ASCII Stick Super L5 One Handed Game Controller.

Tuesday, October 7th, 2008

ASCII Stick Super L5 One Handed Game Controller

Wii Compatible: Yes*
US Snes Compatible: Yes
Orginal Release System: Japan Nintendo Super Famicom
Release Date: Jul 01, 1992
Controller Style: One handed
Manufacturer: ASCII
Licensed by Nintendo: Yes
Part Number: AS-114
Cord Length: 6 ft
Turbo Switch: Yes
Slow Switch: Yes
Where to Buy: They pop up on Ebay from time to time. I got the controller from a ebay seller located in Japan. Cost was around $15-20 ( before shipping ) New in the box.

The Ascii Super L5 controller was originally released in 1992 for the Super Famicom video game system in Japan. Intended for one handed use with RPG style games this game controller fits in the palm of your hand. I guess the idea behind this controller was to free up a hand to flip through a strategy guide or write down game information. That or eat while still gaming.

Controller was tested with the Wii using Super Mario RPG on the virtual console.

Your thumb rests on top and operates the directional pad, left, right buttons, select and start. The X, Y, A, B buttons are located underneath. Turbo switches for the X, Y, A, B buttons line the bottom side along with a slow switch.

The top dial rotates some degrees left and right to allow a small amount of custom positioning for your thumb. I found the hand comfort with the Super L5 to be so-so after gaming with it a while. It's a little awkward to grip and Isn't as contoured as ASCII's other one handed controller for the Super Famicom called the ASCII Grip, which I found much more comfortable to hold.

Definitely a neat controller to add to your Nintendo hardware collection. But if your looking for a one handed SNES controller to game with on a regular basis I'd go with the ASCII SNES Grip.

* Tested using Retrousb.com SNES to Wii adapter. Controller will not work on the Wii without the adapter.