Saturday, December 10, 2011

Can you recommend a simple wireless Mac-compatible gamepad / controller for retro gaming? [closed]

Question

I like to use old-school emulators to do some retro gaming every now and then.

I’d love to have a wireless gamepad that’s compatible with Apple computers (and the SNESX9 emulator, but I suppose that won’t be a problem).

Since it’s only for retro gaming, I don’t need a lot of buttons or vibrating parts… Just a simple D-pad and some buttons is more than enough. Here’s an example of the SNES controller to give you an idea — something as simple as this would be perfect!

http://dl.img.qj.net/uploads/files_module/screenshots/16944_SNES-controller-01.gif

Any suggestions on what works and what doesn’t?

I should probably say that I own the original SNES console and games, so I don’t think what I’m doing is illegal. It’s just that I’d like to play these games on my MacBook instead, using a wireless controller.

Answer

Well, it's not an SNES shaped controller but DarwiinRemote allows you to wirelessly connect a Wii Remote via Bluetooth and map each button to a key on the keyboard. Of course, this technique only works if you own a Wii remote. I use this technique as I don't need to buy anything extra.

If you don't mind it being wired, you can buy this product which essentially adds an SNES controller port to your MacBook. (As you said you own the SNES games, I'm assuming you also have an SNES controller). If you don't have the controller anymore, you can buy this product which is an SNES controller that plugs directly into an USB port.

Edit: Just remembered that this probably won't work for an SNES emulator as you need to map the X and Y button. If you have a Classic Controller, you can use it with DarwiinRemote as well. You may, however, need to apply this patch.

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