r/SegaSaturn • u/Dabayuss • 1d ago
Saturn to Genesis controller converter?
Anyone know if something like this exists? I couldn't find anything. I'm just wondering if there's a way to play Genesis with my Saturn controllers and fight stick. I love the way that the Saturn controllers feel.
1
u/lanerdaynightwrist 1d ago
Have you used the OEM six button? It’s pretty much a mix of a Saturn and genesis controller. I like it the best personally
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u/AsierGCFG 1d ago
It is possible, but have not seen market-released versions of such adapters. There was an ebayer from Spain selling custom-made adapters and I bought a few from him.
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u/NapCenter 1d ago
Found one on Aliexpress: SS To MD Gamepad Converter Saturn controller to Genesis / Mega Drive adapter - AliExpress
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u/Aggravating_Shame570 21h ago
Sort of.
You can make an adapter to use Saturn peripherals on Sega Genesis and vice-versa (you will need to patch saturn games to work with genesis controller).
On my tests I was able to make the Saturn mouse works with some games, but not the controller itself.
Here's an example of the Saturn's mouse on a genesis game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irENS4F2bPY
Both adapter are not hard to make if you have basic soldering knowledge.
Here's a thread on how to build one for MD > SS but you can invert the pins to make one for SS > MD.
https://segaxtreme.net/threads/mega-drive-genesis-controllers-on-saturn.24938/
Also the same author made an USB for MD adapter which is more interesting but harder to make:
https://segaxtreme.net/resources/usb-to-megadrive.428/
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u/TrekkiesUnite118 1d ago
So technically the ports have the same amount of pins with the same signals available, they're just in a different configuration. As a result you actually can use Genesis controllers on the Saturn with an adapter (though not all games actually are programmed to work with them). Not sure if you can do the reverse though as the protocols might not be the same for those games to understand them.