The Sega Saturn is often synonymous with top rate ports of fighting games. They benefitted from not only the 2D powerhouse’s RAM expansion capability, but from the controller itself. With a comfortable and responsive D-Pad, 6 face buttons, 2 shoulder buttons, and a mold injected with Gouki’s own demonsemen, Sega had created the best damn pad this side of Southtown (AUGH GOD).

In celebration of the Saturn’s 10th Anniversary, Sega Logistics Service released USB versions the Saturn’s control pad. Yes, versions.

We have the original grey, like that found on the Japanese Model 1. There’s also white, from the Japanese Model 2. Finally, we have the black version released with the North American and European Model 2. Sega also released limited edition specialty colors:

There’s black and gold (aww, no spinners) and metallic blue. When the controllers were first announced, an elusive pure white model (ala macintosh) was shown.

All online retailers listing this model have been out of stock before they even shipped. What a shame.

The new USB incarnations are identical to the 10 year old models, right down to the (now meaningless) play/pause/repeat etchings above the X, Y, and Z buttons. Also, like the originals, the cord is thick as fucking rope. It will NEVER loosen up. I seriously got winded uncoiling the thing. I’m typing this from intensive care. Honestly, I can’t recommend this controller enough. It’s all the Saturn goodness you’ve come to love without the mess of adapters or dodgy hacked drivers from Hong Kong. Just plug it in, and Windows (98 through XP) will autodetect it.

Along with the Saturn pad release, SGS reissued the loverly Virtua Stick. It’s made with actual Sega arcade parts, from the lollypop stick to the large convex buttons. All the parts feel solid and durable, as if it were made to cope with actual latinos. In addition, the unit is rock solid (LOL) thanks to the heavy metal base. The stick itself is very tight (oh so tight) with just a millimeter or 2 of dead space. Personally, I like it this sensitive. Minimal movement allows for much faster inputs. The button layout is perfect for Capcom games (X Y Z/A B C), as well as NeoGeo games in the MVS style (A B C R) or square style (Y Z/B C).

The Virtua Stick, unlike the standard pad, has undergone some changes. Here’s a comparison between the Saturn (left) and USB (right) versions:

The yellow start button as moved inward a little (kind of an awkward position for taunting in both models). In addition, the turbo speed switches for each button as well as the speed slider have been dropped in favor of an overall turbo button (blue). Not a big deal since turbo buttons are for gay firemen.

Here’s an artsy pic of the Saturn version’s turbo switches because if I don’t use it here, I NEVER WILL.

Sadly, these mounds of plastic euphoria don’t come without a price. At NCSX, the controllers are $40 each and the sticks are a hefty $85 each. You can also get them slightly cheaper from Play-Asia, but they’re based in Hong Kong so that says enough about that. I bought 2 black pads (to match my case) and 2 sticks which shows you that my monetary priorities are FUCKED UP.

BUY THEM.

• Reader Review by: Stove