I finally got around to testing out a Sega Saturn HSS-0116 infrared controller that I got a the flea market a few years (yes, years) ago. I’ve not been in a rush to test it because infrared controllers are notoriously bad, but I’m downsizing my collection and wanted to see if it was saleable.
The included controller did not have the Sega logo printed on it, which I thought was strange especially given everything else is exactly as it should be. The box and receiver look legitimate and even the old crusty instructions are included.
Opening the controller, the board was also lacking any Sega branding. It must be a third-party controller that’s been put with this set. It seems so random that this would be the case but I have no other explanation.
At first I thought the controller was broken as it didn’t work connected to my Saturn. But after some continued testing I found that I had to sit within 1 foot from the console for it to work. It was exactly the same with many types of brand new battery. There is a capacitor on the back of the board (that I didn’t photograph), maybe that has failed.
The controller feels quite nice, even if it is a third-party controller, so it’s a shame it didn’t work. Rather than sell it cheap for spares I think I’ll keep it around and try to fix it at some point int he future.
