This is my number one thing I look for in a handheld so just wondering what models have stuck out to you guys.
I had a RG351P but couldn’t stand the accidental diagonals so I moved on. Apparently there is a mod to fix it so might have to eventually go back and try that.
Next I got a RP2+, and I love the d-pad on this thing.
I’ve yet to see a handheld with one, but the Sony dpad, specifically from the PS2 and PS3 era was perfect.
I had an Android telescopic gamepad with one a ways back and it was great.
I never thought I would meet another person that loved the RP2+ dpad as much as I did! It’s pretty amazing imho.
I should mention up front that I hate the Steam Deck not only as a device, but also its controls (two deeply unpopular opinions). I’m also not fond of the ROG Ally controls, especially the dpad. So, I might just be weird and my opinions, on ergonomics and controls at least, could be very far from the norm.
My favorite retro dpad is on my 8BitDo SN30 Pro 2. It’s just perfect. I think the Odin Base is also fairly amazing and I’d put it at my #2. Our RP2+ underdog would be next, followed by the Miyoo Mini Plus of all things! The variability of those devices is huge though, so it is possible I just got a few “far above average” dpads on those MMPs (I also got some bad ones that I had to return).
My Anbernics I could probably group together and would put them next (they are fine). Then there would be the unfortunate outliers like the G Cloud (my favorite device but I hate the dpad and buttons), the RP3+ (almost as good as the RP2+, but gave it away), the Flip (I have the Sports Red, and my dpad sticks to the paint, so pretty bad), and some older more vintage emulators (my arcade gamer dpad is so bad that I had to cut pieces off of it just to be able to use it!).
Thanks for all this info. Is the Odin base available at any retail outlets or online? I can’t find it. Thanks again.
Just search for AYN Odin. You normally have to buy it from China directly, but they are pretty good about shipping them out when they say they will (at least lately). Sometimes you can find them on Amazon for a fair bit of markup. Compare prices to see if the shipping time and ease of return are worth it for you.
Thank you for this! Looks amazing
Yea your not alone, I bought a Steam Deck bc of fomo, and resold my unit shortly after receiving it because I didn’t like it. I’ll continue to hold out for a future portable PC handheld. And I only had to watch one youtube review to tell I wasn’t down for the ROG Ally, d-pad seems quite crappy.
Glad to hear about the Miyoo, was thinking about getting one of those for work, now you got me excited about it.
Been tempted to try to replace my RP2+ with a newer gen model, but dunno if I could ever give Abernic another shot with how bad I hated the one I had, but I’m sure all their devices are different so maybe I should. Also considering the Odin Lite.
Well Retroid just announced the new RP2S. That might just be the best answer! D-pad does look to be the same quality one as in RP3+.
I knew I wasn’t the only one!
RG35XX with the Etsy D-pad fix sticker is pretty nice.
90% perfect
I like the dpad of my RG351V, I only own that one a Miyoo Mini V2 and a Retrod Pocket 2, I think Anbernic has the best one.
