Unboxing and Review of the Retro-bit Power Stick Arcade Stick for the NES and NES Clone Systems

Get your Retro-bit Power Stick HERE: https://goo.gl/v8udNM

Back in the day the NES Advantage was THE controller for your NES games. It had an awesome arcade stick, big buttons with turbo functions, slow motion, 1 & 2 player switch, it was amazing. Retro-bit's Power Stick controller is now here and it is definitely inspired by the NES Advantage, however it does do a few things quite differently.

The Power Stick is not a 1:1 replacement of the NES Advantage. It is inspired by the Advantage in regards to its aesthetics. The A and B buttons are huge and super clicky, something that those looking for rapid responses should love. The analog stick is also clicky as it seems to be a microswitch design, similar to the Emio control stick for the NES Classic edition.

Testing took place using my Retro-bit Super Retro Trio+ and several NES Cartridges. Super Mario Bros. was the first game I tried and it took me a little bit to adjust to using the Power Stick instead of a regular controller. I had to anticipate my moves a little more, not because of anything wrong with the controller but because the travel needed to move was greater than just moving your thumb on a D-Pad. After about a minute of playing I was completely adjusted to the control stick, stomping goomba's and killing people of the Mushroom Kingdom. Wait, you didn't realize the people of the Mushroom Kingdom were trapped in blocks? Well now you need to go and re-read the manual!

Next up was Mike Tyson's Punch Out and this was where I noticed a little bit of an input issue, just to the left. Any time I'd dodge to the left Little Mac would hesitate or not respond. Between rounds with Glass Joe (yes, it went to the 2nd round!) I took the analog stick and aggressively ran it through it's entire range of motion. I don't know if there's a break-in period with the control stick or not but after I did this I was able to dodge to the left without much of an issue. Something to be aware of!

Finally I took on Castlevania 3, Dracula's Curse and the Power Stick did a good job here as well. I was able to get through most of the first level without any issues, except my own terrible gameplay that is! I was able to tackle most of the first level without too much trouble, I just had my typical Medusa-head issues that I typically run into on the first level. Beyond that the Power Stick worked well.

Why it RoX:
- Arcade-style controls and buttons
- Retro-inspired design
- Buttons are super responsive and user-customizeable

What Could Be Improved?
- A little unresponsive to the left initially (this has cleared up with use)
- 6-foot cord is a little short
- No turbo button function

Should You Buy One?
If you're looking for a retro-style arcade joystick for the NES and clone systems the Power Stick is going to be one of the best options out there for you. Once the analog stick seemed to break in the responsiveness was where I needed it to be. The 6-foot cord seems a bit short for my tastes, especially considering the controller cords for the Super Retro Trio+ and Super Retro-Cade are both 10-feet. For $25 the Retro-bit Power Stick is a nice controller to have at the ready for when enemies attack!

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