When purchasing a controller for your Super Nintendo, make sure you know what you are receiving. If you want to purchase a SNES controller cheaply, then buy a knock-off third party controller. These controllers will typically have a different or missing logo in the top and center of the controller. Third party controllers are a cheap and effective way to get up and running with your Super Nintendo or SuperJoy USB adapter.

For the highest quality controller, a real Nintendo-made controller is preferred. There are three different sources for official, original SNES controllers-- controllers that were included with the 1991 (original) model of the Super Nintendo, boxed replacement controllers and controllers included with the 1997 (v2 or mini) model of the Super Nintendo. If purchasing an unboxed controller, select a controller which is clean and in good shape. Avoid auctions with stock or blurry photographs, or contact the seller to get an idea of the condition of the controller. A new in box replacement controller will be the most expensive option, yet you can be assured the controller you receive is top-notch.

However, also be wary of new in box SNES controllers. Be sure the controller is in fact an original Nintendo controller and not a cheap copy being sold as an original Nintendo accessory. The Yobo Group distributes SNES controller in a "Mario box." The original SNES replacement controller was sold in a black box with gray stripes. The "Mario box" controllers have a box similar to the 1997 mini Super Nintendo with a picture of Mario and Yoshi on the front. The "Mario box" controllers have the external appearance on the box and controller of being replacement controllers for the 1997 mini Super Nintendo, which has a Nintendo logo top and center on its controller. However, the model number for the controller is that of the 1991 controller, instead of the 1997 controller, the extension cord is 60% shorter, and the "Mario box" controller is much lighter and made of cheaper materials. Upon opening these controllers, the internal circuit board is missing the standard Nintendo copyright markings present in all other Nintendo controllers.

These "Mario box" controllers can be purchased for very little money from sellers who are not trying to pass them off as the original controllers and thus receive the higher market price for original, new in box, replacement SNES controllers.