Review Of The 8-Bitdo SF30 Pro Gamepad
I enjoyed using my Steelseries Stratus XL for Windows and Android devices. A couple months ago I started playing more retro games from the 8-bit and 16-bit game systems. Recently, though my Stratus XL has been malfunctioning. It drops connection and the keep registering Phantom button presses. So, I decided it was time for a new control pad.
Enter the 8-Bitdo SF30 Pro, a very nostalgic feeling game pad. It's based on the Super Nintendo / Super Famicom game pad. The only real difference between the SF30 Pro and the SN30 is the color of the buttons. The SF30 Pro has red, yellow, blue, and green buttons. The SN30 Pro has all purple buttons. Otherwise they are identical.
In The Box
The packaging is nice. Like what you would get with SteelSeries gamepads. In the box you will find the SF30 Pro, a 1 meter (3.2 feet) USB A to C cable, and a warranty card.
Design
It looks and feels like the SNES game pad only wireless and with two analog sticks and 2 added triggers. It's a little heavier than an original SNES game pad due to the battery.
The control pad feels great in the hand. The controls are all accessible, and comfortable to use. The D-pad, buttons, and triggers are all clicky like the original SNES controller. The analog sticks have smooth actuation. The travel is shorter than that of a PlayStation controller, but the resistance is spot on. The triggers are not pressure sensitive and are clicky and satisfying.
Game Testing
The SF30 Pro works great in 2-D side scrollers and fighting games. The button layout even adds to the nostalgia of playing re-released retro games. The analog sticks also work great in 3D fighting games like Soul Calibur and Tekken. The controller worked great while emulating Nintendo games. Playing NES and SNES games felt particularly nostalgic.
Older racing games like Need For Speed Shift played great. The controller's analog sticks provided precise controls. Newer racing games like Project Cars did not fare so well. This is due to the lack of granular pressure sensitivity control on the L2 and R2 triggers. L2 and R2 are the configured controls for Gas and Break, and it takes control of the granular control.
Who is it for and Final Thoughts
This controller is for retro-gaming fans, emulation enthusiasts, and everyone who wants a good controller. It works great in 2D games, and almost every 3D game as well. If you are an all around gamer you can't go wrong with this controller. Gamers who love modern racing games should try other controllers.
