RetroFlag SuperPack (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://retroflag.com/superpack.html
Review Approach:
RetroFlag isn’t a new name on this forum, and this likely isn’t the last time you’ll see me writing about them. Primarily known for their retro-themed items ranging from the GameCube-themed Switch controller I covered a little while back, to some more intricate Raspberry Pi cases, RetroFlag have just released something relatively out of character: a custom Xbox Series battery pack. It’s weird, but what might be weirder is just how useful it actually is.
What we have here is a product that does what it says on the tin. Coming in two parts, a rechargable battery and a battery cover, the SuperPack clips seamlessly onto any Xbox Series controller you have handy. That is the most recent non-Elite Xbox controller revision. With the battery in place the cover clips over it as normal, with the cover reaching over to the controller’s USB C port and fitting securely into place. The controller is now charged using the USB C port on the SuperPack itself, sitting just a little behind the usual port, and can be activated using a switch on the battery cover.
The switch has three positions, allowing you to move from Switch mode on the left, XInput mode on the right, and turning the controller off entirely in the middle. Looking at the base Xbox functionality, one good aspect is that you still have the base functionality of the controller to fall back onto, on top of the XInput mode. I unfortunately don't have my Xbox handy at the moment to test, but I would assume the XInput mode present on the controller wouldn't work with an Xbox console. It does however pop up on Windows no problem, and provide you with a separate pairing for up to three platforms on one controller.
What you’re probably buying something like this for is the Switch compatibility though, and I really can’t fault it. Once in Switch mode, you use the dedicated pairing button and connect the controller to the Switch like you would any other controller. Once connected, you have the full array of official Pro Controller features with the notable exception of NFC support. There are two really great things to point out here though. First is motion controls. It’s baffling to me how small technology has become, and while I do understand things like this rely on incredibly small sensors, I find myself impressed all the same. It works, and it works well. Everything feels smooth, and as a bonus these motion controls work out of the box on both Citra and Yuzu. The second of my great notes is the fact this controller is detected as an official controller on the Switch. This is something that really shouldn’t be overlooked, with it providing native support for button remapping using the Switch’s own software. By default, the controller is configured to function as a Switch controller (the B button is A to match the layout), so for those who prefer the button markings to match the functionality, this is a real boon.
Another cool touch is that the SuperPack adds an additional two buttons that can be remapped to any button on the controller. I would usually be quite excited about these, ultimately mimicking one of the best parts of an Elite controller. These aren’t that great though, and it is a bit of a shame. While they are two extra buttons, they’re not in a place that’s even remotely convenient, sitting right at the top of the controller next to the bumpers and triggers. If they were coming out of the back of the pack and sitting closer to the grip of the controller this would in my opinion be the perfect Xbox add-on, but these just fall that bit short.
Is RetroFlag’s SuperPack worth picking up? At £37 ($40) it puts forward a genuinely compelling package, and choosing Xbox controllers for this type of add-on was a great choice in terms of market. Unlike a Switch Pro or DualSense controller, Xbox users are still expected to pay an additional £20 to Microsoft for the privilege of a rechargeable battery. This is a purchase most Xbox users will be making anyway, so why not go for the option with more features?
Verdict
- Incredibly easy to setup
- Supports motion controls and waking the Switch
- Maintains original Xbox functionality
- Rapid-fire available on all buttons
- Well priced for what it offers
- Only comes in black
- Extra buttons are positioned poorly
