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MY FAVORITE CONTROLLERS

This is another great wireless controller choice. What I love about this one is it comes with the Genesis and USB dongle so you can easily switch between the two. Also, if you’re a fan of the original 3 button style Genesis controller, this keeps that same shape, but adds three more buttons. Best of both worlds!

Shop BIG6 2.4 GHz Wireless Arcade Pad at CastleMania (affiliate link)

8Bitdo Sn30

My second-favorite modern retro controller. The D-pad isn’t quite as strong as the M30, but it’s still very solid and feels right at home for SNES-style games. I personally use this one almost exclusively when playing on my original SNES. It’s the best wireless SNES controller I’ve ever used.

The link below is the transparent 2.4G edition for original SNES hardware. Check the listing for the included receiver and your console’s compatibility.

Shop 8BitDo SN30 2.4G Transparent for original SNES on Amazon (affiliate link)

8Bitdo N30

This is the controller I use on my original NES hardware. It keeps the classic rectangular feel but adds modern wireless convenience, which is great when you’re playing couch co-op without long cables running across the room. The D-pad feels responsive, but again, it’s just not as good as the M30. But it is my favorite wireless controller for original NES hardware.

The link below is the transparent 2.4G edition for original NES hardware. Check the listing for the included receiver and your console’s compatibility.

Shop 8BitDo N30 2.4G Transparent for original NES on Amazon (affiliate link)

The Switchers and Cables I use

This is the best automatic component switcher on the market! I have two of these daisy chained in my setup. If you have a bunch of consoles like me, this will make your life so much easier! Just turn on a console and it’ll automatically switch to it for you. You can also output to two sources at the same time. One of the best purchases for my setup!

• Shop GCOMP 8:2 component / composite switcher at CastleMania

• Using SCART instead? View the GSCART switcher at CastleMania

Affiliate links. Choose the switcher that matches your cables and display.

I use these component cables for just about every console in my retro setup. These combined with the Gcomp switch are a dream combo! If you’re used to composite cable (yellow, red, white), this will be a huge step up in quality!

Choose the cable for your console. Check the product page for model compatibility before ordering.

• HD Retrovision Genesis component cable — CastleMania

• HD Retrovision SNES component cable — CastleMania

• HD Retrovision Wii component cable — CastleMania

• HD Retrovision PS2 / PS3 component cable — CastleMania

Affiliate links.

THE ROM CARTS and ODEs I USE

I have ROM carts for every old console I own. This has been an essential piece when it comes to capturing footage for co-op games. There’s no way I would be able to get as much done on real hardware if I was stuck to only using original cartridges.

Choose your console below. Check the product page for region, model compatibility, and what is included.

• NES — EverDrive N8 at Stone Age Gamer

• SNES — FXPAK / SD2SNES Pro at Stone Age Gamer

• Nintendo 64 — EverDrive64 X7 at Stone Age Gamer

• Master System — Master EverDrive X7 at Stone Age Gamer

• Genesis — MegaSD at Stone Age Gamer

• Neo Geo AES — NeoSD Pro at Stone Age Gamer

Affiliate links.

Optical drive emulators are basically like ROM carts, but for disc-based consoles. I use the MODE for my PS1, Saturn, and Dreamcast. I love the menu system and the ability to organize your games. You need a separate device installed in each console; check the product page for the parts and installation requirements for your system.

Shop Terraonion MODE for Dreamcast, Saturn, and PlayStation at Stone Age Gamer (affiliate link)