Controllers

A wired USB controller is the simplest solution: you plug it in, the emulation system detects it, you assign the buttons once and that is it. No battery to recharge, no pairing. It is the ideal option for a fixed living room console or for children.

A Bluetooth controller brings the comfort of the couch. The Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 4 include Bluetooth 5.0, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Bluetooth 4.2: no dongle is needed on these models. Most wireless 8BitDo controllers also accept a USB-C cable, which lets you play while charging.

In between, the 2.4 GHz controllers come with a small USB receiver: the connection is as simple as wired, with no cable between you and the screen.

8BitDo Pro 2: the most complete

Visit 8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth controller is the all-round controller par excellence: two Hall effect sticks, two programmable rear paddles, three custom profiles switchable on the fly, 1000 mAh battery rated for 20 hours of play. It works over Bluetooth or wired USB-C, and 8BitDo lists the Raspberry Pi among its compatible systems. It is the right choice if you play 2D and 3D games alike (Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Dreamcast).

8BitDo SN30 Pro: the Super Nintendo spirit with sticks

Visit 8BitDo SN30 Pro controller, classic edition takes the shape of the Super Nintendo controller and adds two sticks, triggers and vibration. 480 mAh battery for 18 hours of play, Bluetooth and USB-C, Raspberry Pi cited by the manufacturer. It suits players who want a compact controller capable of everything.

If you do not want to manage a battery, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro USB controller offers the same feel in a wired USB version, also compatible with Raspberry Pi according to 8BitDo. It offers simple vibration (no HD vibration or motion detection).

8BitDo Lite SE: designed for accessibility

Visit 8BitDo Lite SE Purple Edition was designed for players with reduced mobility: buttons requiring less force, more sensitive sticks, dedicated L3 and R3 buttons and a non-slip underside. 8BitDo states that it is compatible with Raspberry Pi OS, Lakka, RetroPie, Recalbox and Batocera. 480 mAh battery for 18 hours.

8BitDo Zero 2: the mini pocket controller

Visit 8BitDo Zero 2 Turquoise weighs 20.7 g and fits in one hand. It is limited to a directional pad and buttons (no stick), with about 8 hours of battery life. Note: the official 8BitDo page cites Switch, Windows and Android, but no longer the Raspberry Pi. Keep it for 2D games and occasional use.

To recapture the original feel, nothing beats a controller that takes the shape of the emulated console.

• Super Nintendo : the Super Nintendo USB controller (Retroflag Classic USB Controller) is a wired controller with a SNES design, 1.8 m cable, X-input and D-input modes and a turbo function. Its manufacturer states that it is compatible with Raspberry Pi, Windows and Switch. It is the ideal basic controller for a Recalbox console.
• Nintendo 64 : the N64 USB controller takes the three-grip shape and the central stick of the original controller, wired over USB (1.8 m cable). It is a generic model: plan to configure the buttons once in the emulator.
• NES and GameCube : generic USB replicas also exist in this category, on the same wired principle.
• Mega Drive : the Retroflag Classic Controller-M takes the six buttons of the Mega Drive controller, with L, R and Select added. It works wirelessly at 2.4 GHz (receiver supplied) or wired over USB-C, 480 mAh battery, turbo, and the manufacturer cites the Raspberry Pi.

For fighting games and shoot'em ups, an arcade stick changes everything. The Stick Arcade 8BitDo connects over Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (dongle supplied) or USB-C, with a 1000 mAh battery rated for 40 hours at 2.4 GHz. Note, however: 8BitDo only officially lists Switch, Switch 2 and Windows 10 or later; the Raspberry Pi is not documented by the manufacturer.

If you prefer a real cabinet with a built-in control panel, our article Discover our arcade terminal with Raspberry Pi 4 details its construction and how it works.

• 8BitDo M30 for Mega Drive Mini : it is intended only for the SEGA Mega Drive Mini (Genesis Mini) and the Switch. No Raspberry Pi compatibility is documented: prefer the Retroflag Classic Controller-M.
• GameCube 4-port adapter : it is intended for the Switch (in dock mode) and the Wii U. It is not a solution for Raspberry Pi.
• SuperPack module for Xbox Series controller : it works with Switch, Windows and iOS, not with the Raspberry Pi or with an Xbox console.
• Raspberry Pi without Bluetooth : older models without a wireless module cannot pair a Bluetooth controller. In that case choose a wired USB controller or a 2.4 GHz model with a receiver.
• 3D games : a controller without a stick (Zero 2, SNES or NES replicas) is not suitable for the Nintendo 64 or PlayStation.

On the software side, Recalbox, RetroPie and Batocera recognise controllers differently. Our comparison Recalbox vs RetroPie vs Batocera helps you choose the system before you assign your buttons.

All our controllers are tested, shipped within 24/48 h after payment is received from our stock based in France, with returns possible within 14 days (after a return authorisation). Pickup point delivery is free from €200 of purchases.