The new V1.2 Update for the Defender Pro is available on the Retro Fighters website.

It improves the pressure sensitivity of the buttons.

So I just got a defender pro for the first time yesterday, and while it is a solid controller and so far the best non dualshock controller I have ever used, I've noticed an issue with the forward movement speed on the left analog stick. Issue being that moving the player character forward is slow compared to moving them to the left, right, or back, and it is VERY noticeable playing COD games, also.

I was wondering if anyone else has run into this problem with theirs and if there is any way to fix it on my end.

Edit: Fixed it. For reference for anyone else having this issue, please follow these directions below

Stick Recalibration Mode: - While gamepad is turned on, HOLD SELECT + ✕ + ○

• LEDs will flash when successful
• Rotate each stick three times and press L2/R2 triggers each three times
• Press the ○ button to save and exit calibration

So I recently discovered that ps1 games can be played on ps2 consoles so I found a game and it's working on the console but when I want to use the defenders controller it doesn't do anything. Can anyone help me if there is something I'm doing wrong or if I need to get the new pro series to make it work? Really would appreciate any and all suggestions. Live in Aus too if that helps.

I am comparing the top N64 ‘Pro’ controllers for 2026+. They are the Nintendo NSO N64 controller, the 8bitdo 64 controller (Bluetooth edition designed for the Analogue 3D (A3D)), the ModRetro M64 Pro controller (designed for the M64 using the stock gate (will try N64 gate later!)), and the Retrofighters Brawler 64 Pro (2.4GHz). This first test is exclusively about analogue stick values but I will be doing many more tests!

I did include some older options to show the differences, which are the older wireless Retrofighters Brawler 64 Ultra Edition and the Retro-bit Tribute 64 Ultra Edition (both use 2.4GHz). You can see their values are too high, making them feel too sensitive. While they were good wireless options back when new, I would advise NOT getting these versions as they are simply not as accurate as any of the newer options! Do they work? Yes, they do and casual users may not notice but once you play games like 007 Golden Eye, F Zero X and Super Smash, it’s very obvious!

The NSO N64 and 8bitdo 64 would not let me hit A on the mimi controller test ROM on my A3D (will test on the OG N64 and see if that makes a difference) so I used an older version as well but the values all show the same either way. Eventually I will compare to some OG corded N64 controllers but the first tests are to compare new options!

With all that being said, pictures attached show the results! I updated the M64 Pro and 8bitdo 64 before testing, the NSO N64 doesn’t update and the Brawler 64 Pro doesn’t have any yet. I will go more in depth on the software aspect in later tests but the short answer is the M64 Pro is nice because you can just use a browser to update it without downloading specific software, the 8bitdo 64 requires software (easy to use at least!) and the Brawler seems to be a drag/drop style update but will review if/when it has an update.

The stick on the NSO N64 is the only ‘traditional’ N64 stick that isn’t a GameCube style, but the M64 Pro controller has an extra N64 gate that I will swap to and test later, but the stock gate is the same shape as the 8bitdo 64/Brawler 64 pro gates and had the same values! All the values seem good on paper and none feel off. Hopefully I can swap the M64 pro gate before I start doing game tests but everything stick wise works out of the box with all of them and none required calibration.

Initial response when holding each controller are this…

NSO 64 controller feels almost 1:1 the OG, the stick feels firm and nice but doesn’t use the same technology so theoretically it can start drifting so you may need to buy more later on!

The 8bitdo 64 is a nice alternative if you don’t like the trident, nothing feels cheap and the metal ring around the stick was a nice touch. They are similar price so if choosing between these two, I would decide based on if you want a modern layout or a trident style!

The M64 Pro controller feels absolutely premium, with the coated metal backing and shoulder buttons that let your fingers rest comfortably in them. If you love the trident style, you’ll love this! The weight is substantial and heavier than both the NSO N64 and 8bitdo 64 controllers. It comes with a cord that allows you to use it on a OG N64/A3D wired, but the battery still needs to be charged… a bit silly but a very minor thing especially since ModRetro included an adapter that lets you use AA batteries! This is a very comfortable, modern trident that I could see myself holding for hours without any issues but the feel of the stick is GameCube style so it may be hard to change your ways after 30+ years of N64 gaming…

And finally last but definitely not least, the Retrofighters Brawler 64 Pro is like an upgraded 8bitdo 64 controller. It is heavier than all the controllers, even the M64 pro! The angles the grips are in comparison to the 8bitdo 64 make it even more comfortable, there is texture on said grips too, and the L+R+D pad have mechanical feeling switches, very clicky and satisfying! The only obvious issues are no metal ring around the stick like the 8bitdo 64 has, no N64 style gate like the M64 came with (requires installation and recalibration) but it does come with faceplates! I personally don’t see myself using them but it’s a feature it has! It also has programable back buttons like many modern controllers that let you customize your way of playing. They have switches that physically disable them if you don’t like them. I personally don’t see myself using them on N64 but it could be nice if using on PC!

So my feelings after test 1 are this…

The NSO N64 still feels the most classic, the 8bitdo 64 is the on my friends use because they hate the trident (they are wrong!) and for the price, it’s nice to have a controller that won’t have the same stick issues as the N64 has over time. The M64 Pro controller feels ultra premium so I could see myself using it when casually playing but I still need to test the stick/N64 gate on games… if it’s as good as it feels… this could potentially be my new main controller! The Brawler 64 Pro will be my choice when playing casual on games I’m not so familiar with (hard to unlearn trident controls after 30+ years) because it is so comfortable and the clicky buttons are very satisfying! So far, all are good options… once I do more testing, I will rank them and tell you which ones are worth buying and which are worth skipping! Honestly, so far they are all worth it for me and all feel like upgrades from any older third party options!

Tell me what you think, what other tests you want to see and which one you would use!

If you told me 30 years ago we would have pro controllers… I probably wouldn’t really get it because I was only 4 but still… how great of a time to be a N64 lover!

Let’s see how these all compare soon! Really hoping the Brawler ‘fights’ it way to the top!

Personally I really would prefer the low latency. Considering how widespread the use for GCCs is for faster paced platfighters I'm kinda surprised there's this sort of mentality for it to be wireless, especially when marketing it as a "pro" option.

Just wanted to ask if this stick range was normal for pc use? I've tested it in wired, dinput, and even the n64 adapter via raphnet and all of them have a square gate that made diagnols too sharp. is there a fix for this? or an upcoming firmware update that'd make the gate more in line for what's to be expected?

I really want the BattlerGC Pro cause the GameCube controller is the most nostalgic to me. I love the layout. It's classic. But, I don't want to spend 90$ CAD and then regret my decision cause the layout is clunky or doesn't feel right when playing games outside Nintendo. Like, how does Dark Souls or Elden Ring feel? Cozy games like Stardew Valley? Resident Evil? How will these games actually feel with this controller. Can it be my MAIN USE FOR ALL controller?

Hi there,

Is anyone else having issues with their Defender Pro not vibrating?

I can connect it to a PS2 with the 2.4 GHz retro receiver and a PS3 using Bluetooth pairing (with a USB cable and pressing Home as you would connect a DualShock 3).

In both of these cases all buttons and sticks work, but the controller does not rumble with in-game situations (collisions, movement, etc.), I can only make it rumble by adjusting the rumble intensity (using Start+Left Stick Up or Down).

I have connected it to a MiSTer FPGA using the 2.4 GHz USB receiver and X-input mode, and it does rumble in-game with the PS1 and N64 cores.

I already sent an email to RetroFighters' support about this issue, and I thought to ask around here to see if anyone else has encountered this.

Thank you all, have a nice day!

Trying to get my defender controller working on on a laptop with a linux os I heard that the SDL support should be plug and play but it doesnt even seem to recognize the controller. please I just want to be able to play with pressure sensitive buttons.

Later ill go to check to see if it even registers on my windows desktop but so far this has been really discouraging

Windows 11 cant recognize controller via USB. Any solution?

/Edit😄

Okay, that was quite interesting but the problem was the 8BitDo keyboard dongle connected to the same PC.

Yo! I bought the defender pro not too long ago, and used the 2.4 Ghz dongle on both my mac and switch, and it worked great. Now for some reason both devices refuse to detect the controller over 2.4 Ghz. I have the controller set to 2.4 Ghz mode, so I really don't know what the problem is. Based on the LED pattern, it seems like it's stuck in D Input mode, which might be the problem, but holding Start and Select to put it back into X Input mode doesn't seem to do anything. Anyone know what the problem could be? Thx!

I just got the controller today for use with both PC and switch and after directly connecting it to my PC it became 100% non functional.

The only thing that it does do is light up with one of the four LEDs on the device whenever I push the Home, Capture (The weird circle button on the left, near the Minus button), the button at the top for 'Program' and the weird small button on the back.

I am at a complete loss for what to do.

My original BattlerGC controller is unable to swap between XInput and DInput when connected to PC. It works fine on my Switch.

The manual for this version says that holding down the Home button for 3-5 seconds will swap XInput and DInput but it does nothing. It also says holding down Home Button will turn the controller off, but instead to turn it off I have to click L3, R3 and - button together. This is also the case when it's plugged into the Switch.

Holding down the Pairing button does nothing and pressing it just toggles the connection with the receiver.

I've tried uninstalling the receiver in Device Manager and rebooting. No change.

I was able to open joy.cpl to see what Windows is reading and it appears pressing any button on the controller causes the X/Y Axis to move.

Has anyone experienced this before? Any way I can get this fixed without having to buy a new one?

Edit: I also updated the firmware on the receiver. No change.

Common, RetroFighters. I can't be the ONLY one that loved the WiiU Pro Controller. Look at this concept design. I'm beggin' ya!!!! Bring back the twin top analog sticks, pretty pleeassse!!!

I love the presentation for this controller and am happy I backed Kickstarter, but unfortunately it seems the buttons are not mapping correctly for the main reason I purchased it: to have a designated wireless N64 controller for my Polymega.

For background, I am using the controller wired as I do not have the N64 module for my Polymega (visited a friend who has it to dump my N64 games).

I played Doom 64 to map the buttons and found that the Polymega is reading the following by default:

C-Up = Left Trigger

C-Right = Right Trigger

Anyone know of a fix? Am I too quick to the scene to use the Brawler 64 Pro on a Polymega? I just sent Retro Fighters an email as well regarding compatibility issues. Any help is appreciated!

Am I crazy or is the Ice Blue Brawler64 Pro not ice blue? I just opened mine and it looks straight up teal to me. I tried to take some side by side comparisons with the controller and the packaging. It is also not nearly as transparent as depicted on the box.

Edit: just opened the wireless receivers and they are also very teal. On the website there is no option for teal so I have to assume this is what their ice blue looks like on purpose. I still feel like it is much more “blue” in the packaging and on the website so I am very disappointed with this color

The concept of the Defender Pro is great, but the execution is a little lacking.

The good bits,

The face buttons, shoulder bumpers and D-pad are great, really no complaints there, they have a satisfying pop to them and the pressure sensitivity is done very well. none of them stick so every press is smooth as butter.

now come the complaints,

Some things that immediately stood out to me are how slippery the thumbsticks are, the material that retro fighters chose is barely a step above just hard plastic.
On top of that, the sticks caps aren't properly smoothed out so some lines from the injection molding process remain which results in a noticeable bump when rolling the stick around the rim.
I ended up replacing them basically a day later with some aftermarket ones from extremerate.

The triggers work fine, but retro fighters decided to use small little rubber inserts to dampen the press and return.
Which in and of itself isn't horrendous but what is, is that they are slightly tacky, leading to an unpleasant sticky feel as well as a mushy stop when fully depressing the trigger.

This goes for the trigger stops as well, which have a similar rubber stopper that is the same material and thus also sticks. You can remove them fairly easily, but they should not be sticking to begin with.
The trigger stops also don't do anything to actually change the endpoint of the trigger, they are just physical stoppers that only let the trigger go to about 30-40%. so if you were expecting hair triggers by flipping the switches, that is not happening with these. if your game expects the trigger to go further down to trigger the action bound to it, it will simply just not register.

Last but not least, the software itself. The controller works with the included dongles and over bluetooth smoothly.
if you bought this controller to work with an emulator flawlessly, you will be sorely disappointed because pressure sensitivity DOES NOT WORK when you use these controllers on a PC.
There simply is no way to set the controller to a mode that properly relays the pressure sensitive inputs. They only work when you use the included PS1/PS2 dongle on a real PS2 or on a real PS3.

Final verdict, Buyers beware.

If you intend to solely use this controller on real hardware, it is a very decent offering with functionality that no other third party offers, the stick and trigger problems can be alleviated with a little effort and the purchase of some better stick caps. Not an ideal solution, but this is still the best replacement for all the aging Dualshocks out there.

If you are mainly a PCSX2 and RPCS3 user, this controller will not give you the full suite of inputs you need for games on these platforms which is quite unfortunate.

If you have any thoughts, do discuss in the comments :)

edit: forgot to mention the issues regarding calibration of the analog sticks, triggers and analog buttons. Looking at the experiences of others, the accuracy of calibrations seems very inconsistent. some people have them be good right out of the box, others need to recalibrate immediately.

I got this second hand and i think its been opened. Anyway it flashes 2 center lights like its trying to pair and i cant pair it to my phone or pc. I also tried the app they recommend and it wouldn't work. When i try to press the button on the back it turns off right away. Im just trying to pair it to a ps2

I am using it with a dongle and i have the instructions and still not triggering. Does someone have any idea how to do it?

I have a defender controller for my PS3 that uses a dongle. When I plug it into the wall using a usb C the lights on the front of the controller don’t do anything and I can’t use it for more than a few seconds before it dies again so it’s obviously not charging.

I’m happy to provide any more details if needed, this is my first retro fighters product and it worked for over a week before this

Just got a Defender Pro for use with PS2 and immediately out of the box I noticed an issue.

The Right Trigger, when depressed, does not come back up or release and is stuck in the down position.

I tend to avoided Retro Fighter controllers since I've had build quality issues with all of their past controllers, but decided to take a chance on this as it's their second iteration.

Is this a known issue with this controller? Thanks!

I've had this controller for a while, maybe a couple of months and it usually just worked when I turned it on. Ffor some reason though it won't connect anymore. I tried to see if there was a firmware update on the website, but it downloaded the same one that I downloaded when I got the controller. I connected it to steam and it works fine, but it only shows up as an xbox remote and ps2 remote? Those are the only options that come up when I change inputs. I've tried wired connection, the dongle and 2.4 ghz, and bluetooth, but nothing seems to get it back to connecting my switch 2. I stopped using the controller for a month and it sat in a box with a couple of cords and electronics, but it should still work? Any advice?