Retro-Bit Showcases A Wave Of Sega Genesis And Saturn Accessories At CES 2019

CES 2019 is widely regarded as the main event for future-facing technology, and that includes gaming tech. Nvidia have new graphics cards to show off, TV manufacturers are pushing new resolutions and form factors--check out all of CNET's great CES coverage to take a closer look--and VR companies continue to chase more efficient and portable headset solutions.

There's definitely something for everybody at CES, even for fans of retro games. Retro-Bit was on hand with numerous controllers aimed directly at nostalgic Sega fans, and if it delivers on its promise to improve upon the original controllers' designs, it could become the de facto supplier of controllers for the Sega side of the ever-growing retro-gaming scene.

Below is a handful of photos of Retro-Bit's various Sega Genesis and Sega Saturn controller designs, but the first image below is of a very unexpected product that may or may not see the light of day: an HDMI-capable recreation of the Sega Nomad portable Genesis handheld.

If you remember Sega's portable, power-hungry Nomad from the '90s, then this thick hunk of plastic will be instantly recognizable. Retro-Bit hasn't yet licensed the name "Nomad" from Sega, but regardless, the company is targeting a release date of June 1 at a $70 price point.

Even though the pseudo-Nomad remains in limbo at the moment, Retro-Bit and Sega of America have collaborated on recreations of classic Genesis controllers. The partnership should, in theory, ensure that Retro-Bit's products meet standards set by Sega. The ground-floor products are the new wired, 6-button Genesis controllers. They will be available with PC or Genesis connections to suit a variety of use-cases, and come in both Black and Clear Blue color-schemes. A brief test playing Street Fighter II left us impressed with the directional pad, which is often the most contentious component of third-party retro controllers.

The Genesis-native controllers will be available on March 28 for $15, while the PC USB controller is slated to ship on February 28 for $20.

Retro-Bit's wireless Genesis controllers again come in two flavors: a Bluetooth version, and a 2.4 GHz model.

The BT variant works on PC and Mac, but also Nintendo Switch. This will sell for $30 when it ships on April 1.

The 2.4 GHz model will work on Genesis consoles with the included wireless adapter, as well as PC and Mac devices. It will cost $25, and will ship a month later on May 1.

The 8- and 16-bit generations have received a lot of attention from modern third-party peripheral manufacturers like Retro-Bit, but not so for 32-bit consoles like the Sega Saturn. Retro-Bit's Sega Saturn controllers will be the first of its kind, offering 2.4 GHz (For Saturn) and Bluetooth variations of the controller (for PC, Mac, and Switch). The controllers will be available in either blue or black.

Both wireless versions of the controller will be sold for $30, with the release dates one month apart: the PC, Mac, and Switch version on April 1, and the Saturn-centric 2.4 GHz model on May 1.

Retrobit is also offering a version of its bluetooth Saturn controller with dual analog sticks. This is the version of the controller designed for PC, Mac, and Switch. It's scheduled to ship July 1 and will cost $40.

If you'd prefer to stay physically connected, wired Saturn controllers will also be an option. They will be available in black, slate grey, and a smokey transparent finish, and will launch on February 28 for $20.

Last but not least, Retro-Bit will also sell a recreation of the original analog controller for Saturn. It will be available in black or white, for $25, in Q3 2019.