Geek Pick: 8BitDo’s M30 Gamepad Is the Best Way to Experience the Sega Genesis Mini

Sega recently released its long-awaited Genesis Mini. It’s a great miniaturized system filled with classic Sega Genesis games. The only drawback is with its controllers. Don’t get me wrong, the three-button Genesis controllers work great for most titles on the Mini. Yet there are certain titles that work best with the Genesis’ 6-button controller. Thankfully, our friends over at 8Bitdo have released a version of their M30 gamepad that works with the Genesis Mini. Now, players can get the most out of Sega’s diminutive retro console.

For this review, I’ll break down how well the M30 wireless gamepad works with the Genesis Mini. You can check out my full review of the base controller here. You can also check out Will Greenwald’s full review on the Genesis Mini over on sister site, PCMag. As I said in my review: “[The M30 gamepad] captures the look and feel of Sega’s classic controller and is a must-own for fans of Sega’s golden age.” I also said: “The M30 gamepad is by far the very best Genesis/Saturn-inspired gamepad I’ve had the pleasure of playing.” Needless to say, the M30 is a pretty awesome Genesis controller. Making it compatible with the Genesis Mini was a very smart move on 8Bitdo’s part.

Out of the box, you get the M30 gamepad, a wireless receiver, a USB cable, and a small instruction booklet. The controller has 2.4G wireless connectivity, turbo functionality, and the ability to easily access the Genesis mini’s home screen. The all-black controller has a matte finish which makes it easy to grip. Its buttons depress in a satisfactory manner and it has enough weight to feel solid without burdening your hand. It’s a solidly-built controller that feels great to play on.

You don’t have to worry about syncing the controller to the Genesis mini. All you need to do is plug in the receiver into the mini and press start on the controller. You go through the same process if you’re using the USB cable. Like the original M30, this variant is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Pairing that with the system is straightforward as well. Because set up is so easy, you’re able to quickly jump in and start enjoying classic Genesis games.

While playing wired makes the Genesis mini feel more authentic, I’m all about playing wirelessly. During my testing, I found no noticeable lag. Running and jumping in Sonic the Hedgehog or beating thugs in Streets of Rage 2 worked flawlessly. After two entire console generations playing wirelessly, it’s difficult going back to wired play. Because of that, I’m glad 8Bitdo always makes sure its controllers have this capability.

Though there are 40 games on the Genesis mini, you only truly need the M30 for three of them: Comix Zone, Eternal Champions, and Street Fighter II: Championship Edition. For the latter two, the M30 is a must since they are fighters. As I said in my original review of the M30: “Combos, special moves, and super moves came easily.” At the time of that review, I said the M30 is the best fightpad on the market. That is no longer true thanks to the PowerA Fusion fightpad, but the M30 being second place to that controller is still an accomplishment. If you want to play SFII Championship Edition or Eternal Champions the right away, you need the M30 in your life.

The Sega Genesis Mini is a fantastic retro console in its own right. It is every bit as great as its Nintendo counterparts, maybe even better. Using the M30 gamepad with the miniature system just makes it that much better. If you’re already enjoying the Genesis Mini, you owe it to yourself to pick up the M30 gamepad and get the most out of it.



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