible with any android box, Tesla vehicles and steam game platform. Lastly, the rii retro gamepad is not compatible with the classic mini 2017.Almost all customers found that the gamepad is easy to play games. And, a few say that the gamepad has a wireless model for around $45 and a wired model for around $25. Also, a few also found that the directional controller stopped responding, so it is time for a new one and this is not even close to it when it comes to responsiveness or longevity. Obviously, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is used by many emulators.
- This is flexible and it is nice for the price.
- This fits perfectly and it works well for good quality.
- Go into input settings and you may have to map the buttons.
Best For Android: Mafiti Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Mafiti Retro Gamepad for daily purpose. Further, the mafiti retro gamepad is with fast shipping and it is very responsive. It is used standard usb connection, If your program or application accepts usb controller input, it can be used natively without drivers or patches, just plug and play. This game controller works well on rasperry pi, but not on android TV box. Most importantly, the mafiti retro gamepad is available in 2 attractive colors: grey and black.Most buyers agree that the gamepad will work for "friday night funkin. In addition, a few say that the gamepad is far easier to use than the mouse or keyboard. Also, they strongly agree that the gamepad is as good as the real things. In conclusion, for most customers, Mafiti product was the most suitable.Top Customer Quotes:
- Long cord: cord is approx. 5 ft. long.
- This is light weight but solid and it is perfect for a great price.
- As an old school gamer, you must play the old games.
- Classic usb gamepad, 8 buttons,super sensitive buttons for precision control.
Best For Cod: Gamesir Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase a gamepad for their daily use, but the Gamesir Retro Gamepad would be an anomoly. The gamesir retro gamepad is simple, reliable, it is great for large size and has an improved design. The screenshot function can capture your most precious, memorable and funnest game moments. This wireless switch pro controller for nintendo switch / switch lite. The gamepad fits the switch layout perfectly plus provides a great wireless gaming experience for gamers. And, the gamepad is used for system requirements, It is suitable for mobile games and has a comfortable design. Above all, the gamesir retro gamepad fits perfectly, works fine on PC, it looks great and has a special design.Almost all buyers opine that the gamepad is definitely an option worth considering. And, they say that the gamepad is compatible with other deviesm, while the performance may not be perfect. Furthermore, a few also found that this controller is kind of slow but works perfectly with games like Public mobile and Call of duty mobile. Overall, buyers found this to be one of the best gamepads for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This comes with a 6 - month extended warranty.
- This comes with a 2.4ghz wireless dongel.
- This works with Windows pc/ios mac/android phone/switch/tv box.
- This is good for Apple and different for Android.
Best With Quick Shipping: Miadore Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon Miadore has been making great gamepads for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. The Miadore Retro Gamepad is compatible with Windows 98/me/vista/2000/2003/xp/7/8/8.1/10. This usb controller adapter can plus into any PC or mac with a usb port, giving you that classic snes feel. And, the gamepad is used for classical console and it works fine. The gamepad is great with quick shipping, is used for light weight and it is constructed with a nice plug. Further, this is great for an excellent price and it is brand new. Lastly, the miadore retrogamepad works great and it is good for steam games.Almost all customers opine that the gamepad can work for any snes emulators like zsnes. Moreover, a few also found that the gamepad is perfect for Raspberry Pi 3. Overall, most buyers call the gamepad functionally comfortable and no one questions it.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great for playing retro games on emulators, etc.
- Go into input settings and you may have to map the buttons.
- This is simple and it allows for a great feeling.
- Retro pi You don't need to install any special software.
Best For Fighting Games: Retrobit Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon The Retrobit Retro Gamepad has killer features for the price point. The retrobit retro gamepad is great for wireless connection, is perfect for light weight, it is very responsive and has an improved design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the gamepad is good for good quality, It is great for decent quality and has a nice design. The gamepad is strong, it is built with great quality and has the best design. Further, it is mechanical, works fantastic, it is modern and has a great design. Above all, the retrobit retro gamepad is heavy, It is ideal for street fighters and has a neat design.Most buyers quickly discovered that the gamepad design is better, the buttons feel more crisp, well built. Moreover, a few also found that the gamepad is a great controller, and is slightly better than their genesis 10 button controller. Moreover, they also found that the gamepad is a worthy use of its legacy. To sum up, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the gamepad suits the purpose.Top Customer Quotes:
- Compatible with Sega genesis mini, switch, ps3, pc, mac, steam, Retropie, Raspberry pi.
- This is the classic 6-button, Japanese, saturn controller.
- This is a 5-10% better experience.
- This has a really good feeling.
Best For Snes Emulator: Jteey Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon Not everyone likes to purchase a gamepad for their regular use, but the Jteey Retro Gamepad would be an anomoly. The jteey retro gamepad is perfect for a great price and it works great. Super sensitive rubber buttons for precision control, it works with any emulator you wish to download and use, great for playing retro games on emulators. Further, it is the best third party snes controller for the pcmac, note. The gamepad is not compatible with the classic mini 2017. Lastly, the jteey retro gamepad is compatible with all raspberry pi models.One customer says - "The buttons are nice and solid, and you really feel the click when you push them, but not too much of a click where it is annoying. ". Most buyers agree that the gamepad is perfect with snes9x plus it is great for the price paid.Customers say that getting a controllers for retro gaming, along with gamepad is useful.
Why We Like This:
- This works well with a pc running an operating system and it is very durable.
- This works fine and it is great with Linux Mint.
- New and hot releases.
Best With Windows: Modeslab Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon The Modeslab Retro Gamepad is capable of outshining several other gamepads featured in this list in overall features for the price point. Moreover, the modeslab retro gamepad is great for wireless transmission, It is brand new and has the best design. This usb system controller has a built-in 500 mah li-on battery, large capacity, long battery life, long standby time, more durable, can improve your gaming experience. And, this is compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 computers computers, Liunx raspberry pi, ios Mac. Most importantly, the modeslab retrogamepad is sold in a beautiful purple color.Almost all customers found that the gamepad is a good value, overall. And, a few strongly agree that the gamepad is great with Windows 10 pc and emulators. In addition, a few strongly agree that the gamepad works with Ubuntu 20.04 without issue. To sum up, many buyers have used the modeslab retro gamepad for more than a few months without any problems, and it shows no sign of giving up.Customers discovered that getting a controllers for retro gaming, along with gamepad is useful.
Why We Like This:
- Reclaim your childhood by modeslab usb controller compatible with snes / nes games.
- It has a 2 x 2.4 ghz USB receiver.
- This works as expected, has high compatibility, it is strong and has a good design.
- It works with any emulator you wish to download and use.
Best For Great Price: California Trader Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon The California trader retro gamepad is suitable and reliable and fits well with your regular use. The California Trader retro gamepad is good for good quality, is rechargeable and it is ideal for street fighter.s. Please make sure your screen has an av input port. Also, this is great for a great price, is good for lithium battery and it has a built-in 108 games. Above all, the California trader retro gamepad is simple and it has support both plug-and-play.Almost all buyers opine that the gamepad comes in it and it is a speedy delivery.Why We Like This:
- Equipped with two 2.4g wireless joysticks to support two-player games.
- This can be set for game type, is yellow and it is great for TV connection.
- New and hot releases.
Best For Wireless Transmission: Ytfu Retro Gamepad
Buy on Amazon The Ytfu Retro Gamepad is capable of outshining several other gamepads featured in this list in overall features in its price range. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, the gamepad is great for wireless transmission and it is applicable. When it comes to finding a reliable gamepad, the ytfu retro gamepad is definitely your first choice.Customers discovered that getting a wireless retro controller, with this gamepad made their life much easier.
Why We Like This:
- You can download games in related formats on mame/fc/gb/gba/gbc/md/sfc/ps1/n64/atari2600.
- New and hot releases.