Dreamcast Fishing Controller
The Dreamcast Fishing Rod or GetBass Fishing Controler Set A [HKT-8701], also known as the Tsuri Controller (つりコントローラ) in Japan, is a specialized gaming controller for the Sega Dreamcast console. Released on March 22, 2000, in Japan, it was priced at ¥5,800, equivalent to ¥6,280.9 when adjusted for inflation as of November 17th, 2023. This controller, fashioned in the shape of a fishing rod, was designed primarily for fishing games. It features a vibration monitor, sensor, and reel, providing a realistic and immersive fishing game experience.
Use and Hardware
The Dreamcast Fishing Rod controller is compatible with multiple fishing games on the Sega Dreamcast, including Bass Rush Dream: EcoGear PowerWorm Championship (2000), Lake Masters Pro Dreamcast plus! (2000), Reel Fishing: Wild (2001), Sega Bass Fishing (1997), Sega Bass Fishing 2 (2001), and Sega Marine Fishing (2000). Additionally, it is compatible with non-fishing games like SoulCalibur (1999) and Virtua Tennis (1999).
The controller mimics the design of a traditional fishing rod, only lacking a fishing line. It is equipped with standard Dreamcast buttons—A, B, X, Y, and Start—positioned around an Analog Thumb Pad that is centrally located for navigation and control, and a Reel Handle is situated on the right side of the device.
NGC Multi Joyport Compatibility
Through the work of the NGC Multi Joyport 計画 (NGC Multi Joyport Project), the Dreamcast Fishing Rod was made compatible with the Nintendo GameCube (NGC), including the Wii's NGC port. This was achieved through the UMJ-FX base hardware and optional firmware. The project's focus was on syncing the reading intervals between the game console and the controller, ensuring data transfer from the controller to the game console within 2ms for seamless gameplay.
The project involved creating a conversion cable that connects Dreamcast game controllers to a D-SUB 9-pin (female) connector. This cable was an essential component in enabling the Dreamcast controllers to interface with the UMJ-FX device, which then connected to the NGC. The firmware writing process allowed users to select and write the appropriate settings for connecting various controllers, including the Dreamcast Fishing Rod, to the NGC. Various other controllers from Dreamcast and other consoles were made compatible through a similar process.
Specifications
- Conversion Delay: Kept within 2ms
- Game Controller Side:
- Reading Time (Actual Measurement): 237 microseconds
- Reading Interval (Theoretical): 4 milliseconds
- Game Console Side:
- Reading Interval (Theoretical): 16.7 milliseconds
| Dreamcast Fishing Rod | GameCube Controller |
|---|---|
| Accelerometer Sensor (Y-axis) | L Button (Analog) |
| Accelerometer Sensor (X-axis) | C Analog (Left/Right) |
| Accelerometer Sensor (Z-axis) | C Analog (Up/Down) |
| Reel | R Button (Analog) |