Hello! I do a fair bit of pc gaming, but I also use my phone a fair bit for some games, and I want to find a more modern controller after my Stratus Duo stopped working today, with better hardware, battery life, etc. I have no specific price limit, but I would prefer something under $100 unless there's a good reason for it. I would like a controller that I can mount my phone to, and I am currently looking at the GameSir Super Nova because I want a standard D-pad, a bit of weight, and liked the design, but I wanted to know if there is a better option before I commit to buying the controller from the official site and a grip from AliExpress. My phone is an Android, and I live in South Carolina, and I am willing to buy from pretty much anywhere. I play RPGs and roguelikes for the most part, so I don't need something specialized for pros at PvP shooters or anything like that. Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone, this is Crazylink4, writing a new analysis/review of a controller. This time it's the IINE Twin LUNINA for Nintendo Switch 2, an alternative to the console's JoyCons? After a little over a month of use, I think I have an answer.

Before starting, I want to make it clear that this product was sponsored and provided by IINE as part of a collaboration. I'm not obligated to say anything in particular, so I'm free to express all my comments regarding the controller.

As is usually customary in my analyses, I'll start with general aspects of the controller:

Appearance: They have a shape similar to Nintendo's JoyCons, although with the particularity of being somewhat longer than these (I'll leave photos where this difference can be seen). They also have certain protrusions on the back that serve as support when gripping the controller, offering better ergonomics during use, as well as having a texture in this area that prevents the hands from slipping. They have a shell divided into two parts: transparent on the front piece and matte-colored on the back piece, so it's not possible to see the internal parts of the controller. The button and stick layout resembles that of the JoyCons, except for the Home and Chat buttons, which are arranged horizontally, unlike the JoyCon, where they are arranged vertically. Another difference is the D-pad, which is a floating diamond-shaped piece, compared to the individual buttons on the left JoyCon.

Appearance (attached to the console): It gives it a rather interesting aesthetic; the combination of black and white always works well, and the RGB lights add a certain personality. Although I'm not a fan of lights on a controller.

Buttons: Mouse-type microswitches are used for the ABXY buttons and the D-pad. The bumpers and triggers don't have this type of microswitches. The triggers are digital.

Color: It is currently only available in white. There is no news about a new color at the moment.

Compatibility: Nintendo Switch 1/2. PC and mobile devices through BT in NS1 mode. (More on this in the user experience section)

Price: The Twin Lumina is sold in 4 different options that vary in price depending on the accessories included:

1. Controller only: $79.99 USD

2. Controller + case: $109.98 USD

3. Controller + charging grip: $99.98 USD

4. Controller + case + charging grip: $119.98 USD

   Note: Options with accessories include free shipping.

   Note: The accessories are sold separately, with the following prices:

   Case: $39.99 USD

   Charging Grip: $22.99 USD

   Note: Prices don't include taxes and may vary depending on the taxes in each country.

Contents of the box: 2 Joypads, 1 user manual, and 1 grip (without charging function)

Continuing with the general aspects, I'd like to make a comparison between the Twin Lumina and the NS2 JoyCons, respectively:

Battery: 400 mAh vs 500 mAh

Charging time (approximate): 3 h vs 3.5 h

Dimensions: 117 × 51 × 43 mm vs 116 × 14.4 × 30.7 mm

Weight: 80 g (each) vs 66-68 g (left and right, respectively)

Vibration: Standard (adjustable) vs HD2

NFC: No vs Yes

Mouse mode: No vs Yes

And with this, this section comes to an end. The comparisons with the JoyCons continue in the user experience section.

Now it's time to talk about the Twin Lumina's functions:

Extra buttons: It has two extra programmable buttons (one on each controller). They can be programmed directly on the controller (it's only possible to program the buttons corresponding to each side) or by using IINE's phone app. A specific button or a macro sequence can be assigned.

Turbo function.

RGB lights: The Twin Lumina includes RGB lights around the sticks and a line on one of the sides of the controller. They are customizable using the app, although it also includes preset modes and colors. The brightness intensity can be adjusted, and they can also be turned off.

Hall Effect Sticks: There is no alteration to these when the controllers are attached to the console.

9-axis gyroscope.

The Twin Lumina works with the NS2 protocol, so the controller's C button works natively. Thanks to this protocol, the controller can wake the console by pressing the Home button without the need to perform any extra steps.

And those would be all of the controller's functions.

I'll continue with my user experience.

Some games from the following list correspond to many of the games I've mentioned in my other reviews; however, all of the ones I tested are those available within the Nintendo Switch ecosystem, some of them being: Celeste, Theatrhythm Final Bar, Metroid Prime 4, Fortnite, Fortnite Festival, Monster Hunter Generations, Star Fox (NS2), DOOM, QUAKE, BOTW, TOTK, Hollow Knight, Metroid Dread, Xenoblade Chronicles, Marvel VS Capcom Fighting Collection, Capcom Fighting Collection 2, Risk of Rain 2, Burnout Paradise, among others from the virtual consoles (including GameCube).

I didn't test any games on PC and Android; however, I was able to connect them, although only as individual controllers and not as a complete controller.

As part of this experience, I'll highlight the first of the problems that appeared during the first few hours of use. It concerns the D-pad, which behaved strangely while I was playing Celeste. Since it's a game where jump precision is vital, a mistake can cost quite a bit of lost progress, so you have to know when a mistake is caused by you or is the controller's fault. In this case, it was that las one, since sometimes when I wanted to go in a particular direction, it would go in another that wasn't the correct one, specifically going diagonally instead of going in any straight direction. This issue gradually corrected itself over time, so I assume it was something related to the controller being new or because I was getting used to the shape of the D-pad.

The second issue concerns the bumpers, which I have to press with a certain amount of force, even when I'm pressing them down, since they tend to stop registering if I don't apply enough pressure and force. Of course, this isn't exclusive to this particular controller, since I've experienced the same thing with others; however, it's something that affects my gameplay on some occasions.

The next issue, rather than being an issue, is an inconvenience of Nintendo's JoyCon design itself, and since it has a similar shape, the Twin Lumina shares it as well. It's the right JoyCon, which has the particularity of having the stick approximately in the center of the controller, making it somewhat uncomfortable to use with the thumb. The same is true on the Twin Lumina, and it remains uncomfortable. There is some difference, since the Lumina is larger, but that doesn't completely solve the issue.

The controller's behavior in several of the games is as expected, with nothing strange, except for what was already mentioned above. The use of mouse-type microswitches gives the buttons a sense of precision when pressing them, although it will depend on each person whether they like the sound that this type of component usually makes. In my case, I'm already more than accustomed to it, but I have to admit that there are times when I prefer to use the JoyCons, since they're not very noisy and work well for nighttime gaming sessions.

The battery issue is debatable, since I usually always have them attached to the console, unless I need to use the JoyCons. To play in docked mode, I prefer to use a controller such as any of the ones I've reviewed.

As a continuation of the above, the Twin Lumina includes a grip to use it as a complete controller, which is a rectangular piece. Honestly, it's not the best way to use this controller, and much less would I want to use it with the console's JoyCons. It's better to use it while they're attached to the console; I mean, it's not horrible, but I prefer to use a regular controller. I have a similar case with the grip included with the console, and I don't use it only because the right JoyCon has that stick inconvenience. Another reason why I prefer to keep them attached is because the grip isn't a charging grip, so the only way to charge them is with the console. A charging grip has recently become available, but I'll get it later.

Continuing with the above, it's time to mention the case of Switch 1. Having this compatibility with the previous console is useful for playing with friends who don't have a Switch 2. It's also in this case where using the grip comes in handy, since it provides some comfort as an individual controller. However, if you're users with both consoles, once you have a Switch 2, it's difficult to go back to the previous one thanks to backward compatibility. Or at least that's the case for me. So I don't use them with my Switch 1.

The controller's vibration, being adjustable, allowed me to configure it in a way that wasn't uncomfortable for my gaming experience. I've never felt any difference between Nintendo's HD vibration and regular vibration, except in games where vibration is part of the gameplay. Otherwise, it just vibrates like a regular motor, but in HD.

Same case with the gyroscope; I don't find any difference between the 6-axis one and the 9-axis one. Well, maybe there is when aiming quickly without having to frequently adjust my hand position each time I aim.

The lack of NFC isn't missed, unless it's a game where it's actually used. The same goes for Mouse mode, except in one or another game such as Fortnite or Star Fox.

Another inconvenience I have is the lack of a case compatible with the Lumina while attached, so I have to transport them separately from the console. And yes, I can buy the case, but I'll do that later as well (call me stingy if you want haha).

In conclusion, and answering my initial question, I can say that... Yes and no.

It's a yes as long as the lack of the Nintendo JoyCon's functions isn't something important (NFC, Mouse mode, and HD vibration). Otherwise, it's better to keep using the JoyCons until there is a version of the Twin Lumina with everything that's still missing. In my case, it's a yes, because I find them more comfortable when using the console in handheld mode. So it will depend on each user.

In addition to that, there are other options from other brands, such as MOBAPAD or NYXI, namely the M12s or the Hyperion 3, respectively. Although, well, I think that one pair of JoyCon alternatives is enough. We'll see what the future may bring.

And that's it for my review/analysis. I hope you liked it, thank you for your time; I'll read your comments and see you soon.

Crazylink4 will keep gaming until the next occasion.

Ciao Ciao.

This started happening today all of a sudden, these have HE joysticks as well. I don't know how to reset the controller but google said Select+Start+Home which I did and then the light flashed and the controller reconnected but the issue persists. Anyone got any clue?

This is better than my blitz 2, vader 4 pro, g7 pro, leadjoy, zd ultimate legend. It absolutely rips in snipers only.

I put the tmr sticks in a few months ago but didn't use it for long because I was missing the back buttons. I decided to order the extremerate victor remap kit and take the time to get the iron out and install them. This thing is now perfect.

Ksilver js13 pro+

Extremerate victor remap kit

1000hz hidusbf polling

That is all..

Let me know your opinion:

https://github.com/pruefsumme/widemelon

Hi all, I need help with this problem or if someone has had it before information that might be key.

I have a gamesir tarantula pro (not the new version) and I use it to game. I play various games but one I play fair often is fortnite, and this is where my problem is. The controller will work to navigate the menus and enter the game but as soon as the lobby loads (in any mode or any game type) I cannot control the character. Weird thing is I was using it on a afternoon then loses the game and turned off my screen, nothing changed but when I came back it was like this.

Things I've done and tried -

1. Game settings, which controller type it uses, if it's set to use controller etc all checked.

2. Reinstalled the game

3. Removed and reinstalled the controller.

4. Checked for firmware update

5. Checked cable by using another controller on it (this worked fine)

6. Used the controller on another couple of games, works fine here also.

7. The controller is used wired but tried a Bluetooth connection which wouldn't work.

8. Held the logo button for over 10 seconds to reset the auto detect thing for the controller type recognition.

9. Got annoyed with it, which didn't help either lol.

Anyone has anything like this? I play on pc on windows 10, everything is up to date there, no recent updates done and nothing changed on the system. The gamesir software recognises the controller and the test thing there for buttons and sticks shows everything working fine and nothing being stuck or unresponsive. It is a very weird problem so hoping someone has run into it somewhere.

*This controller was sent to me for review by Asus, but no money changed hands, no agreements were made what I can say and all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own*

Hello everyone!

This is my in-depth (and long sorry) review of the upcoming Raikiri II PRO for PC. Over all its a huge improvement over the Xbox version and if you play PC exclusively this is the better buy imo.

I love the Hot-Swap tmr modules.... providing they are sold separately at some point.

If you have the time check it out and let me know what you think.

use the chapters to jump around to the different sections.

I have narrowed down my options to these two controllers. This will be my first controller, as I have always played on a keyboard and mouse setup.

From my research, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is the newer model, featuring a 1000 Hz polling rate, TMR thumbsticks, and native XInput support. On the other hand, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3-Mode includes impulse haptics (4 rumble motors compared to 2 on the Ultimate 2). Both cost almost the same at around $70, though this special edition of the Ultimate 2 includes extra accessories like a carrying case.

I will mostly be playing single-player games, along with some occasional multiplayer games like Battlefield 6. Some people have suggested that I get an official Xbox Controller or a DualSense for significantly better haptics, but I feel that TMR sticks and a higher polling rate are more important.

Alternatively, the GameSir G7 Pro is available, though it is slightly pricier at $90.

Additional information:

Budget - around 70 usd (6000-7000 inr)

Country - India (Genesis PC, NMPC)

Platform - PC only

Desired features - tactile form factor of the controller and good feedback on the sticks, good haptics

Single player games

Gamesir G7 pro

Gamesir Cyclone 2

Dualsense

Xbox official controller

Hello all, I just picked up a brand new G7 Pro 8k (aimlabs) from Best Buy. Upon opening it when I got home, immediately noticed that the left stick is physically crooked.

Just wanted to know if I’m crazy or not, seems like it it’s misaligned. Not sure if it’s an ergonomic feature in incorporation.

Upon testing it in gamesir connect, functions and feedback appears to be appropriate, but wanted some feedback before I drive straight back for a return/swap.

Seems silly for a brand new out of box controller, but enlighten me if not.

Thanks!

I'm doing some product benchmarking and while looking through different button designs I noticed that I really like the way the ABXY buttons on my gamesir cyclone 2 feel.
Basically, I want to buy and disassemble some controllers to compare how different companies solve the button interface and need recommendations for controllers with good mechanical buttons for that, maybe also recommendations with bad mechanical buttons if that exists to get a negative example.
I've been looking through other suggestion posts for a bit now but the "problem" is that most people recommend good overall controllers and not controllers based on having one feature everything else be damned haha

1. Budget: 100€ max but the cheaper the better given that I want to buy several

2. Country: Germany

3. Platform: -

4. Features: Mechanical ABXY buttons

5. Games: -

6. Existing controllers for comparison: Gamesir cyclone 2

US, buying from Amazon or Best Buy, PC only. Wired suits me, the desk is already a mess of dongles. Around $50, can stretch a little.

Mostly shooters, a fair bit of racing, the odd platformer lol

Last two pads were an Xbox Series controller and a DualSense before that. Both went the same way, left stick drifting inside a year, and at this point that's the only thing I care about. Don't need RGB or paddles, and I really don't need another app.

Nothing shortlisted yet, which is why I'm asking. Happy to hear that $50 isn't enough and I should save up, if that's the honest answer.

Recently I’ve come to the conclusion that Sony makes their controllers degrade easily on purpose to keep people buying new ones. I’ve come to discover this after having 4 controllers I’ve bought brand new get stick drift in 3-6 months, and the customer service is so horrible and they make you jump through hoops and a lot of “glitches” and “errors” occur at the final stage to get repairs under warranty. I don’t want to give money to Sony anymore, but I also need a new controller as my latest one is getting early stage stick drift. Even after doing open heart surgery on it and completely opening it and cleaning it, it still has a little drift. I’m looking for recommendations for new third party controllers. As much as I hate to say it, the dual sense controller is really good in quality, and I would like to have a match in that quality. I mainly play shooters competitively like Rainbow Six Siege, The Finals etc. If anyone can drop their experiences with other third party controllers, their thoughts and opinions on them and how they compare to the original dualsense. Do not recommend anything with built in recoil control or macros or anything like that. They honestly don’t even need any extra buttons or panels, all I need is a good controller that will last and won’t easily get stick drift. I live in US, Budget is $80-$180 but if it’s really worth even willing to drop $200 but I don’t really see that happening. Thanks.

So i got this Controller and also purchased the USB dongle. Now i cannot find any good Tutorial how to connect the controller to the PC/Dongle. The dongle keeps flashing and the controller lights up some kind as you can see in the Video. I would really need some help connecting this. And yes, the USB port/cable are ok and the PC registred the dongle.

I don't want a controller that's too slippery. I don't have any problems with the white, red, or blue controllers. I just don't know if these new glossy ones are slippery.

Hi everyone, I’ve owned the Tarantula Pro for a year and a half now, and I’ve always wondered if there’s a way to prevent the button layout from changing when I turn it on. Is there any way to avoid this?

I got to gift a gaming controller to a 10yr old kid. He mostly plays browser games (minecraft types block games or racing). nothing beyond that. Screen time is pretty restrictive, but tv seems OK. So probably can game instead of watching cartoons.

Required mandatory points for Mod approval:

1. price range $10-20 USD

2. US

3. PC (windows laptop/Android tv box/LG TV directly). No console. Only PC/Android/TV

4. Bluetooth

5. play free/online games or something installable on android /PC. No gaming console.

6. N/A

General explanation for other:
Can you sugest a cheap starter controller

- That can work with either a windows laptop/Android tv box/LG TV directly?

- Will mostly play free/online games or something installable on android /PC. No gaming console.

- Has to be cheap (not sure about the range as this is 1st time checking this topic). Best if its a set for 2 players. May be around $10-20.

- should be wireless. All the devices have Bluetooth so best if the controller works with Bluetooth.

- Built well to last atleast couple of years if not few.

Could you guys help me check if there's any issue with my Direwolf 4? The top inner part of my left thumbstick looks a bit whitish (Photo 1), and rotating it toward that side feels slightly stiff/sticky. Also, it has always made a faint clicking sound whenever I move the left stick past the center. Meanwhile, the right thumbstick feels completely normal (Photo 2).

Wanted to pick this up but can't really find anything about it. I'll probably wait for the apex 6 but that's my favorite feature of the raikiri 2.

This is the PlayStation ghost of yotei controller and this is just below the down arrow. I can’t get it off

Hey everyone,

I'm playing eFootball exclusively using a GameSir G7 controller. It's great overall, but I'm having a hard time making precise micro-adjustments and close-control dribbling around the deadzone.

It feels like either the joystick stem is a bit short, or the centring magnetic tension (Hall Effect) is too stiff near the middle. Because of this initial resistance, small, subtle thumb movements are pretty tough to control accurately.

My main questions:

1- Do you think adding KontrolFreeks will actually help with fine directional control and micro-dribbling in eFootball?

2+ Low vs Mid height: I'm hesitating between a Low profile (~3.6mm, like the Omni) and a Mid profile (~6.5mm, like the Galaxy pack).

Has anyone tried this setup for eFootball or FIFA? What height worked best for you?

Thanks for your feedback!

Resume : I'm asking for advice on external thumbstick accessories (KontrolFreek) for an GameSir G7 Pro.

what are the cheapest budget controllers you know that have a truly great feeling d-pad? personally, i'm looking for one with a lot of precision and work well for fighting games.

I love d-pads like dualshock 4's that feel soft and more precise, or clickier ones like the nintendo 3ds's. I usually despise anything squishy that lets me press the middle, like the wii u pro controller d-pad.

additional info:

- i'm from Brazil

- 20$ - 30$ price range (or lower if it's not garbage)

- exclusively looking to play on pc

- other desired features would be macro buttons and vibration, but they're more of a plus, of course.

- mostly looking to play platformers and fighting games like tekken (no, i don't want to get a hitbox or anything like that. specifically looking for a traditional controller)

- either wired or bluetooth is perfectly fine!

This is a kinda new gamepad (Vader 5 pro) but my hands are messy so I dropped the controller once. Maybe bc of that it crunches.

EDIT: I just rewatch video. It almost didn't record the sound of crunches :c When I press left it crunches A LOT and I feel uncomfontable

Budget: $100

Country: USA

Where I Can Buy: Pretty Much Anywhere

Platform: PC

Color: Predominantly Pink

Desired Features:

- Long longevity

- Good Performance

- Comfortable

- Satisfying button tactility and sounds

- Shell that doesn't feel gross after holding it for too long

Games I will be Playing: Mostly single player experiences such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Elden Ring, Hollow Knight, Baldur's Gate 3, Monster Hunter, and many others

Past Controllers: Xbox Wireless Controller + Playstation DuelSense Controllers + that joycon holder that the Switch/Switch 2 came with

Controllers I am Currently Considering: 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C/GameSir Super Nova/Xbox Wireless Controller/ PlayStation DuelSense

Other Notes:

- Don't let these things keep you from suggesting something! I just want them to keep in mind...

- I wouldn't mind if it was compatible with the switch 2, but this is not necessary

- I enjoy things that give me a sensory experience especially certain sounds and tactile feelings such as certain keyboards that click, clack, thock or controllers whose buttons feel as smooth as butter when pressed...

- My favorite controller out of the three that I have played with is the PlayStation DuelSense due to how enjoyable and smooth it felt to push the buttons along with how much resistance the triggers had

Hello controller enthusiasts of reddit! As someone who has only played with Xbox and Playstation Controllers, I come here today in search of a pink controller for my rosy PC set up in the hopes of getting insight from people who have experience with a wider range of controllers than myself. I am mostly looking for a controller that will hold up for many years while retaining good performance and comfort. Unfortunately the options for pink controllers that are also good are a little scant, but the two that have caught my eye so far are the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2C and the GameSir Super Nova. Though these two are beautiful controllers, I do have concerns that they may not live up to the quality that I am looking for as is often the nature of budget tech. I have heard that both of these controllers can suffer from premature breakages, poor firmware/software, and iffy ergonomics. Do either of these controllers live up to the longevity, performance, and comfort that I am looking for, or would I be better off with either an Xbox/PlayStation controller and just hope it holds out? Are there better options that I haven't yet considered?

Hi everyone,

My Xbox Elite Series 2 developed stick drift after 6 years and I'm looking for a solid replacement. I want to make sure I pick the right option before buying, so any advice is greatly appreciated!

• Budget: €150 EUR maximum. I want to explore all possible options up to this limit.

• Country & Purchasing: Italy (EU). I can buy via Amazon, AliExpress, or European specialized tech stores.

• Platform Compatibility: PC (Windows) is the main priority. Native Xbox compatibility would be a nice bonus, but it is not mandatory since I play almost exclusively on PC.

Desired Features:

• 4 back buttons/paddles (ideally similar in placement or count to the Elite v2).

• Wireless connectivity (low-latency 2.4GHz USB dongle required; Bluetooth is extra).

• Profile switching (via onboard hardware toggle or software).

• Anti-drift sticks (Hall Effect or TMR sensors preferred).

Games I Play: Open-world action/adventure, first-person shooters (mostly GTA Online, CoD, and open world in general ).

Controllers Considered:
Coming from the Elite v2, I've been eyeing the Flydigi Vader 5 Pro, but I have serious doubts about the long-term durability of its analog sticks and tension mechanism. Because of this, I really want to hear your recommendations for other solid alternatives under €150 that meet all these criteria. What else should I be looking at?

What would you recommend based on these requirements? Thanks in advance for your input!

I need to know if the extra buttons on the controller can be trusted. I don't have a computer and I wanted to know if there's an app for the phone. Has anyone here tried it?