The SEGA Dreamcast is a console that keeps getting more and more love as the years go by, and for good reason; it was one of the most advanced consoles of its time.
Because of that, many retro gamers and modern gamers are going back to explore this beauty, and that means they want modern accessories to make it slightly more fluid.
8BitMods has revealed two accessories that do just that, specialising in turning your Dreamcast into a wireless hub.
BitLink DC Dongle
The first being a BitLink DC Dongle, which connects into your controller port and allows for up to four Bluetooth controllers, virtual memory cards, wired USB-C inputs and 2.4GHz connectivity.
It's simply plug and play. You can even configure everything through the built-in web interface, accessible directly from your browser over Bluetooth. It can even sink with your mouse and keyboard, too.
BitLink DC Dongle Specifications
- Up to 4 virtual flash memory cards — no more hunting for originals
- Bluetooth LE controller support for any compatible gamepad
- USB-C port for wired controllers and keyboards (powered)
- Keyboard and mouse support over Bluetooth LE or USB-C
- 2.4GHz receiver for the BitLink DC Adapter
- Addressable RGB pixel LED — fully customisable colours, patterns and effects
- Built-in web interface over Bluetooth — remap controls, manage memory cards, customise LEDs, update firmware and configure pairing, all from your browser.
BitLink DC Adapter
If you're a full-blown Dreamcast enthusiast, then the Adapter is for you. This adapter connects via the internal JST Port, which means it will require some minor disassembly to connect the dongle via a cable.
But once installed, it connects to your Dongle wirelessly, and you've then basically transformed your loved cabled controller into a modern wireless version with all of the nostalgic touches.
BitLink DC Adapter Specifications
- Fits your existing Dreamcast gamepad — connects via included cable to the controller's internal JST port
- Requires disassembly of the original Dreamcast controller. Connection is made via an included cable to the controller's internal JST port — no soldering required.
- 2.4GHz wireless to the BitLink DC Dongle; BT LE HID for PC and Mac
- Up to 4 virtual flash memory cards (selectable alongside rumble)
- Built-in rumble motor — full haptic feedback preserved
- Accelerometer + gyroscope for motion control and peripheral emulation
- 4× individually addressable RGB LEDs — customise colours, patterns and effects via the web interface
- 2200mAh battery — can charge a connected VMUPro via port 1
- USB-C for wired play, charging, and PC connectivity
- Communicates with VMUPro for menus and emulator control
It's accessories like this that we love, due simply to the fact that it makes us use the Dreamcast more and more without the old tech restrictions getting in the way.
We've seen something like this from RetroFighters, who have created wireless controllers for the Dreamcast, but this is one of the first times a modding company has come out with a kit that turns your old controller into a wireless one, and I'm all for it!
