SNES DOOM might not be the closest thing to the OG MS-DOS boomer shooter, but it has evolved. Its modern metamorphosis arguably kicked off with the arrival of FX3 carts, a souped-up version of the original cartridges featuring a turbocharged Super FX that enhances performance and allows for more levels, but the creator of my favorite open-source retro controller adapter firmware has also made dual analogue stick support a thing.
A few weeks ago, Jacques Gagnon announced on BlueSky that they'd finished an FX3 SNES DOOM rom hack that adds BlueRetro dual analogue joystick support. The patch builds upon the enhancements brought by the cart created by Limited Run Games and Randy Linden, the original dev behind the "impossible" Super Nintendo port and Bleem!
Today, the BlueRetro dev shared an update to that previous feat, revealing that since SNES DOOM FX3 now runs on Mesen, it's now easier than ever to rip and tear with dual sticks. That means you don't need to use a real Super Nintendo and an FX3 cart, as the emulator will let you use modern controls on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Finally done with my SNES Doom FX3 rom hack that adds BlueRetro dual analog joystick support while maintaining existing rumble support! Details in reply below!
— @darthcloud.blueretro.com (@darthcloud.blueretro.com.bsky.social) 2026-07-20T15:04:38.914Z
Just as a reminder, you've got Gagnon to thank for the wireless adapter firmware that helps link the best retro controllers today to your original systems. The specific dongle I use to pair my Switch 2 GameCube adapter with an actual GameCube is powered by Blueretro software, and it's currently the only firmware that plays nicely with Nintendo's new gamepad protocol.
If you're using an actual FX3 SNES DOOM cart, just know that while the dev has tried to "make the install procedure safe," the dual analogue stick patch has only been tested on one unit. Therefore, Gagnon warns, "you have to keep in mind you might end up bricking your FX3 cartridge, lose the warranty, endup sad, etc..." as a disclaimer alongside a link to the project.
That's where using Mesen instead to try SNES DOOM with dual analogue sticks comes in handy, as you won't be messing with any physical ROM chips. I sadly don't have an FX3 cart yet, so I'll likely use the emulator in my free time later to take the shooter for a spin using something like the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro to retain that SNES pad feel.
Swing by the best retro consoles for systems that'll play original carts and run your ROMs.
