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NES Retro Controller Clones Vanishing, Probably a Nintendo C&D

I noticed I was running low on the quite well-made "N85" controllers and hopped on the distributor's website to order more, and lo and behold, both their NES controller clones that resemble the original design are completely delisted. When I called them, they said they're designing a new controller under another brand. The only thing is, they still have the Dogbone style controller available.

Similarly, another distributor I do business with has no actual NES-compatible controllers available like they used to. Only USB ones.

Bear in mind these are just controllers compatible with the NES proper, not the NES Classic Mini. This is particularly frustrating because people ARE looking for NES Classic-compatible controllers and one of those distributors JUST introduced an adapter to let the old NES controllers work on the Mini.

The timing on this delisting seems too convenient. Not that long ago, both these companies had to delist all their PS2/PS3 controllers because they were based on the actual Sony controller shape. So we went months without generic PS2+PS3 controllers because of some petty C&D. I suspect the same has happened here with Nintendo.

So, I guess, PSA: grab a generic retro NES controller while you can.
 
Nothing else indicates this to be the case other than them selling out. NES is hot right now.

Look at the 8bitdo controller with adapter. Even with the flawed dpad the controller which was readily available is back ordered for months if you want the classic adapter.
 

Umibozu

Member
The controller is still readily available at vgp and eBay, and amazon.ca still has it listed so I don't think nintendo sent a c&d. As the poster above stated it could just be selling very well.
 
Maybe everyone is collectively realizing that the NES has the worst controller ever.

73ea8ad97f622f686da138e618f5ee5e.jpg
 
Are there any wireless third party models?

Even if you're being slavishly nostalgic I see no reason to produce a console with wired controllers in 2017.
 

linkboy

Member
Are there any wireless third party models?

Even if you're being slavishly nostalgic I see no reason to produce a console with wired controllers in 2017.

8bitdo NES Receiver


This lets you use Bluetooth controllers with the NES, not just the 8bitdo controllers.

There's also a SNES model.


I have the 8bitdo SNES controller and I use it with both my SNES and Retro USB AVS and it works great with both.
 
Nothing else indicates this to be the case other than them selling out. NES is hot right now.

Look at the 8bitdo controller with adapter. Even with the flawed dpad the controller which was readily available is back ordered for months if you want the classic adapter.

Why are you assuming C&D?

I still see it online.

Did anyone read the OP?

The distributors who manufacture these controllers are no longer making them available for sale. These distributors both had stock a week ago. And now both sites have delisted the items; they're not just showing "Out of stock." Last time this happened, it was a Sony C&D, and we had to wait months for one of them to develop a whole new model of controller that didn't look like Sony's before we could order anything.

These are places indie game stores and lots of web dealers order from. Once the web dealers run out of current stock, that's it, outside of any stock coming straight out of Alibaba or wherever that would undoubtedly ignore any Nintendo IP issues.
 
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