Help me find a good 6 face-buttons controller for Xbox

cireza

cireza

Member
Hello everyone,

With the various releases from Capcom (Fighting Collection, Marvel vs Capcom, Fighting Collection 2), I was wondering what controller you were using to play these games ?

I am not looking for an arcade stick, but an actual home console controller. My reference would be the Sega Saturn controller, or the 6 buttons MegaDrive controller. They have an amazing d-pad.
Having shoulder buttons is also a necessity, to bind LP+MP+HP and LK+MK+HK on L and R respectively. And I mean L and R : one on each side.

I can play most of the the games from these collection on Saturn and Dreamcast, but being able to play them on Series X would be more convenient.

As an added note, I did try the 8bitdo m30 controller, however the shoulder buttons layout is just bad on Xbox. Maybe it is possible to make this work by reassigning buttons in the controller options ?

Any recommendations ? Thanks.
 
CrimsonTide said:
Just pickup a 6 button genesis pad. I would GUESS they make those that can be paired via bluetooth by now eh?
Click to expand...
On Xbox ? It seems that Xbox is super annoying actually with this, and you need to have wired controller or something ? This is why there aren't many options out there, and most of them are wired.

Controller compatibility is definitely something on which they should improve... a lot.
 
CrimsonTide said:
This wont do? https://www.amazon.com/Retro-Bit-Official-Controller-8-Button-Raspberry/dp/B07P37ZGTF/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2504V0K78QPD1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hILJI4ECe-lZOg1VcxTUPpWowhiYF-AnPxIjdX4TFRF1CdJjdS2Kd5ctCU7wdbTgsU3cjYFU4XopN9QcSfqAhQYIAYVxEN7-z1n-TPxMo6bSoLWVVpCFqWh_uZZ3C5QIJUxr-J99LU58DKNLCqT-g-IO8c_AgIKJCNA-ewQcLQOQjGjEfgaFZWisoc8O5gYekS0nsm_vu1k2LhAAW0KvwR1Kc3QtNC-dVjSZp9jdi0E.PEYQsnM2sXLBk6Tf6_Rw5ybpFY25TSSCksH2Ef99NXY&dib_tag=se&keywords=sega+genesis+6+button+controller+usb&qid=1747419370&sprefix=sega+genesis+6+,aps,393&sr=8-5&th=1
Click to expand...
I think that it won't work on Xbox no :/

That's the issue. Xbox is never listed on these controller :(

I see that there is this one here :
https://stores.horiusa.com/fighting-commander-octa-designed-for-xbox-series-x-s-xbox-one/

Any indeed on how the d-pad feels on this one ?
 
Last edited:
Indeed the Hori Fighting Commander seems to be an option.

Edit : found some feedback about the dpad and it doesn't seem great.
 
Last edited:
cireza said:
I think that it won't work on Xbox no :/

That's the issue. Xbox is never listed on these controller :(

I see that there is this one here :
https://stores.horiusa.com/fighting-commander-octa-designed-for-xbox-series-x-s-xbox-one/

Any indeed on how the d-pad feels on this one ?
Click to expand...
I had the PS5 one and I liked the dpad, not Saturn level, but better than the dualsense one. But I didn't like the micro switch buttons. Opted for a brook fgc adapter and a 8bitdo m30, but it needs to be wired.
 
CrimsonTide said:
Never used those IFireflyl IFireflyl has?
Click to expand...
cireza said:
Indeed the Hori Fighting Commander seems to be an option.

Edit : found some feedback about the dpad and it doesn't seem great.
Click to expand...

I haven't used the controller. I was just searching around for controllers that would fit the needed criteria. The PDP controller is more expensive, but seems like more people like the D-pad. It looks like you don't have a ton of options for an Xbox.
 
CrimsonTide said:
That M30 looks cool, but ya said you tried it already?
Click to expand...
Yeah, the configuration is weird. You get both R buttons as face buttons, and both L buttons as the right triggers. And both stick clicks as left triggers. Super weird.

I will look if it is possible to exchange a stick click with a button in the Xbox controller settings, but I doubt it.
 
Last edited:
cireza said:
Yeah, the configuration is weird. You get both R buttons as face buttons, and both L buttons as the right triggers. And both stick clicks as left triggers. Super weird.

I will look if it is possible to exchange a stick click with a button in the Xbox controller settings, but I doubt it.
Click to expand...

I asked my best friend (ChatGPT) if that was a configuration issue on your end, and he (it) confirmed that the 8BitDo M30 has a weird configuration due to how it handles button mapping. I also asked him (it) to compare the 8BitDo M30 to the PDP Victrix Pro BFG, and this was his (its) response:

The 8BitDo M30 and the PDP Victrix Pro BFG (with modular 6-button layout) are both capable fight pads for games like Street Fighter—but they're fundamentally different beasts in terms of design philosophy, precision, and target audience.
Here's a breakdown of how they compare, especially regarding D-pad feel, button layout, customization, and fighting game viability:

🎮 1. Button Layout & Ergonomics

Feature8BitDo M30Victrix Pro BFG (6-button module)
Face Buttons6 face buttons in 2x3 Saturn/Genesis style6 face buttons (aligned in a slight curve)
Shoulders/TriggersL & R shoulder buttons, mapped weirdlyProper shoulders and triggers, fully mappable
ErgonomicsLightweight, retro controllerHeavier, modern ergonomics, textured grips
✅ Winner: Victrix – More modern, flexible ergonomics and true 6-button support with no remapping jank.

🕹️ 2. D-Pad Quality & Feel

Feature8BitDo M30Victrix Pro BFG
D-Pad StyleSaturn-style rolling D-padSwappable disc or plus D-pad (modular)
FeelSoft and smooth for quarter-circle motionsClicky and tactile, responsive
PrecisionVery good for 2D fightersTournament-grade; used by pros
💡 M30's D-pad is great for rolling inputs, but soft.
💡 Victrix's D-pad is tighter, clickier, and favored by players needing fast directional precision (e.g., for parries, counters, etc.).
✅ Winner: Victrix – More precise and configurable; optimized for modern fighters.

🔧 3. Customizability

Feature8BitDo M30Victrix Pro BFG
Modular ButtonsNoYes – swappable stick/D-pad/button modules
Button RemappingLimited to OS/Steam toolsOn-controller or app-based remapping
Back ButtonsNoYes – with profiles
✅ Winner: Victrix – Fully modular with pro features like back buttons and remapping.

💰 4. Build Quality & Price

Feature8BitDo M30Victrix Pro BFG
Build QualitySolid, but plastic and lightPremium – aluminum, rubber grips, pro-grade parts
Price~$30–40 USD~$179–200 USD
✅ Winner: M30 for budget, but Victrix dominates on materials and durability.

🧠 Final Verdict (Fighting Game Focus – Xbox Series X|S)

CategoryWinnerWhy
Best D-padVictrix BFGModular, more tactile, better suited for fast-paced games
6-Button LayoutVictrix BFGFully supported, logical layout with extra utility
Best Value8BitDo M30Budget-friendly and great for classic 2D fighters
Modern Game SupportVictrix BFGHandles SF6, Tekken 8, MK1 with ease
Overall WinnerVictrix BFGPro-level features, superior hardware, future-proof

🔚 TL;DR:


  • Get the 8BitDo M30 if you're a retro fan playing on a budget, especially for classic 2D fighters.

  • Get the Victrix Pro BFG if you want the best D-pad and 6-button setup on Xbox with pro-tier performance and modern fighting game support.
If you're serious about competitive play on Xbox, Victrix is the better investment.

Would you like help sourcing the Victrix with the 6-button module or looking into alternatives like Hit Box-style controllers?
Click to expand...
 
cireza said:
Yeah, the configuration is weird. You get both R buttons as face buttons, and both L buttons as the right triggers. And both stick clicks as left triggers. Super weird.

I will look if it is possible to exchange a stick click with a button in the Xbox controller settings, but I doubt it.
Click to expand...
My M30 is Saturn like, with a,b,c,x,y,z on the front and L and R as shoulder buttons and I can map them as you wanted on the PS5 with the brook adapter. Have you tried with the brook adapter?
 
I have the Hori Fighting Commander controllers for my Xbox. Works good for Street Fighter. I bought that thing years ago. Not sure if they make them anymore.
 
I feel like Microsoft could release a simple software update to "unlock" whatever it's controller input restrictions are. Damn shame

Sounds like Hori might be the best route for you in this case.
 
if all you want is A DPAD and six face buttons..

if you need thumbsticks for what ever maybe this...

 
RoboFu said:
if all you want is A DPAD and six face buttons..

if you need thumbsticks for what ever maybe this...

Click to expand...
You kinda missed this thread

Apparently Xbox wont allow that badass Saturn controller to work, lease the OP does not think so

And he tried the M30 and was not for him
 
cireza said:
m30 was pretty good, but the issue was with the weird triggers layout

I have checked in the Xbox controller options though, and it is indeed possible to remap the stick buttons. So I might find a solution here.
Click to expand...
Ahhh.... might work after all

Also, Hori as you know is king of fighting controllers, so that is also a good option.
 
cireza said:
Hello everyone,

With the various releases from Capcom (Fighting Collection, Marvel vs Capcom, Fighting Collection 2), I was wondering what controller you were using to play these games ?

I am not looking for an arcade stick, but an actual home console controller. My reference would be the Sega Saturn controller, or the 6 buttons MegaDrive controller. They have an amazing d-pad.
Having shoulder buttons is also a necessity, to bind LP+MP+HP and LK+MK+HK on L and R respectively. And I mean L and R : one on each side.

I can play most of the the games from these collection on Saturn and Dreamcast, but being able to play them on Series X would be more convenient.

As an added note, I did try the 8bitdo m30 controller, however the shoulder buttons layout is just bad on Xbox. Maybe it is possible to make this work by reassigning buttons in the controller options ?

Any recommendations ? Thanks.
Click to expand...
What xbox?

If OG, then I'd just go with the Bliss-Box adapter. You can use any controller on it with that.
 
thegame983 said:
I bought this. really like it and cheap
Click to expand...
Thanks, didn't know about it.

RaZoR No1 said:
Anyway to use the adaptive controller and mid it to your liking?
Click to expand...
The setup would be a bit too complicated for my liking, but thanks for the suggestion.

Overall I will look into the Hori Fighting Commander, the controller posted by thegame983 thegame983 and maybe the m30 again. Appreciate all the advice.
I will share my pick in the future and some feedback !
 
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