8BitDo SN30 Pro controller review: The best way to play retro games on Switch, PC, and mobile

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Nostalgia for the '80s and '90s is stronger than ever. And there are few gaming brands that have capitalized on that nostalgia more than 8BitDo, a company that produces gamepads modeled after retro Nintendo and Sega consoles.

One of 8BitDo's best gamepads is the SN30 Pro. This controller is shaped just like a classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) controller, but has all the buttons and joysticks you'd expect on a modern gamepad. It works with loads of different systems, including the Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, iPhone, and Android.

When I hooked up the SN30 Pro for the first time, I figured it'd just be a gimmicky and uncomfortable experience. But the controller quickly won me over with its comfortable design, solid D-pad, and cool aesthetics.

The 8BitDo SN30 Pro's excellent D-pad is a perfect fit for 2D and retro games

The SN30 Pro's best feature is its D-pad. Compared to some other modern D-pads, the SN30 Pro's is solid, responsive, and comfortable. Its textured finish also makes it easier to grip the controls, even when you're mashing for dear life. And it doesn't wobble around in its casing when you touch it. The face buttons are also easy to tap or mash without strain.

Because of its great D-pad, the SN30 Pro works best with the sort of games you'd play on the SNES, like 2D shooters, platformers, sidescrollers, and puzzle games. This makes it a natural choice for the retro games included with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, or emulated games on a computer or phone. It also matches up really well with modern games that rely on the D-pad, like Into the Breach or Undertale.

This isn't to say that the SN30 Pro only works with those types of games. It also has responsive twin joysticks and proper shoulder/trigger buttons, as well as motion controls and rumble vibration. That means you can use it with nearly any game, old or new, regardless of genre. It's just not as comfortable as a full-sized gamepad, like 8BitDo's Ultimate Controller, when used with 3D games. 

And since it works with so many different systems — the Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi — you can use it as your go-to controller anywhere. You can connect the gamepad via Bluetooth or a USB-C cable. It has about 18 hours of battery life, which isn't the best on the market, but long enough to last nearly any gaming session.

If you're going to use Bluetooth, though, keep a copy of the manual around. Wirelessly connecting the controller to different devices requires you to press different button combinations, which aren't obvious.  For example, you need to press Start + Y to connect to a Switch, or Start + X to connect to a PC. It's not as intuitive as other 8BitDo controllers, which just have mode switches on the back. 

The SN30 Pro's Nintendo-inspired design pushes it past the competition

The SN30 Pro comes in four different colors: Gray and "G Classic," which are inspired by old Nintendo designs; and Crystal Purple and Jade Green, which are made with translucent plastic that lets you see the internal hardware.

8BitDo also sells an Xbox-branded version of the SN30 Pro that's built for cloud gaming. It comes with a clip you can use to attach your phone to the controller.

I'm a sucker for translucent hardware — again, '90s nostalgia — and 8BitDo's take on the trend is high quality. Although the Crystal Purple edition isn't as see-through in real life as it is in promotional shots, you can still clearly see the internal circuit boards, battery, and sensors.

I also love that it's shaped almost exactly like a genuine SNES controller, down to the long rubber Start/Select buttons. Its face buttons and D-pad are in the same spots too. The only differences are the extra shoulder buttons, the twin joysticks, and the Screenshot and Home buttons for playing on the Switch. Its aesthetics are fabulous.

Of all the retro controllers I've tried, the SN30 Pro is my favorite. That holds true even when compared to 8BitDo's flagship retro gamepad, the Pro 2, which has a boring design and a flimsier D-pad. 

Should you buy the 8BitDo SN30 Pro?

Absolutely. If you're looking for a fantastic gamepad that's made for retro games, you can't go wrong with the SN30 Pro. It recreates the classic SNES feel in a modern, sturdy package, and it's one of the few retro controllers I've actually enjoyed using.

Depending on what color you want and where you buy it from, the SN30 Pro ranges in price from $45 to $60. For a uniquely designed gamepad that's compatible with so many different systems and includes both motion controls and rumble, that's a surprisingly good price. 

And if you're having trouble deciding which color to buy, I recommend either the Crystal Purple or G Classic — they're definitely my favorite.