White Japanese Sega Saturn 3D Control Pad (Controller) Review HSS-0137



As a recently new Sega Saturn owner, I knew I had to get the Sega Saturn 3D Control Pad because it was the definitive controller for playing Nights Into Dreams. I decided to purchase the more aesthetically-pleasing Japanese version.

Upon first inspection, it is noticeably big - bigger than it should be. Sega was probably going for form over function here, because the round shape does look like a mini-spaceship or UFO, which goes with their theme of space with the Saturn itself, but it is not the most ergonomically comfortable controller out there. For example, when playing six-button fighting-games, it is difficult to hold the controller in the left hand and 'piano' the buttons with the right.

The d-pad is a little different from the American Model 1 and Japanese Model 2 controllers'. It feels a little stiffer. Of the three controllers I have tried, it has my least favorite d-pad. On the plus-side, however, it features the best start-button of the three.


I had some trouble focusing on the button, but you can see how much it protrudes from the controller itself, making it very easy to push and repush.

But the main attraction, of course, is the analog nub itself, which it is - a nub, and not a stick.


You can see how there is no stick. It is a nub that has a recessed center in which one places his or her thumb. It works better than it might appear to, and in-game, even better. I only tested it on Burning Rangers, but there is very little dead-zone; it's very sensitive. From a calibration-standpoint, I think the game could have better-optimized itself for the controller. You don't need to push the nub in any direction to reach maximum actuation-distance.

The triggers are fine as well.

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