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I honestly didn't expect the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro to become my go-to retro controller, and the fact I've been using it with OG systems feels like blasphemy. Yet, by blending Sega Saturn gamepad sensibilities with hall-effect symmetrical thumb sticks and a layout that somehow feels contemporary and classical, the pad has managed to pierce through my purist preferences. It's also under $35 at the moment, so now is absolutely the time to shout about the soon-to-be-crowned controller.
Technically, the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro isn't part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, but it's doing its own thing by dropping down to $34.29. You could say it's a good job I'm not too fixated on seasonal events and tend to keep tabs on the best retro consoles without an excuse, as I suspect some of you in need of a versatile pad could end up missing this record low if you use the retailer's themed filters.
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Admittedly, I've been spending a lot of time with the best retro controller contenders, putting them through a gauntlet of sorts. It just so happens that the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro is currently my best pick overall, and while you will need to pick up an extra dongle to use it with old consoles, it's a bit of a no-brainer for under $35, especially if you were a Sega kid back in the '90s.
At a glance, the Elves 2 Pro looks like it belongs beside an original white Japanese Sega Saturn. That's no accident, as it's styled to look like the OG gamepad, paying homage to the pad's colorful buttons and iconic disc d-pad. Unlike the OG controller, though, this version switches out the six-button fighting game layout for a conventional setup, all while adding extra back bumpers and somehow fitting in full-size Hall effect joysticks at the bottom.
I should note that I'm also currently testing the Retro-Bit Sega Saturn Pro controller, which almost takes the same approach to the Elves 2 Pro by adding thumbsticks and wireless connectivity. The big difference is that the former opts for smaller Joy-Con style sticks in a bit of maintain the OG six-button layout, and while that certainly comes in handy when paired with the original console, it doesn't feel quite as nice as what Gulikit is offering.
Of course, if you opt for the Gulikit pad, you won't be automatically hooked up with a wireless dongle for your old console. The Retro-Bit version, just like models for other systems, comes with a 2.4GHz adapter, whereas the Elves 2 Pro is Bluetooth. That's not to say you can't use it with most old machines, however, as if you pick up one of 8Bitdo's Retro Receivers, or even an open-source alternative by Blueretro, you'll be able to bridge the compatibility gap.
So far, I've tried the Elves 2 Pro with the SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, PS1, and PS2. Yes, I know the fact that I haven't introduced it to my Sega Saturn yet is a travesty, but I'm hoping to pick up the appropriate 8Bitdo Retro Receiver on payday when I actually have funds to spare. The overall verdict is that the sticks are slick, the buttons are tactile, and it does a tremendous job at feeling like both an old and new controller in terms of comfort and feel.
8Bitdo Receivers | View at Amazon
Blueretro | View at Aliexpress
I've also paired the Elves 2 Pro to the GameCube using the same BlueRetro dongle featured in my Switch 2 controller setup, but there are some caveats. While it's not a biggie for most of Ninty's library or other systems, the triggers on Gullikit's pad are digital. In the case of the cube, it means you won't be able to use pressure-sensitive inputs in the likes of Super Mario Sunshine, where pressing allows you to run and gun (or dribble) water using F.L.U.D.D.
The digital triggers might matter more if you also use the Elves 2 Pro as a Switch 2 or PC controller. That's not an unreasonable idea, considering it's really geared for modern consoles out of the box, but the lack of analogue inputs really only matters if you're into racing games or something else with specific compatibility.
The thing that helps the Elves 2 Pro sit pretty as a retro controller in my eyes is that disc-shaped d-pad. It feels pretty exceptional when it comes to Genesis and SNES games, mimicking the feel of my favorite Sega pads. The thumbsticks make it an excellent option for N64 and PlayStation games, too, with the layout really coming in clutch for the latter.
If anything is going to put most of you off picking up an Elves 2 Pro for your old console, it might be the need for extra dongles. I reckon if you've still got a collection of old systems, picking up wireless adapters is a good move since it will add modern perks to your setup, but even if you've only got one machine on your mind, the current discount means you'll pay less all in.
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