New Controller Design Concept

Well it’s certainly been a while and we’re slowly but surely getting back into a good rhythm.

One of the most popular requests with the controller is to add 6 buttons to the controller.

That product designer has sent over the first drafts of the updated controller design. Keep in mind that this is only concept right now. We’ll integrate more features based on what kind of feedback we get from the community.

Considered features for the controller:

  • Update the layout of the Back / Select button to allow space for an LED screen (this can significantly impact battery life)
  • An alternative method to implement VMU compatibility for the Dreamcast. (ideas are welcome)

If you haven’t seen it, here’s a little video from our Instagram account:

A post shared by @spartanconsole on

We’d love to hear what you think because your input is what is going to make this project great.

105 thoughts on “New Controller Design Concept

  1. Reply
    RYR99 - April 29, 2018

    Welcome to the 21st century, the six button controllers are coming back! But could we see some gameplay in the next update?

    1. Reply
      Bill E. - June 5, 2018

      Yay

  2. Reply
    RYR99 - April 29, 2018

    I think this is an amazing idea! We could play retro games with that controller! 🙂

    1. Reply
      Scott Devine - April 30, 2018

      and next generation games

    2. Reply
      Chris L - April 30, 2018

      Thank you! 🙂

      1. Reply
        Zach - May 24, 2018

        Sonic 4k looks a great concept. Hope SEGA accepts the console.

  3. Reply
    RYR99 - April 29, 2018

    You could use the back of the controller as the VMU port.

  4. Reply
    Julian Najm - April 29, 2018

    I’m loving it! But why will the Spartan need that much power for running emulators?

    1. Reply
      RYR99 - April 29, 2018

      Because, Julian. With that much power, you could play games in 4K60 format.

      1. Reply
        RYR99 - April 29, 2018

        Instead of using a capture card, you could record it on the Spartan Console instantly.

    2. Reply
      Chris L - April 30, 2018

      We’re aiming to cater for new generation games too.

  5. Reply
    RYR99 - April 29, 2018

    You could use the bottom bit for the controller and put a VMU inside.

    1. Reply
      Chris L - April 30, 2018

      The main issue isn’t where to put a “VMU” like extension, it’s more about the fact that a VMU will drastically reduce the battery life. Which means more frequent charges or playing via cable while it charges.

  6. Reply
    RYR99 - April 29, 2018

    And instead of four players, do five players.

    1. Reply
      Chris L - April 30, 2018

      By utilizing the display port on the Spartan, one could plug in 2 TVs and play up to 8 players. But that’s going to definitely eat up resources on the hardware.

  7. Reply
    Mikey Calhoun - April 30, 2018

    That controller is breath taking, pure greatness. This controller looks legendary nice job tream.

    1. Reply
      Chris L - April 30, 2018

      Thanks Mikey!!

  8. Reply
    Göröcs Lajos Zsolt - April 30, 2018

    It looks very cool! But in my opinion, it needs to be a little bit bigger. Not like the original Xbox’s Duke controller, but like the Dreamcast’s controller size. Other than that, there is no other issue regards to the controller.

  9. Reply
    Barrett - April 30, 2018

    What if the D pad had a central button integrated in with the up, down, left, and right controls? Not so useful for 2d games I know, but it could be useful for modern games that use the d-pad as secondary option buttons like inventory or weapons.

    1. Reply
      Barrett - April 30, 2018

      OR…. what if there were paddles under the handles like on the Xbox Elite controller that were their own buttons instead of programable add-ons. Maybe not 4, just 2 would work.

      1. Reply
        Chris L - April 30, 2018

        This is something we’ll consider for phase 2 of the console and controller.

      2. Reply
        Tracii vyper - May 22, 2018

        And those could be the turbo buttons from the original concept!

    2. Reply
      Chris L - April 30, 2018

      Do you mean the D pad could click inwards similar to how an analog stick does?

      1. Reply
        Barrett - April 30, 2018

        Yeah, like that

  10. Reply
    Barrett - April 30, 2018

    Also, can I have permission to use these images as well as other images from this website for my Wikipedia page about this subject? Please and thanks!

    1. Reply
      Chris L - April 30, 2018

      Absolutely. 🙂

      1. Reply
        Barrett - May 1, 2018

        I have a link for you to view. Its the wiki page I was talking about. Its incomplete and I need some more info and references.

        1. Reply
          Chris L - May 2, 2018

          Could we see the link?

          1. Barrett - May 3, 2018

            Sorry about that! I didn’t think the reply was sent. Here it is
            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:LEO_XART/sandbox

          2. Chris L - May 9, 2018

            Whoops. Just saw this now. Thanks 🙂

      2. Reply
        Barrett - May 1, 2018

        here it is! It’s unfinished, and it needs more details and references so if you want to get ahold of me to tell me more just email me.
        https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:LEO_XART/sandbox

        1. Reply
          SegaSonic - May 2, 2018

          Dude, I’m all for this, but… WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!!? The moment people see this page, they’ll be making videos, they being using this in Youtube memes, they’ll be giving this more criticism than it already can handle! Sorry for the outburst, but I’m worried that this will get criticized too early.

          1. Barrett - May 3, 2018

            I made my article in my user sandbox for a reason. The user sandbox is meant for newcomers to Wikipedia to learn how to type articles, so nothing is taken seriously or taken down. But if I have references to everything in my article I can make it a real Wikipedia article, something that Spartan team needs to get ahold of me about so I can finish it. Thanks for the heads up though

          2. Chris L - May 9, 2018

            Thank you! COuld you provide a URL?

          3. Barrett - May 3, 2018

            I made my article in my user sandbox for a reason. The user sandbox is meant for newcomers to Wikipedia to learn how to type articles, so nothing is taken seriously or taken down. But if I have references to everything in my article I can make it a real Wikipedia article, something that Spartan team needs to get ahold of me about so I can finish it. Thanks for the heads up though

        2. Reply
          CosmicX - May 2, 2018

          I think you should change the backwards capability section to make it clear it is software emulation and is not able to take games from the Dreamcast, Saturn, or Genesis. (I know it is obvious but is something people will point out as false)

  11. Reply
    RYR99 - April 30, 2018

    I am posting a video based on this update! :>)

  12. Reply
    RYR99 - April 30, 2018

    What if we include gameplay in the next update?

  13. Reply
    Christopher - April 30, 2018

    Like the controller design, what color do you plan to make the l.e.ds ?

    1. Reply
      Chris L - May 2, 2018

      The LED will change to blue.

      1. Reply
        Cody - May 9, 2018

        Dreamcast Orange please!

  14. Reply
    Scott Devine - April 30, 2018

    Hey Chris

    Can you show the video of viewing photos, playing music and videos on the next update?

  15. Reply
    Scott Devine - April 30, 2018

    Will the VMU handheld controller feature Sonic advance 1, 2, 3 and Sonic Rush and Sonic Rush adventure games?

    1. Reply
      Scott Devine - May 1, 2018

      Oops. sorry.

  16. Reply
    sega king - May 1, 2018

    I just hope sega will take this offer

  17. Reply
    GP - May 1, 2018

    It will probably been a bide because when Spartan will coming on the market, ps 5 and xbox next or two will already come and it will be the 9th generation. I advice you to upgrade the console’s power.

    1. Reply
      Chris L - May 2, 2018

      We plan to upgrade the GPU power in the next revision.

  18. Reply
    SegaSonic - May 2, 2018

    Will the A, B, C, X, Y, Z buttons be analog, as apposed to digital?

    1. Reply
      SegaSonic - May 4, 2018

      As well as the triggers?

      1. Reply
        Chris L - May 9, 2018

        Indeed

        1. Reply
          SegaSonic - June 27, 2018

          Just a heads up, you might want to increase the height of the buttons of they will be analog, because… well… the NeGcon controller for the Playstation has 2 digital buttons, and 2 analong buttons, and those analog buttons are raised. That helps identify the sensitivity of the buttons.

  19. Reply
    RYR99 - May 3, 2018

    New video was released on my channel earlier today!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1ppkcGhpxw

  20. Reply
    RYR99 - May 3, 2018

    New video was released on my channel earlier today!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1ppkcGhpxw

  21. Reply
    Barrett - May 4, 2018

    Could you guys email me with info and references for my Wikipedia page on the Spartan? I need more info if you want it to be a real article.

    1. Reply
      SegaSonic - May 21, 2018

      Barrett, you might eant to look in your sandbox. Someone edited it for you. I don’t know exactly where, but it’s been edited, but not in a bad way, I don’t think. Just read it and tell me if there’s anything bad, okay?

  22. Reply
    Jonathan W - May 5, 2018

    This looks like you have a clear motive. I really like the ideas and concept, even if I am sceptical about these fan made systems. I just have a few questions:
    Would you consider changing the gpu or cpu to AMD in the future?
    Would you consider making it a proprietary system?
    Are you planning on making the console smaller in later revisions?
    If SEGA does not partner with you or buy your prototype and intellectual properties, would you consider crowd funding?
    Sorry this comment is very long, these were my instant thoughts upon reading about your console. Hope to hear from you!

    1. Reply
      Chris L - May 9, 2018

      1. Our console is divided into 3 development phases. Right now we’re still in the first phase.
      2. It will definitely be smaller in future versions. 🙂
      3. If Sega does not accept this we will move forward with selling it to the public. Crowd funding may not be necessary.

  23. Reply
    Mista the trash friend - May 5, 2018

    did anyone post about this on /v/?
    because someone shoud post this on /v/
    :V

    1. Reply
      Chris L - May 9, 2018

      What is /v/ ?

  24. Reply
    sega king - May 7, 2018

    This is not fair atari is getting a new console and you guys are trying your hardest to give sega one.

  25. Reply
    TimeToMakeSomeCrazyMoney - May 8, 2018

    Is there a way you could make the CAD files available or something? I have a ton of ideas for this controller and I think having more than these pictures would be a big help.

  26. Reply
    hd - May 14, 2018

    I think it looks too exometric, can u soften the edges?

    1. Reply
      Chris L - May 15, 2018

      The design has been updated. You’ll see it in the next update 😉

  27. Reply
    PrashBricks III - May 19, 2018

    I would like it if you would add some kind of sega dreamcast VMU in the controller,

    or make it so that you can play emulated sega games on the controller in “portability mode” meaning that the controller has a screen witch you can power on, to play sega sg-1000, master system, mega drive and maybe even Saturn and dreamcast on the bus for example. That way you can off the screen when you are playing in front of the TV or monitor, and save battery life. (In order to make this useful you will need to make the controller rechargeable for good battery life, for example with microusb.)

  28. Reply
    MiREK - May 20, 2018

    Hey, what do you think of the recent Dreamcast 2 rumours?

    1. Reply
      SegaSonic - June 3, 2018

      What rumors?

  29. Reply
    Scott Devine - May 21, 2018

    Hey, Chris.

    1. Can I resume game saves on classic emulators for Spartan?
    2. Is there a new Sonic spin-off game titled Future Saviors, featuring new generation of Sonic characters known as Future Saviors, led by Sonic and Amy’s son, Speedy?
    3. Will Future Saviors come to Spartan?
    4. Will Sonic Adventure 3 be happening?

  30. Reply
    Dan C. - May 22, 2018

    Awesome! This controller looks great! I hope that Sega notices this project.

  31. Reply
    SegaSonic - June 3, 2018

    Maybe this will grab attention. On the controller, you can attach a phone holder, and with a special app, you can play some games with a second screen. Huh? Whattaya think?

  32. Reply
    SegaSonic - June 20, 2018

    I feel this system should go to patreon. This should get people’s attention, and grab support. Razor has already, but not everyone wants in, I’ll bet.

  33. Reply
    Mystic Monkey - July 12, 2018

    I’m liking the new controller design. As I suggested in the Halloween blog, “functionality for an XBox360 controller but feel like holding a Saturn or Dreamcast controller” and it looks good you got that. The six-button layout will really help if modern compilations like “SEGA Mega Drive & Genesis Classics” is played on it, it will have the ideal control-layout for it.

    I have a quesiton about the console. How backwards compatable will it be? Will it be able to read both Compact and Gigabyte Discs? (Mega-CD, Saturn and Dreamcast)

    On a side-note, has Sega ever got back to you guys on the proposition of a new-gen console?

  34. Reply
    Mo - July 18, 2018

    Any new updates on this?? Thanks

  35. Reply
    Funny Paradox - September 12, 2018

    That Seem Awsome

  36. Reply
    Mo - October 8, 2018

    Is this for real????

  37. Reply
    Mo - November 28, 2018

    Any Updates on This?

  38. Reply
    Eldad Dimba - January 13, 2019

    It’s 2019 and still no update. Yep it’s dead.

    1. Reply
      RYR99 - August 1, 2019

      EVERYONE, READ THIS: “It’s been very long but we are unable to say much right now on progress. Progress has been made but details need to remain under wraps for a little while. A post and mailer will be going out to let people know we’re not dead.”

  39. Reply
    MO - February 21, 2019

    I think you are correct! Anything new?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!

    1. Reply
      RYR99 - June 9, 2019

      It is still not dead; I messaged them about 3 months ago and they told me that progress was made, but details have to be remained under wraps.

      1. Reply
        SegaSonic - June 13, 2019

        Was this on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or something else?

        1. Reply
          RYR99 - June 23, 2019

          It was on Messenger.

  40. Reply
    Edro Slice - May 24, 2019

    This is just the first I’ve heard of this, dont give up imma spread the word.
    From Colorado.

    1. Reply
      Spartan - March 13, 2021

      <3

  41. Reply
    TDK - June 13, 2019

    Can You Change The Locations Of “Z” And “C”

  42. Reply
    ImSos - June 22, 2019

    2019 Anyone???

  43. Reply
    RYR99 - August 1, 2019

    EVERYONE, READ THIS: “It’s been very long but we are unable to say much right now on progress. Progress has been made but details need to remain under wraps for a little while. A post and mailer will be going out to let people know we’re not dead.”

  44. Reply
    RYR99 - August 2, 2019

    EVERYONE, READ THIS: “It’s been very long but we are unable to say much right now on progress. Progress has been made but details need to remain under wraps for a little while. A post and mailer will be going out to let people know we’re not dead.”

  45. Reply
    chris - August 12, 2019

    just now finding out about this, didn’t get an email yet but it’s good to know you guys are making progress. i think the last time i tried to come here the site was down.

    1. Reply
      Mo Weber - August 12, 2019

      They are just stringing us along in my opinion.

      1. Reply
        Spartan - March 13, 2021

        I do respect your opinion but please keep in mind, we work on this in our spare time and fund this ourselves. It’s understandable that you have that opinion because progress has undoubtebly been slow.

    2. Reply
      RYR99 - August 21, 2019

      EVERYONE, READ THIS: “It’s been very long but we are unable to say much right now on progress. Progress has been made but details need to remain under wraps for a little while. A post and mailer will be going out to let people know we’re not dead.”

  46. Reply
    Mo Weber - August 12, 2019

    I feel they are just stringing us along…..Hmmm

  47. Reply
    Eldad Dimba - September 22, 2019

    I still want this so badly. Please, Chris. PLEASE!!!1!1!1!

    1. Reply
      RYR99 - October 1, 2019

      EVERYONE, READ THIS: “It’s been very long but we are unable to say much right now on progress. Progress has been made but details need to remain under wraps for a little while. A post and mailer will be going out to let people know we’re not dead.”

    2. Reply
      RYR99 - October 1, 2019

      EVERYONE, READ THIS: “It’s been very long but we are unable to say much right now on progress. Progress has been made but details need to remain under wraps for a little while. A post and mailer will be going out to let people know we’re not dead.”

  48. Reply
    Super AniMario Bros. - October 13, 2019

    Here are some good news you may want to hear: “Our plan to move over to the UK has taken longer than expected. We’re moving their on the 10th of December and the project will resume on the 1st of Feb 2020.”.

  49. Reply
    LEO_XART - November 2, 2019

    To Chris, and everyone working on the project. This is LEO_XART from Wikipedia, you notice in previous comments on this page that I’ve created an unofficial wikipedia page for the Spartan Console, and last week the wiki page get sent into draft submissions, therefore if it gets approved it could become an official wiki page. I would like to email the team and ask them a series of questions about the console and its history to get as many answers as you can give out without spoiling too much. I would like the information so I can clarify and validate sources and claims on the wiki page. If you’d like to email me, its mcrbtr123@gmail.com. I’ve heard the good news about london, I hope all is well on your end! Thanks in advance!

  50. Reply
    limma - January 30, 2020

    rip this project

  51. Reply
    Eldad Dimba - March 1, 2020

    Still Nothing I see

  52. Reply
    TBRMInsanity - April 18, 2020

    My 2c:
    * Replace the D-Pad with the classic (and beloved) D-Pad from the Sega Genisis/MegaDrive and Sega Saturn (Japan)
    * Sega consoles should always have 6 buttons (good job!), could you go with two-tier design on the buttons (like on the Sega Genisis/MegaDrive 6 button controller)?
    * Personally I think the Orange colour is not very Sega like, and I would go with either the shade of Red or Blue as seen from the past consoles as the accent colour

  53. Reply
    Daniel - July 31, 2020

    People, this Site and project is dead. Hope nobody invested? I hate when People start projects that are not able to. After this time, you would Start from scratch any way. Leave it, you dont have the skill and this you have proofen. Just hope you didnt take money from anyone.

    1. Reply
      Spartan - March 13, 2021

      We’re not taking funds from the public. This is something we work on in our spare time and fund ourselves.

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