Controllers and D-Pads

[tjsnh]

A question for those more traveled in the turbo/PCE world than I am;

Are all NEC controllers made equal?
The reason i ask is that I've only ever used regular TG-16 turbopads, have used 3 of them over the years, and all have had very clunky D-pads which sometimes feel like they stick/click in one direction or another.

Anyone have experience with any of the various Japanese PCE/Duo grey/white/etc NEC pads? Any of them have a different feel to them? They look identical, except for the colors, but sometimes looks can be deceiving.

[NecroPhile]

Here's the ones I have:

TurboPad / US DuoPad / wireless PCE pad / Avenue Pad 3 / CG pad - they all feel about the same to me in terms of d-pads and button responsiveness, though the wireless and 3 button pad are obviously a little different in shape.

RX pad / PC-FX pad - comparatively soft and squishy buttons and d-pad.

Avenue Pad 6 - the buttons feel okay and the d-pad is responsive enough, but something about the d-pad makes my thumb sore after prolonged playing.

Pachinko Pad - very firm buttons and d-pad.

IllustBooster / Mouse - too damn weird to really compare but mentioned for lulz.

[SignOfZeta]

The TG16 pads are bigger than PCE ones. I didn't realize this until like...five years ago.

Of the other "OEM" pads, the pack-ins, the 3 and the 6, IMO they are all pretty much the same with the greatest factor being age and wear. They'll never be tight again once the tolerances are all slopped out but dish soap and contact cleaner help a lot when it comes to getting your inputs to register.

[esteban]

A question for those more traveled in the turbo/PCE world than I am;

Are all NEC controllers made equal?
The reason i ask is that I've only ever used regular TG-16 turbopads, have used 3 of them over the years, and all have had very clunky D-pads which sometimes feel like they stick/click in one direction or another.

Anyone have experience with any of the various Japanese PCE/Duo grey/white/etc NEC pads? Any of them have a different feel to them? They look identical, except for the colors, but sometimes looks can be deceiving.

I've never had a d-pad stick/click... (TG-16 or PCE) and I am not gentle with my controllers.

I hope things improve...

[Keith Courage]

The older style TG16 pads can stick with the D pad. There were two types made for the US TG16. The older ones which used different Din Cables vs the newer that had DIN cables that were hot swap-able with the pc engine game pads.  The older type can stick very badly. As a solution I find that putting two pieces of electrical tape in between the plastic part of the controller and the rubber pads of the D pad fix the issue. It's almost like the plastic casing on those older controllers were not made the correct size.

All the JP pc engines pads feel the same to me except for the DUO-RX pad. Stay away from that one. Beside looking cool it sucks. Never came across any JP controller with sticking d pad issues.

[tjsnh]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm strongly leaning towards buying a late-model Duo controller (and adapter cable) and seeing how it works out.

[TurboXray]

The Ave 6 I have might have slightly sharp edges on the d-pad like the original Turbo controllers, but it's offset by the lightness of the direction press involved. My Hori 6button pad is stiffer, but the d-pad is easier on the thumb (softer d-pad edges). Both feel better on my thumb than the original TG pads for long bouts of game playing.

[blueraven]

I really like the Ave 6, but I have been chastised by many who claim the Hori Commander has no equal. I'm planning on getting one soon to see the difference.

[Phase]

Here is the old thread as well, it has some pictures of the differences that Keith Courage is talking about.
https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=19741.15

[TurboXray]

I really like the Ave 6, but I have been chastised by many who claim the Hori Commander has no equal. I'm planning on getting one soon to see the difference.

I like them both! And they have a different feel to them.

[blueraven]

I really like the Ave 6, but I have been chastised by many who claim the Hori Commander has no equal. I'm planning on getting one soon to see the difference.

I like them both! And they have a different feel to them.

I've heard that, and that there are different games that play better on each, although I don't recall the thread where this was discussed.

[GoldenWheels]

The Blaster is my favorite, though I've never used some pads, namely any six button which isn't an Ave 6.

Blaster has the d pad at just this TINY slight diagonal angle, and the buttons as well....love it. Very comfortable.

[Arkhan Asylum]

The RX pad sucks dick.

everything else is OK.

[SignOfZeta]

I agree. The important thing to keep in mind is that all NEC pads (except maybe the RX, I haven't used one in forever) are actually pretty good for OEM pads. It's all I use, and I'm no cheapskate when it comes to controllers. If there was something better I'd be using it but I think the standard Core Grafx pad is just dandy.

Obviously a real stick would be better for fighting games but honestly the PCE isn't exactly the ultimate fighting machine so I didn't build one for it.

[TurboXray]

I think the standard Core Grafx pad is just dandy.

You might be missing some of the benefits that 3 buttons has to offer.

[exodus]

I like the blaster for its shape, but mine (brand new in box) started having problems pretty quickly. I've probably got to look inside and see what's up, but anywayyyyy I also like the avenue pad 3, and think the 6 is way too bulky and kind of hurts my fingers after a while. Wish my blaster just kept working properly!

[Dicer]

In order of awesomeness

Hori 6 button, it's the GOAT
Avenue 6,  a very close second and my go to pads on my setup.
Ave 3, same as above just less buttons, they are good for people with big meaty claws
Standard Turbo/Duo/PE Engine pad, works gets the job done
Finally 1st gen PCE pad with no turbo, use em in a pinch if no other controller is available.

[csgx1]

From my experience the feel of most NEC d-pads depends on wear or how used the controller is.  I have various NEC controllers and some of the d-pads feel different but most of them seem pretty worn.   

My Ave 3 seems to be my most worn pad where the d-pad is not smooth, clunky and kind of sticks.  I have worn US Turbo and PCE pads that feel similar but not as bad as my Ave 3.  I've inspected and thoroughly cleaned these with no improvement. 

In contrast, my cordless PCE and one of my white PCE non-turbo pads are really smooth and work great.  Most likely because the cordless pad was brand new and the non-turbo pad seems hardly used when I got them.  Both of these pads are what I always use now.

The Hori FC 6 button is good and the shape and feel is similar to the oem snes pad.  A nice d-pad but I only used it when playing fighting games.

[Alt-Nintega]

no one uses Turbo Stick?

[SmokeMonster]

How does the Hori Twin Commander fare? I've never used one.

[TheClash603]

Anyone use TurboStick ?

Nope.

[BigusSchmuck]

Anyone use TurboStick ?

Nope.

I do. Maybe because I bought a bunch of them back in the day from tzd for $10 a piece. Good times..

[HuMan]

My favorite by far is the 1st gen PCE no turbo controller. I love the feel of the buttons and the simplicity. It makes the PCE feel like the big brother of the Famicom it pretty much is.

[esteban]

D-Pad.

Douche pad.

DUO-RX pad...



...you are quite welcome.

STATUS: Image recycling continues. On track to achieve  target goal (10,000 images recycled) in 2017.

[SignOfZeta]

My favorite by far is the 1st gen PCE no turbo controller. I love the feel of the buttons and the simplicity. It makes the PCE feel like the big brother of the Famicom it pretty much is.

I agree totally.