Using new controllers with retro consoles might sound sacrilegious, but I'd argue modern gamepads can classic setups. Not everyone cares about using authentic accessories, and while I have a massive collection of original gamepads, even I like to kick back with something modern and comfortable that cuts the cord from time to time.
I've been showing people how to use new controllers with retro consoles for decades, and it's now remarkably easy. It feels like only yesterday that I had to conjure up convoluted combinations of adapters or mod systems to grant them modern gamepad abilities, but now, it's as simple as grabbing the right adapter or dongle.
Whether you simply want to use your DualSense with every retro console, or you're looking to grab one of the best retro controllers made today for a specific system, I've got you covered. There are plenty of wireless adapters out there that will pair modern PlayStation and Xbox pads with systems spanning back to the PS1, Sega Genesis, and even NES, and there are workarounds for platforms without an original port dongle.
Choosing a contemporary pad for your old console
I know many of you with a modern console won't have to think about grabbing a controller specific for your retro console. If you've already got a PS5 Dualsense, Xbox Wireless, or even a Switch 2 Pro controller to hand and are hellbent on using it, you're already prepped to pair it with a bunch of old systems.
That said, if you're looking for a pad specifically for a retro setup, you'll want to consider connectivity before grabbing a random controller. Largely speaking, I'd advise sticking with gamepads that use Bluetooth connectivity, as these will boast the best compatibility and lower latency with the wireless adapters and "Retro Receivers" that work with old controller port standards.
Modern Xbox controllers and PlayStation pads like the DualSense use "low energy" Bluetooth when connecting to PCs or smartphones. This is different from the "classic" Bluetooth 2.1 standard used by the DualShock 4 and the Wii U Pro, but that accessory can still connect easily to most adapters and dongles. Things start to get tricky when it comes to the first versions of the Xbox One gamepad, as those rely on a proprietary wireless connection.
Simply put, you will need either "classic" or "BLE" Bluetooth for controllers to work with retro console adapters. Only version three of the Xbox One gamepad (model 1797) will work since it uses the latter, but even accessories using wireless protocols can throw compatibility hurdles at you. For instance, the shiny new Switch 2 controller uses BLE, but Nintendo decided to modify the protocol to block compatibility with other devices.
The good news is that, as long as the gamepad is using Bluetooth, workarounds are on the table. In fact, I've already worked out how to use the Switch 2 GameCube controller with a Blueretro Bluetooth adapter, and it's all thanks to speedy open-source updates via its creator.
Alternatively, there are purpose-made wireless controllers that come with a 2.4GHz adapter. These gamepads will work natively with your old systems since they plug straight into OG ports, and the dongle will translate the signal to something the console's pinout understands. While Bluetooth adapters work in a similar way, using 2.4Ghz can facilitate lower latency since it doesn't have to deal with processing more complicated protocols.
Of course, the above mainly applies if you're aiming to play wirelessly. If, for whatever reason, you'd rather stick with a wired gamepad, you can do so using specialist adapters. However, your options will be pretty limited compared to if you stick with Bluetooth or a specific 2.4GHz controller with its own dongle.
Dongles, adapters, and retro receivers
Providing you've got a Bluetooth controller to hand, or something purpose-made for your old system, we can get thinkin' about sync'n. If you've got a gamepad that fits into the latter box, like the Retro Fighters Hunter for Xbox or even an 8Bitdo M30 2.4Ghz, you'll still be pairing your pad to its dongle in the same manner as standalone Bluetooth options, so bear that in mind if you're confusingly staring at blinking lights right now.
I'll focus on the Bluetooth side of things first, as you'll need to grab the right adapter for your console. The two brands I'd primarily focus on are 8Bitdo and Blueretro, as both make a bunch of dongles that will plug straight into most mainstream systems. There are absolutely gaps, and availability can be spotty on some models, but most of the biggies have a receiver option or a modern gamepad of some kind.
The pairing premise with every adapter I've tried is the same across the board. Each dongle will normally have a sync button designed to find your controller when placed into pairing mode. 2.4Ghz receivers are normally quicker at picking up gamepads since they have their own dedicated channel, whereas Bluetooth pads can take a few seconds.
Naturally, the process of putting your controller into pairing mode will differ across models. Getting the DualSense to pair involves holding the "Share" and middle "PS" buttons until the light bar flashes, whereas the Xbox and Switch 2 Pro controllers have a dedicated sync button at the top that you hold for three seconds.
The big caveat here is that if you pair a Bluetooth controller like the DualSense to something like a retro receiver, you'll then need to repair it with your PS5 afterwards and vice versa. This is one of the main reasons I end up picking up separate retro controllers rather than using one gamepad for every system, as while it only takes a few seconds every time, it's still an extra step in the retro setup rigmarole.
Circling back to wired controllers, the process still involves popping an adapter in your console's port. The difference is that gadgets like the Brook Wingman for SNES have a USB port on the front, allowing you to hook straight up using a cable. Yes, using one of these should, in theory, minimize latency caused by the wireless protocol side of things, but there's naturally still a translation layer to convert inputs to the pinout. Plus, the Super Nintendo version of this adapter is the only one I can find right now, so you won't be doing this with every console.
2.4Ghz vs Bluetooth controllers for retro consoles
Speaking of latency, you might be wondering if there's a huge difference between 2.4Ghz vs Bluetooth controllers when it comes to retro consoles. Having tested both types of wireless pad side by side to measure latency, I can confirm there is a difference, but it's not as impactful as you'd perhaps think.
To get some sort of measurement, I used slow-motion camera footage of my CRT to measure the input delay in milliseconds using the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro and an 8Bitdo Sega Genesis Retro Receiver versus a 2.4GHz M30 gamepad on the same console. The latter was undeniably quicker, registering button presses within 4ms on average. Its Bluetooth rival measured in at 18ms, which is a sizable difference on paper, but didn't feel especially laggy during real use.
In all honesty, if you absolutely need pinpoint precision button presses for speedrunning or serious play, you won't want to be using a wireless controller anyway. Original wired gamepads will ping presses through the controller port pins within a millisecond, so modern pads aren't going to beat that. If you absolutely need to cut the cord, though, 2.4Ghz is the snappiest option, whereas Bluetooth is perfectly serviceable for most players.
What about charging?
There's one massive drawback when it comes to using modern wireless controllers: how do you charge the thing? Your retro console certainly isn't going to provide your pad with enough juice, and even if you could somehow plug a USB cable into your wireless adapter, you'll need an alternative power source to hand.
If you're planning on using the likes of the DualSense with both your PS5 and retro consoles, then you could just ensure you stick to a charging schedule when it's near the modern system. That doesn't solve the issue of playing and charging, though, and for that, you'll really need to use a separate USB power source near your setup. In the past, I've actually grabbed a power bank so that I could keep playing when out of juice, as it felt less awkward than using a power brick and a trailing cable.
I should note that if you count the PS3 and Xbox 360 as retro consoles (they are 20 years old, after all), then those can actually charge your pads. That's largely a PSA for anyone with a Retro Fighters Defender, as while it won't have access to power when paired with a PS1 or PS2, Sony's third console can charge via its front USB ports just like it would with a DualShock 3.
Things to consider
There's nothing stopping you pairing new gamepads with any old system you like using the above methods. However, you'll really want to consider whether each pad is suited to your retro console of choice in terms of ergonomics and features.
For instance, some controllers will have a flat design more in line with early '90s NES, SNES, and Mega Drive pads, whereas others will include modern grips. I find that when playing more contemporary shooters and genres designed with at least the DualShock 2 in mind, playing with something that resembles pads of the era helps provide a more comfortable experience, not to mention the triggers usually feel more suited.
There are also specific features that could hamper functionality in specific consoles. The GameCube serves as the perfect example, as while its analogue triggers aren't used across its entire library, staple adventures like Super Mario Sunshine to take advantage of pressure sensitivity. So long as you think about some of the finer perks and quirks tied to each system and pad before diving in, you should be ready to have an excellent time playing classic games using modern-day buttons.
Take a peek at the best retro handhelds if you'd rather take your collection on the go.
