Hands On with the Retro Fighters StrikerDC Wireless Dreamcast Controller

Retro Fighters have recently released the Wireless update to their StrikerDC “next gen” Dreamcast controller. We took a look at the original wired version way back in 2020, which was so long ago I forgot that it was me who did the actual review.

Well, we here at the Junkyard have the new version in our grubby little hands (thanks to Retro Fighters for sending us some units to review), and we've started to put it through its paces… and everything is so far, so good. In the video below, you can see my initial thoughts and feelings pretty much in real time, with just one or two edits in and around the fat of the content.

Can't be bothered to see my stupid face? I get that. Then to briefly summarise my initial impressions: this is a product that improves on the original in most ways, the triggers and analog stick both feel nicer when in use. Having stopped to think about it, I’d say the triggers feel similar to something like the Razer controllers I have, as they have a nice audible click when pressed. It will be interesting to see if they hold up over time, unlike those of the wired version, which many had to send off to Retro Fighters for replacements. Also, as far as I can tell, the controller has no input lag.

For more information on all the controller's new features, check out Lozz's original news post about it.

If you have one of these, owned the original, or have a question, then let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels.

StrikerDC Wireless Controller Announced by Retro Fighters

Last week Retro Fighters, the US-based producer of peripherals for retro consoles, revealed the 'StrikerDC Wireless' to the world. As the name suggests, this is a wireless version of their StrikerDC controller that aims to provide Dreamcast aficionados with an experience that is in-line with contemporary expectations.

Despite its ergonomic form factor and elegant design, the original StrikerDC had a mixed reception within the Dreamcast Scene. Many users complained that the trigger mechanisms in their controllers broke after only moderate usage, and although Retro Fighters were quick to fulfil requests for replacements or refunds, the presence of this problem was a significant enough drawback to ward off many a potential buyer.

Fortunately, Retro Fighters have reported to the DCJY that the triggers on the StrikerDC Wireless have been completely redesigned, taking into account the problems that the original wired iteration had. Of course, we'll only be able to tell whether the necessary durability is present after some testing, but, if Retro Fighters have in fact cracked this issue, then the StrikerDC Wireless could be quite special.

The controller features modern wireless technology that functions at a distance of up to 30 feet, a USB-C rechargable battery with a life of up to 10 hours, built-in rumble, and a shape that promises to be more comfortable than that of the original DC controller. Notably, the VMU slot, which we've been told is fully compatible with the 4X memory card, is not present on the controller itself, instead being located alongside the wireless receiver that plugs into the console's controller port. Retro Fighters purportedly opted to go this route as trying to get a VMU to function wirelessly was causing latency and communication problems during their initial testing. Having the slot at arms length could be an issue for those sick Seaman addicts who need to tenderly whisper into a Dreamcast microphone held in close proximity, but admittedly, there is probably only a small pool of such folks out there. Importantly, given the plentiful bounty of local multiplayer gems on the little white box, Retro Fighters claim that multiple controllers can work together without interference.

If the StrikerDC Wireless delivers all that it promises, and overcomes the aforementioned trigger flaw, then the price of $49.99 sounds reasonable. It's also quite competitive when compared with other wireless options currently on the market, such as the $45 Brook Wingman adapter, or the $200+ DreamConn. 

Once the StrikerDC Wireless drops, we'll be putting it through its paces and providing readers with a comprehensive review. We'll also be sure to report on any other news from Retro Fighters given that they have hinted that more Dreamcast products could be coming down the line...

Until then, you can find out all you need to know about the StrikerDC Wireless over at the Retro Fighters website.

Will you be giving the StrikerDC Wireless some consideration or are you loyally clinging to the iconoclastic OG controller? Let us know in the comments section below.

Hands on with the 'RetroFighters DC Striker' Pad

I dislike the term Retro gaming, as a label I feel like it's too simplistic a term and not anyway near tangible enough when people try to define what it actually means. Does a game or console need to be from a certain console generation? Does it need to have been released during a certain year or have other technological parameters to be defined as retro? Do you have to be at a certain age or experience level to be able to use the term? And why do other forms of media not have the same fascination with the term that gamers do?

For me a better way to describe 'retro gaming' is as something that is historically important to your age group or own personal life. Space Invaders and Pacman are still great games I am interested in playing, whereas I dislike others from the same period and will give up on them after about 45 seconds, similarly in cinema terms I would just call 'Jaws' a masterpiece and recommend it to anyone despite it coming out 7 years before I was even born, but I don't value or label all films from that era in the same way, there is no retro in other mediums as contentious as in Video games.

Retro Fighters StrikerDC Controller Pre-Orders Open

The best Dreamcast controller the world has ever seen. That's the bold claim made by Retro Fighters of its upcoming StrikerDC controller. Will this hubris come back to bite Retro Fighters on the arse? Yes. That's because everyone knows the best Dreamcast controllers were made by Mad Catz, were the size of a dinner plate and had triggers that rattled and/or cut your fingers. That's academic though, because Mad Catz is dead; and Retro Fighters are the new kids on the block. Oh, and the StrikerDC is available to pre-order now.

We've followed the StrikerDC's journey from Kickstarter to reality here at the Junkyard, and this latest offering looks set to follow in the footsteps of the previous hardware releases from the company that claims to 'fight for retro.' Personally, I've never held a pad from Retro Fighters, but all signs point to previous peripherals released for the Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn and NES being pretty sturdy, well built bits of kit.

It's a bone of contention when it comes to the Dreamcast, but I didn't find the original HKT-7700 controller to be anything other than perfectly functional (and still don't), but for those who demand a modern take on the Dreamcast's primary peripheral, the StrikerDC promises a new ergonomic design, full compatibility with VMUs, rumble packs and microphones; along with new a analogue stick, d-pad, familiar analogue triggers and additional digital shoulder buttons.

The StrikerDC comes pre-packaged with a 12 month warranty, and is now available for the general public to pre-order at the not insignificant price point of $49.99 from the Retro Fighters website. Shipping is expected to commence in April 2020. Several members of the Junkyard team did actually back the StrikerDC on Kickstarter so you can expect a review as soon as they receive the final product in their gnarled, tobacco-stained claws.

Have you pre-ordered one? Did you back the StrikerDC? Do you own one of the other controllers from Retro Fighters? What do you think of the price? Am I asking too many questions in this last bit? Let us know down below in the comments.

Retro Fighters 'Next Gen Dreamcast Controller' Kickstarter Update

Image from the Retro Fighters Kickstarter update

Retro Fighters have just posted an update on their progress on the Next Gen Dreamcast Controller they are working on (via Kickstarter). While brief, the post does state the analogue stick 'feels great' and that there is a video of it in action is on the way, (we'll link to it once it's up).

In the questions section of the update, they confirm the pad will work with the microphone attachment, which added with the rumble and VMU support, makes the pad as fully featured as possible.

We are always fans of new work Dreamcast related, so I reached out to the Retro Fighters crew and they agreed to answer a few additional questions for us folk here at The Dreamcast Junkyard.

DCJY - Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us, having previously worked on different systems, what made you choose the Dreamcast this time for your project?

Retro Fighters - We chose the Dreamcast because it holds a special place in our retro gaming collection. We at Retro Fighters are avid retro gamers and the Dreamcast has many gems in its library of games. Secondly, we saw that there wasn’t many companies making products for Dreamcast (especially controllers), we felt that there was a need for a new controller for the Dreamcast gaming community.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

The biggest challenge with the Dreamcast controllers has been engineering the ergonomics while maintaining functionality. Everything from the controller shape and analog stick size was put into consideration to make sure we deliver nothing but the best playing experience for the Dreamcast. We started the initial ideas & designs for the Dreamcast controller about 2 years ago, so you can see that we are taking our time on getting everything right for you guys!

How have you found working with the Dreamcast community compared to the fan bases of the other products you have done so far?

Honestly we really haven’t noticed much of a difference between the two different communities. They both have a loyal following, we have gotten a lot of positive feedback, support and comments. We feel that the N64 community has been great with their response on the Brawler64. Both N64 and Dreamcast gamers have been very positive about what we are trying to do for the gaming community, we are trying to make fun and innovative products (that we also want to use) for all gamers.

What are the teams personal experiences with the Dreamcast?

One of the owners personal experience: “The very first game I played on Dreamcast was Sonic Adventure back in 99, the graphics and gameplay were impressive and fun, even the VMUs were innovative, being able to be used for other things besides saving files. Some favorite titles: Sonic Adventure, Power Stone, RE: Code Veronica, Shenmue, Soul Calibur, to name a few!” Another team member expresses her love for the Hello Kitty Edition and hopes that we might consider a future transparent pink color.

The Retro Fighters Brawler64 for Nintendo 64

A big thanks to the team at Retro Fighters for taking the time to answer these questions for us. If you are interested in checking out their previous work for the N64 and the PC and NES, then head over to their site here. Find the Kickstarter here.

If you own any of their products then let us know what you think in the comments, and also let us know your thoughts on their upcoming Dreamcast pad.