These are affiliate links that help support Classic Co-op at no extra cost. I only include products I actually love and use on a regular basis.
My Favorite Controllers
8bitdo M30
My favorite modern retro controller. The D-pad feels incredible and it works across Genesis, Switch, and PC depending on the version and dongle. If you play 2D games or beat ’em ups, this is the closest thing to a perfect modern retro pad I’ve found. I use this on original hardware, and have two of the USB versions that I use as my main controllers on the Mister. And it’s a great price!
👉 View on Amazon (affiliate link)
Genesis Version - https://amzn.to/4auLbA8
USB Version - https://amzn.to/4c6Ofn7
genesis BIG6
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!
👉 View at CastleMania (affiliate link)
https://castlemaniagames.com/products/big6-2-4-ghz-wireless-arcade-pad?ref=dvowqbgo
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. It works great on original SNES hardware. I can’t find a USB version of this controller, so i’m not sure if it exists. I personally use this one almost exclusively when playing on my original SNES. It’s the best wireless SNES controller i’ve ever used.
👉 View 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.
👉 View on Amazon (affiliate link)
The Switchers and Cables I use
GCOMP Automatic 8:2 Switcher
This is the best automatic component switcher on the market! I have two of these daisy chained in my set up. 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 set up!
👉 View at CastleMania (affiliate link)
Component Version - https://castlemaniagames.com/products/gretrostuff-automatic-8-2-component-composite-switch?ref=dvowqbgo
Scart Version - https://castlemaniagames.com/products/gscart?ref=dvowqbgo
HD Retrovision Cables
I use these component cables for just about every console in my retro set up. 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!
👉 View at CastleMania (affiliate link)
Genesis Version - https://castlemaniagames.com/products/hd-retrovision-genesis?ref=dvowqbgo
SNES Version - https://castlemaniagames.com/products/hd-retrovision-snes?ref=dvowqbgo
Wii Version - https://castlemaniagames.com/products/hd-retrovision-wii?ref=dvowqbgo
PS2 Version - https://castlemaniagames.com/products/hd-retrovision-ps2-3?ref=dvowqbgo
THE ROM CARTS and ODEs I USE
ROM CARTS
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.
👉 View at Stone Age Gamer (affiliate link)
NES - https://stoneagegamer.com/everdrive-n8-red-nes.html?afmc=jp
SNES - https://stoneagegamer.com/fxpak-sd2snes-pro-classic-all-region.html?afmc=jp
N64 - https://stoneagegamer.com/everdrive64-x7-base.html?afmc=jp
SMS - https://stoneagegamer.com/master-everdrive-x7-black.html?afmc=jp
Neo Geo - https://stoneagegamer.com/neosd-pro-aes.html?afmc=jp
Optical Drive Emulators
Optical Drive Emulators are basically like rom carts, but for disc based consoles. I use the MODE for my PS!, Saturn, and Dreamcast. I love the menu system here and the ability to organize your games. Unfortunately you can’t use one for all three at the same time. You will need to install on in each console seperately.
👉 View at Stone Age Gamer (affiliate link)
https://stoneagegamer.com/terraonion-mode-dreamcast-saturn-playstation-ode.html?afmc=jp
