Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I recently shared a video showcasing one of the absolute favorite pieces in my entire retro gaming collection. That piece was the highly sought-after Panasonic Q controller, which came exclusively with the Japan-only Panasonic Q system—a hybrid console designed to play GameCube games and DVDs. The silver finish and unique branding make it an incredible collector's item, and I love having it on display. However, after watching that video, an incredibly generous commenter brought up something totally unique. They noticed our appreciation for rare, alternate-branded controllers and decided to send us another unique controller to add to our collection. What could this mysterious controller be? Well, if you look behind me, you will see the classic Sega Genesis, which gives you a massive hint. Today, we are taking a close look at the legendary JVC X'EYE controller!
I do have 2 of these controllers, one of which I received when I bought the system, the other was graciously donated by @ChaosGenerator. Make sure you check out their channel and give them a subscribe!
For those who might not know, the JVC X'EYE is a fascinating piece of 16-bit video game history. Released in the mid-nineties, the JVC X'EYE (also known as the Wondermega in Japan) was an officially licensed Sega hybrid console manufactured directly by JVC. It combined the Sega Genesis and the Sega CD into one sleek, unified piece of hardware. Because JVC manufactured the console, they also produced their own officially branded peripherals. The controller you see right here is the JVC X'EYE controller, and it is very much based on the original chunky three-button controller for the Sega Genesis. It meticulously maintains that classic three-button layout, the distinct ergonomic curve, and the exact start button position. Even comparing it to a modern three-button controller, like the one included with the Sega Genesis Mini, you can clearly see how it utilizes pretty much the exact same shell design and directional pad.
The main difference between this and a standard OEM Sega controller is purely cosmetic. A traditional model has the Sega Genesis logo painted prominently in the center, whereas this JVC model features the JVC logo right above the start button. Above and beyond that logo swap, it is essentially the exact same controller. Now, because it is based on the original Genesis design, it does not have the mode button or the additional X, Y, and Z action buttons that the later six-button controller features. It closely mimics the aesthetics, the robust design, and the size of the original Sega Genesis controller. For me personally, I have to admit that I generally prefer the smaller size and enhanced functionality of the six-button Sega controller for fighting games and platformers. But as a historical collector's piece, this JVC three-button controller is absolutely awesome.
In fact, I actually have two of them in my collection now! My JVC X'EYE system originally came with one, and then this second one is the exact controller that our viewer so graciously donated to the channel. I really appreciate this amazing gesture from the retro gaming community. I even tried to offer him some money for it, but he insisted on gifting it, saying, 'No, we're all good. Thank you so very much.' Yes, I do still have it, and you can even tell exactly which one is yours because I still have not removed the original zip tie from the controller cable! Between these two incredible pieces—the Panasonic Q controller and the JVC X'EYE controller—I feel incredibly lucky to have these sitting in my collection.
Any collector knows the hunt is never truly over! There are a couple of other extremely rare, brand-variant controllers I would love to add to my display one day. First on my holy grail list are the official controllers for the Sharp NES TV, which are completely unique to that integrated television set. Similarly, the controllers for the Sharp Super Nintendo television are incredible pieces I would love to own. Another unique peripheral I would like to track down is the official Atari Jaguar six-button pro controller. Let me know in the comments down below—what do you think of these alternate pieces, and what is the absolute favorite controller in your retro gaming collection?
#JVCXEYE #RetroGaming #SegaGenesis #PanasonicQ #GameCollecting #SegaCD #RetroControllers #VintageGaming
I recently shared a video showcasing one of the absolute favorite pieces in my entire retro gaming collection. That piece was the highly sought-after Panasonic Q controller, which came exclusively with the Japan-only Panasonic Q system—a hybrid console designed to play GameCube games and DVDs. The silver finish and unique branding make it an incredible collector's item, and I love having it on display. However, after watching that video, an incredibly generous commenter brought up something totally unique. They noticed our appreciation for rare, alternate-branded controllers and decided to send us another unique controller to add to our collection. What could this mysterious controller be? Well, if you look behind me, you will see the classic Sega Genesis, which gives you a massive hint. Today, we are taking a close look at the legendary JVC X'EYE controller!
I do have 2 of these controllers, one of which I received when I bought the system, the other was graciously donated by @ChaosGenerator. Make sure you check out their channel and give them a subscribe!
For those who might not know, the JVC X'EYE is a fascinating piece of 16-bit video game history. Released in the mid-nineties, the JVC X'EYE (also known as the Wondermega in Japan) was an officially licensed Sega hybrid console manufactured directly by JVC. It combined the Sega Genesis and the Sega CD into one sleek, unified piece of hardware. Because JVC manufactured the console, they also produced their own officially branded peripherals. The controller you see right here is the JVC X'EYE controller, and it is very much based on the original chunky three-button controller for the Sega Genesis. It meticulously maintains that classic three-button layout, the distinct ergonomic curve, and the exact start button position. Even comparing it to a modern three-button controller, like the one included with the Sega Genesis Mini, you can clearly see how it utilizes pretty much the exact same shell design and directional pad.
The main difference between this and a standard OEM Sega controller is purely cosmetic. A traditional model has the Sega Genesis logo painted prominently in the center, whereas this JVC model features the JVC logo right above the start button. Above and beyond that logo swap, it is essentially the exact same controller. Now, because it is based on the original Genesis design, it does not have the mode button or the additional X, Y, and Z action buttons that the later six-button controller features. It closely mimics the aesthetics, the robust design, and the size of the original Sega Genesis controller. For me personally, I have to admit that I generally prefer the smaller size and enhanced functionality of the six-button Sega controller for fighting games and platformers. But as a historical collector's piece, this JVC three-button controller is absolutely awesome.
In fact, I actually have two of them in my collection now! My JVC X'EYE system originally came with one, and then this second one is the exact controller that our viewer so graciously donated to the channel. I really appreciate this amazing gesture from the retro gaming community. I even tried to offer him some money for it, but he insisted on gifting it, saying, 'No, we're all good. Thank you so very much.' Yes, I do still have it, and you can even tell exactly which one is yours because I still have not removed the original zip tie from the controller cable! Between these two incredible pieces—the Panasonic Q controller and the JVC X'EYE controller—I feel incredibly lucky to have these sitting in my collection.
Any collector knows the hunt is never truly over! There are a couple of other extremely rare, brand-variant controllers I would love to add to my display one day. First on my holy grail list are the official controllers for the Sharp NES TV, which are completely unique to that integrated television set. Similarly, the controllers for the Sharp Super Nintendo television are incredible pieces I would love to own. Another unique peripheral I would like to track down is the official Atari Jaguar six-button pro controller. Let me know in the comments down below—what do you think of these alternate pieces, and what is the absolute favorite controller in your retro gaming collection?
#JVCXEYE #RetroGaming #SegaGenesis #PanasonicQ #GameCollecting #SegaCD #RetroControllers #VintageGaming
