Though modern game controllers like the Dual Sense have been carefully engineered for ergonomics and advanced features like the touchpad and adaptive triggers, sometimes your hands yearn for the simplicity of older designs. Retro Fighters are catering to this desire with the Defender Pro, which has already become an overnight success.

Retro Fighters is one of several companies that offer retro-styled controllers that can work with both modern and classic hardware. The company has previously released the GameCube-inspired BattlerGC and the Dreamcast D6 Fighting Pad. These devices can connect wirelessly to a retro console like a GameCube or Dreamcast, or hook into modern PC hardware.

Retro Fighter surpasses Kickstarter goal in 24 hours

Now, Retro Fighter has come up with a design that pays tribute to the original DualShock controller. The company launched the Defender Pro Series controller on Kickstarter, where it smashed its target and ended up with more than double the requested amount. All of this in less than 24 hours.

The Defender Pro controllers come in four color variants. Black and Grey to pay tribute to the base colors of the PS1 and PS2, and then translucent red and blue as a nod to the colorful tech of the late 90s.

Despite the retro appearance, the Defender Pros come with modern features. The analog sticks use Hall Effect sensors to prevent drift, an enhanced D-pad, pressure-sensitive buttons, and the ability to work wirelessly via 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth connection. The Defender Pro even contains the motion sensors from the PS3 controllers and has programmable back buttons for macros or other custom commands.

Those who contribute to the Kickstarter will also get a Retro Fighters collectible pin. The campaign has already blown past its first two stretch goals, with 19 days still to go. A pledge of $68 will get you a controller and a pin badge, with larger bundles available at higher pledge tiers.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.