SteelSeries is stepping into the Xbox controller market today by launching the new Aeon Pro, a very competitive and feature-rich multi-platform gamepad. It sports an onboard OLED display and menu system, very tactile microswitch back paddles and buttons, a charging dock, and a hot-swappable battery system, but its price is going to reserve it for the wealthiest of gamers.

At $259.99 / $229.99, it's by far the most expensive controller I've come across in my four years of reviewing them professionally. I have to admit, from a quick hands-on, it feels like an excellent gaming peripheral, but it's going to take some miracles during testing for me to recommend something like this at full price.

Fans of clicky microswitch buttons will be very happy with the Aeon Pro, since it has them all over, including its four back paddles. These aren't the exact same as the magnetic ones found on the DualSense Edge and Elite Series 2, but they're longer, metallic levers that actuate with a tactile click, so they feel very similar.

Uniquely to the recent controller market, the Aeon Pro has a removable battery in order to follow the same design philosophies as SteelSeries headsets and mice. By allowing for hot-swapping and supplying you with two batteries in the box, you can ensure that one always stays charged so that, in theory, you never run out of power.

There's a rather chunky charging stand for the Aeon Pro which might just be one of the stars of this very pricey show. Obviously, you can charge the controller on the stand, but there's also room to store and charge up the additional battery, and magnetically attach the swappable thumbstick tops - a favourite feature of mine.

Around the back, you can connect a PC and Xbox via separate USB-C ports, meaning you don't need to swap a USB dongle from the back of your console to the back of your PC if you're swapping platforms. The charging stand acts as your receiver, a bit like the Steam Controller and its puck.

Going back to them briefly, I am a real fan of the thumbstick tops being magnetically attached. Most of the time, these are plastic slots that need to be clicked into place at a specific angle, and there's always a slight fear of breakage when you attach or remove one from a controller. Magnetic ones make them easier to use, and a convenient charging stand will ensure you don't lose the spare ones.

Rather disappointingly for such a premium controller, the Aeon Pro uses Hall Effect thumbsticks - hardly a dealbreaker, but for something so expensive, I'd want top-of-the-line TMR sticks instead.

As well as the onboard menu system, which comes with a few prebuilt button profiles for different gaming genres, you can also access the SteelSeries GG software to fine-tune thumbstick deadzones and other elements of the pad.

Like I say, the Aeon Pro is a feature-rich controller with a lot of really impressive elements, but at $259, it's got a lot to prove. I look forward to testing it out properly and seeing if it's worth its weight in gold. What do you think?

If this seems a little pricey, I'd also recommend looking at the best TMR controllers, the best PC controllers, and the best PS5 controllers.

So many controllers try to do the same things these days, so I'm always pleasantly surprised when I come across one that feels distinct. Particularly in the Xbox market, a lot of gamepads shoot for their own spins on a tried-and-tested formula that captures what people like about the institution that is the Xbox controller. Sadly, that can lead to a lot of them feeling identical in the hands, but the Scuf Valor Pro Wireless isn't in that camp. It's got these chunky, fat grips that make a bit of a statement as soon as you pick the thing up, and I love it.

Of course, they feel a bit familiar. A while back, I tested the original Scuf Valor Pro controller, an odd case study. We had waited years for a new pro gamepad from Scuf, and what it brought to market was wired-only, behind the times in terms of its features, and it didn't feel too useful in the shooter genre it was supposedly built for.

The Valor Pro Wireless modernizes things with TMR sticks, wireless capabilities, and a slew of eye-catching designs worthy of this brand. It might not seem as though much has changed, but this is definitely more like it. Besides a price of $199 / £179 that pits it against some of the most feature-rich gamepads on the shelves, it's one I'd happily use in my own rotation for its comfort alone.

Design

If you're familiar with the original Valor Pro, you'll know what to expect here. In truth, very little has changed besides its wireless capabilities and other internal substitutions. Scuf seems to really believe in this design since it's now forming the skeleton of the brand's new 8K polling PC controller, the Nemesis.

The Valor Pro Wireless is an asymmetrical controller with some to-be-expected Scuf notes. The Hex rubberized grip texture is back, as are some cleverly angled back buttons that almost wrap themselves around your middle finger. These aren't quite as enveloping as the ones on the Scuf Envision Pro, but they do a good job of positioning themselves in an easily accessible manner.

What's noticeably distinct about this pad are its chunky grips. There are loads of different ways to design comfortable controller grips, but Scuf has focused on depth here in a way I've not seen many times before. The width and length of them are fairly average, so you might not get a sense for it just by looking at the controller's face. Extra girth has been added in the back, which gives the Valor Pro a bit more for you to hold onto. This device feels really substantial in the hands, and if anything, the shape just makes the back buttons easier to actuate because your palms have more of a surface to counter-squeeze into when your middle finger flexes.

As is always the case with Scuf's products these days, there's a magnetic faceplate and loads of cosmetic options for you to choose from. There are options for making a fully custom version of some Scuf controllers (this one included), but faceplates are the brand's answer if you don't want to go through the nitty-gritty details of dialing in every single element's color.

Features

The Valor Pro Wireless sports TMR thumbsticks, improving on the original wired model's Hall sensor modules. To my frustration, Scuf's slippery thumbstick tops are unchanged from the original model. I can't really understand how this brand gets away with supplying uncontrollable thumbstick tops like these when it prides itself on being an FPS controller brand first and foremost. Thankfully, there are swappable nubs in the box, and the taller one that I prefer to use on my right stick has a domed shape that's a little less reminiscent of a Mario Kart banana.

Perhaps controversially, the Valor Pro Wireless uses membrane face buttons. In a world set against them as we see more and more gamepads adopting microswitches, the Valor Pro is staying true to tradition, and I don't mind it in the slightest. Clicky buttons aren't for everyone, and Scuf has done a good job of making these face buttons responsive without the need for clicks.

The Valor Pro Wireless features four back buttons, with the bottom pair responding with standard plastic actuation. The top two, angled slightly further away from your fingers, are microswitches that take a little less effort to push in - a smart move.

The Valor Pro Wireless will naturally be locked to the Xbox's lacklustre polling rate (between 150-400Hz) on the console itself, but there is capability on PC for it to utilize a 1,000Hz polling rate if you use a wired USB-C connection. This is a bit of a shame since it'll need to go through the same annoying process as the original Valor Pro to update and activate it. I'd have hoped Scuf would have cracked the code on this by now, and we'd see 1,000Hz wirelessly as we do on its rivals.

Compared to those rival Xbox controllers, the Valor Pro doesn't come with a carrying case or many swappable parts. Its USB dongle, cable, and swappable thumbsticks come in the box with it, but there's very little to help you hold onto all of those things together. Similarly, there's no charging stand either, which is a bit of a shame considering a lot of licensed Xbox pads at this price offer all of these things. Even the GameSir G7 Pro has a charging stand, and it's under $100.

You can play with the Valor Pro Wireless on PC, Xbox, and via Bluetooth thanks to a connection switch on its back. There are trigger stop switches too; just be aware that due to the triggers being a bit short, their corners can end up feeling as though they're stabbing into you if you press too hard while in microswitch mode. I much prefer the longer trigger shape on the Envision and Omega.

Performance

The best thing about the Valor Pro, without doubt, is its comfort. I mentioned it above, but the unique grip shape really lends itself to hours and hours of gaming at a time.

This thing is an absolute joy to hold, and I'd say it's one of the most comfortable controllers I've tested this year. I played about 3 hours worth of Forza Horizon 6 one evening while catching up with a close friend of mine, and the Valor Pro Wireless was just another element that made that session fly by in a heartbeat. This is a super comfortable controller, especially if you have larger hands and like having a bit more of a hold on your gaming peripherals.

Like any TMR controller, the Valor Pro responds really well in first-person shooters. Having those four back buttons so close to your middle finger is a really nice bonus too, and helped me to feel like I didn't need to take my thumbs off the movement and aiming controls. If Scuf wanted to hone in on this aspect even more, it'd be nice to have those higher back buttons wrapped a little more snugly around the middle fingers, as they are on the Scuf Omega and Envision.

For a membrane button controller, it still feels really snappy to use in games that require a fast reaction. Dragon Ball Sparking Zero and Clair Obscur both felt great with this thing in hand, with bumpers and face buttons snapping down well in heated moments.

In platformers, I really liked the thumbsticks and the D-pad especially. The 8-way D-pad is set fairly small and sits level with the faceplate, so it almost tricks your brain into thinking it's embedded into the controller. Its textured directions make it easy to use, and overall, I really like it.

Should you buy the Scuf Valor Pro Wireless?

The Valor Pro is a great all-rounder whether you're driving around, playing a narrative game, looking for action in a shooter or fighting game, or puzzle platforming in a metroidvania. It feels authentic to Xbox while putting its own unique spins on Microsoft's controller blueprint that are actually worth making.

We can find awesome pro-level features in so many gamepads these days but, to me, comfort will always be king, and the Valor Pro's comfort is such that I'd be happy to keep it in my rotation going forward, even if there are better controllers out there for nailing down certain genres.

That's going to be the main issue of the Valor Pro wireless, in my opinion. Its competition is priced similarly and offers more specialization in customization, in certain genres, or more functionality. Meanwhile, the Valor Pro wireless is a highly comfortable all-rounder that does a bit of everything well. Which sounds more appealing to you?

How I tested the Scuf Valor Pro Wireless

I put the Valor Pro Wireless to work over a period of two to three weeks before writing this review. I compared it closely to other Xbox controllers I've reviewed, as well as other Scuf products - specifically the original Valor Pro wired gamepad.

I did my usual sweep through a wide range of gaming genres to test its capabilities, as well as a few extras as my testing lined up with my own gaming time.

For more on how we test controllers, check out the full-length GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Want more gamepad recommendations? Take a look at the best PS5 controllers, best Switch 2 controllers, and best joysticks.

At the time of writing, the only shelf piece GTA 6 will receive (other than a redundant code-carrying case) is a limited edition DualSense controller. Announced as part of today's PlayStation State of Play, two DualSense controllers bearing that 'VI' stamp will be unleashed alongside the game on November 19.

Each gamepad launches at a pretty sizeable $84.99, though that's been the going rate for a special edition controller for a little while now, with pre-orders dropping on September 10 at 10am local time.

Available in either black or white, both gamepads feature a shimmery two-tone mid-section with a pop of neon purple in those icon legends and D-pad arrows. Both feature identical Vice City etchings around the main grips and controls, with palm leaves cut into the body of the gamepad itself, and replicated in the middle of that now-iconic VI stamp on the touchpad.

It's a nicely bold controller design, in the right light. Obviously Sony has positioned its shimmers and shines just so to create the classic Vice City vibe in its State of Play sizzle reel. However, if those embossed sections are as textured as they appear from press materials, your GTA allegiance should be pretty obvious in the hands.

Of course, you're still getting all the first-party features of the best PS5 controllers, with unparalleled (on the console) haptic feedback and that slick adaptive trigger system as well. Based on the GTA 6 pre-order hype and recent Xbox X25 pre-orders, these could well move fast when they hit the shelves, so I'd recommend marking September 10 on your calendar sharpish.

This marks the first special edition GTA 6 PS5 accessory we've seen so far. It's all but expected that Sony will launch its own PS5 bundles when the time comes, but a special edition console is still but a hope and a dream. Still, having something to hold in the hands is always appreciated right now. GTA's own digital-only release kickstarted a whole physical media debate earlier in the year, one Sony seems to have doubled down on in more recent announcements.

• See all PS5 controllers at Amazon

Don't care for the DualSense? We're also rounding up the best PC controllers and the best Xbox Series X controllers on the market.

The Turtle Beach Kevin the Cube controller is a pretty, purple sight to behold. The Switch 2 accessory was unveiled during last week's Gamescom celebrations and is inspired by the aforementioned glowing purple cube that has remained part of Fortnite's wider (and very confusing) lore since Season 5.

Much like its namesake, the $69.99 Rematch controller has a stunning purple exterior which is coated in runes. However, while Kevin's runes sent the terrain of Fortnite's map into flux, the ones across the controller remain stationary until you pick up the pad. Using it reveals a rainbow spread of hieroglyphic-like text, and there are four lighting effects in total to play around with.

I've just got back into Fortnite, and this is the exact kind of controller I'd love to have at my disposal while trying to claim my way to victory on the Switch 2. Turtle Beach must've known, as they've generously chosen to throw in a Capoeira emote with every pad, which can be claimed when it launches on October 8 later this year.

I know not everyone is a fan of the often garish look of RGB lighting, but Turtle Beach has a good track record.

I currently have the Turtle Beach Rematch Mario and Luigi gamepad, which is part of the same line and one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers I've laid my eyes on. At first I was worried the dynamic lighting effect would look tacky, but witnessing the dazzling effect of Mario series power-ups shining through the plastic chassis was super impressive in person.

The Switch 2 controller is one of the rare Ninty accessories to receive a "woah" reaction from my friends, and I feel almost certain that this Fortnite release would elicit the same enthusiastic response. By default, the purple colorway and the matching buttons spread across this pad look fantastic, and glowing rainbow runes would only make that better. Not to mention the RGB Rematch lighting effect on the brand's Rosalina controller literally flows across the pad, and that'd lend itself to this Kevin the Cube design.

I'd be remiss to not mention that the Turtle Beach Rematch line-up is also pretty grand, RGB lighting or not. While you're missing the premium features of the Switch 2 Pro controller, from NFC-reading tech to HD rumble, it feels fantastic in the hands. You've also got stick-defying TMR thumbsticks to take advantage of, mappable back buttons, and an impressive 40-hour battery that's left me rarely having to charge the Mario and Luigi version I have sitting amongst my controller collection.

If you do happen to want something a bit more premium, the brand's Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Fortnite Drift controller was also being shown off at the Gamescom floor.

• View all Turtle Beach Nintendo Switch 2 controllers at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PC controllers for gaming, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers while you're here.

Razer is launching a brand new mobile controller today, and it's quite a departure from the brand's most recent on-the-go gamepads. The Razer Prio folds down to a footprint that's smaller than your phone, and will happily fit in your pocket or backpack. Razer has ruled the roost in terms of full-sized mobile controllers for the last few years, but it's now looking to provide a more portable option for those gamers who just want a quick and easy way to play on the go.

I first saw the Razer Prio at Gamescom last week, where the brand's product designers walked me through their ethos for the device. Where the Razer Kishi Ultra and Kishi V3 Pro line were all about translating the feel of the brand's console and PC controllers to a mobile device, the Prio tries to squeeze that feeling down into a practical and portable design.

“With the Razer Prio, we set out to erase the tradeoffs between portability and precision," said Travis Furst, Head of AI Hardware and Console Division at Razer. "It folds down to the size of a credit card, but the moment it opens, it plays like a full controller. That's the whole game, wherever you happen to be sitting.”

The Razer Prio could very easily pass for a payment card wallet, and in some ways, it's a shame the designers didn't leave any room for you to store some cards in it, because that'd be the only way to make its design more inventive.

Indicated by three small lines on one side of its back, you push one half of the controller away from the other. The sides will then separate, unfolding a bit like a clamshell. From there's it's a matter of spinning the right-hand side of the controller down the way, revealing the proper face of the controller.

On the right-hand side, there's a USB-C port, a tiny thumbstick, and AXYB fact buttons. On the left, there's another tiny thumbstick as well as a four-way D-pad. On top, you'll find the usual RB and LB bumpers, as well as a set of spongy triggers that depress all the way down. Unlike some other mobile controllers that try to squeeze down functionality into a portable footprint, these aren't just simple press buttons; you'll be able to accelerate properly in driving games, for example.

There are no back buttons to speak of here, and no extra functionality. It's a simplistic and relatively basic mobile controller (y'know, besides its incredibly inventive design), and that's intentional. Razer already provides options for you if you want a "pro" controller feel while playing on the go. The Prio is for those users who don't want a mobile powerhouse gaming setup; they just need something simple for a commute, or something they can take with them in case they get bored while out somewhere.

One of the true bits of genius when it comes to the Prio is how cables are hidden between its two halves. The elasticated band that holds them together also hides the wiring that will provide power and register button presses from one side to the other.

Interestingly, the thumbsticks are symmetrical but, unlike the Scuf Nomad, they're placed at the bottom of the controller and, due to their size, they're embedded slightly into the controller's face. I haven't done any proper testing of the Prio yet, but I'm interested to see how this feels, even in shorter sessions, since it could prove to be a bit uncomfortable.

Razer hasn't opted for Hall effect, TMR, or Potentiometer thumbstick sensors here. Instead, it's utilized contactless, capacitive analog thumbsticks. These will be immune to stick drift since there are no physical contacts to wear down and, in theory, have a higher resolution than even TMR sensors. To some degree, these are wasted on such a tiny controller but I'll be interested to see how they perform if Razer carries them over to full-sized products in the future.

There's just one main issue with the Prio from my point of view, even without testing it. Priced at $99 / £99, it's bloody expensive for something that's proclaimed as a simple, portable option first and foremost. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro line isn't that much more expensive. In fact, the Kishi V3 is currently discounted down to $69.99 at Amazon, so surely something that's geared at more casual on-the-go players should be a lot more affordable?

The GameSir G8 Galileo is a nice middle ground between comfort, functionality, and portability, and that's easily found around the $60 mark these days. The ELO Vagabond, which is the best mobile controller overall, is priced at the same $100 point in the market, and it offers a lot more functionality, so I do feel as though Razer has priced this a little high for its intended use.

For a verdict on how the Prio performs, come back soon and hear my thoughts after I've tested it.

For more on controllers, take a look at the best TMR controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best PS5 controllers.

Not quite made the leap to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller but still eyeing up those back buttons? JSAUX's latest launch might be for you.

The brand teased its Voidjoy Elite Extender alongside its new controller wing last month, and the brand has just made the $39.99 accessory available for purchase today. It's essentially a hug for your original Switch Pro Controller. A wraparound buddy that sits on the main body of the gamepad, adding 1,800mAh of extra battery life and a suite of additional controls to the best Nintendo Switch controller on the market.

Two back buttons are positioned between the grips, with additional shoulder clackers up top as well. The brains of the operation also handles button remapping, turbo, and up to 42-step macros, with support for Android Touch Mapping for all those gaming phone fans as well.

It's a risky move, releasing a brand new accessory for the previous-generation controller (this one's for OG Switch Pro Controllers, rather than the newer Switch 2 model), but when prices are climbing as they are, gadgets that breathe new life into old tech are quickly growing in popularity.

While the same kind of mobile functionality, shoulder triggers, and battery boost would have been appreciated on the newer Switch 2 Pro Controller, then, I'm keen to see how the Elite Extender does in the wild. Ninty's official gamepad comes in at a whopping $89.99 - a fifth of the price of the handheld. Yes, it's the best Nintendo Switch 2 controller on the market, but those after some newer features no longer need to abandon old faithful.

At first glance, it doesn't look like those back buttons are going to feel as buttery intuitive as the ones on the official Switch 2 Pro Controller. They're positioned right on the back panel of the gamepad, after all, whereas Ninty's full release has them neatly tucked in under your fingers on the grips. It's a necessary repositioning to make sure everything sits on the same panel, but it might take some getting used to.

Competitive players will be keen to get their hands on the sturdy macro controls, though, while racing fans will be eyeing up those analog triggers up top instead. These detachable paddles want to bring your Switch Pro Controller to the PC, with pressure-sensitive actuation offering a wide range of movement down the stem compared to the stock triggers on the gamepad itself.

So who is the Voidjoy Elite Extender for? If you're only interested in those back buttons for Switch and Switch 2 play, just know that they come with an (admittedly currently unseen) caveat. We'll know a lot more about how these buttons perform once we get them in-hand, but at first glance they look just a tad more fiddly than the built-in options on Ninty's grown-up pad. However, anyone looking to outfit their original gamepad with some new features, whether it be for more sophisticated Switch controls, or to migrate their hardware to PC and mobile, should be investigating the brand's new gadget further.

That's not all JSAUX launched today either. The Voidjoy SkyLark S1 Pro is a full TMR controller with optical triggers, a compact form factor, and quick-switch pairing. The pocket-sized clackers are up for $49.99 at JSAUX's official site.

• See all Nintendo Switch controllers at Amazon

We're rounding up all the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories on the market, including the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases and best Nintendo Switch headsets as well.

Last week heralded in a set of Xbox X25 pre-orders that promptly sold out in a matter of minutes. The special edition translucent green console and controller, despite their hefty markups, were gone in the blink of an eye when pre-orders dropped on Thursday. While hopes of a stock refresh on the main event might be a little optimistic, though, I'm not quite finished with that controller yet.

The Xbox Series X25 console is an $899.99 (or $999 if you bought via GameStop) showpiece that costs more than a PS5 Pro but puts all its investment in its numbered green aesthetic and easter eggs. There are only 25,000 of these being made - it's a true limited edition. That gamepad on the other hand? That's only a special edition.

While it's still currently out of stock in the US (Amazon), I'm fairly confident we haven't seen the last of this luminous Xbox Series X controller. This isn't my first time at the rodeo after all. Just a couple of years ago PlayStation celebrated its own 30th Anniversary, and with it came a limited console and a special controller release. Yes, that light gray controller is difficult to find now, but it managed to pop back onto the shelves several times after it initially sold out at a pre-order level.

In fact I only managed to snag my own celebratory gamepad in a restock that emerged a full year after the original launch.

It's only been a few days since the first wave of stock dropped, but I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more gamepads on the shelves later in the year. The November holiday shopping period is an obvious target for Microsoft, and when I'd most expect to see the X25 Wireless Controller back in stock. However, keep an eye out for smaller drops around that November 13 release date as well.

Pre-orders can move quickly, and we often see a number of high-demand items returning when full sales go live. That can be down to buyer's remorse when crunch time arrives, or simply payments declining months after being placed. It's reasonable to expect a handful of Xbox Series X25 consoles to return to the shelves at launch, but they're still going to move incredibly quickly. Controller stock hunters should have an easier time of it though.

Microsoft hasn't had an easy time of it in the hardware world recently. With rising console prices, it's been haemorrhaging market share to PlayStation in the last few years, as evidenced by the recent Triple-A platform splits. I can't see a future where the brand unnecessarily holds back its cheaper (but still in-demand) anniversary release.

• See all Xbox controllers at Amazon

If you're not fussed about special edition gadgets, check out the best Xbox Series X accessories as well as the best Xbox Series X headsets on the market.

Can we ban brands from using the word “ecosystem” when they announce new sim racing gear, please? At least until they can be trusted to use it responsibly. I’ve played with a fair few of the best racing wheels for PC, and it feels as though every time new gear comes along it’s with the promise of an expanding range of extras and add-ons “in the future”.

“Start with the basics and expand over time as your racing habits evolve and your wallet recovers,” that sort of thing. Which is great, in theory. It’s a logical plan for both company and player, but the problem is this never seems to be a promise anyone keeps.

There is an emerging exception to the trend though, and it’s from an unlikely place: Nacon.

Likely known to most people for its range of controllers and peripherals, including the excellent Revolution X Unlimited, it launched its dedicated sim racing brand with some success last year. The Revosim RS Pure bundle: a 9Nm direct drive wheelbase, round wheel, and load cell pedals for £699/$799, undercut plenty of the established names on price while largely matching them on build quality and performance. It was a strong debut in isolation, but it also followed the ecosystem script with immediate talk of not just what was here now, but what was to come in the future.

Arguably, Nacon was even more brazen than others, as the wheelbase shipped with connection points on the back labelled “shifter” and “handbrake”, but that hardware didn't exist yet and didn’t even have a release date at the time. Just a promise that it was on the way before the end of 2025. It wasn’t a promise Nacon kept initially, but the best part of a year later, backup did arrive, and what landed is actually rather good. The Revosim RS Pure Hybrid Shifter, Load Cell Handbrake, and Clutch Pedal filled in those empty slots on the back of the wheelbase and completed the initial picture.

But this is territory we’ve been in before.

Turtle Beach made it this far with the VelocityOne range and has gone MIA since. The Race wheelbase arrived in early 2024, and it too was complemented by a Multi-Shift shifter and handbrake. Then, eighteen months on, a second wheelbase joined the range, and the F-RX Formula wheel arrived with it. Things were looking good. The F-RX in particular is lovely; in fact, it’s one of the nicer wheel rims I've used and was proof that Turtle Beach had the know-how to compete. But since then, nothing. Turtle Beach's next round of simulation hardware announcements went to flight sim gear instead. Racing got two good years, and seemingly that is that.

Thrustmaster is guilty too, albeit in a different way. It’s a major name in sim racing and has kept releasing hardware on a pretty consistent cadence. The problem is the EVO Racing Hub was entirely pitched as the start of something, a hub designed to take an assortment of swappable rims and modules. I tested it at launch in early 2024, and both the hub and 32R Leather wheel were solid. Thrustmaster told me more rims were coming soon and the little pictures on the box suggested the same, but it wasn’t until a couple of months ago that two more rims and a paddle set quietly appeared on the website.

And that lands us at Nacon's newest move: the Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team customization kit for the RS Pure. It's aimed at a completely different kind of driver than the brand’s recent shifter and handbrake; it’s formula racing rather than rally or GT, and it’s not a huge headline piece, either. In an RPG it’s a side quest, but it’s an interesting one that fleshes out the world with depth and interest. The kit includes a new formula-style rim, carbon fiber shifter paddles, and a few Aston Martin-themed design touches, along with some gloves if that’s your thing.

It’s all good gear. I ran it mostly in F1 25 with some time in Forza Horizon 6, and found the open-wheel shape much more to my taste than the round wheel the RS Pure ships with. The carbon paddles are a nice upgrade, and even as a McLaren man, I liked the added flair of British Racing Green and shocking, highlighter yellow. None of this makes the Aston Martin kit essential. But it's well-made and adds an extra dimension for a specific kind of racer; it adds choice to the range, and that’s the point of an ecosystem of compatible gear. Not everything has to be a big new addition. Just keep iterating, keep adding, show me this is actually a range you’re supporting and that it’s worth me investing in and building my setup around.

Nacon is on to something with the Revosim range, but the real test now is what comes next and when.

We’ve already been told what’s coming and they’re marquee pieces. The RS Initiale and RS Lite, new mid-range and entry-level Direct Drive bundles that bring RevoSim to console for the first time. That brings another layer of complexity because cross-platform compatibility is a minefield and Nacon hasn’t yet detailed what from the existing range will work where. But it’s also a huge expansion point, and if Revosim can continue this momentum and successfully land the jump from PC to console, then we might finally have a sim racing ecosystem worthy of the word.

For more, check out the best PC controllers, best PS5 controllers, and best Xbox Series X controllers.

The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is getting decked out in Drift swag this year, with the new Drift colorway making its debut on the Gamescom showfloor. The mostly-black controller takes its aesthetic cues from the season 5 skin, with flashes of white, gold, and light red completing the look. This is the same gamepad underneath all that, of course, the latest version of the Victrix Pro BFG that's been sitting at the top of our guide to the best PS5 controllers for a few years now.

With the addition of Hall effect sticks, the Reloaded version is the latest to hit the shelves but you're still keeping that modular design and excellent ergonomic shaping. The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded Fortnite Drift colorway is hitting the PlayStation, Xbox, and PC versions of the controller, with pre-orders now live ahead of the October 8 release date. Both console versions are up at $209.99, while the PC edition sits at a cheaper $189.99.

Refreshingly, there's no upcharge for that Fortnite colorway here. The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is sticking to its usual $209.99 / $189.99 MSRP (hear that Razer?). That's also matching today's current rates at Amazon, though if you're not fussed about the design itself it's worth noting that this controller is no stranger to discounts.

If you can go without the Drift skin, the PS5 version of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded has regularly dropped to $169.99 when on sale at Amazon, while the Xbox version has dropped below $150 in the past (and is currently under $200).

Still, Fortnite fans are well served by this particularly slick redesign. There's nothing garish going on here. You wouldn't glimpse this controller and immediately know it was a Drift statement. In fact, the clean gold lines and bolder red portions keep things looking nifty in their own right. You don't have to have been around in season five to enjoy this rework, but it certainly helps.

Underneath its new paintjob, this is the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded we know and love. A massively modular system of swappable thumbsticks, buttons, and even a fightpad keeps things versatile and personalized, but that excellent performance under the hood keeps you nimble as well.

It's lost a little of its value proposition since the newer model took up a higher $209.99 MSRP (the original launched at $179.99), but considering it's taken on heavy fire from the Razer Raiju V3 Pro ($219.99) and Scuf Omega ($219.99) while still holding onto the top spot in the PS5 category, it's still got plenty to say.

• See all PS5 controllers at Amazon

We're also hunting down the best PC controllers on the market as well as the best Xbox Series X controllers and best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers we've had our hands on.

Scuf has launched its latest PC controller, the Nemesis Pro 8K, today and while it shares a lot of its vibes with the PS5-friendly Scuf Omega, one troublesome feature is missing in action.

Duncan's on the Gamescom showfloor and has had his hands wrapped around the new Nemesis Pro 8K. It's essentially the same shape and feel as the Scuf Valor Pro (minus the Xbox branding), though removing the Valor Pro's four vibration motors hasn't made a dent in the weight. This thing is only a couple of grams lighter, which could raise some competitive eyebrows. Still, in the hands it feels nicely nimble without too much dragging it down.

That price tag is still heading north though. The Scuf Nemesis Pro 8K swaps in 8K polling for the true competitive spirits among us, as well as all the usual button mapping options, four back paddles, and companion app support, for $119.99 wired and $199.99 wireless (available for pre-order, though at the time of writing no release date has been announced). That's a hair higher than the wireless Valor Pro's $189.99 MSRP.

That's not quite as expensive as Scuf's other outings - the Omega, for example, comes in at a hefty $219.99. Still, the Envision Pro sits at $169.99. You're paying more for the wireless form factor here than you would with Scuf's previous PC-only endeavour, but not quite as much as you would for that PlayStation license.

The Xbox-styled Windows gamepad still has those mechanical mouse-click face buttons, dual-mode triggers, and TMR thumbsticks, but the small nubbins on the side of the Omega (and the similar PC-focused Scuf Envision Pro) are nowhere to be seen.

These are additional side buttons, completely remappable, that aim to keep even more controls out of your face buttons' way. The upside is you can keep your thumbs on the sticks a lot more often, but the downside on the previous gamepads was pretty consistent miss-fires. Having mainlined the Omega on PS5 for the last few months (and with Duncan coming up with the same troubles in his Envision Pro coverage), I'd call that a relief.

Plus, with an asymmetric thumbstick design and that higher polling rate, there could be some sway for the ultra-competitive among us. Ultimately, that speed is going to be the clincher here.

The Scuf Nemesis Pro is the brand's first to feature that 8,000Hz polling rate, whereas previous iterations have relied on 1,000Hz whether they be wired or wireless. It's that kind of reliability and precision that could bring some players away from the Valor Pro, especially if you're looking at the cheaper wired options.

How does it fare against the rest of the competition? GameSir has a habit of taking the standout features from other gamepads and packaging them up with a much cheaper price tag and that's where the Scuf Nemesis Pro is going to fight its biggest battle. The GameSir G7 Pro 8K scored 4.5/5 stars in our review and comes in at just $89.99 (Amazon) for a wireless gamepad with those same TMR thumbsticks and a charging dock thrown in for good measure.

We've only had a quick demo on the Gamescom showfloor so far, but Scuf's premium build, additional customization options, and snappy triggers and face buttons are going to have to work hard to justify the jump in price comparatively.

• See all PC controllers at Amazon

We're also rounding up the best PS5 controllers and the best Xbox Series X controllers for more options, or take a look at the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers on the market.

The Steam Controller has dominated the spotlight of the gamepad market this year, but that might be about to change. Gaming accessory brand Genki is launching what it calls its "most ambitious project yet" on Kickstarter, a mammoth of a controller that combines some of the most standout features of some of the best PC controllers on the shelves today.

The Genki Manta is available to support on Kickstarter now, and to name but a few of its standout features, it's got six extra mappable buttons, a color display with its own MantaOS, TMR thumbsticks with adjustable tension, full gyro, trigger stops, pulse buttons that sense full travel, and a unique shape.

The reason I'm deeming this a big threat to the Steam Controller's appeal, however, is that it has "on-the-fly KBM" functionality that turns the Manta into a keyboard and mouse for you to navigate a PC with. That's undoubtedly the signature feature of Valve's TMR controller, since its trackpads allow you to navigate a PC from the comfort of a couch, bed, or wherever, really.

The Genki Manta also utilizes TMR technology, but it could end up outperforming Valve's gamepad thanks to easily adjustable stick tension, the likes of which we've only seen from the FlyDigi Vader 5S and its predecessors. This can make a massive difference in making a controller feel like your own, and tailoring it to different genres of games.

Like most controllers with a display, the Manta's main appeal for many may just be that 27-inch full-color screen, but it looks like the addition of a dedicated operating system, MantaOS, is going to take this particular gamepad to the next level of gamepad screen technology, perhaps even past the Manba One. MantaOS will allow you to customize profiles, connections, and fine-tune settings, but you can also run custom apps, with one clip in the Kickstarter trailer even showing it playing a Space Invaders-like game.

Alongside all of these features, Manta will also utilize Maglev Haptics, which the product designers say are aimed directly into your palms to communicate detailed feedback more clearly. Obviously, the PS5's DualSense is the gold standard for this, but it relies on its firmware and dedicated support from game devs for you to get the most out of it - I'll be interested to see how the Manta compares.

Of course, the elephant in the room is the Manta's very unique shape, which Genki admits is unlike any other pad on the market. Personally, I'd argue it takes a few design directions from Valve. I'm yet to try any of Genki's controller grips, but given the brand has a history of making these sorts of gaming accessories, I have faith its unique design will translate to ergonomic gamepad design.

Another unique feature is that the Manta's face buttons will be able to sense the full travel of their actuation; in other words, they'll have less latency (in theory) since they don't need electrical contact at the bottom of their press to register an input. They'll be more like Hall effect key switches or triggers that can register inputs on varying levels. Whether that points to double inputs for versatile types of presses like the DualSense's adaptive triggers further down the line remains to be seen.

The Genki Manta's Super Early Bird offer at Kickstarter will set you back $189, which is already pushing up to the sorts of prices we see for fully licensed Xbox Series X controllers and PS5 controllers, so I hope that doesn't translate to a final price tag, given how the Steam Controller's $100 price went down with consumers.

To make matters worse, that offer says it's 32% off, pointing to a price of $279 without any discount. Let's hope it's not that, because even with a display and a bespoke OS, that's going to make it prohibitively expensive.

The Manta has quoted support for PC, Steam, Switch 1 and 2, macOS, Android, iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro.

Looking to get into sim racing? Take a look at the best PC racing wheels and the best Xbox steering wheels.

If you can't get enough of that warm, fuzzy feeling when opening up a randomized blind box, you'll be happy to know that experience isn't just exclusive to plastic figures and Labubus. Hyperkin's Drakong brand has unveiled the PixelByte Attack on Titan Blind Box, where you have your chance to collect a mini (and fully working) controller inspired by the colossally successful anime series.

At $24.99 each, a single box contains a tiny gamepad inspired by iconic characters from Eren to my favorite potato girl, Sasha. There are seven in total to collect, and each one differs in color and design, but it's not here that you'll find representation for your favorite Survey Corps member. Instead, each PixelByte pad comes with a dangling chibi character keychain that you can use to hook up to your backpack to show off your love of anime, or give yourself easy access should you need to whip out a mini wireless controller in a pinch.

The powers that be could have easily rendered these accessories purely for show, as plenty of the best retro controllers exist as display-only collectibles. However, these are instead fully working wireless accessories that are equipped with a D-pad, ABXY, and shoulder buttons, and have up to a 12-hour battery life. There's also a USB-C port for charging, and Hyperkin has thrown in a built-in Turbo button should you need rapid-fire controls at your disposal.

While tiny gaming tech like this can be a little impractical, I've always found them handy for playing older Nintendo Switch Online NES games on the go. I currently always have one of CRKD's ATOM similarly-sized pads at arm's length, as they're neat for a quick run-through of the original Super Mario Bros when the platforming mood strikes me. Yet, what I never thought of using a tiny controller for was as a productivity tool.

The official Attack on Titan PixelByte product page states that you can set these controllers into "Productivity mode" and use them to "take photos on your phone, scroll through teleprompters, change presentation slides" and more. That makes me wonder if these would be handy for scrolling through my Crunchyroll library and getting through my ever-growing anime watchlist, and even the odd re-watch of some Attack on Titan episodes to remain on theme.

As is the nature of blind boxes, you can't pick the pad you like the best as each box carries a randomized design. You've got a 1:30 chance to pull the "ultra rare" design however, if there's a character and a gamepad you specifically want for your collection, you can alternatively grab the entire box of Drakong's adorable little anime accessories.

A whole set is available to pre-order for $149.99, and you won't get any duplicates if that's a worry. In fact, Drakong states that should that happen, you can send the extra one back, and they'll replace it with your missing design, which is a pro-consumer move I'm very much a fan of.

Whether you're after a single box or the whole set of these limited-edition PixelByte controllers, these are just up for pre-order, and I couldn't find a release date amongst the swanky photos of each controller and their adorable anime keychains. Once a date is confirmed, I'll be sure to let you know, and if I spot these at any other retailers. In the meantime, anime fans should check out the Centauri60 Asuka Edition He Gaming Keyboard.

• View all Hyperkin gaming controllers at Amazon

Not a blind box fan? Check out our guides to the best PC controllers for gaming, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch controllers while you're here.

I think we can all agree that most technology is getting way too expensive, but if there's one absurd thing to me, it's the price tags of some of the best PS5 controllers. Sure, I love a controller with extra buttons, enhanced designs, and the ability to customize with swappable parts, but $200 is needlessly, inexplicably pricey when PC controllers that don't have to go through licensing for Sony's console cost way less.

Clearly, someone at Woot agrees with me, because one of the most expensive, newest, and feature-rich controllers on the shelves has just taken a gargantuan discount from its $219 price. In fact, in all my years of reviewing PS5 controllers and keeping an eye on their prices, I don't remember any of them getting quite so aggressive a discount.

The Razer Raiju V3 Pro only launched last year, and it's on the premium end of the PS5 controller spectrum. It's made by Razer, for one, so it's more likely to be pricey. It's also got six extra buttons for you to map to whatever functions you want and TMR thumbsticks (the latest standard of thumbstick technology that's even more futureproofed than stick-drift-immune Hall effect ones).

It's also designed around the same core principles as the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, in that it's covered from head to toe in the clickiest of microswitch buttons. In fact, Razer wanted to eliminate the speed differentials of PC and console players to such a degree that they just put the same clicky switches in these controllers as they do their Esports mice.

Of all of the third-party PS5 controllers I've tested, the Raiju feels the most authentic to PlayStation, not least because of its symmetrical thumbsticks and lengthy grips that accommodate your pinky fingers even better than the DualSense does.

There are only two real downsides that pop up when I think about the latest Raiju, the first being the fact that without any rumble motors inside it, it feels a little light and a little cheaper than its full price would suggest. That's not really on Razer, but something that every PS5 controller has to adhere to if it wants to properly earn its Sony logo and be compatible with PS5. Still, it's not ideal.

The other thing stopping me from recommending the Raiju V3 Pro is its price, and in this deal, that's not a thing you're going to need to worry about.

Is the Raiju V3 Pro my favorite controller for any platform? No, probably not, but in the fairly limited pool of PS5 pads, it's certainly up there with the ones I'd recommend first if you can afford it. But if anything, its price and its pedigree and its PlayStation licensing make this deal even better because usually those things would prohibit it from seeing a discount for a few years after its release.

This is one of the better controller deals I can remember seeing in the last year, so if you've been saving or shopping around for one, take this Woot offer seriously while it's less than half price. The retail page says you've got eight days left to make the most of it, "or until sold out", which might be possible with a price this good.

Expanding your search to other platforms? You can also find the best PC controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Switch 2 controllers.

Yesterday, an alleged leak of what looks like an Elite Series 3 controller hit the press, and on the same day, Xbox officially announced two new Gears of War E-Day limited edition controllers. All the while, Xbox hardware sales are down across the US by 62% amidst layoffs of the brand's game developers, a new CEO trying to patch a leaking ship, and, to top it all off, price increases due to the current RAM nightmare. Are new Xbox controllers really the solution?

In short, absolutely not. Controllers don't cost enough, nor sell enough even at their most popular, to balance the books of a multi-billion-dollar outfit like Xbox. Even if Xbox console sales are doubled YoY, some fancy new controllers might not be the cure-all for Xbox's struggling hardware ecosystem right now.

But at the same time, I don't think new controllers, specifically adventurous designs celebrating beloved franchises, or the first new Elite Series controller in over five years, are going to do any harm to the Xbox brand. The Xbox controller is one of the few bits of the brand's hardware output that I see people consistently excited over, and the influence the Elite Series 2 controller has had on the gamepad market at large since its launch is incomparable.

We're still a ways off from next-gen consoles (in Xbox's case, Project Helix) seeing the light of day, but there's an upward PR climb for Microsoft before we get there, and a lot of that will be the company trying to regain some good faith with gamers. Sony has been comfortably in the lead with PlayStation console sales for over a decade now, and Xbox has a lot of ground to make up for after game dev layoffs, studio closures, IP mishandling, and it has a lot of work to show it's still in touch with what its fans want.

But what's been consistent throughout all of that? Xbox controllers have always been a win, and I think the folks at the top know that.

Sure, we might be staring down the barrel of the next Xbox being digital only, and costing as much as a second-hand car, but a new Elite Series 3 controller with updated features is something for people to get excited about before then. It suggests the next gen will be about remembering what people love about the Xbox hardware scene.

New, bold designs in celebration of Gears of War E-Day are another way to do that.

As a controller reviewer, I'm personally very excited to see what an Elite Series 3 controller could do to the market. From the "leaked" images (that have now been removed from their post on Reddit) of the purported Elite Series 3, we can see it has a small screen and interface on its top. This is something we've seen lots of controllers like the Manba One, the Navon Revolution X Unlimited, and the Flydigi Apex 5 include. But if the Elite Series 3 is to improve on the current (very competitive) controller market, it'll need to be a useful little screen. The above examples all use a screen wisely, but I've tested plenty that have had utterly redundant interfaces.

We've never seen one of these placed on the top of the gamepad before; it's usually slapped right on the middle of one's face, so if it's a legit product, Xbox is already trying to have a bit of a different identity and not ruin the timeless look of the Xbox controller.

To my eyes, the leaked controller also looks like it has slightly longer grips than the Elite Series 2, which is definitely welcome since the first-party Xbox controllers don't leave you a whole lot of room for larger hands.

Elsewhere, the alleged Elite Series 3 comes in a circular carry case, and does look like it has some accessories for you to customize. It does look fairly similar to the alleged Elite Series 3 that leaked a little while ago, with narrower face button icons but a faithful overall design to what's come before.

I'm personally very excited to see another pad hit the shelves with magnetic back paddles, as the difference between these and regular back buttons is night and day, as my review of the Gulikit KK3 Max will attest.

There's no confirmation from Microsoft that what we're looking at in those images is going to be an upcoming Elite Series 3, but time will tell. While Xbox tries to wrestle its way back into good graces financially and in the court of public opinion, a new pro controller could be a way to make a statement about what's to come for this brand's hardware.

For more on the state of the controller market, check out the best PC controllers, best TMR controllers, and the best PS5 controllers.

The first Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is still available online if you know where to look. While its Tears of the Kingdom-inspired look isn't quite as snazzy as the leaked 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Pro controller, it has the benefit of being an accessory that 100% exists, and that you can grab for not only the OG Switch, but the new handheld too. Yet if you do pick it up for the latter, you will have to be okay with missing out on waking the console from sleep mode.

The $74.99 Pro controller (which is more likely to be found for $79.99 at Amazon for a refurbished model) can only wake up the original generation of Switch consoles from their suspended naptime. Holding down the 'Home' button when connected to the Switch 2 won't do anything but result in a little green light blinking on your pad, and you'll have to physically get up and use your Switch 2 Joy-Cons to start gaming again. Yet, if you're okay with that, it's still a gorgeous Zelda-themed accessory worth picking up, especially if you don't want to wait for that leaked model to become a reality.

Originally unveiled at the end of a Tears of the Kingdom presentation held on March 28, 2023, the first Zelda Pro controller is so gorgeous that I still long to own it despite it missing not just the wake-up feature like the best Nintendo Switch 2 controller, but the GameShare 'C' button functionality too. Its black chassis is slightly transparent, giving it a more mystical appearance, as you can see bits of the accessory's PCB beneath the Zonai-tech-inspired design.

While it's not green and gold like the Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch, I still love the fact that the circular patterning found across the faceplate feels like it matches the right Joy-Con of the limited edition console. Much like the Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 Pro controller that launched late last year, its design feels pretty subtle as it's mostly black against black, but it still feels like a premium collectible that ties into the world of Hyrule. I'm also a sucker for those black-and-white contrasting grips.

As much as I still want to incorporate it into my current-gen Ninty setup, I have to admit that full compatibility is why I am more intrigued by the leaked Switch 2 Zelda controller. While both share the Triforce insignia, the packaging of the still-rumored pad (as shared by users like Nintendeal on X (Twitter) just screams "Legend of Zelda" more to me. It's probably its combination of the green and gold, which my brain automatically links to Link and the Triforce, doing all the work. However, I'm also partial to the inclusion of the tiny NES Link that's shown to be stuck on the back, shooting the 'Nintendo Switch 2' logo.

I'd have maybe preferred a design that felt more related to the upcoming Ocarina of Time Remake overall, as we don't really have official pads that are inspired by even the classic N64 game yet. Yet I suspect, judging from the vast amount of officially licensed third-party Zelda pads from brands like PowerA and Turtle Beach we've had over the years, that a future filled with models sporting art from the game will be an inevitability.

If you don't mind losing out on some Switch 2 features, the Tears of the Kingdom Pro Controller is still out there, though it's sold out across both the US and UK Nintendo websites. If you're happy sticking with a second-hand version, it can be found across the likes of Amazon, or starting from $71 on eBay and other second-hand stores.

• View all Legend of Zelda Switch controllers at Amazon

Already got yourself a Pro Controller? Check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases to grab any accessories you might be missing instead.

Microsoft just dropped an absolutely gorgeous new limited edition Xbox controller ahead of Gears of War E-Day's launch in October. Your typical Emergence Hole design, with dry, cracked concrete splitting open to reveal a blood-red crater within, this thing looks fantastic already. From its textured surface to the Crimson Omen underneath, this is one of the better-looking Xbox Series X controllers we've seen for some time.

Before anyone gets too excited, though, this is just a pre-order. The official Gears of War: E-Day limited edition Xbox controller officially launches just a few days after the game, on October 9, but is now available for $89.99 at Microsoft itself. Interestingly, the UK's Amazon listing seems to suggest a slightly earlier drop on September 30. It'll soon be accompanied by an Xbox Design Labs version featuring art from Luke Preece, a UK-based heavy metal illustrator.

There's one thing I hope for the Gears of War E-Day Xbox controller. I just want those textured craters to be real. Microsoft states that the cracks and gouges from that crater surface are "3D molded", and by the looks of the press shots so far, this could be a grooved 3D design.

All signs point to being able to feel those fractures under hand - big if true.

There's something about a special edition controller that goes beyond the art to actually build something new into its design. Maybe it's the attention to detail or the feeling that you're getting more than a regular $60 Xbox controller in a new shrink wrap, but it certainly goes a long way to justifying a higher 'limited edition' price.

Either that, or this is a very convincing set of press photos, and a particularly realistic 2D design. I would be surprised if that was the case, though. None of Microsoft's other limited edition drops have mentioned that 3D molding production technique, and the texture of that concrete looks impressively detailed.

The Gears of War E-Day Xbox controller carries its design all the way through, from blacked-out (and one solo red) face buttons to COG tags on the battery panel, transparent triggers, and that glowing red Xbox logo at the top.

This is still a standard Xbox gamepad underneath all that, which might be a little difficult to swallow if you're in the market for more pro features (more achievable with a wired device like the GameSir G7 Pro at this price tag). For the Gears looking to update their shelves ahead of launch, though, it's well worth investigating.

• See all Xbox controllers at Amazon

PlayStation fans can hop over to the best PS5 controllers for something more Sony-shaped, but we're also rounding up the best PC controllers and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers as well.

Scuf recently launched its second PS5 controller, the Omega. But looking at it, I could only see a very clear resemblance to the brand's PC controller from a few years ago. As it happens, the Envision Pro has always eluded my testing bench until now, so now that the PS5 model is out, it makes for an interesting time to finally go hands-on with it.

When you look at the Envision Pro, you can see a PS5 controller that never was. I'm very curious to know the story behind this, because without a PlayStation button and official licensing for Sony's console, this thing is a deadringer for the Omega that launched this year. I wonder if the brand had difficulties securing licensing for it at the time, and the Envision Pro ended up being a PC-only venture that had always been geared toward PlayStation's ecosystem.

Either way, for the $169.99 / £169.99 it retails for, it offers a lot of unique charm. It has four back buttons, a magnetic faceplate you can swap out at will, Hall sticks, and perhaps its most standout feature, additional side buttons for you to map. I've loved these on other controllers, and have been so keen to try them out here. Unfortunately, what should be the biggest reason for me to recommend you the Envision Pro is the exact reason I'd probably tell you to steer clear of it.

Design

If you caught my manager Tabitha reviewing the Scuf Omega in recent months, you can go ahead and skip this section of the review. Literally without the PlayStation branding and some renewed designs, this is the same controller, which makes the Envision Pro feel a little surplus to requirements now, if I'm honest. With PlayStation and PC support, as well as extra bells and whistles, you might as well pay for the new model. That said, if you have no interest in PS5 compatibility, this could be a cheaper option.

There are accents and design points here that scream PlayStation, but without the licensing, it becomes a tad uncanny. For example, there are symmetrical thumbsticks, which is excellent for giving the Envision Pro its own identity and appeal to folks who prefer this thumbstick configuration and don't feel represented in the PC controller market.

But far weirder is the glaring space in the middle of its face where a touchpad should be. Surely, even if the story went that this was supposed to be the Omega a few years earlier, Scuf could have just committed to the bit and thrown its own touchpad or interface into the middle of the pad instead? Without one there, it's so obvious that something was supposed to be there, so you feel like you've been robbed of what the product designers actually wanted to give you.

Of course, this is a Scuf pad, so that means talking about its design is a little difficult. All of this brand's products now come with magnetic faceplates, which means you can swap them out for other designs if you so wish. You can also perform a full custom color sweep and design the controller of your dreams. There's a lovely selection of colorways outwith going full custom though, and despite my qualms about the missing touchpad, I do think this is a bloody good-looking controller.

I'm also happy to report that Scuf's best-in-the-biz grip texture is present on the Envision Pro too. It's got that embossed, rubberized, hex-shaped texture dotted all over the grips that means it's a joy to hold. There's plenty of room for all four of my fingers to wrap around them and grip comfortably, and the back button placement is ingenious, creating a small nook for my middle fingers where, in theory, a twitch should be able to actuate either one.

Features

Speaking of which, the Scuf Envision Pro features four back buttons, but as mentioned, these aren't set out vertically like a lot of other pro controllers, with one pair obviously on top of the other. Instead, they're set almost level but angled in opposite directions. This means they're designed for you to use them with your middle finger as opposed to your middle and ring fingers, and that would work wonders, but the way these buttons have been designed lets them down.

The "top" back buttons are mostly fine. They're angled microswitches that click in really easily, and I don't have too much of an issue with them. Unfortunately, the other extra buttons create an ergonomic mismatch that becomes the Envision Pro's self-sabotaging flaw.

The "bottom" buttons are angled, plastic panels that feel as though they want to be magnetic back paddles like the ones found on the Gulikit KK3 Max, but they're too rigid and wrapped too well around your finger for them to be that easy to actuate. That means they take quite a lot of pressure to press in and, because of their shape, the only way to really apply that pressure is by squeezing the grips of the controller from the side.

Your middle finger flexes with enough force to actuate the plastic back panel, and as a result, the palm of your hand gets pulled into the side of the controller.

Why is this a problem? Because the Envision Pro also features two side buttons, which the palm of your hand/inside of your index knuckle are responsible for actuating. To make these easier to press, they're angled outward so only a bit of pressure from your index knuckle is needed to press them in. But that means if you're not careful about it, you're going to be accidentally pressing these every time you squeeze the bottom back buttons.

In fact, Scuf has made these side buttons so easy to press that even if you're working quite hard with your thumbs on the microswitch face buttons, or you're pulling the trigger a bit too keenly, you'll be pressing these side buttons constantly without meaning to.

For the record, my problem is not the inclusion of side buttons. In fact, these are actually why I was so keen to check out the Envision Pro to begin with, because controllers with side buttons are so rarely seen. I have had great experiences with them, especially on the CRKD Nitro Deck+, where they're integrated right into the side panels of the controller, unraised, and take a more intentional press to use.

As I'll come onto, this has been causing me loads of problems, but thankfully, you can create and hot-swap between five onboard profiles thanks to some handy buttons, and unassigning the side buttons (or swapping out the buttons for blanks) on some of them might be your best solution. You can map the back buttons without the use of additional software, which is a relief, but if you want to fine-tune, you're annoyingly going to be at the mercy of Corsair's iCUE program. I get on better with this than I do Razer's Synapse or SteelSeries' software, but I stand totally against a need for these gaming hardware brands to force their intrusive, annoying, and bloaty software onto us just for buying one of their products.

I don't see any reason why Scuf couldn't implement Envision support into one of its existing Windows apps, because introducing iCUE into a PC that doesn't need it for its internal components could cause performance issues or annoying incompatibilities - this has happened to me with iCUE more than once.

There is vibration feedback here, but it's pretty weak, and I'm wondering if this is an area that Scuf cut some costs on back when it was likely trying to apply for PlayStation licensing. With official PS5 compatibility, the Envision Pro wouldn't have been able to have rumble or haptics inside it, so with whatever plans changed, it feels like Scuf may have just used some quick-fix motors here. Again, this is all conjecture though, so this is really just my best guess.

The Envision Pro is equipped with Hall sensor thumbstick modules, and some swappable tops are provided in the box so you can make them a bit taller if you like. Besides the magnetic faceplate, that's sort of it in terms of physical customization, which is a bit of a shame when so many pro controllers are shipping with carry cases and charging stands.

There is a USB dongle for wireless play, as well as a cable in the box. You can also activate some trigger stops for quicker actuation, and connect a 3.5mm headphone jack. These things are nice, but some more well-rounded customization options, or the ability to add some weights or change thumbstick tensions, would have given the Envision Pro another leg to stand on where its side buttons come up short.

Performance

I want to like, and recommend you, this gamepad based on its comfort, symmetrical shape, design, and decent features, but it's so difficult to ignore the glaring problems it has.

The ergonomic mishaps that I describe above mean that, no matter what genre of gaming I turn the Envision Pro to, its various elements are always dissonant, never singing in pure harmony with one another.

I loved the Envision Pro as a gamepad to have on my desk whenever I hopped into a car to drive around Cyberpunk 2077's Night City. There really is a lot of comfort to be had with this thing in hand, and I absolutely adore the shape of the triggers. They're longer and narrower than a lot of pro controllers tend to shoot with. It makes them reminiscent of the DualShock 4, and keeps them comfortable for driving in particular. What isn't so ideal is when you have the right-side button mapped to the A button, and as I'm squeezing the accelerator, V decides it's time to jump out of the luxury car I'm driving.

Similarly, the face buttons of the Envision Pro are clicky and satisfying to use. I had a lot of fun revisiting Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero for this review, since all that button mashing and ultra instinct reaction time needs a controller with great responsiveness. I managed to win some really hard battles I had struggled with a week prior while reviewing the ELO Vagabond. In fact, this may have been the only time those side buttons came in handy. In the chaos of it all, they just aided the slightly random button-mashy gameplay, and when used on purpose to dodge at a moment's notice or deliver a ki blast, they were great.

The same goes for FPS games, as setting one to a crouch button meant I could shoot and duck at the same time in Hunt: Showdown, which helps level out the movement abilities of controller and keyboard players. The thumbsticks felt smooth to use and helped me aim well, as I'd expect of any Hall sensor controller in this day and age.

Even without the side buttons causing issues, I do think those lower back buttons are just a bit too rigid to really be as helpful as they could be. I respect Scuf's design work in almost wrapping them around your middle finger, but this sort of positioning makes you want to be able to use them with a mere twitch like the switches on the Azeron Cyborg II, not a full-blown squeeze. I certainly found that when using them to jump around in Towerfall Ascension, as I needed that super-fast movement response and I just wasn't getting it.

It was in this game where I really wanted more obvious, crunchy feedback to make itself known, but the Envision Pro played it far too cool. Thankfully, trigger stops help to make it feel snappier. I'm not too sure about hiding the release switches for these under the triggers themselves though. As cool as that is from a design standpoint, it isn't the most practical choice, and it means you're going to struggle to use them mid-game.

Should you buy the Scuf Envision Pro

The Scuf Envision Pro does a lot of really cool stuff that makes me want to recommend it. It's comfortable, it's got some clever design points, it's got a symmetrical layout you don't see all too often in the PC market, and its face buttons feel great. I really applaud the innovative design work of the back buttons because they're positioned well; they've just been executed poorly because of how much pressure you need to apply to use them.

The side buttons are what drew me to this controller, and should be its biggest asset. Unfortunately, they've been integrated in a way that doesn't work well with the rest of the product's features, to the point where it's really hard to ignore it as a flaw. Sure, the solution might be to not have them assigned or replaced with included plastic covers to avoid accidental clicks, but that sort of defeats the point of buying this particular controller because it's then not doing anything differently from the rest of the options on the shelves.

I really want to recommend a controller with side buttons on it, because they're so hard to come across, so it's very frustrating that they haven't been designed well on the Envision Pro at all. If you can do the relearning and adjusting to your controller grip that's needed to adapt to them, I'm sure you'll love them, but for me, they're far too distracting and easy to misuse.

How I tested the Scuf Envision Pro

As is always the case with my controller reviews, I used the Scuf Envision Pro as my main gaming peripheral for around a week before coming to a verdict on it. I tested it across loads of gaming genres and put in hours using it both in more formal tests and as my own everyday controller for gaming. I tested its side buttons in a few different configurations and tried my best to adapt to its unique design points in order to get the best out of it.

I compared my experience closely to other PC controllers I've tested in the last few years, as well as my manager Tabitha's thoughts on this controller's PS5 successor.

For more on how we test controllers, take a look at the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Not convinced by the Envision Pro? You might want to look at the best TMR controllers instead, or the best Xbox Series X controllers.

Customers who bought a Steam Controller or Steam Machine in Europe may have had their data stolen, as Valve has issued a warning to its customers in the region telling them to "expect fake messages". Thankfully, no one who ordered the best PC controller or best gaming PC contender has had their payment details breached, but more basic information could still lead to trouble.

"Between July 29 2026 and August 1, 2026, a cyberattack hit CEVA Logistics, the company that ships Steam hardware to customers in Europe", says an email sent from Valve.

"CEVA is still investigating this attack, but as Valve learned on August 7, certain information about Steam customers, including you, was likely compromised," read the email.

Valve's statement goes on to explain that CEVA is one of the brand's partners for shipping its hardware to customers within the Europe region, and that because CEVA maintains its customer info for 90 days in the event of returns and problems, Steam customers are impacted.

While no payment info seems to be on the chopping block, Valve has helpfully provided the details that have most likely been stolen:

• Your name
• Your street address, postal code and city
• Your country
• Your phone number
• Your email address — the same one your Steam account uses
• The type and price of the ordered product

Thankfully, Valve also assures in their email that "Additional information related to your Steam account or other purchases was not impacted".

In an attempt to counter any harmful misuse of this customer information, the Steam Controller maker has said that people should expect to see fake messages that pose as being from Valve or Steam, or its delivery company.

"They may quote your address back to you to prove they're genuine. They may ask you to confirm a delivery, pay a small customs or redelivery fee, or sign somewhere to 'verify' your order. Treat all of them as fake".

Valve has said that it's pressing its European partner for more details on the full scale of the data breach, and it's notifying the data protection authorities in affected territories. However, neither CEVA nor Valve can point to a confirmed "how" this data breach happened.

Thankfully, this does seem to be isolated to European territories, so US readers need not worry just now. Either way, this is a good excuse to caution anyone who might have ordered or pre-ordered a Steam Machine, Controller, or is thinking about the upcoming Steam Frame VR headset, so check all your emails from Steam thrice to ensure they're legit and you aren't accidentally playing into scammers' hands.

If you're looking to build your own rig instead, you'll need to know more about the best CPU for gaming, the best graphics card, and the best RAM for gaming.

JSAUX, one of the best and most well-known brands in the gaming accessory space, has begun teasing a new side hustle - a controller brand named Voidjoy. This new sub-brand will bring the company into an entirely new market and will be dedicated to making the best PC controllers and controller accessories.

JSAUX says the new brand will make its debut at IFA in Berlin this September, showing off three of Voidjoy's product areas: portable controllers, PC controllers, and controller accessories.

"Over the past decade, JSAUX GAMING has built its products around practical design and real player needs," says Winnie Chen, Marketing Communications Manager at JSAUX.

"Voidjoy brings that same thinking into gaming controllers, one of the most direct ways players experience their games."

JSAUX is best known for its portable gaming accessories these days, making docks, grips, cases, and chargers for the Steam Deck, Switch 2, and other gaming handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally. Its products have been consistently cited in our product roundups and have always scored favorably in our reviews.

Based on the JSAUX products I've gone hands-on with, I'm personally very excited about what kinds of controllers and what kind of quality of product this new side-brand could produce.

There's only minimal teasing so far, but I can't help but try to guess what we might see in the initial product range.

On the far left of the image, it looks like we're getting a PC pro controller with its own charging stand. The face of the pad is totally darkened so we can't see any details, but if it comes with its own dock and JSAUX has done its market research, there's a good chance it'll be a TMR controller and have two or four back buttons. The top of the controller isn't easy to make out, but I think you might just be able to make out some additional bumpers behind the RB and LB buttons.

In the middle of the image, it looks like there's a portable gamepad. From the shape of it, it looks like a mobile controller that's not too dissimilar in shape from the Nacon MG-X or even an original Razer Kishi. Again, it's hard to make out from the obscured image, but it looks like this has additional bumper buttons as well as lots of switches on the bottom and top, which could be to separate the controller in half or otherwise manage its functionality? We could be looking at a mobile/Switch 2 controller hybrid like the GameSir X5 line. Then again, you can see a USB-C port on its top, so maybe it's just a smaller gamepad you can take on the go.

Perhaps the most interesting tease is the product to the far right, which, at first glance, looks like a funky-looking DualShock 4. On a closer inspection, I don't think we're looking at the face of a controller here; I think this could be referring to the "controller accessories" JSAUX is teasing. This looks to me like the back/top of a controller, as you can make out the triggers and bumpers, and a thumbstick is even poking out the top right.

That would make the focus of this tease what's in the middle of the controller. It looks like this might be a back button attachment, as we've seen for the DualShock 4 in years gone by. But since it's fairly bulky, it could also be a removable battery pack for controllers, which hasn't really been a thing before now, but I could see a brand like JSAUX coming up with.

There's plenty to speculate and look forward to, but I do think Voidjoy could make a name for itself in a very competitive controller market.

For more, take a look at the best PS5 controller, the best Xbox Series X controller, and the best Switch 2 controller.

GameSir initially revealed its revived Tarantula controller range back in April, but we haven't heard a peep about it since. It now seems the first two of the Series are ready to drop, as the 8K polling rate model for PC players and the officially licensed Xbox model are now available to buy via GameSir's store and at Amazon. The best PC controller rival is a reworked version of the GameSir Tarantula Pro that adorned the shelves a few years ago.

The GameSir Tarantula 8K PC model follows the suit of more advanced TMR controllers that have launched since the original Tarantula Pro's sudden retirement. The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro's PC variant and an updated GameSir G7 Pro both have 8,000Hz polling rates, which the PC version of the new Tarantula will also feature.

Two of the three new Tarantula controllers are now here, but we're still missing the Ultra model, which gives vibration motors and an 8K polling rate to PC players. There's no word on when this one might appear.

Of course, this gamepad is known for its symmetrical TMR sticks, which this time are updated with Gen-2 Mag-Res TMR tech. In my review of the G7 Pro 8K, I found these sticks to be excellent, but the 8K polling rate made them highly sensitive, which takes some getting used to.

The new Tarantula Pros are priced at $69.99 / £79.99 at Amazon, but as has been the case with a lot of the brand's new launches in 2026, stock at Amazon and other retailers is yet to come. Based on previous launches, I'd expect it to arrive in a month or two.

Upgrading from the original Tarantula Pro, the face buttons, D-pad, and trigger stops of the new PC model feature clicky microswitches that have a quoted lifespan of up to 5 million clicks.

GameSir says this iteration of the Tarantula has been built for competitive players, with that 8K polling rate and a lightweight design at the forefront of its development. It weighs 180g with a 0.25ms latency. It also has six-axis gyro controls for those who prefer that method of aiming. The Xbox version will work on PC but will be limited to a 1,000Hz polling rate.

Interestingly, both the Xbox and PC versions seem to be limited to wired play only, which is a step down from the original Tarantula Pro's wireless play on Switch and PC.

The new Tarantula Pros carry over the two back buttons from the original, as well as mappable face buttons (including a touchpad button). There are now two additional shoulder paddles for you to assign and use as well.

The 8K PC model has a vibrant orange colorway and a special edition MenaRD version. Judging by the continual colorway support of the brand's G7 Pro controllers, I'd expect more to follow in due course.

An ultra model with a slightly heavier weight due to the inclusion of vibration motors is also confirmed to be coming soon. If you prefer a heftier feel in the hands, that's the one I'd wait for.

Also see the best PS5 controllers, best Switch 2 controllers, and the best joysticks.

It's easy for me to say this as a gamepad reviewer who has never tried to make one, but I really don't think designing a great mobile controller is that difficult. So many brands have tried, but they've focused way too much on portability, or making it feel bespoke to a phone, or trying to fill really niche areas in the market that haven't been catered to yet. It just doesn't need to be that complicated, and a simple, on-the-go mobile controller shouldn't cost the $160 some companies will charge you. Just take a regular-sized gamepad, cut it in half, and that should really be the end of it.

The ELO Vagabond seems like it understands all of this. Why downsize a regular controller when that will almost always hamstring comfort? Why charge so much when this is almost always going to be a secondary peripheral people won't have a massive budget for? Why change the shape and design of controller grips that people have been enjoying for decades now?

At $99 / £74, the ELO Vagabond provides the best overall package in the mobile controller market. It isn't as affordable as the GameSir G8 Galileo I awarded 5 stars and the top spot on our buying guide, but it improves on its best features without charging as much as Razer. If mobile controllers have always felt a little imperfect to you, read on.

Design

Perhaps more than any other wrap-around mobile controller I've come across, the ELO Vagabond really does resemble a pro PC Controller sliced in half. Even on larger options like the Razer Kishi V3 Pro or the Razer Kishi Ultra, the grips feel a bit stumpy and compacted compared to the brand's full-sized Wolverine V3 Pro. The GameSir G8 Galileo has a chunkier, more comfortable form factor than the Backbone One and its imitators, but it's still clinging to a mobile controller design ideology that holds back its comfort compared to full-sized gamepads.

The ELO Vagabond makes a real statement with its grip shape. They feel almost lengthened and pointed at their ends to spite the rest of the market. Holding the Vagabond is almost similar to holding a GameSir Tarantula Pro or DualShock 4. Maybe not in a rounded shape kind of way, but in the sense that it caters to your pinkie fingers with ample room.

I wouldn't say the build quality of the ELO Vagabond is the best, and in fact, in my two weeks of testing, I'd say durability is the only emergent flaw that really jumps to mind in this review. The grips have a dotted texture, and they're pretty solid - no problems there. But away from that texture, I do start to notice a bit of a hollow feeling. The springs within the triggers can be heard when pressing them, which is not attractive in the slightest for a $99 peripheral. What's worse is that if I flip the controller over, I can hear something falling around inside the chassis. Again, not ideal for a product you want to take on the go with you and frequently shove in a bag.

I'd say the grips are the defining design point of the Vagabond, but something I really like is that it's learned from the competition. The pivoting USB-C connector from the GameSir G8 is one of my favorite, tiny design flourishes on pretty much any gaming accessory I've tested - mobile or otherwise. The Vagabond carries it over, which makes it so much easier and safer for your phone to remove and connect from the controller's cradle.

The Vagabond itself uses your phone's battery to charge, but there's a passthrough USB-C port on it for power delivery, and ELO even makes a high-speed cable so you can keep up with your game's power demands. Also a nice addition is a 3.5mm headphone jack if you're using a wired audio device.

Features

The Vagabond features Hall effect thumbsticks, but there are ways to upgrade them too. As an add-on, you can get thumbstick toppers to bring more height and accuracy into your gameplay; these do cost extra, and although they're a nice thing to have, I found plenty of FPS enjoyment without them.

There are four microswitch face buttons laid out in the Xbox configuration. These are microswitch, clicky buttons, but they still have a deep-feeling actuation allowing for plenty of feel if you're mainly looking to play singleplayer games.

The Vagabond also features two back buttons, which are placed ever so slightly too high for my liking. With grips that make a statement by being a bit longer than other mobile pads, I'd argue ELO should make use of them by placing the back buttons lower down. Hell, give me a second pair if you want to? If you're not a big fan of back buttons, these are lockable via a pair of switches.

Like Backbone before it, ELO has made a central app to let you configure all your mobile games and launch them from. This is fine, but as someone who mainly uses mobile play for remote play of a PS5, SteamLink, or Game Pass Cloud Streaming, these always feel a bit extra to me. For those mobile gamers who do use this sort of app, it seems just as conclusive as Backbone's.

Performance

Build quality hesitancy and trigger spring volume quickly become a non-issue when I'm playing games with the ELO Vagabond. It's a proper controller you can play mobile games with, and maybe besides the much more expensive Kishi V3 Pro, it's one of the only ones I've used I think I'd actually not mind using as a PC controller if I needed to.

Its long grips and Hall sensor sticks give it plenty of scope for shooters, especially if you click the stick upgrades on and really start whipping your crosshair around. The comfort of the grips makes it a joy in third-person games, and the clicky buttons make it responsive in fighting games and platformers. It's versatile, and that only makes it a better on-the-go gaming solution because even if you have specialist hardware at home for one genre of gaming, the Vagabond is going to do a pretty good stand-in job while you're away.

That doesn't mean that it's perfect though, and although the Vagabond does a fantastic job replicating the gamepad experience with a phone, there are a few ways I wish it would take things further.

I've talked about it before, but most mobile controllers fail because they adopt the Switch's Joy-Con curse; putting the face buttons and thumbsticks right underneath one another. This invites thumbcramp and discomfort into the equation because you're constantly having to flex your thumb down the way to reach a stick, and thumbs move much more accurately and much faster side to side. It helps make a controller more portable, but it doesn't make one more comfortable or as satisfying to use.

The Vagabond does a good job of giving you more to grip onto, but I think if there was a Vagabond 2, I'd love to see more of a horizontal separation between the thumbstick and face buttons/D-pad. This isn't bad as is, but it isn't quite as comfortable as on a regular controller, and I think on a pad like this it could be.

The other option is looking at the Scuf Nomad and taking a leaf out of the Steam Deck's book. Is there anything wrong with placing the thumbsticks symmetrically at the top of the controller? In my eyes, absolutely not, because even if it isn't conventional to a console player's eyes, they'll soon appreciate the comfort it brings.

If I get really nit-picky, I think there's an argument to be made for the D-pad being a little less rigid. I'd prefer a circular/8-wayt D-pad to make it a little easier to actuate at speed when it's placed a little awkwardly, but that might just come down to preference.

Something to celebrate is how practical the Vagabond is despite not trying to be as portable as the Backbone One or the foldable Asus ROG Tessen. It might not be as easy to shove in a bag or a pocket, but I got a new phone case while testing it, and the ELO didn't care. I never had to do any annoying swapping or case removal to fit my phone into it. That's all I really require from an on-the-go peripheral; I don't really have any need to fit it in my pocket.

Should you buy the ELO Vagabond?

I'm going to try and put this review in perspective with a personal anecdote. I have an Asus ROG Ally X that I've been using for all my on-the-go, portable gaming needs. Handheld gaming PCs obviously have their appeal because they're strong enough to run games natively and they can be docked for home play too. But for me, comfort is king, and something that drives me up the wall about the original Ally X is that Asus now offers similar handheld consoles with Xbox branding and full controller grips. In fact, all the handheld PC makers are now out here admitting through more ergonomic handles that their first iterations were rubbish for your hands.

I just don't find the ROG Ally X very comfortable, and it annoys me to the extent I don't use it as often as I want to.

With the ELO Vagabond wrapped around my phone, I'm much, much more inspired to take my gaming on the go because it's comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. Yes, it means streaming my PC games via SteamLink and dealing with lesser visuals and worse performance, but it's comfortable enough for me to play with, immerse myself in a game, and not think about how I need to regrip while playing every 5 minutes.

For me, that's a sign that the ELO Vagabond has succeeded in its mission. It's a really well-designed mobile controller that doesn't mean you compromise on comfort. It's also priced really well in the market. For me, this is the best mobile controller you can buy right now.

How I tested the ELO Vagabond

I tested the ELO Vagabond for over two weeks, using it for all my portable gaming and remote play needs. I tested it with and without its upgradable thumbsticks, and in plenty of gaming genres. I compared it closely to the GameSir G8 Galileo, the more recent Razer Kishi V3 controllers, and other mobile gamepads.

For more on how we test controllers, take a look at the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

If you made it this far, I'd also recommend reading up on the best TMR controllers, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers.

Hori has released a smorgasbord of adorable controllers this year, but now the Eevee Evolutions Wireless HORIPAD controller for the original Nintendo Switch has reappeared at Amazon US with an October 17, 2026 release date.

As discovered by X (Twitter) user PokeJungle, the $59.99 (Amazon) gamepad originally launched on US and European shelves all the way back in April 2024, but now Hori is re-releasing the officially licenced Pokemon accessory. The only issue is that in the time it's taken for the controller to re-launch stateside, the Switch 2 has come on the scene, and yet this controller is still geared towards the older console. That means it's missing out on that new GameChat button, and likely won't have Wake-up functionality in tow. But at least every Eeveelution is available on the faceplate to make up for its missing next-gen features.

This Nintendo Switch controller might be missing some important functionality you'd expect from a modern-day Switch 2 pad, but at least it's extremely cute. The entirety of the accessory is covered in this pastel lavender colorway, and the D-pad, sticks, and ABXY buttons also sport a pastel purple color.

The illustrations on the faceplate are also adorable. Instead of re-using art of the Eevee evolutions we've seen time and time again, there's a unique sketch-like illustration of the lot from Gen 1's Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon, to Gen 6's Sylveon. Eevee itself hasn't been forgotten about either. At the center top of the pad, where you'd maybe expect to see a big 'Nintendo Switch' logo, instead plays host to a cute silhouette of the original Pokemon's rounded face.

While an older controller, it even sports an improved battery life over Hori's more recent Pokemon pads. The Eevee Evolutions controller relies on Bluetooth for its wireless connectivity and includes accelerometer and gyroscope controllers like the rest of Hori's controller lineup, but it also includes an up to 15-hour battery life. Meanwhile, the brand's recently unveiled Umbreon and Espeon Wireless HORIPAD Turbo only provides an up to 10-hour battery life.

This is true of all the brand's Pokemon-flavored Wireless HORIPAD Turbo controllers. Everything from the Hori Ditto Wireless HORIPAD Turbo that's launching for $64.99 at Amazon on August 6 to the Pokemon Pixel controllers only provide up to 10 hours of juice. It's a little disappointing, but if you care more about substance over style, then the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller with its 40 hours is always an option instead.

• View all Hori Nintendo Switch controllers at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases if you want to upgrade your Ninty gaming setup.

I'm in dire need of a new PS5 controller. My current DualSense spread has taken a bit of a beating, and I get a sense that they all suffer from a little bit of stick drift. That being said, I don't entirely feel comfortable forking out the $74-79 required for a replacement pad.

With that in mind, I've been considering investing in an out-of-box controller, and seeing that you can grab one for as little as $25.99 at Best Buy right now is definitely a good motivator. That's a saving of $48 off a brand new model, and better yet, it's the stunning Cobalt Blue version and not the garish-looking white pad that I already own.

If you're considering grabbing this lovely blue PS5 pad for yourself, do remember that it's an "open box" controller. That means that it's been "opened and returned by another customer" according to Best Buy, which is a nice way of saying that it's already been played with.

As is the case whenever you buy any of the best PS5 controllers second hand, you can expect some general wear and tear and light cosmetic damage to the pad, but it should be in full working order. In fact, Best Buy has given this controller in particular an "excellent" rating, which means it should work and look like new, and that includes all the parts and accessories. That being said, you're likely not getting the box it originally came in, but who needs more packaging when it's just going to end up in your recycling bin anyway?

If you aren't entirely comfortable buying a pre-loved PS5 controller, I get it. You can alternatively pick up a brand new DualSense for $69 at Best Buy, saving you $10 off the shimmering Chroma Indigo model. It also happens to be blue, but it includes a bit more of a sparkle and will be brand-new and includes all the packaging for your storing or recycling pleasure.

• View all controller deals at Best Buy

Our team's controller expert Duncan Robertson has also rounded up the best PC controllers for gaming, the best Nintendo Switch controllers, and the best Xbox Series X controllers if you're on the hunt for a new quality pad.

In recent years, Moza Racing has become a mainstay of the sim racing market, but it's never brought its wares to a PlayStation platform before, until now. Via the Gran Turismo news blog, an announcement has been made about Moza joining the GT World Series as an official peripheral partner.

Moza has become known for making some of the best racing wheels on PC and the best Xbox steering wheels, especially thanks to their great value for money and modular designs. As part of this new partnership with Polyphony Digital (and by proxy, Sony), the brands will be collaborating to produce an officially licensed, Gran Turismo-branded sim racing wheel controller.

Interestingly, there hasn't been a mention of pedals or peripherals like gear shifters and handbrakes, but it may well be that compatibility will exist for existing Moza accessories once a wheelbase and wheel have the correct protocols.

"At MOZA Racing, our mission has always been to make professional-grade sim racing more accessible while continually pushing the boundaries of performance and immersion," said Moza's CEO and Founder, Chenyong Guan.

"Partnering with the Gran Turismo World Series is an exciting milestone for us. Gran Turismo has inspired generations of racing enthusiasts, and we are honoured to contribute to a championship that represents the very best of virtual motorsport. Together, we look forward to creating new possibilities for racers around the world.”

We've previously reviewed the Moza R12 and Moza R3 bundles, and we're big fans of their open, modular designs that let you upgrade them regardless of your initial investment. Moza has a solid selection of DirectDrive, Force Feedback wheels, but also loads of ways to customize your setup to lean into the niche of sim racing you like best.

Perhaps most importantly, Moza charges super reasonable prices for its bundles when compared to Logitech, Fanatec, and even Nacon's relatively new Revosim brand. Since sim racing can have weighty setup costs, that could be massive for PlayStation gamers who have never typically been able to afford the best specs.

Something I always respect about Moza wheelbases is that they tend to have compact sizes too, which is always a boon for people who don't want it to be a mainstay on their desks. Storing away or bolting one to a desk is a lot more of an inconvenience if it's a bulky size.

I, for one, hope we see Moza hold true to its value price tags, as this is one of the best draws to them on Xbox and PC against the rest of the market. That said, as we know from the rest of the best PS5 controller pantheon, price tags and licensing on this platform tend to draw a high price.

There's been no time frame given for the arrival of the new wheel, but licensing for controllers can take years to implement properly. From the sounds of this announcement, it seems like Moza and PlayStation have been in talks for a while already, so hopefully it won't be that long.

Talking to Traxion, Moza supplied a statement saying, "Moza Racing looks forward to sharing more in the coming months as it continues expanding its ecosystem and delivering new experiences for Gran Turismo players worldwide. This is only the beginning, with more exciting announcements to come.”

• View Moza gear at Amazon US / Amazon UK

I can also recommend keeping an eye out for the best TMR controllers, the best PC controllers, and the best Switch 2 controllers.

Last Friday, X (Twitter) user MikeOdysseyYT posted that an "Ocarina of Time Pro Controller may be coming" to the Nintendo Switch 2. This rumour was then doubled down on by known insider and Editor-in-Chief of Universo Nintendo Necrolipe, who shared on X (Twitter) that MikeOdyssey was not only right, but that he's "seen the design" of this elusive gamepad, which is described as green and gold, with a Triforce crest in the center of the faceplate - perfectly fitting for what I'd imagine when conjuring up a new Switch 2 Zelda controller in my head.

I've avoided picking up the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller since the handheld arrived on the scene. I already have a premium pad that works just fine, but my decision against picking up the official pad is primarily because I've been patiently hoping that we'd one day see a Legend of Zelda version hit the shelves. Looks like my patience may finally be rewarded.

Nintendo has not announced that a new Switch 2 Pro controller is incoming, including one that sports a Legend of Zelda design. So as always, do take these statements with a Goron-sized grain of salt, but I really hope this rumored controller turns out to be a reality. Despite the gaming handheld being over a year old, we've only had one new version of the premium pad in the form of the Resident Evil Requiem Edition Pro Controller.

It's not a bad-looking Nintendo Switch 2 controller by any means, but it's disappointing that no Nintendo franchises have had a model of their own this generation. The original Nintendo Switch had a flurry of Pro Controller designs, including a Splatoon 3 version that featured blue and orange handles and subtle ink splotch imagery across the faceplate. I was expecting a similar release for the brand new Splatoon Raiders in the game's orange and green color palette, but alas, we saw nothing of the sort.

There was also an official Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Pro Controller, which utilized black and white handles and gold embellishments across the front of the pad, which mimicked the look of the Zonai's tech found within the game. Both of these pads are compatible with the Switch 2, though, so nothing is stopping me from adding them to my setup. However, I'd be more inclined to grab a newer Zelda Switch 2 pad for the back buttons, fast charging, and the ability to wake the handheld up from sleep mode.

It's worth mentioning that while we're all well aware that a Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake is on its way for the Nintendo Switch 2, this new controller is allegedly not based on the new game. Necrolipe clarifies on X (Twitter) that the proposed gamepad "is not tied to Ocarina of Time" and corrected himself by dubbing it the "The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition" controller.

Honestly, that has me far more excited than anything else. The Legend of Zelda anniversary came and went on February 21, 2026, earlier this year, without so much of a peep from Nintendo. It'd be nice to not only see some sort of celebration on Ninty's part for the four-decade-long series and one I hold near and dear to my heart, but also see a shiny new Zelda Switch 2 Pro controller in the works. Picking up new official Zelda gadgets is my favorite way to celebrate.

• View all Nintendo Switch 2 controllers at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards if you already have plenty of Ninty controllers at hand.

From here on out, it feels like the rumors and speculation about next-gen consoles are only going to ramp up more. We know for sure the next PlayStation isn't going to give us the disc drive console gaming has become synonymous with, but what shape will the other hardware take? I for one, feel like it's about damn time stock console controllers come with back buttons as standard. They've become the norm on even budget PC controllers, so why not Sony and Microsoft's official ones?

Maybe this is just my hot take as a controller reviewer, but back buttons should really be a guarantee in 2026. Hell, by the time the next consoles roll out, we'll probably be in 2028, with over a decade of the controller market integrating them into our gaming peripherals.

But what's your take? For some gamers (me), back buttons have become a must-have feature, and one that's hard to go back to doing without. But I have heard other folks saying the opposite, that back buttons aren't a necessity, or are annoying and even get in the way of pressing the standard buttons on a gamepad.

Thankfully, a few pro controllers that have back buttons will have lockable switches on them so that if you don't want to use them, they're not going to get in the way, which could surely be a happy medium.

I feel like the reason for Sony and Microsoft not putting them in stock controllers until now has been all about pricing, which is bound to be a controversial topic in the next console generation.

The performative reasoning is probably "it would cost more to put them on controllers, so we don't want to do it", but I'm not sure that holds weight these days. You can look at the majority of the best TMR controllers these days, and despite their advanced thumbstick technology, loads of the ones designed for PC and Switch cost less than, or around the same as, a DualSense. Oh, and all but one of the top nine I've recommended on that list have back buttons.

The Hyperkin Competitor, a DualSense knock-off for Xbox that comes in cheaper than Sony's PS5 controller, has back buttons, and I can think of loads of others from GameSir, 8BitDo, Flydigi, PowerA, and EasySMX that offer back buttons for less than the cost of a DualSense, so I don't think Sony or Microsoft could possibly say they'd cost too much to integrate.

Money could well be the reason back buttons are reserved for the Elite Series 2 and the DualSense Edge, but it's got nothing to do with costs. Sony and Microsoft likely see the value and demand for controllers with extra functionality, but they know people are willing to pay more for them. Ie, they want to charge you a premium for it through their more expensive homemade pro controllers.

But as gaming continues to get more expensive, and the lines between PC and console gaming continue to blur, I'm not sure this is going to hold up anymore. With so many affordable third-party gamepads in the mix these days that offer more in terms of design, features, and customization than the stock PS5 and Xbox controller, people have so many reasons to look elsewhere.

The reasons for considering a PC versus a console are getting louder and louder, and more affordable controllers that don't need to be licensed to a console platform could be one of them.

The DualSense has had a pretty rough time on the shelves since 2020, with stick drift issues and longevity problems that have forced people to buy replacements - and expensive ones at that, seeing as it has a lofty $70-$100 price tag depending on the colorway. If the next PlayStation or Xbox will cost you the same as a Steam Machine (or more), then the next gamepads for those consoles need to be built to last. They at least need to offer enough of a bargain to get people on board who are burned by the decision to end physical media access.

For reference, the Official Switch 2 Pro Controller has two back buttons, and the official Steam Controller has four back buttons, grip sensor buttons, and trackpads for maximum utility.

If you can't tell, I really hope to see back buttons as standard on next-gen controllers. If anything, just to offer some value for money in what will surely be a generation where the concept of ownership of hardware and software will go under the microscope.

For more, take a look at the best Xbox Series X controllers, the best Switch 2 controllers, and the best PC racing wheels.

Nintendo's latest Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers swap the usual red and blue for colors that perfectly match those of the Deep Cut trio from Splatoon Raiders.

That makes sense, as these upcoming $99 (Amazon) / £72.95 (Amazon) Switch 2 controllers were unveiled alongside one of the many trailers for the game and launch on the exact same day on July 23, 20026. That's only five days away, but while the game's release is closer than ever, there's at least plenty of pre-order stock available for these new Joy-Cons at US and UK retailers, if you want them.

Personally, I'd have preferred something a bit more vivid and fitting for a new Splatoon game, especially when Nintendo has teamed up with brands behind the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers to release Joy-Con covers that are coated in funky and fresh Inkling and Octoling designs in the past. However, as a big Splatoon nerd, if I am ever in the market for a spare set of Joy-Cons, these are the ones I'd grab.

If you were hoping for new Joy-Cons that were a bit more obvious in their Splatoon-inspired design, don't worry. I was hoping for something more intricate too. The only real difference here is that instead of the blue and red peeking out from the edges and the sticks of the official gamepads, you've got some dollops of blue and light yellow which match with Deep Cut's Shiver and Frye's squishy Inkling and Octoling hairdos.

That's not too exciting, but honestly, it's nice to see alternative colorings available for the Joy-Cons that aren't any different in price from the default. You can't knock a bit of variation, that's for sure. Not to mention, there's plenty more elaborate Splatoon Raiders goodies to come.

Japan accessories brand KeysFactory unveiled a batch of officially licensed Splatoon Raiders accessories, which include covers for your existing Joy-Cons. Instead of just changing the color of the pads, these make your controllers look exactly like what I'd imagine when dreaming up 'Splatoon Joy-Cons' in my head, and are decked out with splodges of orange and green ink and the upcoming game's logo.

Hori, the brand behind some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories available today, also has a Splatoon Raiders collection up its sleeve. It doesn't include a set of Joy-Con covers, but the brand has given its Wireless Horipad Turbo a Splatoon Raiders makeover. It carries a black transparent chassis covered in those vivid ink splotches and aptly chosen sea imagery of coral and seaweed, and I can't get enough of it.

For now, neither KeysFactory nor Hori has announced if and when these Splatoon Raiders accessories will come to US and UK shores, but at least we have these blue and yellow Joy-Cons to fall back on in the meantime. They aren't the most exciting, but I'll take it over having to stick with the plain versions instead.

• View all Nintendo Switch 2 controllers at Amazon

New to Switch 2? Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards.

We all know it seems like dark days ahead for console gamers, what with the end of physical media and ever-increasing hardware prices. But something that I think has gone unreported is that peripherals for PS5 and Xbox Series X tend to be more expensive than PC equivalents. Case in point, the best PC controller in my opinion is the Victrix Pro BFG, and while it has bespoke versions for PS5, Xbox, and PC, the latter doesn't need to make up for expensive licensing costs.

As such, it's seeing a $50 discount right now while the console editions stay at their regular price. Over in Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale, you can get the BFG Reloaded for $139.99 when it usually costs you $189.99.

Now, to be fair, the Xbox and PS5 versions of the Victrix Pro BFG will work on their respective consoles, as well as on a PC. I'm not sure the same can be said of the PC model, as without official licensing for either machine and potentially incorrect connectivity protocols, you'll be locked to just PC gaming with it. That might be absolutely fine for a large swathe of you, but it does call into question the value for money if you do own more than one platform.

Regardless, the lack of that official licensing is likely why we're seeing it discounted when the other two are at full price. I review all sorts of PS5 controllers, Xbox Series X controllers, and TMR controllers, and if there's a common trend, it's that the "pro" level ones for consoles tend to be pricier than a lot of the ones just designed for PC, even while they're all essentially offering the same features.

Regardless, the Victrix Pro BFG and Victrix Pro BFG for Xbox have been long-reigning monarchs at the top of our controller buying guides. Even as this pad begins to age, it still offers a lot of value for money thanks to its fully modular design that lets you flip it between a symmetrical and asymmetrical controller on a whim. It has four large back buttons that make them easy to implement into your gameplay, and a slew of attachments in its carrying case.

Interestingly, with this PC-only version, you miss out on the fight-pad module from the console editions. I'm not really sure why, since this is a big perk of the controller's offering that allows fighting game fans to have six face buttons like they would on an arcade fightstick.

However, if you've been looking at the Steam Controller for its fancy mouse-emulating trackpads, the PC version might be a nice alternative, since its touchpad is said to emulate a mouse too. I haven't gone hands-on with this version of the controller, nor tested this particular feature, so I can't speak to how well that works, but it could be a really great way to navigate your PC from the couch if it works.

You can also look at what Switch 2 controllers I'd recommend, or find your perfect PC racing wheel.

GameSir has issued an update to its Connect software, which removes a big point of friction for people who regularly use the app to customize their PC controllers, but the update could also be really helpful if you've never been up to speed on your controller terminology.

The GameSir Connect app is what you'll use to personalize the GameSir G7 Pro 8K PC model as well as a few of the other more recent GameSir products. Until now, we've been forced to uninstall each obsolete version of the application when a new one arrives, before finding the latest one on the Windows Store.

As of now, those days are officially done. Now on version 1.14.4, the application will update the version you already have instead of forcing you to find an entirely new app.

This will definitely go some way to cutting out confusion, especially since, depending on what GameSir controller you have, there are different apps you need to use. The original GameSir G7 Pro for Xbox and PC uses the older GameSir Nexus app, for example. Either way, if you have a compatible controller, the latest version of Connect will allow for less foot-dragging in the Windows Store and more streamlined customization.

I'd guess that most pro controller owners probably use their gamepad's controller software a total of once, on average. Beyond the initial setup when you unbox it, though, companion software can offer you loads of versatility and value for money for whichever gamepad you've opted for. GameSir's apps have always been great, but a streamlined updating system isn't the only improvement the brand has made to Connect.

Perhaps most helpfully, a new information feature has been added that'll explain what some of the settings actually change. So if you've never been sure of your jargon controller terms, all you'll now have to do is hover a cursor over an information symbol next to each section header to get a brief description.

So if you have trouble distinguishing between deadzones, polling rates, hair trigger mode, or more, you can now rest easy knowing that using an in-depth customization app like Connect isn't going to take you out of your depth. I'm sure for some, not knowing these terms is a reason they've avoided using companion apps to begin with.

With the latest firmware update for the G7 Pro 8K PC, you can also receive a latency improvement, which GameSir says will be narrowed down to less than 250 milliseconds. Furthermore, if you want a more granular way to modify the settings on your thumbstick deadzone curves, the new version of Connect will allow you to input coordinates of 100x100.

Beyond the aforementioned GameSir controllers, the Connect app is also going to be the settings home for the GameSir Tarantula Pro, Cyclone 2, Super Nova, Tegenaria Lite, and Nova 2 Lite. Older controllers may still use the GameSir Nexus app.

In the summary video about the software update on GameSir's YouTube channel, the upcoming GameSir Tarantula Pro 8K PC was also mentioned, which likely points to this controller using Connect when it hits the shelves.

GameSir also makes some of the other best Xbox controllers, best Switch 2 controllers, and best mobile controllers.

Valve's new Steam Controller is unsurprisingly a PC gamepad, but not if you swap out its puck. Yes, the dongle included in the box is designed to pair the pad specifically to ordinary rigs or the Steam Machine, but OpenPuck project aims to break down platform walls and enable compatibility with the PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Serving as a bridge between Valve's Steam Controller and other platforms, the OpenPuck uses a Pro Micro NRF52840 board to emulate the default receiver's abilities. (cheers, Hackaday!) Custom firmware by Safijari then enables the PC controller to connect just like it would with the included dongle, only this accessory can also then mimic other gamepads and pretend to be an official wired set of buttons.

In a short clip, the puck's creator demonstrates how to install the Openpuck microcontroller and get it working with the Steam Controller. The process comes down to getting the board into DFU mode (Device Firmware Update), allowing it to show as a flash drive so you can upload the software. That should be the case for fresh boards, but the modder includes instructions on which pins to bridge if not.

I am blown away by how easy the process of making your own Steam Controller puck appears to be. Even if you're not looking to turn Valve's accessory into a makeshift PS5 or Switch pad, the fact that the microcontroller is available for $8 should save you some pennies should you lose the real deal. You won't even need to mess around with anything complicated should you make use of the Openpuck's abilities, as there's a web interface for switching USB mode or customizing inputs. Not to mention there's a 3D printable shell just to help it feel a bit more like a real accessory.

The retro console collecting goblin is now curious whether there's a way to get the puck working with old systems. Naturally, you'd need specific gameport connectors to turn it into a best retro controller contender, but perhaps there is a way to make a dongle with even wider compatibility.

If I can perhaps persuade someone to let me kindly borrow their Steam Controller, I'll maybe grab one of these boards and try making an OpenPuck. If you beat me to it, feel free to let me know how you get on and whether Valve's buttons make for a great PS5 or Switch pad.

Check out the best gaming handhelds if you're looking to take your backlog with you.

GameSir may have some of the best PC controllers under its belt, but it's taking square aim at Xbox fans with its latest T7 Pro drop. The Retro Green colorway has just dropped on the brand's site, yet another callback to that OG Xbox aesthetic we've all been yearning for amongst... well... everything that's happened this year.

The $49.99 / £55.99 Hall effect controller blasts that translucent aesthetic with its primary-colored face buttons and a whole bunch of ambient LEDs. That gives it a slightly livelier aesthetic than Retro Fighter's take on the classic design, with the Hunter's translucent chassis simply letting its screws do the talking.

That means the effect seems to wear off by the time we get to the grips, but that RGB lighting looks like it'll be doing most of the talking anyway.

Translucent yearning aside, the T7 Pro has a sturdy lineup of features at its disposal. While those after one of the best Xbox Series X controllers for more competitive pursuits might begrudge those membrane ABXY buttons, the wired connection keeps things zippy and fuss-free, while Hall effect analog triggers still make use of two-stage trigger stops for twitch-reflex movement as well.

That all comes packaged up with four rumble motors and the obligatory back buttons - configurable in the GameSir Nexus software.

If you weren't a child of the transparent Xbox era, though, that's not a feature set that's going to be setting the world alight. For $50, you can also pick up the GameSir Cyclone 2 (now $49.99 at Amazon), the gamepad we rate as the best value on the market. This is a TMR controller (an upgraded version of Hall effect tech), with a wireless 1,000Hz polling rate, a charging dock included, and larger back buttons.

That would be my recommendation if you'd called me as the fun police, anyway. I'm always down to jig with some translucent tech, and the Retro Green T7 Pro manages is certainly calling to a heritage with all the style and vibes of the best retro controllers.

• See all controller deals at Amazon

On the other side of the console wars back in the day? We're also rounding up the best PS5 controllers and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for more options across the market.

It’s a familiar story: a brand unveils a new sim racing line with the promise of it expanding as an ecosystem. Nacon followed the script to a T with the release of its Revosim line last year. The RS Pure wheelbase, while an impressive debut on its own, was clear in its intentions to grow and had connections labelled shifter and handbrake sitting on its rear from day one. But that racing wheel launch came and went, and then, well, nothing followed.

The original Revosim RS Pure bundle: a 9Nm direct drive wheelbase, round wheel, and load cell pedals for £699.90, caught my eye by undercutting plenty of the established names in the space while largely matching them on build quality. It was a mighty fine debut, but a wheelbase and two pedals do not an ecosystem make, and now, almost a year on, that gap finally closes with the RS Pure Hybrid Shifter and Load Cell Handbrake.

Available on their own for £299.90 and £179.90 respectively, or in a bundle for £449.90, this is the duo that starts to mature the Revosim range. There's a £79.90 clutch pedal too, if you want to move to a full three-pedal setup, and it rounds the bundle up to a neat £499.90. There are still walls around this sim racing garden, but they’re not as high as they were before, and there are a few more plants to look at, so is it worth taking a stroll through?

Design

When I first checked out the RS Pure wheelbase last year, I was seriously impressed by the build quality Nacon had achieved, particularly given the price tag. It was professional, upmarket, and built like a tank. The new add-ons to the range are no different; they all carry the same metal construction, all-black finish, and proper heft.

The RS Pure Hybrid Shifter is relatively chunky and does the job of two gearboxes at once. Flip the side-mounted dial, and you can switch between an 8-speed H-pattern and a sequential mode on the fly. Nacon includes two separate gear knobs, too, a round knob and a foam-topped lever. Resistance is adjustable by a hex bolt on the front, so there's some scope to firm things up or loosen them off depending on how much of a workout you want your arm to get mid-race.

The RS Pure Load Cell Handbrake is simpler on paper; a 150kg load cell tucked inside quite a compact housing, with resistance courtesy of included elastomers or a softer spring that are hidden out of sight under a removable panel. It's happy to be mounted either horizontally or vertically, which is a nicely considered touch that sees it play nicely not only with different rig setups but different racing styles, too.

Both accessories ship with their own desk clamp in the box, two for the Hybrid Shifter, in fact, along with mounting points for more specialist sim racing cockpits. You’ve got a choice of connection methods around the back. You can go directly into your PC with USB-C if you’re not using the Revosim wheelbase, or you can plug into the ecosystem via RJ45 ports on the back of the RS Pure base. This in itself is a nice progression for the range because it allows either of the new accessories to fit into existing, non-Nacon setups.

Features

Both accessories are supported and configured through the same Revosim app that handles the rest of the RS Pure lineup, and it’s available on PC, iOS, and Android. This is also where firmware updates are handled, and while it’s not exactly the most exciting feature to note, I was impressed at how quick and simple this process was. I’ve had real fun and games with some other brands like Turtle Beach making firmware updates a long and drawn-out process with plenty of hoops to jump through, so this was refreshing by comparison.

There's an RS Pure Clutch Pedal joining the team too, which uses a Hall Effect sensor for precision and keeps the same fully metal construction as the rest of the range. There’s adjustable height, tilt, and travel, and two included springs let you tune the resistance to your liking. It's worth noting Nacon makes a clear point of saying this pedal is only compatible with Revosim pedal sets, so unlike the Shifter and Handbrake, it can’t be retrofitted into mixed-brand setups.

Performance

I bolted both units straight to my desk using the included clamps and ran them into my existing RS Pure base over RJ45 rather than standalone via USB-C. Once everything's connected, that strong build quality I mentioned earlier carries through into actual use. It's a proper, adult-feeling setup; the first impression isn’t one that gives away that this is Nacon’s first attempt.

Desk mounting is simple; the bar on each unit just slots straight into the clamp base, no fuss. It’s nice to see these brackets included as standard and not as paid extras, though with both the shifter and handbrake bolted to a desk rather than a rig, the mechanical forces involved were enough to set my monitors bouncing on their arms with every shift or handbrake yank. That's not the fault of the RS Pure Hybrid Shifter or RS Pure Load Cell Handbrake themselves; a proper cockpit would absorb it without issue, but if you're desk-mounting like I was, it's worth being aware of.

In H-pattern mode, the Hybrid Shifter feels noticeably hard and mechanical. It wants a firm, deliberate shove rather than a lazy nudge, which is satisfying in the right mood. The trade-off for that, however, is precision. The target area for each gear is on the smaller side, and it takes a good bit of dedicated muscle memory to consistently land the right one under pressure rather than clip into a neighbor. There's also an irritating rattle from the collar you lift to activate 7th, 8th, and reverse. I’m being picky, but a slightly loose piece that's noticeable in use really sticks out on a unit that’s so well put together elsewhere. Sequential mode is simple and effective with nothing to complain about, and swapping between the round knob and the foam lever takes seconds either way; it's really just down to personal preference.

The handbrake is where opinion is likely to split depending on who's pulling it. For newer or mid-level sim racers, the resistance on offer feels well judged; it’s controllable and forgiving. More experienced racers chasing fine, progressive braking control may find it feels overly soft as a result, though it's worth remembering that crowd probably isn't who Nacon's built this for. The included elastomers and spring are worth experimenting with, and while I ran mine horizontally given my desk-mounted setup, vertical mounting is there too if your rig calls for it.

I don’t have any major gripes with the hardware, which is commendable. Where things get frustratingly familiar is compatibility, because unfortunately, it's the same complaint I had with the original RS Pure wheelbase bundle. I tested across a range of driving titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and 6, RaceRoom, EA Sports WRC, and Euro Truck Simulator 2, and while every single one of them recognized the shifter and handbrake existed and let me bind them, not one arrived with a working preset out of the box. Even hitting the configure button and launching via the Revosim app, manual setup was required every time, and that’s beyond tedious when you don’t just play one game. I get it; compatibility is tricky because you’re working with different developers and some of that blame is shared. But I’m less inclined to continue to grant beginner’s leniency when the wheelbase has now been around for a year; you’re out of your rookie season now, Nacon.

Should you buy the Revosim Pure Add-ons?

If you're already invested in Nacon’s RS Pure ecosystem and rally or drift is your thing, this bundle starts to complete the picture and is easy enough to recommend. The build quality matches the rest of the range; the shifter in particular is satisfying to use once you've got your muscle memory dialed in, and the tool-free customization on both units makes it easy to tune things to your own preference.

Where it's harder to get fully behind is full value if you’re starting from scratch. At £449.90, it’s not the same jaw-dropping deal the original wheelbase bundle was, and the ongoing lack of out-of-box compatibility across popular titles is a recurring frustration I wish had been resolved. It’s good gear, and I hope this is a sign that Nacon is taking the idea of an ecosystem seriously, but it’s not a blanket recommendation over others if you’re chasing the full set. Give it a look, for sure, but make sure you check out others, too.

How I tested the Revosim RS Pure Add-ons

I mounted the RS Pure Hybrid Shifter and RS Pure Load Cell Handbrake to my desk using their included clamps and connected them via the included RJ45 cables to an RS Pure base. For a few days, I tested the experience across a range of titles, along with some dedicated testing and software configuration through the Revosim app.

For more on how we test controllers, check out the full GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Shopping for your gaming platform? Check out the best PS5 steering wheels and the best Xbox steering wheels.

Someone at Valve loves throwing Steam Controller prototypes into charity bins, as another prototype gamepad has ended up at Goodwill. If I had a Steam Machine for every time this has happened so far, I'd have two more than I currently have, but as someone who thinks the storefront giant should have stuck to its stickless design, I'd be thrilled to find one of these oddball touch controllers in the wild.

The story behind this Steam Controller prototype feels like Deja Vu, was highlighted by Waste-Set5032 on the same Subreddit seven years later (via Videocardz). This time, the Redditor says the pad was found by their father in Seattle, who has also chimed into the thread to confirm they grabbed the important piece of Valve hardware history.

"Sometimes you find things at Goodwill and you let them go, aware that although you could flip it for a pretty penny, it would make someone’s day to find something like that," admits ErbilT. "I thought about letting this go, but I know my son is a fan of everything Valve, so I picked it up." Perhaps I need to start sending my family into more thrift stores, but it sounds like OP has potentially paid a high price since their dad signs off with "I now know my son’s Reddit handle."

I should be clear that this isn't a prototype of the shiny new Steam Controller. Instead, it's a Chell development unit, a prelude to the 2015 version. Rather than including one left thumbstick, though, this version only includes touchpads, meaning it was going all in on the pseudo-mouse and WASD keyboard controls of the 2010s setup.

Here's the thing: I actually think Valve should have stuck with its stickless Steam Controller design. Including a left thumbstick sort of confused the premise of the original pad, leaving players who prefer traditional controls itching for normal camera movement on the right.

I still believe we would have ended up with the same gamepad we have now, inspired by the Steam Deck OLED and its LCD predecessor, but I believe the Chell prototype makes a bigger statement about PC games in the living room. Valve's mission has changed slightly in that it's now focused on making an actual console contender with a pad that can do both mouse and full thumbstick controls rather than a desktop workaround.

Valve's original plans aside, I enjoy the idea of people holding onto dev units like this Steam Controller. When they do pop up in the wild, they spark discussions tied to hardware history and pivotal moments, and while someone didn't value this pad enough to hang onto it, it's now immortalised as an incredible Goodwill find.

This second Steam Controller isn't even the only early piece of hardware I've been mesmerized by lately. On Friday, I shared word that Sony created a battery-powered PS1 and shoved it inside a DualShock controller, and it's now spreading across the internet like wildfire.

Swing by the best Steam Deck docks if you're putting together a makeshift Steam Machine setup using Valve's handheld.

The world of third-party PS5 pro pads is expanding, and Scuf is the latest challenger in this increasingly expensive arena. The Scuf Omega looks to take on the best PS5 controllers with its Omron mechanical switches, adjustable triggers, easy mobile keybinding, and additional macro keys. At $219.99, it's nestled in among these more premium control options, matching MSRPs from Razer and coming in slightly over Turtle Beach and Nacon.

Ultimately, it has a lot going for it and, when the price is right, could topple Razer's Raiju V3 Pro for those after extra customization options. Awkward side button placement and a less-than-durable top plate hold it back, while an excellent feel in hand propels it forward. Whether it's right for you comes down to the numbers on the day and how well you can train your knuckles.

What I loved about the Scuf Omega

Super satisfying controls

I've been a fan of clacky switches on my face buttons ever since I first picked up the EasySMX X10, and the Scuf Omega delivers.

Action is incredibly fast here, with a satisfying click that makes more traditional gamepads feel spongy by comparison. It's a faster reaction, with much less travel and an immediate response to each press, but it's also just more pleasing under the thumbs. Repeat presses are far less fatiguing, quick-snap inputs are faster than ever, and the lack of pressure required for actuation makes longer sessions easier on the thumbs as well.

That's not all, though. Scuf has also outfitted its triggers with digital locks that mirror this snappy mechanical feel up top as well. The stopper system sits underneath the trigger, with a small lever setting your distance from the full free pull to an instant response. That also means they can be assigned separately, opening up a particularly satisfying bow pull and release in Horizon Forbidden West, for example.

Around the rear, we have two integrated back paddles that press into the grips - not quite the magnetic ones you'll find on the Gulikit KK3 Max, but definitely more paddle than button. There's also a higher set of angled back buttons as well.

Far from the smaller nubbins you'll find on the DualSense Edge, these raised middle clackers are actually incredibly easy to hit precisely in-game. That extra height means they're just a nudge in the right direction away, even if I'd have personally preferred a little less tension in the paddles themselves. They're easy enough to actuate in isolation, but when the heat is on, there's just a little too much force required to keep these back paddles feeling nifty.

TMR thumbsticks round out this package, with a smooth tension, speedy snap, and all the durability that comes with the updated magnet tech.

Easy customization for PS5

The Omega has been designed as a customization powerhouse, featuring a whopping 28 buttons to play with and 11 configurable inputs. Your basics are all here: swappable thumbstick tops, blanks for the side, and back buttons.

Actual keybindings are handled by the Scuf companion app, no more plugging into a PC before switching your PS5 on. It's a pretty well-trodden idea in the world of more premium third-party PS5 controllers: the Razer Raiju V3 Pro has the Razer app, but heavy hitters like the Victrix Pro BFG and Nacon Revolution 5 Pro still rely on Windows-based software. Good news for those who hate working through complex assignment button presses on the fly, though you can still enter 'Remap Mode' on the controller itself if you wish.

The Scuf app itself is uncomplicated, with a panel for your keybindings reflected in an on-screen gamepad, separate settings for firmware, polling rates, SOCD, and more, a quick start guide, and profile and battery indicators.

I was a little disappointed to find that the face and d-pad buttons aren't configurable in PS5 Mode (they're fully open when being used as a PC controller), but there's still a comprehensive roster of on-the-fly settings to tweak and save to up to three profiles.

Triggers and thumbsticks curve their deadzone on a nicely organized percentage scale, for those who aren't setting the digital stopper on the former, with a selection of five presets to choose from. Both left and right can be customized independently from each other as well.

Back and side buttons (all six of them) can run as any PS5 control, with keyboard inputs available on PC.

Five G-keys are also present along the bottom of the gamepad, a little awkwardly placed for mid-game solutions but still handy for map, quest, and inventory shortcuts. When connected to PS5, only the G1 and G5 are free for you to assign, the rest are reserved for headset volume, mute, and mic controls. Swapping over to PC, all five keys are assignable.

Comfortable in the hands

Before I had a chance to dive into any of that, though, I was impressed with the way the Scuf Omega felt straight out of the box. A comfortable 254g and with a rugged rubberized texture across the back of each grip, it's easy to wield for long periods of time without slipping or cramping.

That weight in particular is incredibly well balanced. It's lighter than a traditional DualSense, but not so as to feel cheap or hollow in the hand; there's still a satisfying sense of heft, making good on that premium price point.

What to consider about the Scuf Omega

About those side buttons

Throughout my testing, I've largely focused on Borderlands 4, running with a red-tree Chroma Accelerator Harlowe build. Since picking up the Omega, Harlowe's become a little more trigger-happy with that Chroma canon.

Try as I might, my gameplay is consistently punctuated with "oh flip," or words to that effect, as a giant energy ball rips towards an NPC mid-conversation, spreads through an empty battleground, and starts its cooldown right as the next firefight commences. In short, these side buttons are incredibly easy to accidentally hit - to the point where I wouldn't trust them in a more competitive scenario.

Scuf does include blank plates in the box to neutralize them if you're not a fan, but it's frustrating that a controller designed for competitive play, featuring additional buttons to keep your fingers on those all-important face buttons, doesn't feel trustworthy in the very arena it was built for. There's space to put just a little more resistance in these buttons as well - they naturally rest against the inside of your knuckle; there's plenty of leverage in this part of the hand for a tighter button press.

Precariously thin top plate

The Scuf Omega features one of Corsair's favorite controller upsells, a swappable faceplate. However, this time it also houses two toggles I found myself reaching for regularly. You'll need to snap that top plate off its magnetic cradle in order to access connection controls (swap between Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired) and switch between PS5 and PC mode. If that's something you'll need to do often, be warned.

This top plate feels a little too thin for my liking. It's a flexible, brittle-feeling plastic that could easily snap with too much pressure between the sides. Having to prise it off the top of the controller every time you need to swap platforms or change connections feels especially risky. Over time, that could cause problems with regular usage.

Speed over immersion

My final point is one not limited to the Scuf Omega, but more the vast majority of third-party PS5 controllers. Still, if you're a solo player who invested in the console for its immersive control system, it bears repeating here.

Because of Sony's licensing terms, third-party gamepads cannot use adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. It's something I miss whenever I'm using a non-DualSense, having grown to love the dynamic resistance of the triggers in particular. Did I miss it enough to sacrifice the mechanical switches in the Scuf? Not exactly, but it's worth noting if you're tied to these first-party features.

Should you buy the Scuf Omega PS5 controller?

The Scuf Omega is an expensive piece of kit, tickling the very top of the third-party market. We're used to the idea of spending $200 on a pro gamepad for PS5 these days, and Scuf has positioned its controller right next to the $219.99 Razer Raiju V3 Pro. That's where your biggest decision is going to be made (presuming you're not after modular control schemes, in which case you'll want to head over to the Victrix Pro BFG).

In reality, both gamepads are similar. They both pack mouse-like mechanical buttons, TMR thumbsticks, short and long-range triggers, and an easy companion app. Razer's D-pad is a little less satisfying in the hands (though 8-way rather than 4-way), and its back buttons are notably smaller (though still remarkably easy and comfortable to hit). It also, however, suffers a little more from a motor-less hollow feel than the Omega. Without that extra weight, we noted that the Raiju can feel cheap in the hands, while Scuf's model still manages to feel sturdy and solid.

By contrast, Scuf offers more customizable inputs (especially if you swap between PS5 and PC), a longer grip shape, and a better feel overall.

Razer's 2,000Hz PC polling rate is going to clinch it for those primarily on Windows, with a PS5 on the side, and its top-loaded extra bumpers will also serve those worried about accidental presses on Scuf's side buttons as well. However, as an all-round package, I'd be inclined to recommend the Omega before the Raiju, with a pricing caveat.

Razer's entry is slightly older and will therefore see more regular discounts (the record currently sits at $129.99, but it's more likely to be found between $150 and $175). At a discounted rate, the Raiju is infinitely better value - so keep an eye on prices between the two.

How I tested the Scuf Omega PS5 controller

I tested the Scuf Omega on both PS5 and PC, playing Borderlands 4 and Horizon Forbidden West on the former and Forza Horizon 6, Apex Legends, and Farming Simulator 25 on the latter. I remapped the controller for optimal control schemes across each game, adjusting deadzones across triggers and thumbsticks for a couple of titles.

For more on how we test controllers, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We're also rounding up all the best TMR controllers we've tested so far, as well as the best Xbox Series X controllers and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for alternative platforms.

Honeycomb Aeronautical's Echo Aviation controller sent shockwaves through the flight sim gaming community when it was revealed at the end of last year. Depending on who you ask, this thing is a Frankensteinian mess or one of the coolest gaming hardware innovations in years. One thing's for sure, it means there's no need to spend big on a massive flight sim deck or even one of the best joysticks if you play a lot of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Now, the Echo Aviation controller is officially receiving an Xbox version for Series X and S players. Back when the pad was revealed, the initial trailer was filled with comments from excited flight sim fans saying "The coolest hardware I've seen in years", but also disgruntled console gamers who felt left out.

"Needs to be compatible with Xbox, PC, and PS5!" said one user. Even back then, Honeycomb was hinting at bringing this best PC controller for flight sim fans to console, responding to one commenter with "We are thinking of you, console community!"

Marc Küpper, CTO for Honeycomb Aeronautical, commented on the Xbox version's announcement, saying, “We’re committed to broadening the audience for flight simulation, allowing console owners to experience the thrill of flight in a more relaxed environment, and the Echo Aviation Controller XPC is our first flight into consoles but certainly will not be the last”.

Xbox players are indeed being catered to, and the CTO's remarks certainly hint that more console support is coming, but looking back at the initial comments, PS5 players are the loudest outcriers. Hints from the CTO aside, I'm not very optimistic about the Echo Aviation controller taking a quick flight over to PlayStation land. I might be wrong, and I hope I am, but there's a big difference between securing licensing for Xbox Series X controllers and Sony's console.

I know from covering licensed controllers on both platforms for over three years now and talking with insiders on the process that there are reasons we get a whole lot more on Microsoft's platform. Xbox seems to have a tiered system whereby third parties can license multiple controllers per platform, but wired and wireless options will rack up different costs.

Meanwhile, we see very few PS5 controllers launching, with rumours saying that Sony only typically allows one brand to license one controller for its platform per generation. Judging by the price that these tend to cost, Sony's licensing could be assumed to be a lot pricier for the third-party companies too. Moreover, there can sometimes be complications when a brand tries to bring one product from one platform over to the other with minimal changes. I've only ever seen that happen with the Victrix Pro BFG, and I'm still not exactly sure how it happened. Other brands like Scuf and Razer need to put out completely separate models of their products for either platform.

You never know though, Sony may be very eager to make the most of its newly acquired Microsoft Flight Sim access on its store, and with the Echo Aviation pad being such a unique product that no one else can really match, special allowance may be made. I'll be interested to hear if a PS5 version is coming in the future, but again, heading back to those initial comments, there certainly seems to be a market for it.

Either way, the Xbox version of the Echo Aviation controller is set to ship from Fall 2026. I'm not seeing a price listed in any of the press materials, but if it's got parity with the original PC model, which seems to sell out extremely quickly, it'll be $149.99.

For more on gamepads, take a look at the best TMR controllers, the best Switch 2 controllers, and the best PC racing wheels.

We're getting into the business end of Amazon Prime Day now, and that means discounts at the world's largest retailer and its competitors will all be disappearing soon. I've been scouring the shelves all week to find the best discounts that gamers should know about, but one category that's really impressed me this week is the best TMR controllers.

I've just checked through my list of favorites, as well as all of the other TMR pads I've tried, and I'm amazed to say that 7 out of the 10 are still seeing lower prices for Prime Day. You don't have long to make the most of these, however, since deals will likely vanish on the stroke of midnight tonight (Friday 26th). I've tried to localise these deals to Amazon, but not all of them are Prime-exclusive member deals, thankfully.

Before I run you through all of the options that are on offer, it might be helpful to explain which ones aren't. Of the three outliers, one is out of stock, one has been discontinued, and one is Valve's new Steam Controller, which is far too new and in demand to be seeing a Prime Day offer.

For more on controllers, take a look at the best PC controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best PS5 controllers.

It's been a year since the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller landed on the shelves but we're still yet to see much deviation from that lofty $89 MSRP. I'm not surprised. It took years for the original Switch's gamepad to depart from its launch rate - this is Nintendo hardware we're talking about, price cuts are few and far between.

Sure, you've got your Joy-Con in the box, but those looking for a more traditional gamepad feel, away from the tall, skinny feel of the side-mounted controllers, are looking at a hefty bill for Ninty's best Switch 2 controller. Thankfully, third parties exist.

While GameSir and 8Bitdo have their own alternatives to contend with, the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller can't be beaten in the numbers department this week. As part of its early Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals, Amazon has this chunkier controller available for just $17.99 (was $39.99).

I tested this wired, cheap and cheerful, gamepad directly alongside the Switch 2 Pro Controller. I won't lie to you, the difference is immediately obvious. While the official model has a solid heft in the hands, this is a lighter, more hollow device. The soft landing and snap of the original's thumbsticks can't be matched by these larger, louder clacks. I mean, the navigation buttons have even been bumped down to the bottom of the controller.

But this isn't a luxury controller, and it's not priced as such. While I'm often hesitant to recommend it at full price (there are $40 gamepads that will take you a lot further), the value at $17.99 is indeed incredibly fair.

Anyone tired of cramping around a set of Joy-Con, or simply looking for more multiplayer options in docked mode, will be set with this budget alternative. You're making sacrifices against the full-fat Pro 2 Controller, yes, but you're also spending a fraction of its cost. Here's exactly what you keep (and even gain) and lose compared to the real deal.

Ultimately, the PowerA Advantage vs Switch 2 Pro Controller debate boils down to what you need from your gamepad. If you've got the budget and you want the best experience possible, Ninty's official device is still your best bet. Its controls feel smoother and lighter, its chassis offers up a greater level of luxury, and its extra features pack all the versatility of the console itself.

However, for the price, anyone just looking for a more convenient controller shape or a few extra sets of Mario Kart buttons will still be well served by the budget brands. After testing both, and tracking these prices, I'd say you're dropping about 60% of the features of the Pro 2 Controller, while spending 79% less than its MSRP. That's on the right side of value.

• More Prime Day controller deals at Amazon
• Switch 2 Pro Controller: $89 at Amazon
• 8Bitdo Ultimate 2: $69.99 at Amazon

We're also rounding up all the best Prime Day PS5 deals and the latest Prime Day PC deals for more options, or take a look at more of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories.

Last week, I confirmed the Prime Day pricing for the GameSir G7 Pro, as well as a few of the brand's other controllers during the sale. The most recent PC version of the G7 Pro was missing from that list of discounted products though, which is to be expected when it's only been available for a little while. Walmart has remedied that, however, jumping the gun on Prime Day and dropping the best PC controller rival down in price by almost $20.

Personally, I'm not convinced this discount will last very long, either due to the deal ending or stock levelling out. Since I can't see the offer at any other retailer, I don't think it's an official one that's come down from on high either. As in, it doesn't seem like a GameSir-approved discount that'll apply to all the variants of the G7 Pro 8K at various stores, so let's take a closer look.

Funnily enough, Amazon currently has no answer to the discount, despite Prime Day being the headline sale to look out for this week. In fact, the GameSir G7 Pro prices I reported on last week still haven't arrived at the retailer and likely won't until Prime Day officially kicks off on June 23rd. One upside of this, however, is that you don't need to take out a Prime membership or a free trial to make the most of it.

An equivalent deal doesn't exist at Best Buy either, which makes me think this could be a shorter-lived opportunity at Walmart. It also only applies to the Nioh 3 colorway, which may point to Walmart's stock of this particular model outweighing the other versions.

While you save $18 on the full price of the GameSir G7 Pro 8K, you do spend $8 more than you would on the regular G7 Pro if you were to wait for Prime Day gaming deals to officially start. For that extra money, you do unlock a much, much higher polling rate, which will absolutely be of interest for competitive players who want to rule out any chance of latency impacting their gameplay. You also get some swappable thumbstick tops that the regular version doesn't have, but you'll lose out on Xbox Series X/S compatibility.

Having gone hands-on with the 8K polling TMR controller, I can say it's definitely more responsive, but the increased polling rate doesn't present itself in the way some of you might expect. It essentially cranks the sensitivity of the thumbsticks up to 11, making them a tad unruly at first. Combined with custom deadzones and TMR technology, every tiny input on the thumbsticks will register, and register fast, so using it definitely takes some getting used to.

Personally, I don't think this model is going to be for everyone, partly because of that learning curve, but with even more ways to customize it, I'd argue PC players should really think about investing the extra $8 for it over the original. The only limiting factor might be the colorways, since the regular white/grey and black/red options aren't available for the 8K model. Besides the Nioh 3 version, you can grab a turquoise Aimlabs edition (the one in the images that I reviewed) or a Champion black and gold colorway that's tied to an Esports athlete.

Want to shop by platform? I've prepared lists of the best PS5 controller, the best Xbox Series X controller, and the best Switch 2 controller.

There's been a lot of talk about the Steam Controller in the last few months, so I don't blame you if you've started to think about renewing your own gamepad. Times are hard right now though, and I don't blame you if the price of the Steam Controller is a little steep. The good news is, there are plenty of amazing PC controllers today that come in well under Valve's price tag.

Truth be told, I'd only really recommend the Steam Controller to certain types of players: the ones on PC who want something they can play mouse and keyboard games with from the comfort of a couch, bed, or anywhere that's away from a desk. The trackpads of the Steam Controller are its best asset, and although I think it's a really comfortable gamepad to use, I can think of loads that I'd recommend that are cheaper and offer on-par or better features for less money.

With that said, I've supplied a list of budget controllers down below. All of these have "pro" level features, and they all come in under $100. That means they all have back buttons, advanced thumbstick tech that's immune to stick drift, customizable features, companion software, and/or other accessories and extras that you don't get on stock controllers from Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo. With Prime Day gaming deals happening right now, you might find that a lot of them are discounted, so your money could go even further. For more info on each one, click the "view details" button below each pick.

Don't forget too, that Prime Day is officially getting under way this week, meaning that you might be able to find some of these budget controllers for even more affordable prices. In fact, if some of the more expensive ones go on offer during the sale, you might also be able to make your money go a little further by checking out my personal list of top tested controllers to watch this Prime Day.

If you're looking to boost your Magic: The Gathering collection, then you wouldn't do wrong to wait for Prime Day to see what discounts Amazon will bring. But in the build-up, discounts are few and far between... except on one particular bundle.

For a limited time, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle bundle is down to $56 at Best Buy, marking a $14 reduction from its MSRP. This is, according to the retailer, a 'Trending Deal'. While it's not marked as such on its listing page, I found it in the site's Clearance section, which implies the stock may be limited. In other words, Best Buy is selling these until it's out, which could be any time now.

A bundle pack like this offers you over 150 cards, so it's a perfect way to bulk up your collection in a theme. It also includes a fair few theme-specific exclusives, with unique art, which you won't find by buying individual boosters.

Should you buy the MTG TMNT booster?

Best Buy's Magic: The Gathering range generally isn't seeing many discounts right now. Other than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles bundle, I'm having trouble finding anything that's greatly reduced.

That's true across other retailers too. I'm seeing a few discounts, mostly on Amazon, but nothing that's worth writing an entire article like this one about. A few potential picks are shared below.

This is probably because we're on the eve of Prime Day, and retailers (especially, but not only, Amazon), need to sell boosters and bundles at their MSRP so that the discount prices are actually discounted from something.

If you want to peruse a wide range of discounted Magic: The Gathering bundles, you'd do well to wait until Prime Day. However, if Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is your go-to right now, this set would be well worth picking. It's unlikely Prime Day will see it go that much cheaper, and there's a good chance it'll sell out before then anyway.

• MTG TMNT Turtle Team-Up | $49.99 $41.95 at Amazon
• MTG Marvel Super Heroes beginner box | $34.99 $29.89 at Amazon
• MTG TMNT Draft Night| $119.99 $85 at Amazon

Magic: The Gathering sales aren't the only discounts we're looking forward to over the next few days. We've got round-ups of Prime Day board game deals, and if like me you're crossing your fingers for a certain White Tower, a list of Lego Prime Day deals.

Most people buying an audio gadget for their gaming set-up are trying to pick up a headset, or perhaps speaker system. However one of the best buys might be a little smaller — and, for a limited time, a fair bit more affordable.

As part of Amazon's Early Prime Day deals, the Sony Inzone E9 have been reduced to $133. That's only 11% off from the $150 MSRP, but it brings the earbuds down to their lowest-ever price. However this deal ends later today: midnight PT, which is 3 am ET in the early hours of the 22nd. So you don't have long to decide on buying the buds, although another Inzone deal lasts longer.

In just a moment, we'll look at what the Sony Inzone E9 actually are, and why they're worth the premium. But to some people, earbuds like this just aren't conducive to gaming.

Thankfully, there's another option. The Sony Inzone H9 II is also reduced, this time by 15%, bringing them down to $298 at Amazon. This is a proper gaming headset, combining drivers and tuning from the brand's WH-1000XM6 consumer headphones, with some gaming perks and a microphone.

Should you buy the Sony Inzone E9?

The Sony Inzone E9 might be considered a fringe buy as a gaming audio product, but there's a reason to pay attention.

The buds are gaming versions of In-Ear Monitors, or IEMs. This kind of audio product was initially used by professional musicians, to allow for accurate sound reproduction when on stage or in a studio but without the bulk of a headset. However they've become popular amongst audiophiles for that same reason.

Their benefit is that, unlike over-ears which hold large drivers further from your ears, their small drivers are placed as close as possible to your eardrum. They're also often designed to reduce audio compression and offer precise sound placement.

This benefit in particular is what makes the Inzone E9 a tempting option. According to Sony, the buds were tuned specifically for FPS games, in which sound stage can be useful for situational awareness. They were designed alongside Fnatic, so they're esports-approved.

Being wired buds, they'll also ensure there's as little latency as possible between your game and the audio output. They connect via 3.5mm, but a USB-C adaptor is included for use in various other gadgets.

Even if you've no aspirations to be a competitive player, a developed sound stage will be wonderful for gaming, with open-world games and narrative experiences alike improved by it.

• Logitech G522 headset | $159.99 $129.99 at Amazon
• Asus ROG Delta II headset | $229.99 $129.99 at Amazon
• HyperX Cloud III wired headset | $99.99 $57.98 at Amazon

For more suggestions, we've got a round-up of the best gaming headsets. We're also keeping tabs on all of the Prime Day gaming deals in the worlds of audio, monitors, consoles, games and accessories, to help you find whatever discount you're after.

If you look beyond the tournament's various controversies, there haven't been that many World Cup 2026 upsets — but a few disappointing results from certain games means that many fans are going to see their teams go home early.

They'll have to wait four years for a rematch, but you don't need to. You can organize repeats on your console right now, because FC 26 is 40% off at Best Buy. That saving is across consoles, so whether you're a Switch player, own a PlayStation or are gaming on Xbox, you can pick up the latest EA Sports release for just $30.

Best Buy is rolling out these savings explicitly to tie into the 2026 World Cup. As well as the discounted FC 26, it's advertising several color options of Xbox Elite Series 2 Core as part of the celebrations, but these don't enjoy any kind of discount.

The retailer hasn't confirmed when the discounts will end, but it'll likely roll into a Prime Day-rivalling reduction when those begin on June 23.

Should you buy EA Sports FC 26?

I'm far from an annual FIFA EA Sports FC buyer, but it's hard to deny that the World Cup sparks an excitement that soccer video games let you enjoy. So if you only play every few years, this is probably a year worth trying.

And there are some big Group Stage matches that I'd really like to relitigate. Maybe Scotland can claw defeat from Morocco if I'm the one heading up the attack.

As per our own EA FC 26 review, this iteration of the game has brought quite a few major changes to the formula, including a refreshed Manager mode and a revamped Ultimate Team, so there's even more reason that this could be the soccer game to try.

When Prime Day comes, we'll possibly see the game go a little bit cheaper over at Amazon, but likely only by a dollar or two. And that's still a few days out, so you'll have to wait a few more days to see who makes it to your own personal Round of 32.

• Assassin's Creed Shadows PS5 / XSX | $49.99 $34.99 at Best Buy
• Star Wars Outlaws PS5 / XSX | $29.99 $19.99 at Best Buy

We'll have loads of Prime Day gaming deals for you to enjoy from June 23, and if you want to know what else is worth buying, here are the best football games we recommend.

If you ever want to enjoy mobile gaming again, you probably shouldn't buy a mobile controller. Wireless paddles like these are so useful, and make mobile gaming so much easier, that it's impossible to go back to on-screen touch controls.

I particularly can't recommend the Scuf Nomad, which is currently $31 off at Amazon; if any controller can transform your mobile gaming experience, then who knows what'll happen when you buy one of our top-rated models. The discounted model is the one designed for iPhones, and it's compatible with Apple Arcade, Steam Link, Xbox Game Pass, PS Remote and all your favorite phone games too.

This Scuf Nomad controller works on any iPhone since the iPhone 8, up to the iPhone 16 according to Scuf (and likely the iPhone 17 too, though that wouldn't have been out when the Nomad was released).

It's a paddle-style controller, which sits around your iPhone, offering symmetrical thumbsticks unlike many rivals. Another fairly distinct trait is the lack of any physical connector with your phone; it only pairs via Bluetooth, whereas most models I've tested require being plugged in.

In our 4.5-star Scuf Nomad review we praised the way it felt to play, with a useful array of buttons, and an app that offers lots of customization. We've since recommended it as one of the best of its kind.

Should you buy a mobile controller?

Mobile games' on-screen controls can be a little fiddly when you're first starting, but generally, you get used to them. That was my experience, at least, and as someone who reviews mobile phones for a living, you can rest assured I've spent a lot of time doing so.

However when I started using mobile controllers, any illusions I had of on-screen controls being acceptable, went straight out the window.

These accessories are great for gaming. They mean you don't need to stretch your hand over a large phone screen to have the controls within reach, and can press buttons instantly instead of having to readjust your digits to hit a 'fire' or 'attack' button. When I used one for Call of Duty Mobile, it felt tantamount to cheating; there's no way people with on-screen controls could stay competitive with a controllers' reaction speeds.

The best thing about them, though, is that they're often lightweight and portable. You can fold the Scuf Nomad down and take it on the go.

Unfortunately, I have to use on-screen controls for mobile gaming; it wouldn't be fair to review a mobile without ever using it this way. And now I know how lovely controllers can be, and how much better I perform with them, it's always a chore. So if you're considering buying a controller, be warned (but do it anyway, ignore my tongue-in-cheek protests!).

The only people who genuinely shouldn't buy the Scuf Nomad are Android gamers. There are loads of options for you, but the Nomad won't work.

• Backbone One | $99.99 $64.99 at Walmart
• GameSir Super Nova | $49.99 $29.99 at Best Buy

We'll have loads of Prime Day gaming deals for you to enjoy from June 23, and our list of the best mobile controllers for gaming will help you decide which to buy. If you want a larger gaming screen, we're also rounding up Prime Day iPad deals.

It's been nearly two years since Astro Bot came out (feel old yet), and the PS5-exclusive title has done an amazing job at keeping its value. That's no wonder for a game we gave a full five-star review to, but it means you have to pick the opportune time to buy it for yourself.

Opportune times including... now? You can currently buy Astro Bot for $39 at Amazon, marking one of the most sizeable reductions we've seen from its $59.99 price point (it seems to be the lowest price Amazon's ever listed it for, but by less than $1). The price is hidden by default, but if you add the game to your basket, you'll see that new cost. With prices like that, who needs to wait for the Steam Summer Sale to get a discount?

We rank Astro Bot as the best PlayStation 5 game you can play, right at #1 position on the list, so it's well worth checking out if you haven't already.

It's a platform game akin to its four predecessors, which was designed from the ground up as a PS5 exclusive, and exhibition of some of the console's features. Notable, that means it uses the DualSense's various features in ingenious ways.

Developer Team Asobi has continued to ply Astro Bot with level packs and updates ever since release, incldding plenty of crossovers with Final Fantasy, Tekken and Rayman.

Should you buy Astro Bot?

If you're in any way interested in platformers, especially classic PS2-era ones, it's definitely worth checking out.

Multi-platform gamers might be reticent to buy any games right now, knowing that the Steam Summer Sale is due to begin on June 25. However, as a PS5 exclusive Astro Bot won't see a discount then — the question is would you rather wait to see another game discounted there.

Astro Bot's discount comes on the eve of Prime Day PS5 deals, and we'll likely see various PS5 game discounts between June 23 and June 26. If you've got a long wish-list, it may be worth waiting to see which titles get reduced. However I don't expect to see Astro Bot itself go any cheaper than its current cost.

• Sonic Superstars PS5 | $29.99 $19.99 at Amazon
• Gran Turismo 7 PS5 | $69.99 $38.49 at Amazon
• God of War Ragnarök | $69.99 $31.89 at Amazon

Don't worry, there will be more Prime Day gaming deals for you to enjoy, and plenty of Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals on consoles, games and accessories. And if you've already enjoyed Astro Bot and want to know what else to play, check out the rest of our guide to the best PS5 games you can play.

There's not much that touches the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller as a piece of kit for Switch 2 gaming, but it's not exactly a cheap buy. That's something that GameSir looked to fix with a controller that still keeps wake functionality on board, and it's now cheaper than ever before.

The GameSir Super Nova wireless controller is $20 off at Best Buy, in one of the retailer's Prime Day-rivalling discounts. That's a better reduction than Amazon has on the controller, with its own stock going for $5-$7 more, though it's worth noting that Best Buy has only the single red and white variant on offer.

Usually, the GameSir Super Nova comes in five color options, though in this case only the red and white one is discounted. It's designed for mobile, Switch, Switch 2 or PC use, connecting via cable, Bluetooth or with a USB dongle, and having a charging dock in the box.

It has an asymmetrical face layout, 1,000Hz polling rate and membrane buttons, and it offers RGB lighting too. According to GameSir, a focus for the controller was buttons that are quiet and long-lasting.

Should you buy the GameSir Super Nova?

The Super Nova is one of the only third party Switch 2 controllers we've ever seen that lets you wake the Switch 2 just using the controller. The Pro Controller does, but it'll also set you back much more than the GameSir.

It's a small feature, but one that proves itself really useful when your handheld is docked and you want to use it like a console. If this is the way you usually play on the Switch 2, it could prove a really handy feature to make the Super Nova a must-buy.

The real question, though, is whether you should wait for Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals (beginning on June 23), or stick with Best Buy's early rival.

Looking at the price, I don't imagine the Super Nova will sell for less than this any time soon. It's likely that Amazon will match this price, but far from given that it'll go lower.

So if you're happy with the color option, it's worth buying now. If you'd rather take your chance and see if another hue will go down to $30, there's a good chance, but even if not their sale prices aren't far off. And if you don't mind the waking feature at all, some other Switch 2 controllers are reduced...

• Turtle Beach Rematch controller | $59.99 $29.99 at Best Buy
• PowerA wired controller | $22.99 $17.49 at Best Buy
• 8BitDo Ultimate controller | $69.99 $54.99 at Best Buy

We've got round-ups of all the best Prime Day gaming deals, as well as a collection of all the Prime Day PS5 deals you'll want to consider. And if you're set on finding an accessory for your handheld, here are the best Nintendo Switch controllers to buy.

Demand for the newly launched Steam Controller has clearly caught Valve off guard, but it's now providing clear reservation estimates at its storefront. If you missed the proverbial gamepad boat the first time around, you'll now find yourself in one of three groups, and some of you might not receive your controller in time for the Steam Machine's arrival.

In a statement, Valve admits, "When we launched Steam Controller last month, we quickly saw that initial demand exceeded our expectations." The storefront giant also says that by switching to a reservation queuing system, it hopes to "cut down on the headaches on the customer side" and enable a process that'll ultimately lead to more gamepad orders being processed.

To "manage expectations", Valve is also now using three specific timeframes for when players can anticipate an availability email. The three windows are "by September 2026, by December 2026, or by 2027," and the date you're presented with will be based on when you initially ordered. For instance, if you were one of the first to order the pad after the initial wave dried up, you can expect to get one by the end of the Summer, whereas those of you who order today will have to wait until some point next year.

I just checked my personal reservation, and I apparently won't be receiving my Steam Controller until 2027. The gamepad queue opened back up on May 8, so if you waited until after then to log in and click the button, you'll be in the same boat as me.

Before you start panicking, just know that if the Steam Machine lands next week, it should be available with or without the controller. Naturally, you'll have to pay more for such a bundle, and since Valve hasn't confirmed any pricing, we have no idea whether buying with a pad will save you any pennies. If it does work out cheaper, that could be a bummer for those of you who picked up the accessory early, intending to unite it with the mini PC down the road, but it'd be a certified "phew" moment for those of you who have exercised patience.

Of course, you don't need a Steam Controller to play games on the Steam Machine. Biog console scene disrupting plans aside, and its dinky form factor, it's still just a tiny rig, albeit one that uses SteamOS just like the Steam Deck OLED. Therefore, you can buy cheaper PC controllers that will work fine with the box without waiting until 2027 for an official accessory.

Keep in mind that the Steam Controller also costs $99 / £85. That makes it one of the priciest standard system pads out there, so unless you're itching to play games that'd normally require a mouse with those dual touchpads, or you just want to make its haptics sing songs, there are plenty of more affordable pads for your PC out there.

That's not to say I'd argue against grabbing a Steam Controller, as it's one of coolest hardware releases of the year amid the doom and gloom of RAMageddon. Valve has confirmed that you can still reserve the gamepad despite the lengthy queues, and while the estimated date will be 2027, you could end up with the accessory earlier.

The question on my mind now is whether the Steam Machine will face the same demand as its controller. If it ends up costing substantially more than a PS5 Pro, you might have an easier time grabbing the box, and while GTA 6 pre-orders could land at the same time, that long-awaited crime caper could be a reason not to grab the mini PC over a conventional console.

• Steam Deck accessories at Amazon
• Mini PCs at Amazon

Sticking with your handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck docks to enhance your at-home and on-the-go setup.

Sony has been known to file the most bizarre controller patents on the internet, oftentimes just for the sake of it. Most PlayStation patents never see the light of day, mainly serving as a "this is mine, you can't have it" level of legal protection. But after seeing the latest one, which resembles the shape of one of the best joysticks, you might wonder why on earth Sony would want the rights to some of these ideas.

The latest published patent from the Japanese gaming giant is shaped just like a typical gaming joystick - you know, those things your uncle used to play flight sim and starfighter games with back when he was young.

I'll warn you now; it's very difficult to read you the description of this patent without my immature sense of humour forcing a giggle or two, but I'll try and keep it together and be professional for you. (If you want to have a giggle to yourself, I've put the funny bits in italics for you)

"This operation device is provided with an operation member that receives an operation from a user. The operation device is provided with: a contact part that is disposed on the surface of the operation member and receives a force applied by the user for the operation; and a hardness control unit that changes the hardness of the contact part."

I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous, but I swear to you that's the actual description of the patent. The patent was originally filed back in November 2024, but only published in May of this year under the name Operation Device, Information Processing Apparatus, Control Method Thereof, and Program. It's since been spotted by Cheat Happens, but has been reported on by numerous gaming outlets.

Beyond its very silly, slightly creepy description, I do think the product that's depicted in the patent is really just a broad example, and this patent has been filed so that Sony can explore the concept of it in the future. In fact, it could point to the brand's controller plans for the PS6.

For instance, I don't think Sony is going to be releasing a joystick with hardening and softening button actuations anytime soon. I think really, the thing Sony wants legal rights to could be a progression of the haptic feedback we've seen with the PS5 controller, the DualSense.

Imagine if there wasn't just haptic feedback in the grips of your gamepad, and imagine if that adaptive trigger resistance that feels so cool in Returnal or Astro Bot was applied to each button on your DualSense. That would open the door to so many enhanced moments of game feel and fun character bits in games.

If you were playing as Ellie in The Last of Us Part II and you were trying to crawl toward a gun on the ground during a scripted fight scene, the buttons could get harder to tap just for that moment, which might help to indicate how much of a struggle it was for the character. Your jump button could have a different actuation while playing as Astro Bot than in another game, or your axe recall as Kratos could feel even heavier. That certainly opens more interesting doors for players than done-to-death quicktime events.

If anyone's interested in the mechanics of the patent, the adaptive resistance in the buttons would function using a magneto-viscoelastic elastomer - which sounds made up. Essentially, it's a material that uses attached magnets to harden and soften resistance.

As weird as it is at first glance, this patent does really intrigue me. Not the weird joystick-sex-toy looking thing, the concept of enhanced button resistance. As a PC controller nerd, I really like when companies can push the envelope to give us a more immersive feel in video games. I also feel a tad disappointed with how haptics and trigger resistance have been implemented this generation, because I'm not sure they've lived up to their potential.

To be completely honest, I'm not sure a more conclusive suite of feedback options would be something developers would go in for next generation if the current options have gone underutilized. Even so, if the mechanics and potential are there, it could mean a future with even better feedback as we play.

Do you play on another platform? Check out the best Xbox Series X controllers, the best Switch 2 controllers, and the best TMR controllers.