Despite the astonishing advancements in video game technology, a lot of gamers are going back to the classics and playing retro games again thanks to the rise in retropie gaming. This allows gamers to enjoy their favorite old-school video games on a newer, more modern Raspberry Pi. Of course, in order to play these games, you’re going to need a Retropie controller you can configure to use for retro games across multiple platforms long since passed.
In this article, we’re going to list our top retropie controllers for retropie gaming. We’ll discuss what features of these controllers make them ideal for retro gamers and which controllers will be best for which systems and games.
PS4 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
For all the PlayStation 4 supporters out there (of which we’re certain there are many), you’re in luck! Not only is the PS4 DualShock 4 Wireless controller great for your typical PS4 gaming, but it’s also compatible with Retropie gaming, making arguably the best controller for 2D and 3D games, ideally PS1 games.
Switch Fighting Stick Mini
There’s nothing quite like playing classic fighter games, such as Mortal Kombat, on a giant arcade machine. Luckily, with the Switch Fighting Stick Mini controller, you can get pretty close. With USB connectivity and an arcade-style joystick and button layout, a seamless and nostalgic Retropie gaming session is guaranteed.
Xbox One Wired Controller
Ah, the Xbox One. If you weren’t one of the people who already owned a PS4 DualShock controller, odds are you’re an Xbox supporter and you have one or two of these laying around. The Xbox One Wired controller is often dubbed the best all-around retropie gaming controller you can find. Thanks to its USB connectivity, you’ll have quick response times for an Xbox or Windows game.
Xbox One Wireless Controller
If you love using the Xbox One controller but can’t stand being held back by its wired connection, we recommend using the Xbox One Wireless controller instead.
While you will still need a Bluetooth compatible Pi to use this controller, it will feel much less restrictive than the majority of wired controllers on this list. You can also use it for a wide range of console, just like the wired controller, such as all Xbox, NES, Windows, and Dreamcast.
RetroFlag Classic Gaming Controller
This is a classic controller you’re going to find an any retropie gaming controller list. The RetroFlag Classic Gaming controller is arguably the best investment any retropie gamer can make. Not only is the controller compatible with Windows and the Switch, but also a vast list of classic consoles. Personally, we’re partial to the Jpad RetroFlag Classic Gaming controller, but the Upad Classic Gaming controller is just as viable a choice.
8Bitdo SF30 Pro Controller
Most gamers love the classic look of the RetroFlag Classic gaming controller but have the same issue as the Xbox One Wired controller where they don’t enjoy a wired connection. Thankfully, with the 8Bitdo SF30 Pro controller, you get nearly the same experience as the RetroFlag (also known as the 8Bitdo SF30) with the perk of a Bluetooth connection.
Again, you’ll need a Bluetooth compatible Pi and this is going to cost you a bit in response time, but overall its an exceptional cordless retropie controller.
Hyperkin Premium NES Controller
Xbox and PlayStation are fantastic gaming consoles, but sometimes the best gaming experiences are found in consoles that predate these more modern mammoths. The NES was a revolutionary console that allowed gamers to play classics like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros. 1 and 3, and Metroid.
So, if you finally want to play these classic in their original form or relive your childhood gaming memories, you’ll need the Hyperkin Premium NES controller.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro+ Bluetooth Controller
The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+ Bluetooth controller perfectly blends the classic look of retro controllers like the 8BitDo and the PlayStation 1 but is larger in size for increased comfort and improved grip. This controller isn’t as versatile as other options on our list, but it’s great for gamers who prioritize a controller that suits their hand size more than one that’s compatible with multiple consoles.
Logitech Gamepad F310
For all you gamers who love Xbox and PlayStation games equally, we present to you the best of both worlds with the Logitech Gamepad F310 controller. With ten programmable buttons, this controller perfectly blends an Xbox and PlayStation controller into one highly functional USB connective controller to suit nearly all your gaming needs.
iNNEXT Saffun N64
Closing out our list is none other than the iNNEXT Saffun N64 controller. Some of you might still have a few of these laying around from your days of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Super Smash Bros. on the N64; we know we definitely do. But, if you don’t, you can get one of these controllers for a bargain price and use it reliably for your USB-based retropie gaming.