In the last year, Scuf and Razer have done the seemingly impossible. Despite previous generations stipulating that a brand could only release one officially licensed controller per PlayStation generation, both of them have launched their second PS5 controller.

They're both extremely feature-dense too. The Razer Raiju V3 Pro and the Scuf Omega both have six extra buttons alongside their standard PlayStation gamepad offering. Both are wireless, both have PC apps that let you dial down to their nitty-gritty settings, and both lend themselves to multiplayer, competitive gameplay on Sony's consoles.

There's no point in stretching this out, though. While both are excellent gamepads and we enjoyed testing them, we'd recommend one over the other, and that's not just the subjective view of one person. While I test and review all the latest controllers that come out, my managing editor, Tabitha, reviewed the Scuf Omega and has hands-on time with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro - the Xbox equivalent of the Raiju.

Meanwhile, I reviewed the Raiju V3 Pro and then tested and reviewed the Scuf Envision Pro, a PC controller with the exact same body and almost all of the same elements as the Omega, just without its official licensing from Sony.

We both have the same opinion on which controller you should buy, and it's the Razer Raiju V3 Pro. For a full rundown of these controllers, their design, and features, check out our reviews linked in the highlighted text above. But for time's sake, allow us to explain.

The side button problem

For starters, the Scuf Omega and the Scuf Envision Pro have what very few controllers have: side bumpers. On paper, and in other instances, these extra buttons are excellent additions, providing a way for you to actuate extra functions with your inner index knuckles as you play. Depending on how you grip and how long your index fingers are, that might be more useful than a pair of extra bumpers on the top of the controller (like the Razer Raiju has, for example).

The issue is that with the way Scuf has designed the Omega, these buttons are far too easy to push. You might read that and think, human error, get gud, but honestly, both myself and Tabitha have found that, despite our difference in hand sizes, Scuf's design is the issue.

The Envision Pro was the exact same when I tried it, and I actually really wanted to like and use those side bumpers because of how much I enjoyed them on the CRKD Nitro Deck+.

The way they're angled and their light actuation force means you will press them by accident often, and even once you adjust and relearn, they're a liability when you're in heated gameplay moments.

Sure, the solution you're thinking of is to remove them and replace them with the blank covers you get in the box - but then the Raiju is a clear winner with its six extra buttons. So unless you really prefer the design of the Scuf Omega or you want a custom colorway that only Scuf can provide, I'd avoid the trouble entirely and go for Razer.

Razer's back buttons

On the flip side, we really prefer Razer's back buttons. Scuf has a signature back button layout where they wrap around your middle finger and sit horizontally across the gamepad's back. This is opposed to the standard design the rest of the industry goes for where they're integrated into the grips of the controller for your middle and ring fingers to play with.

I'm sure this works for some people, but certainly anyone I've talked to about it who has tried both back button layouts prefers Razer's layout of one pair of back buttons underneath the other.

For the record, Razer's aren't my all-time favorite because they're a tad too close together, but they line up with the Wolverine V3 Pro in that they're positioned well and actuate with the same speedy microswitch clickiness that the rest of the controller's buttons do. That makes them feel more instantaneous when you need to press them in a tense gameplay moment, whereas the angles and positioning of the Scuf Omega's back buttons take a bit more of a thought adjusting to.

If you're looking for great back buttons, I'd go for the Raiju.

Slippy thumbsticks

Scuf brands itself as an FPS controller go-to, but I personally have always struggled to see that because its controllers have thumbsticks with absolutely no texture out of the box.

This is one of the most vital parts of FPS controller design, so I don't know what I'm missing here, but whenever I test one of this brand's pads, I need to really adjust and put more thought into pushing my thumbs down onto the sticks because they just have absolutely minimal grip.

That means smaller adjustments, which you'll want to make use of with TMR thumbsticks, are much harder to make. My aim always seems to suffer with Scuf's thumbsticks, so I don't know what I'm missing. The swappable tops you get in the carry case help a bit, but it's an issue with the texture this brand uses.

Especially if you're buying for competitive FPS gameplay, I'd go with Razer because you need confidence that no matter what thumbstick height you prefer, your controller isn't going to cost you the aim you're capable of.

The rest is pretty close

Besides those things, it's admittedly a pretty close race between the Raiju and the Omega. Both have TMR thumbsticks, both are symmetrical, which will suit PlayStation fans, both have clicky microswitch buttons, and both are subject to the same licensing parameters, so you won't get haptic feedback or adaptive triggers on either.

There are still some smaller design choices that we think differentiate the two, however. For example, the Omega has a four-way D-pad which, while PlayStation-remiscent, isn't as practical as the Raiju's floating 8-way one. Similarly, the trigger stop switches on the Omega are hidden into their triggers, which is very sleek and stylish, but not exactly practical if you want to flick one on while you're mid-match. Razer's are a lot more easily accessed.

It may come down to preference for you. If you've used a Scuf controller before and you like the back button layout and don't mind the thumbstick texture, the Omega might be good for you.

Personally, and this is backed up by my managing editor's hands-on experience too, it's got to be the Raiju V3 Pro.

For more, read up on the best TMR thumbsticks, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Switch 2 controllers.

Two years on from the launch of its popular Wolverine V3 Pro controller, Razer is launching the Wolverine V4 Pro, and while it looks nearly identical, it's hiding some tricks within. Most notably, this new Xbox Series X controller has opted not to use TMR thumbsticks, which have become the industry gold standard since the last Wolverine hit the shelves.

In fact, Razer has chosen to include swappable magnetic elements in the Wolverine V4 Pro, which means a choice of TMR sticks (Tunneling magneto-resistance, which utilize tiny electromagnets) would undoubtedly cause performance issues. Instead, Razer is opting for what it says are even higher-resolution capacitive sensors that are also more power-efficient than TMR and Hall sensors.

This fancy new style of thumbstick technology is still immune to stick drift; don't you worry.

Interestingly, this time around Razer has dropped the carrying case from the offering, even while keeping the same $199.99 / £199.99 price as its predecessor. When I saw a sneak peek of this controller at Gamescom, I asked why that was the case, and the product designers told me it was because they find that people don't take their controller on the go enough to warrant it. Personally, that was never the reason I made use of the carry case, as it was a handy way to store the pricey accessory and keep all of its swappable parts safe. Not to mention, it was another way to differentiate it from its Tournament Edition model, which is a fully wired, cheaper alternative that'll also return for the V4 Pro generation.

That said, the Wolverine V4 Pro has the same swappable parts you'd expect from this product family. There are differently sized thumbsticks for you to choose from, a cable, a wireless dongle, and some blanks you can magnetically swap out if you'd rather remove the controller's back buttons.

In addition to those four back buttons, you'll also get two extra bumpers/shoulder buttons. As was the case for the V3 Pro, the entire gamepad is decked out with extremely clicky microswitch buttons brought over from the brand's Esports mice. This time, these have a slightly adjusted actuation, which the folks at Razer told me was implemented to add a bit more comfort.

The triggers maintain their stop switches too, so you can turn them into microswitches as well if you want the absolute speediest button presses possible. As you might expect, the entire device is controllable through Razer Synapse in case you'd like to fine-tune all the aspects of its settings. There will be four onboard profiles.

It seems as though Razer may be planning some more aesthetic choices this time around since it's emulating Scuf's magnetic faceplate design. I'll be interested to see what kind of cosmetic support arrives for it.

Most of all, however, I'm excited to see how Razer's gamble with a previously untested type of thumbstick module pays off in the V4 Pro. TMR sticks are already getting to a point where they're imperceptibly fast and even twitchier at higher polling rates, so as a controller reviewer, I struggle to see how we could be moving into an even more accurate generation of thumbstick technology. That said, this is the first gamepad of its kind, so it will be interesting to see if other brands pick up Razer's design in favor of magnetic, swappable parts.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the best PC controllers, the best TMR controllers, and the best PS5 controllers.

Nacon is launching its second officially licensed PS5 Pro controller, and it's the first ever to bring a built-in display and menu system to Sony's console ecosystem. Controllers with displays aren't exactly rare these days, as Xbox, Switch 2, and PC all have loads of gamepads with this feature, but Nacon's new Revolution 5 Unlimited is the first PS5 controller sporting a screen.

If you've been following the market for a while, you may remember the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, Nacon's first crack at PS5 gamepad glory. That's been holding a top spot on our PS5 gamepad buyer's guide for a while now as the best for longevity thanks to its excellent build quality. Nacon has since launched a refined model of that controller for the Xbox Series X, called the Revolution X Unlimited (RXU).

The new Revolution 5 Unlimited picks up where that one left off, and I'm personally very excited because the RXU has become one of my all-time favorite gaming peripherals since it hit the shelves, so PS5 players are in for a treat.

As well as a screen and its own menu system that lets you control connections, button mapping, profiles, lighting, thumbstick sensitivity, and more, you also get a slew of pro controller features that modern rivals like the Scuf Omega and Razer Raiju V3 Pro will find it tough to trump.

The R5U sports six extra buttons (four back buttons and two extra bumpers), as well as top-drawer TMR thumbsticks which improve upon the Xbox version's Hall effect ones.

A personal favorite for me has to be the face buttons, which, despite being microswitches, have a beautifully light actuation that makes them feel super comfortable and tactile to use. The RXU has some of my favorite face buttons of any controller.

Naturally, like any officially licensed PS5 controller, it'll lack the DualSense's haptic feedback and adaptive trigger resistance - these are stipulations for controllers to secure their Sony licensing. Nacon has a clever way around this, which I'm really excited for, because in its dedicated PC mode, it will make use of its built-in vibration feedback.

For PS5 players, this might not make a massive difference, but personally, I prefer a controller with a bit more heft, and recent options without any rumble motors in their grips have left things feeling a bit too light and cheap for their price.

That's also where Nacon's excellent offering of accessories comes in. Nacon will provide a carrying case and even a charging dock - another first in the PS5 market. Again, this is now fairly standard in the Xbox and PC controller realm, but no third-party controller for PS5 has managed to break a charging stand through Sony's licensing parameters.

Also in the case, you'll find additional weights you can place in the controller's grips, different thumbstick tops, a wireless dongle, and a cleaning cloth and cable.

In an interesting turn from Nacon's previous gamepads, you can customize the R5U separately, but this time using a dedicated mobile app instead of a PC one. I asked Nacon if a PC application would be coming in the future, but the product managers didn't give me a concrete answer.

The biggest downside to the R5U is its price, which tops out at $229.99 for US shoppers but only £179.99 in the UK. That's a huge pricing disparity for both territories, making it one of the most expensive PS5 pads in the US but actually one of the more affordable ones for UK gamers. In the UK, that'll put it below the refined price of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, which has held the best overall position on our buying guide for years.

I can't wait to test out what seems to be the most feature-rich PS5 controller to date.

• See all PS5 controllers at Amazon

Narrowing down your gamepad search? Here are the best TMR controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Switch 2 controllers.

Lisa DualSense pre-orders are now live in both the US and UK, with PS Direct listing the collaboration in both territories this morning. We're still seeing solid supplies on both sides of the pond to boot.

The $84 / £74.99 special release seems to have been modelled off the Chroma Peal model of one of the best PS5 controllers, with that iridescent sheen kept intact on a bright white base. The Blackpink member's stamp has been firmly set upon the touchpad, though, and continues all the way through the main grips. It's an understated limited edition, but one K-pop fans are going to be all over.

So far, we've seen stock emerging from a range of retailers in the UK so it looks as if this one isn't a PS Direct exclusive. I'd still head to Sony first of all, it's likely to be one of the first retailers to drop Lisa DualSense pre-orders in the US later today, but there are likely other options waiting in the wings as well.

Lisa DualSense pre-orders in the US

Lisa DualSense pre-orders in the UK

You'll still find plenty of GTA 6 DualSense pre-orders on the shelves, but we're also getting you prepped for all this year's Black Friday PS5 deals across the best PS5 accessories as well.

If you've been playing plenty of Control Resonant since it launched last week, you might be experiencing the same thing a lot of us are - spongy enemies leading to the game's exceptional combat feeling a little tiresome at times. Fret not, because I'm here to help you with a few solutions you might not have thought of yet, and they both come down to how you use your PS5, Xbox, or PC controller.

I don't know about you, but the issue with the Hiss being able to take so much damage isn't so much a difficulty problem for me; it's just a lot of button mashing, which can cause fatigue if you want to explore Remedy's mind-bending version of New York in longer sessions, as I do. Moreover, too much pressing can cause injuries like repetitive strain, carpal tunnel, or even just cause your gamepad to wear down more quickly.

But that's why I'm a big believer in back buttons - in fact, I'd say that I use them more than face buttons these days, especially since it's my job to review the latest gaming peripherals and they're a common feature on most of them today. The great thing about them is that they effectively double up a function you already have on a standard controller. If you map a spare back or shoulder button to your attack button, for example, you've suddenly got two ways to inflict damage instead of one.

This would be my first suggestion to anyone who wants a "remedy" for repetitive and sometimes painful button mashing. Double up a back button to your in-game attack and then alternate which one you press if you need to. You can make this a bit more engaging by pressing both buttons in the same sequence, tapping one and then the other in an attack combo. Alternatively, you could just switch what attack button you're pressing and only focus on one as and when you need to.

The other really cool thing about back buttons is that they're sometimes called "macro" buttons. The reason for this is that many controllers allow you to map not just one function to them, but a sequence of presses. For example, if you have a go-to combo with Dylan's Aberrant, then combat finisher, then stronger attack mapped to Y or Triangle, you could program that button press sequence to one single press of your controller's extra function.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of that idea in a game like Control Resonant since it'd take away a lot of the fun, engaging combat mechanics. But if you're struggling with the game's level of difficulty, bear with me.

The benefit of doing this on a controller like the one I just reviewed last week, the GameSir Tarantula 8K, is that if you're in a giant battle with loads of Hiss enemies where you need to be absolutely on-point with your dodges, you can essentially take away your brain's need to focus on one of the combat tasks.

Pressing one single button that's macro-mapped to an entire attack sequence frees up your hands to just focus on controlling the camera, Dylan's movement, and manning the dodge button. It also allows you to concentrate more on the UI, the approaching enemies, and how you can use the environment to your advantage.

Don't forget, if you're really struggling with the game's combat, you can also head into the gameplay settings and play around with assist mode, which lets you control Dylan's damage output level, falter level, and more.

Personally, if you ask me, spongy enemies are more of a game design problem, but that doesn't mean we can't use hardware to make things a bit less irritating. The good news is that back buttons or macro functions are pretty common on both Xbox controllers and PS5 controllers these days, and won't even take you long to set up. If you're on PC and you're just looking for a cheap alternative, there are loads of options for you too.

Want to dive deeper into gamepad tech? Take a look at the best TMR controllers, the best joysticks, and the best Switch 2 controllers.

Off the back of my full 8Bitdo FlipPad review, I've been weighing up whether a discount could help it thrive. It's already one of the best retro controllers for Game Boy games on your phone in my eyes, but with Prime Day sneaking up fast, it could end up at a no-brainer price, especially if you're not into buying a standalone handheld in 2026.

There's room to argue that the 8Bitdo FlipPad is already pretty good value at $29.99, as it's $5 cheaper than its main rival, the GameSir Pocket Taco. That latter, chunkier controller usually goes for $34.99 on an ordinary day, although it does pack Bluetooth connectivity and shoulder buttons into its bulkier shell.

The short of it is that the 8Bitdo FlipPad is a sleeker, less obtrusive set of buttons for your phone for quick, casual sessions. Its excellent hinge mechanism lets your modern-day doomscroller almost cosplay as a 2000s flip phone, all while letting you flick the panel out of the way for when you actually have to do things on your phone. It also hooks up directly via USB-C, so you'll never need to worry about battery life or power issues getting in the way of your Pokemon sessions.

In contrast, the Pocket Taco turns your phone into its namesake, clamping onto your device at the bottom. Again, it's Bluetooth, so it will actually work with your Switch or even a docked Analogue Pocket should you prefer your Game Boy games on a bigger screen, but it's main goal is to give you something that feels like Ninty's brick to grip onto on your travels.

Both mobile controllers serve pretty similar roles, and both take opposite approaches in doing so. The Pocket Taco is for those of you who want a fully fledged Game Boy controller that doesn't rely on your phone and will be suited to all games across the Game Boy's expansive library, including GBA games that rely on shoulder buttons. On the flip side, the FlipPad feels more geared towards players with a very standard phone setup, as it'll fit best to a handset with iPhone dimensions and a case that's 2mm in thickness.

The Pocket Taco is for those of you who want a fully fledged Game Boy controller that doesn't rely on your phone and will be suited to all games across the Game Boy's expansive library, including GBA games that rely on shoulder buttons. On the flip side, the FlipPad feels more geared towards players with a very standard phone setup, as it'll fit best to a handset with iPhone dimensions and a case that's 2mm in thickness.

I would crown the FlipPad as the better-feeling controller thanks to its clicky dome buttons and solid feel. The Pocket Taco comparatively feels a bit cheaper, but it does mimic the plastics of an OG Game Boy in a more authentic way while packing more features than just plain USB-C connectivity.

Ultimately, I'd keep an eye out for both during Prime Day on October 6 and 7 (don't you dare say it), but I have a funny feeling 8Bitdo will include the FlipPad in its usual wave of nifty discounts, and failing that, Black Friday retro deals are set to arrive in November as a backup.

• Retro controllers at Amazon
• Game Boy clones at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for remakes, emulation systems, and collectable mini systems.

I firmly believe you need to be a specific type of player for the 8Bitdo FlipPad to win you over. The idea of quickly turning your doomscroller cell phone into a Game Boy with physical buttons is alluring, yes, but when you weigh up the quirks compared to just, well, grabbing one of the best retro handhelds out there designed to run classic capers, the appeal slightly falls apart.

None of that stops the 8Bitdo FlipPad from excelling as one of the best retro controllers for Game Boy games, though, as it's one of the nicest pads I've tested yet. For $29.99, you're getting an accessory that offers satisfyingly clicky buttons, a hinge that'll make even your iPhone feel like a '90s flip phone, and an extremely low-profile design.

That sadly all comes at a pretty high cost for the FlipPad, as its direct USB-C design means that, unlike the GameSir Pocket Taco, it's fully dependent on your phone. For your 30 bucks, you're basically getting an, admittedly nice-feeling, set-up buttons hooked up to a direct USB connection, and when you consider that alongside some really unfortunate design limitations things get a little tricky.

Flippin slick

I'll admit that I've spent more time with this gamepad than I'd usually give to a Game Boy controller. I even specifically placed the 8Bitdo FlipPad in the hands of a casual retro gamer to conduct some further A/B testing.

The reason is simple: I wanted to absolutely confirm whether stripping back a Game Boy-style controller like this to a sleek "pad" is worth it. The FlipPad is undeniably the sleekest of its kind out there, and its 19.7mm profile makes the GameSir Pocket Taco look like a bulky plastic monster by comparison, not to mention it weighs in at only 31.5 grams.

But, that sleekness comes at the cost of useful innards. Again, you're only getting USB-C with the FlipPad and, in reality, that means it's confined to either the bottom of your phone or slightly larger compatible devices (I've already experimented using the Razer Edge).

Cramming everything into a small rectangle designed to rest on the bottom of a phone screen also eliminates good junk in the trunk. The Pocket Taco uses this asset to stow away a battery and give its shoulder buttons somewhere to hang, whereas 8Bitdo has opted to stick four left and right "back" buttons on its face.

I'll admit there aren't too many games suited to a Game Boy layout that make use of proper shoulder buttons anyway. However, if you did fancy strafing in the likes of DOOM for the GBA, you'll probably get your fingers in a bit of a twist trying to press the top toggles while shooting via the face buttons and using the D-pad.

And yet, part of me does buy into the idea of trimming everything back to make the slickest Game Boy mobile controller possible. The idea here is that by containing everything to the bottom centre of your screen, it'll merely feel like your phone has physical clicky buttons, rather than feeling like it's wedged between a gamepad. It's exactly how you'd want an accessory you'll be sneaking in Pokemon sessions with on the go, and that plays into its strengths as a casual controller.

Case by case basis

If there's one thing 8Bitdo has really dropped the ball on with the FlipPad, it's accommodations for specific phone cases and non-standard handsets. As a gadget that connects straight into your doomscroller, it relies on you using a "standard" protective shell that's around 2mm thick. That will specifically ensure the controller fits flush to the base of your device, but through my own testing, I've rarely found that to be the case.

Had I only tested the FlipPad with the latest iPhone and the apparent 2mm case the FlipPad is designed around, I'd be saying the controller fits perfectly. You'll no doubt see plenty of videos and articles claiming there are no issues in that department, but I unfortunately wasn't treated to that Goldilocks "just right" scenario. Yes, my proverbial porridge was either too cold or too hot, representing the woe of the pad wiggling side to side or not fitting at all.

I specifically tested the FlipPad with a Google Pixel 7 and a protective shell, and while I could plug it into the USB-C port, it still suffered from an air-gap pivot. I suspect that's because the phone's cheaper silicone shell was out by a fraction of a millimeter, but it's more or less the sort of generic accessory you'll get at Amazon.

In contrast, I wasn't able to plug the FlipPad into an Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro with a Devil Case attached at all. I should note that I wouldn't have been able to use the controller with the handset anyway since it has a very silly offset USB-C port, but even if it were centered, thicker protective cases are going to be too deep and prevent the pad from reaching your port.

I don't want to tell 8Bitdo how to suck design eggs here, but I do reckon the FlipPad could have avoided fit issues with some tweaks. While I get that the controller maker was trying to keep connectivity faff free, some plastic adapters to suit different phones and case thicknesses could have made a meaningful difference. Since the gamepad relies on USB-C, I reckon going the extra mile with a system that helps adjust things specifically for your phone would have made a lot of sense, and ultimately would have helped it achieve a near-perfect score.

It all hinges on the pivot

It's in the name, but one of the FlipPad's biggest draws lies in the fact it "flips." The mechanical hinge absolutely plays into forgotten hardware mechanics that were once harnessed by phones and handhelds like the Game Boy Advance SP. In both those cases, the folding elements were designed to stand in the way of unwanted interaction, say, a bunch of keys in your pocket, but with 8Bitdo's Game Boy controller, the role is reversed.

The FlipPad's hinge exists to throw the controller out of the way when you need screen access. Like it or not, Android emulation suites and apps, like RetroArch, will require tweaking by touch, and interacting with settings menus, or even just taking a call in between games, is a pain when you have to revert things back to a vanilla cell phone. By way of flipping, 8Bitdo's design lets you flick the buttons out of the way with a solid snap that keeps it in place.

The hinge mechanism itself is extremely satisfying, providing a more solid, mechanical feel than something like a GBA SP. The swivel mechanism will apparently withstand over 6,000 flicks, and I genuinely reckon I'm halfway there since I've been using mine as a fidget toy. I should note that I'm doing that without it plugged into anything, as I'd be slightly paranoid about putting stress on a device's USB port through the force of the pivot.

If you use the perfect-size case without an air gap, your port should be safe. In normal circumstances, even slight movement shouldn't pose a threat, but I know better than to put needless stress on USB-C ports. I don't really think the FlipPad is committing any real sins here, but I do want to illustrate how 8Bitdo's design feels to use in practice.

Cromulent clicks

The 8Bitdo FlipPad's buttons don't really feel like an actual Game Boy, but in this instance, that's a good thing. Instead of opting for traditional membranes, this mobile controller uses click dome contacts that provide pleasingly tactile inputs that are closer to microswitches in feel. That means less travel and a more definitive input confirmation that's confirmed through ASMR-tier sounds, and that helps reinforce the overall design.

Had the FlipPad gone with the same arguably more authentic-feeling membranes of the GameSir Pocket Taco, its whole feel would have potentially been compromised. The fact that the controller will pivot if you don't use the right case ties into this, as the shorter travel of the dome buttons means less surface pressure that could potentially cause the unit to shift around even with the rubber pad gripping the screen.

You will absolutely still feel a bit of movement with the wrong case, particularly if you're playing something more frantic like a shoot-em-up or hectic NES platformer. But, in many calmer situations, the travel means the gamepad will largely stay put, in turn helping mask some of the connector's shortcomings.

The physical feel of the buttons lives up to 8Bitdo's usual quality levels, with a soft-touch matte finish on the face buttons accompanied by embossed A,B,X,Y symbols. The D-pad is the one element that feels like it's trying to emulate a Game Boy, as it's virtually a 3/4 replica of Nintendo's original, complete with those iconic ridges (for performance, naturally).

I still stand by the idea that the FlipPad is better suited to quick plug-and-play casual experiences. You can expect nice precision and minimal latency since we're talking about direct USB-C, which does lend itself to trickier platformers. That said, You're not getting as full a layout here since the shoulders are on the front, and it will limit your scope for playing games from across the console generations that use more buttons.

Less isn't always more

8Bitdo's FlipPad scores major points for sleekness and feel, but it really sacrifices additional features to make it happen. Even if it increased the price to the same as the Pocket Taco, a way to connect the controller to other devices and consoles via Bluetooth would have helped it excel, and that could have been achieved with some sort of plugin puck.

Using an additional back unit with some guts inside could have also provided a place for optional shoulder buttons, again, providing opportunity for an additional hardware feature. These are admittedly all plans 8Bitdo could have in the works for a Pro version (if not, then feel free to steal), but the current version feels a bit bare bones otherwise.

The streamlined nature of the FlipPad will work for some players, largely those of you who want something extremely discrete on the front of your phone. Adding in the above extras would have captured an additional slice of the market pie by providing external Game Boy buttons for everything from your Switch to something more niche like a docked Analogue Pocket. Perhaps there's room for that still, and while it keeps the gamepad from perfection, it's not a complete dealbreaker.

Should you pick up the 8Bitdo FlipPad?

As a mobile controller geared towards 8 and 16-bit era games, the 8Bitdo FlipPad is one of the best around. It's sleek, unobtrusive, and provides excellent clicky buttons that will bring you a lot of tactile joy. The hinge mechanism also makes for a phenomenal solution to retaining cell phone functionality while having buttons smacked on the front that feel like a natural part of the device, but its commitment to the compact bit is what keeps it from being the ultimate Game Boy controller.

Quirks with the connector requiring a specific 2mm-thick case act as part of the roadblock to a perfect score. But, I ultimately think ditching elements like Bluetooth connectivity for wider compatibility is the FlipPad's real Achilles' heel. It might reach the same heights as the Pocket Taco by way of a sleeker approach, but by not matching it on its wireless capabilities and physical shoulder buttons, it can't soar past its competitor.

Deciding between the FlipPad and Pocket Taco really comes down to your gameplay preferences. If you can pluck out games you know will use physical shoulder buttons, you're largely better off with the latter, whereas if you're really just looking for a nicer way to play OG Game Boy romps like Pokemon, 8Bitdo's buttons will provide a much nicer feel and less bulk. Both are solid options, but I can't help but feel I'm still waiting for an elevated accessory that really pays tribute to Ninty's iconic brick.

How I tested the 8Bitdo FlipPad

Over the course of a month, I put the 8Bitdo FlipPad to the test using various USB-C phones and devices, including the Google Pixel 7, Asus ROG Phone, and Razer Edge gaming handheld. To assess its functionality, build quality, and overall feel, I used RetroArch to emulate suitable arcade and Game Boy games, evaluating whether the design aspects make the gamepad a better fit for 8 and 16-bit games compared to rivals like the GameSir Pocket Taco.

For more information on how we test retro console and accessories, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy for extra deets.

CRKD has just launched its first ever pro controller and the ULT PRO has a pretty sturdy list of specs behind it. TMR thumbsticks, trigger stops, swappable components, and 1,000Hz polling on Windows would usually make for a pretty premium package, especially if you look towards the best PC controllers from names like Razer and Flydigi. The brand is launching the CRKD ULT PRO for just $69.99 (Amazon) today, though, undercutting a good wedge of the premium market.

After all, this is coming in the same month SteelSeries debuted the $260 (yes $260) Aeon Pro. There's one hint here that the CRKD ULT PRO isn't playing in quite the same arena, though. The BAYX face button layout is a dead giveaway that the brand is pointing this asymmetrical thumbpad at Nintendo Switch 2 players.

You won't find clicky mechanical buttons, turbo-charged 8,000Hz polling rates, or complex software adjustments here, but for $70 the ULT PRO has quite a few green flags over competitors like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2, Switch 2 Pro Controller, and GameSir Super Nova.

With charging dock in tow, the CRKD ULT PRO's main competitor could be the 8BitDo number. The Ultimate 2 is currently the best Nintendo Switch 2 controller from a sheer value perspective, pitched at the same $69.99 (Amazon) price point.

It matches the ULT PRO's TMR thumbsticks, trigger stops, profile selection, and asymmetrical layout but adds motion control and wake functionality into the picture.

It's strange that the ULT PRO would drop this gyro from its specs, considering it's gone so far towards Switch compatibility as to create two separate SKUs for Nintendo and PC. It comes with its own advantages, though.

Rather than 8BitDo's two back buttons, CRKD is rolling the dice on a more PC-centered four-pronged approach. These back paddles are skinnier than the chunksters seen elsewhere in the Switch market, resembling the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro's implementation.

It's not the only feature typically found on more robust PC controllers we're seeing here. The ULT PRO also includes two additional shoulder buttons for extra programmability as well as a swappable stick toppers and d-pad.

This looks to be an all-in-one pro controller for those not willing to shell out the full $90 on the official model. But it adds a lot more to the package compared to Ninty's. Sure, the classic Pro 2 Controller is all about feel, with particularly satisfying controls from the softly dampened face buttons to its incredibly smooth thumbsticks.

Would I take that over $20, profile presets, extra controls, trigger locks, and a charging dock? We'll have to wait until we get our hands on the new release to find out, but it certainly looks good on paper.

• See all Switch 2 controllers at Amazon

We're also hunting down the best PS5 controllers and the best Xbox Series X controllers available on the market.

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is one of my all-time favorite controllers, and that's some of the highest praise someone like me, who reviews a new one almost weekly, can give. I'm still not sure why it was discontinued, but I loved it for its DualShock 4-reminiscent feel that made it incredibly comfortable and very versatile across so many genres of gaming. It was like the enhanced, pro model of the PS4 controller I had always yearned for.

So as you can probably tell, I was very excited to report earlier in the year that GameSir was bringing back its symmetrical TMR controller as an entirely new product range. One with official Xbox licensing, and one on PC with an 8K polling rate. But to my dismay, they'd both be wired-only despite the first Tarantula Pro's wireless connectivity and excellent charging stand. Moreover, the PC version would remove its rumble motors for a stripped-back, lightweight feel. Finally, there would be a third, "Ultra" PC model which would have 8K polling, wireless play, and rumble motors - a much more fitting sequel, in my eyes. Sadly, at the time of writing, that version is still missing in action and hasn't been launched alongside the other two.

The version I've been testing is the blood orange 8K model for PC. It's certainly an update to the controller I love, but it feels bred for a very different purpose than the original, and I'm not sure it appeals to me quite as much. I used the first Tarantula for all sorts of gaming, multiplayer and singleplayer. It's a versatile feeling pad that's comfortable in any scenario and sits beautifully in the hands. This new version is for the competitive, elite players, and that's not what I want out of this particular product. It's available for £79.99 / $69.99, the same price as its officially licensed Xbox sibling.

Design

As I explained in my review of the original GameSir Tarantula Pro, it's essentially a carbon copy of the DualShock 4 from the PS4 era. It has long, cylindrical grips with a bit more girth than Sony's official one had, but besides that, is clearly cut from the same cloth. There are symmetrical thumbsticks, a four-way D-Pad, and even a small touchpad which, in this instance, you can customize as an extra button.

This time around, GameSir has kept the two excellent back buttons but answered my prayers for a little extra functionality. There now sit two additional shoulder buttons on the top of the controller. They run off the end of the touchpad, offering a back paddle feel as opposed to two individual buttons. They even click in, giving a sense of microswitch consistency across the entire peripheral. It's a design I've never seen before, but it rocks.

Not much about the physical design of the controller has changed from its original outing, although, as I say, this one is without any rumble motors inside. As a result, it's a lot lighter in the hands. That's not to say that build quality has suffered; the Tarantula 8K still has a sturdy, made-to-last air about it, as all GameSir products tend to, but with such little weight in the hands, it doesn't feel as substantial as other controllers out there. Then again, this could be a preference thing and may not be a problem for you.

I'm glad to see a lot of consistency in the design for the most part, though. The comfortable shape of the Tarantula Pro was one of its best assets. The grips here have a dotted texture, and feel every bit as nice to hold as they did before. There's also consistency in the convenient 3.5mm headphone jack and locking switches for the back buttons, should you not want to use them.

So far, there's one colorway of the 8K model, which is this vibrant bright orange. The Xbox one is white, and the so-far absent Ultra version has been seen in white, but I'd be interested to know if these get more colorways as time goes on. The GameSir G7 Pro has received colorway after colorway and limited edition after limited edition. It's clearly the golden child of the GameSir pantheon, but will its symmetrical cousin get the same kind of love?

Features

On one hand, I'd love to say that the GameSir Tarantula 8K has more advanced features than its predecessor, but on the other, it feels like a step back, and I can't really understand the decision process as to why. Nine times out of ten, I feel like I'm on the same page with GameSir and the decisions it makes when it comes to iterating on what worked and what didn't. Other times, like now, I'm left scratching my head.

The new Tarantulas feature updated Gen 2 MagRes TMR thumbsticks, which is an update from the Gen 1 modules in the original Tarantula Pro and Cyclone 2. You'll find the same thumbsticks here as on the GameSir G7 Pro 8K. The tops are even swappable this time, and you get a taller and shorter option in the box.

But without a wireless dongle, there's no need for a charging stand here, which makes this orange imitator feel like a step back. For over a year, I kept my first-gen Tarantula Pro on my TV unit, sitting on its very nifty charging stand, and ready to pick up at a moment's notice whenever I wanted to kick back with a game at my couch setup. With a wire trailing from the PC to the TV unit, and then messily dragging along my living room rug, the Tarantula Pro 8K doesn't have the same appeal whatsoever.

Clearly, the 8K Tarantula has been bred for a different purpose, and this much is clear from GameSir's socials, which shared a whole lot of impressively speedy AimLab clips when it was first launched. This one isn't for me to kick back on a couch and enjoy some singleplayer games with; this is a multiplayer performance PC controller. Its lightweight 180g build is designed for Esports, competitive athletes who have never felt at home with a mouse and keyboard; its 8K polling rate and in-depth customization in GameSir Connect lend it to players who sit at a desk, never far enough away from their machines to warrant a wireless connection that could bring with it more latency.

That intent is clear in every inch of the Tarantula 8K. The face buttons have abandoned their somewhat retro membrane press and raised, dome-shaped form factor for a slicker, flatter surface and a clicky microswitch actuation. The D-pad responds with a deep click in any direction too, and the trigger stop switches give you the same options for the controller's back.

The extra face buttons remain too, programmable for macros or for any in-game function you see fit. As per usual with GameSir pads, you can set these on the controller itself via the M button on the back, but the software allows you to dive deeper and ultimately access that 8K polling rate you bought it for. Under "report rate", GameSir Connect offers 250Hz, 1,000Hz, 4,000Hz, and 8,000Hz. The sticks have the usual options for controller deadzones and whatnot, and motion controls are also customizable. As is the RGB strip under the touchpad, but with such a bold colorway, you have fewer options here that will actually work in combination with orange.

Personally, I found the deadzones to be finely tuned out of the box and didn't feel the need to change them when I booted up to an 8K polling rate, which likely would have made them too unruly. Unlike the GameSir Super Nova, you have access to four profiles you can swap between.

Performance

This might be controversial of me to say, but I can take or leave an 8,000Hz polling rate. As much as I was happy to be back testing the GameSir Tarantula for this review, I found there was absolutely nothing wrong with the 1,000Hz polling rate and first-gen TMR sticks of the original controller. Besides upping the sensitivity to levels that could be unruly for most users, an 8,000Hz polling rate doesn't add all that much to a controller besides peace of mind that latency isn't impacting things. But then again, I got that peace of mind from a 1,000Hz speed. If you're really blaming latency in your controller past that point, I hate to inform you it's probably you, your gameplay, and reaction time that are the issue.

I very much understand that the intention of this controller is a bit different from what I'm looking for from a successor to one of my all-time general-use gamepads. The aim here seems to be to bring that 8,000Hz, TMR experience to the market that likes symmetrical thumbsticks, and as ever, I applaud GameSir for doing it. I love symmetrical controllers, and I'm glad folks who want to use one in highly competitive situations have the chance to try it here. It's not all that expensive compared to Razer's TMR-wielding Raiju V3 Pro or Wolverine V3 Pro 8K. It offers the full potential of those TMR modules to shine at a much more potent resolution.

I guess what I'm lamenting in this review, then, is that for symmetrical fans, that all comes with drawbacks that aren't present in the GameSir G7 Pro 8K model. Why are there no vibration motors here? Why is there no wireless play? These things feel like basic rites of passage for any GameSir controller these days, and aren't drawbacks that symmetrical players had to make for a similar price. So even if this does come down to highly requested changes from the community I don't align with, it's hard not to view them as weaknesses - especially because, for me, the main appeal of the original Tarantula Pro wasn't competitive play; it was the DualShock 4-like comfort that suited it to gaming in any genre.

Sure, in first-person shooters like Hunt: Showdown and Battlefield 6 up at an 8,000Hz polling rate, I felt like I had ultimate precision to make small corrections with my aim. Like with the G7 Pro 8K, I felt like I had as close to a mouse aiming experience as any controller can give because flicking between targets was smooth and incentivised me to use the right stick to find my target, not use the left one to help move me over it like with most gamepads. The precision here is some of the best I've found in any controller, and yet I'm reluctant to recommend it because there's a real lack of feel here. Even if the lack of any vibration is a preference thing, I think you can still add some heft to a gamepad to make it feel robust when you're wielding an in-game weapon. GameSir hasn't done that.

Does it feel light and sporty? Sure. Does that amount to gameplay that lacks a feeling of substance and oomph? Sadly, yes, and I think you need that in a pro controller. Down from about a 270g weight in the original Tarantula, it's a real stripping down of some important feel.

Thankfully, the comfort of the original Tarantula Pro is still here, and it's hard not to get lost in it for hours at a time. I did most of my testing with this controller by playing Tennis Elbow 4, and I fell completely into immersive and dramatic sets with this thing in hand, all because those rounded grips, nostalgic triggers, and the overall ergonomics made it so easy to focus on the game I was playing rather than what my hands were doing.

The same was true in Forza Horizon 6; driving a myriad of cars across virtual Japan was lovely, although just like in Tennis Elbow, I felt like an integral level of feedback was missing because there was no haptics or rumble telling me how aggressively I needed to brake or how hard the engine was working. This stuff is fundamental to games like these, so I just don't feel like the 8K variant of the Tarantula is going to be worth it if those are the games you usually play.

There's certainly a responsiveness to the new PC-tilted Tarantula that can't be ignored either. Towerfall Ascension felt as snappy and precise as it can with a controller in hand. It felt amazing playing a game I've developed total mastery and muscle memory over with a controller that responds to my every twitchy movement and instinctive press. There's so much great performance to be had here, but my personal preferences want a bit more feel for my money - especially in games like Towerfall that have such pivotal, crunchy feedback.

Should you buy the GameSir Tarantula Pro 8K?

This one is going to come down to preference, ultimately. It's hard for me to be really excited about the return of one of my favorite controllers here because GameSir has removed wireless play and vibration motors from the equation, and these are two things I really like in my gamepads.

But then again, the 8K Tarantula doesn't feel cheaply made, and there's a lot for people to like about it if they enjoy a lighter feel, symmetrical thumbsticks, and play games to a competitive standard that warrants an 8,000Hz polling rate. If you're one of those players who does enjoy a lighter controller and thinks feedback is outdated and doesn't add anything but distraction, I don't doubt you'll love this.

Still, I can't really understand the thought process here. The original Tarantula was received really well, was popular, and was one of the leading TMR pads on the shelves when that technology was first introduced. Then it was discontinued, so I can't really recommend it anymore, but I can finally point you toward the revived models, and they feel like lesser versions despite their modernizations.

If any of my criticisms and nitpicks seem relatable to you, I'd hold off for now and wait for the Ultra 8K PC model that GameSir announced a while back. There's no indication of when this will hit the shelves, but if it has wireless play, vibration feedback, and an 8K polling rate, it'll feel like the all-encompassing sequel I've been waiting for, and the true symmetrical equivalent to the G7 Pro 8K.

How I tested the GameSir Tarantula 8K

I had a good couple of weeks using the GameSir Tarantula 8K for all of my PC gaming before I came to a verdict on it. I tested it across a multitude of gaming genres, as I did with its predecessor. I used the GameSir Connect app to get the most out of it and test its various polling speeds. I played with different configurations of thumbstick heights, and compared it to the GameSir G7 Pro line, as well as the original Tarantula Pro and other TMR pads on the shelves.

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

There's more GameSir where that came from - take a look at the best Xbox Series X controllers, the best Switch 2 controllers, and the best mobile controllers to read more.

With Stage Tour making its way to the stage later this year, there's no better time to pick up a guitar controller. If you were unaware, the neat thing about RedOctane Games' Guitar Hero successor is that you don't have to pick up their new, fully-priced instruments and can make do with alternatives like the CRKD Gibson Les Paul instead.

CRKD's guitar controllers can often be pricier than the official Stage Tour axe, but thanks to Woot, the Black Tribal Les Paul is $74.99 instead of its usual $124.99 price. That's a $50 saving, which is music to my ears, as it's not only cheaper than the official Stage Tour guitar counterpart, but also a price that you won't currently find at Amazon's own US storefront.

I was a Guitar Hero aficionado, so my excitement for Stage Tour is turned up to 11. Regrettably, I don't have a valid excuse to pick up a new guitar controller, as my PDP Riffmaster "will work natively with Stage Tour" according to the game's official FAQ, so long as I make sure to grab the PS5 version to pair properly with my PS5 guitar controller.

However, had I been on the market for a new music gamepad, I was undoubtedly eyeing up the CRKD Gibson Les Paul. It features a hall-effect strum bar, mechanical frets, and a neck you can swap to gain 5 additional frets. Not only that, but Stage Tour FAQ states that CRKD guitars will also work natively with the game, and the Les Paul has the benefit of actually looking like a real-life guitar.

As someone with a background in music, a licensed guitar controller that shares a stunning resemblance to real-life Les Pauls is going to look better when displayed against the rest of my instrument collection. The Riffmaster is neat, but its aesthetic doesn't tick my music-nerd boxes in quite the same way. Not to mention, CRKD's alternative is available in different designs, including a black-and-blue Blueberry Burst Pro look, which is also $74.99 at Woot today.

Whether you pick up this CRKD Gibson Les Paul guitar controller (or fork out the $129.99 at Best Buy for the Stage Tour Kramer guitar bundle), just make sure you're getting the right one for your platform of choice for the best compatibility. Have an Xbox Series X/S? Then you can rock out with this Woot deal and Stage Tour when it launches on December 10.

• View all gaming deals at Woot

On the hunt for a new pad? Check out our guides to the best PS5 controllers, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers while you're here.

Tomb Raider is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, which is hard to believe, as it feels like my love of Lara Croft and trapping butlers in freezers has been with me since birth. Alas, the iconic game series originally began in 1996, and 8BitDo is paying homage by launching two official Tomb Raider reskins of its best PC controllers.

Much like the way the upcoming Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis is the original game with a new coat of paint, the Tomb Raider controllers aren't entirely new. With this collab, 8BitDo has taken the Ultimate 3 and Pro 3 and coated them in gold details and designs that celebrate the series' legacy, but that's not what draws me to these special edition pads. Instead, it's the fact that the chassis of the Ultimate 3 celebrates Lara, while the Pro 3 harkens back to the original game - which feels perfectly on theme for a retro controller of its calibre.

If Lara Croft is your favorite takeaway from the three-decade-old game franchise, then the 8BitDo Ultimate 3 is going to be more your style. Expected to ship on October 24, this Xbox controller features an assortment of Lara's on the left side of its face. The brand-new Legacy of Atlantis version of the dual-pistol-wielding heroine takes center stage, but my favorites, including the Tomb Raider Survivor Lara and even the polygonal OG, are all there.

The Laras are spread out as dark golden silhouettes across the gamepad, which looks pretty fantastic when paired with the 30th Anniversary charging stand. 8BitDo even made sure to coat the zinc alloy D-pad in a golden metal colorway, which helps tie into the theming and makes the entire pad look like something that the British Museum should have handed back centuries ago.

As an 8BitDo Ultimate 3, it's pretty much a standard affair where the rest of its features are considered. You've got the TMR sticks, hall-effect trigger buttons, remappable bumper buttons and back buttons, alongside Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support. All of this can be found in a traditional Ultimate 3, which will also be $10 cheaper than this $119.99 (via 8BitDo) controller. It's a similar case to the 8BitDo Pro 3, which is $79.99 at Amazon rather than its other colorways' $69.99 MSRP, but these collabs are usually about looks, and the Pro 3 more than looks the part.

8BitDo aptly takes the Pro 3 and uses it to pay "tribute to the Lost Valley", one of the most iconic areas of the original game. What 90s kid doesn't remember that fearsome T-Rex fight?

The charging stand for this peripheral is even more eye-catching than the Ultimate 3's as it features a stone-texture print that makes it look like a plinth holding up a valuable artifact. With this release, 8BitDo has also included interchangeable ball-top joystick caps that perfectly replicate the turquoise coloring of Lara's OG outfit, and there's a set of grips that match the ancient relic design of the faceplate included too.

The Pro 3 is definitely my preferred pick of these two upcoming 8BitDo releases. Not just for these Tomb Raider-y design choices, but because it captures a similar shape to the original PlayStation SCPH-1080 controller, with plenty of modern benefits - from its TMR sticks, back buttons, and magnetic ABXY buttons.

The Tomb Raider 8BitDo Pro 3 is expected to launch on October 24, the same date as the new Ultimate 3. Sadly, that means there's a long wait until Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis's February 12, 2027 release date. However, with the wealth of Lara Croft adventures available today, you shouldn't have an issue finding the perfect game to pair with these stunning anniversary edition accessories.

• View all 8BitDo gaming controllers at Amazon

You don't need to be an expert tomb raider to unearth the best PC controllers for gaming, the best PS5 controllers, or the best Xbox Series X controllers on the market, as we've tested the lot.

The GameSir Super Nova has been popping up more and more in recent months. Originally launching in spring of 2025, the PC / Nintendo Switch / mobile controller was pitched as a $44.99 / £49.99 budget gamepad for Windows and Ninty users going big on customization without shelling out for a bona fide 'Pro' gamepad. That's a competitive proposition, but it's not what led me to getting the device in hand for myself.

The GameSir Super Nova wore me down. After months of seeing this gamepad at a $30 sale price, while also promising Switch 2 wake functionality, I had to give it a go. My results? Optimistically positive with one hearty disappointment.

Unfortunately, the one feature that had me seeking out the Super Nova in a sea of the best Switch 2 controllers is, at best, obtusely difficult to set up correctly and, at worst, non-functional. No, I never managed to get the GameSir Super Nova to reliably wake the Switch 2 as it promised. What I did find, though, is an impressively detailed gamepad taking on the best PC controllers on the market and waltzing away with value on its side.

Design

Aha, another third-party Xbox clone. The GameSir Super Nova doesn't deviate too far from the playbook in its form and shape. This is a slightly lighter (263g) and slightly more compact Microsoft design complete with asymmetrical thumbsticks, your standard ABXY layout, and chunky, angled grips.

That Nintendo heritage isn't too far away, though. In place of the pause and menu buttons, we have a plus and minus, as well as a home and screenshot pairing just underneath. The face buttons can also be swapped around to get those Xs and Ys in the right place when switching over to Ninty's console as well.

A small 'M' button at the bottom of the device allows for on-the-fly customizations, which we'll get to shortly. Around the rear, you'll find the two back button-paddle hybrids. They're not the magnetic ones found on the Gulikit KK3 Max, but their longer lever design gives them some interesting feel. On the back, you'll also find a connection slider toggling between Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4GHz modes. My only gripe here is that the slider is a little too shallow for super easy use. Flush with the plastic of the casing itself, there's not a lot of purchase when switching between connection methods.

Everything's accounted for here, then, and it's presented in a far more luxurious chassis than I would expect for $45. Hold the GameSir Super Nova side by side with the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller for Switch 2, and you'd have a hard time convincing yourself they were approaching the same price point.

While the former is hollow and flimsy, the Super Nova carries a reassuring heft that belies a far higher price tag. There's a dense quality in the hand that gives every button press just that little bit more oomph while still remaining comfortable during longer sessions. It's a plastic case, but a particularly thick, hard one with no creaking or rattles no matter how animated those motion controls get.

A lot of that luxury comes from the grips. A lightly textured rubberized diamond pattern adorns each side, wrapping all the way around the left and right grips and bleeding slightly over onto the back buttons to the rear.

It's a particularly tactile design, but its shallow design keeps it from feeling tacky or stiff in the hands or adding any undue temperature during warmer sessions. The palms are locked in without feeling claustrophobic or reducing mobility during the odd reaching movement up to the pause or home button.

As for looks, I won't say the GameSir Super Nova is the most impressive aesthetically. It's personal, of course, but the larger legends on the ABXY face buttons feel a little immature given the premium feel elsewhere, and the RGB lighting (while nicely contained and customizable) can sometimes run a little cheap in today's market. The dark blue fade along the top of the main faceplate shines nicely, though, and is swappable via a magnetic system.

Even these magnets feel premium. I've been mainlining the Scuf Omega on PS5, which features a similar swappable topper. I'll say it, though: the magnet strength and faceplate durability on the $45 GameSir Super Nova far exceeds that of the $219.99 PlayStation pro model.

Features

The GameSir Super Nova is compatible across Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC, and mobile, with a strong set of features to support each platform (wake functionality somewhat aside). It's one of the more collaborative controllers I've seen so far, cross-pollinating common PC offerings with the Switch's main draws to fantastic effect.

Motion controls, for example, perform flawlessly in Ninty's titles but can also be mapped to mouse inputs across PC for an additional layer of control. In practice, this isn't always the best experience. The benefit of being able to wield a cursor with less precision than usual will depend on the game, but for simple navigation it comes in surprisingly handy.

Meanwhile, trigger locks are also up for grabs here, where they're often missed in more casual Switch 2 gamepads. The 8BitDo Pro 3 is one of your few alternatives if you want to swap between full depth and a faster snap, and that'll cost you $69.99 all in.

They're not quite as instantaneous as the mechanical switches found further up the price scale, but they certainly provide a speed benefit in online and singleplayer first-person shooter scenarios.

All that, and the Super Nova doesn't fall behind in its core tech either. Hall effect thumbsticks might not be as sensitive or precise as newer TMR controllers, but they're still leagues beyond the traditional potentiometer sticks previously found in budget options. A Bluetooth connection will poll you at 125Hz, but plug into a PC with the 2.4GHz dongle and you'll get the full 1,000Hz for a more reliable experience.

Those two back paddles are programmable while on the run using the aforementioned 'M' button, but GameSir Connect's PC software can also map them to pretty much any input you like. We're talking mouse clicks and keyboard combos as well as your standard button mapping. In fact, it's this software that really lets the Super Nova rev its engines.

It's a surprisingly robust package considering the price point. Alongside those motion settings, you're covered for dead zones, Hair Trigger, and curve settings across your triggers, with anti-dead zones and trajectory settings thrown in on top for thumbsticks as well. Vibration levels can be tuned via a slider, allowing you to nail the right balance between the left's heavier action and the right's tighter buzz. Add RGB settings, as many keybindings as you can muster, and per-key assignment for up to three combos in a macro, and this is a confident, expansive customization system.

That's why the lack of presets is so confusing. There's nowhere to save different setups for different titles, which means diving into each of these settings every time the game is changed. It's a long process and one that only slightly more expensive gamepads have fixed a long time ago. Hopefully we see something patched in on the PC side at least in the future.

Performance

Let's get the tough bit out of the way. The first thing I wanted to test here was that Switch 2 wake functionality. It's a feature you'll generally only find on more premium offerings like the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 or official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. Grabbing it for a mere $29.99 (when on sale) feels too good to be true. Unfortunately, in my experience, it might be just that.

There's a lengthy setup process that involves pairing and re-pairing, then removing the Joy-Con, then changing the grip, then searching for the Joy-Con again before the Super Nova should be able to wake your Switch 2 using the main home button. I went through this process countless times across multiple testing sessions to no avail. The controller's central lights flash as if they should be communicating with the system, but nothing happens.

I reached out to GameSir to verify that the process was correct and that my controller was indeed on the most up-to-date firmware, and they provided a similar walkthrough video that should solve the problem. Using their guidance a few more times and still coming up short, I have requested any further information they have on the issue and will update this review accordingly.

It's frustrating because, this one feature aside, the GameSir Super Nova runs without a hitch. I have never encountered any day-to-day communication errors between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz and have no speed concerns over either connection. Faster movements in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are picked up beautifully, and the larger face buttons and well-dampened response make longer Pokemon Pokopia building sessions feel like a breeze.

Those thumbsticks maintain their accuracy in both faster spins and slower pans, holding up against more frantic Doom: The Dark Ages moments on PC thanks to their finely tuned tension and snappy return. There's also an impressively smooth glide here, with no snagging at the outer edges of a maneuver or grating against the side of the chassis itself.

The triggers themselves offer a middling level of tension. There's slightly more force pushing against you compared to the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, but a longer draw that requires a more sensitive approach compared to the official Switch Pro 2 Controller. Personally, it's a sweet spot. There's still a sense of texture here, giving Forza Horizon 6 just that little bit more presence, and a full bottom-out is still complemented by a comfortably cushioned stopper as well.

GameSir hasn't outfitted its Super Nova with the same microswitch face buttons you'll find on the slightly more expensive Cyclone 2 model. Instead, we're back to a cheaper membrane action on the ABXY here, but they still feel nicely cushioned under the thumb.

Unfortunately, the D-pad suffers a little more from this cheaper tech. The four-pronged design is simpler itself, but the actuation of these membrane clackers makes it a tad too rigid to truly feel nimble in play.

The back buttons could also prove divisive, depending on your grip type. With my index fingers middling the triggers and bumpers, the length and positioning of these paddles are perfect for fast, reliable hits with my middle finger without impacting other controls.

Shifting that middle finger up to the triggers puts a little too much pressure on the left ring finger, though, often causing a mispress of the left trigger at the same time. That didn't prove to be a problem for me in my natural, relaxed hand position, but it should be noted if you go for a more involved hold.

Should you buy the GameSir Super Nova?

The GameSir Super Nova is competitively positioned, especially when it inevitably goes on sale. At $44.99, it's just a little too pricey to completely cut TMR options like the GameSir Cyclone 2, which can often be found for between $50 and $70. When it's on sale, though, things change dramatically.

I often see this gamepad up for about $30 when it's discounted, and at that price this is no feature set to be arguing with. On the PC side of things, its closest competitor in our testing roster is the EasySMX X10. This is the controller I'd been happy with for years, and it matches the Super Nova's Switch compatibility (though not Switch 2), back buttons, and Hall effect sticks. It's difficult to get your hands on these days, though, and it drops quite a few customization features from its roster.

On the Nintendo side of things, you're going to be choosing between the Super Nova and the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller. The decision shouldn't be a difficult one. PowerA's budget model comes with a wired connection and far lower build quality, while dropping motion controls, easy customization, trigger locks, and rumble. It's cheaper day-to-day, starting off at $39.99, and typically goes on sale for between $17 and $25. For a potential $5 upgrade, though, GameSir's additional features are well worth it.

Of course, if it's that wake functionality that drew you in, you're going to be a little stuck here. I have seen evidence of happy players able to get this connection up and running successfully, but I personally haven't. I can only go off my own experience here, so I wouldn't recommend the Super Nova to those after a cheaper Pro Controller alternative that doesn't require a more complex connection process. If you're happy ignoring that wake functionality from the official spec sheet, though, you'll still find plenty to love here.

How I tested the GameSir Super Nova

I've been running the GameSir Super Nova for all my controller-specific PC play and docked Nintendo Switch 2 sessions. The gamepad has been put through its paces across Doom: The Dark Ages as well as High on Life 2 across Windows. I also tested it across Pokemon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, Dragon Quest 2 HD-2D Remake, and Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2. For more information on how we test controllers, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For more console alternatives we're also rounding up the best PS5 controllers and the best Xbox Series X controllers.

The CRKD Atom+ controller has begun to ship globally. That means if you pre-ordered your tiny, retro-style pad in March earlier this year, you should expect it to arrive at your door sooner rather than later.

The $29.99 (Amazon) pad, much like CRKD's Nitro Deck 2, was subject to delays and was originally expected to begin shipping from late June 2026, but as you're likely well aware, the summer is officially over and June it is not. The shipping window was then moved to August 17-31 2026, but it wasn't until today that the brand confirmed that its four models were shipping out to customers. Better late than never, particularly as its late arrival has brought an introductory discount along with it.

While CRKD has given official word that the impeccably cute Nintendo Switch 2 controller is shipping out, some people got theirs weeks ago, like r/Controller Reddit user TheLoFiPunk, who picked up the 'Retro Purple' pad.

They also waited through the many delays to grab theirs, but shared it was "worth it", which makes me more eager than ever to try the new one out for size. I have four of the older Atom controllers in my setup, and their small stature makes them absolutely ideal for playing the Switch 2 on the go, as it takes up little to no space in my bag. However, the adorably petite controller was missing an important feature that made it awkward to play anything beyond Nintendo Switch Online's NES and SNES library - a pair of thumbsticks.

The Atom+ has that covered with the inclusion of not just two precision thumbsticks, but TMR sticks which can help prevent any drift issues from rearing their ugly head. It also includes digital bumper and trigger buttons to offer a more tactile gaming experience, which sounds ideal for some Mario Kart World action, as do the new built-in vibration feedback and motion controls.

While CRKD has piled on plenty of new features, it still keeps what I loved about the previous Atom pad - its compact size and cute designs.

Like the version before it, the Atom+ plays into the nostalgia with its retro-fueled colorways. Instead of a plain all-black design, you've got transparent Smoke Black and Glacier Blue models, which harken back to the see-through tech of the early 2000s. My personal favorite is the Pal Grey design, which was kept over from the previous incarnation. It replicates the colors of the PAL SNES and, as a Scottish kid who grew up obsessed with Nintendo in the 90s, I'm a little bit obsessed.

All of these retro controller designs are covered by the same $29.99 / £27.99 MSRP too, so you don't have to pay any extra. In fact, as of September 25, you get to pay less as CRKD has dropped $5 / £5 off all four designs at Amazon. Meanwhile, you can stick with the older $19.99 (via Amazon) Atom (which is also Switch 2 compatible) if you want more colors and are happy sticking with just a d-pad.

• View all CRKD gaming accessories at Amazon
• View the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 at Amazon

Creating the ultimate Switch 2 setup? Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers while you're here.

Have you ever paid for something on the PlayStation Store and thought, hey, that wasn't easy enough? No? Me neither, but PlayStation wants to give you easier ways of transferring your card details over to the console, which I can sort of get behind. Today in strange PlayStation patent news, the PS5 controller, or its PS6 successor, might one day be able to take contactless payments from your phone or bank card.

As is always the case when I report on new PlayStation patents, I'll tell you to take this with a pinch of salt. This brand files some utterly bizarre patents just to say it has ownership over the ideas, and many of them never see the light of day.

Regardless, originally found by Patentlyze, the patent can also be found on public listings under the application number 19082121 and is titled "VIDEO GAME CONTROLLER-DRIVEN INFORMATION TRANSFER". It essentially lays out that Sony has put ownership on the idea of a video game controller being able to detect through NFC protocol that a phone or payment method is nearby, transferring their details to a console.

Near Field Communication (NFC) is the same technology that's used for all sorts of payment methods today, including contactless bank card payments, but also Nintendo's Amiibos. Most phones today also have NFC features in them, so you can pay contactless through a bank app.

While this seems like a pretty arbitrary feature, it seems like Sony is mainly eyeing it up for the added convenience of being able to transfer your payment details to a console without typing out your card number, expiry date, and security code using the controller and on-screen keyboard.

"Video game players have found it desirable to store payment method information and account information such as credit account information, bank account information, gift card information... and associated credentials in their accounts for facilitating and managing video game purchases," reads the patent's description.

Interestingly though, instead of listing player convenience reasons, Sony's patent argues the best reasons for implementing a new way of transferring these payment details are more to prevent the console itself from overworking itself:

"However, facilitating and coordinating these operations by performing multiple operational steps using multiple devices often causes performance of the video game console to suffer and/or one or more operations of the video game console to fail."

"Techniques disclosed herein improve video game consoles and video game console performance by utilizing video game controller-driven information transfer operations," it continues.

Surprisingly, the patent makes no mention of actual bank cards, only "electronic devices," which allude to a phone - one image does show a gift card being transferred, however, which might suggest your bank card will work too.

"In some implementations, the video game controller can detect that the electronic device is within the predetermined distance from the video game controller by, in some examples, detecting a signal emitted from the electronic device, using a communication protocol such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol and/or a Bluetooth protocol, detecting that the electronic device has physically contacted the video game controller."

The controller would then vibrate to tell you the details had been detected.

The patent itself shows illustrations of what looks like a DualSense controller, but personally, I think this feature, if we ever see it used, will likely be reserved for the PlayStation 6 and its controller, because introducing this now to the current iteration of the DualSense would probably cause price changes and manufacturing difficulties this far into the controller's life.

While the DualSense uses Bluetooth, it doesn't currently have NFC protocols within it, so it could require a change of architecture to implement.

Another intriguing use of this feature would be to log guests into your PlayStation console when playing a local multiplayer game while they're visiting. This could save the hassle of having to do manual logins to non-home consoles and might just allow you to tap your PlayStation app on a controller to log in. Another illustration shows your phone tapping the controller as a way to send and receive messages, but I don't see such a clear use for this.

What's also interesting to me is that while Sony is patenting this idea with specific reference to transferring payment information, Nintendo has had an NFC communicator in its Pro Controller since the original Nintendo Switch in 2017 to scan amiibos with. I bet someone at Nintendo is kicking themselves that they didn't think of this use for their controllers' NFC protocols.

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

Razer is reviving its Tartarus product range with the new Razer Tartarus V2 Pro, a gaming keypad designed to bridge the gap between controller and mouse-and-keyboard play. The original Tartarus launched all the way back in 2013 and hasn't had any sequel or seen much support since then. But with renewed competition in the gaming keypad space from Azeron, it's no surprise Razer wants to re-enter the best PC controller alternative race.

Much like the Azeron Keyzen and Azeron Cyborg II, the Razer Tartarus V2 Pro combines a thumbstick, palm rest, and suite of customizable keys. Paired with a mouse, it'll give you an alternative to gaming with a traditional keyboard designed around typing, and the ability to free up your fingers from the WASD keys.

The Tartarus V2 takes things a step further than Azeron's keypads, which are undoubtedly the go-to in the keypad market right now. The V2 Pro uses a TMR thumbstick, has an 8,000Hz polling rate, and more advanced actuation customization thanks to Razer's Analog Optical Switch Gen 2 technology. Meanwhile, Azeron's Keyzen, which launched last year, uses three different types of Cherry switches, but you can't mix and match or set different actuation points for them. The Keyzen has a Hall effect stick and a 1,000Hz polling rate by comparison.

That means you can set a 0.1mm actuation distance if you like, or enjoy a maximum bottom-out depth of 4.0mm. At the same time, Razer has included Rapid Trigger Mode, which enables immediate repeat presses by resetting pressed keys instantly after their actuation point. Snap Flex is also featured, allowing different actions to be assigned to a single key's press and release. In theory, that means you can assign four different functions to a single key press - one for halfway down, then the second half of downward travel, then both halves on the way back up.

There are a total of 31 mappable controls on the Tartarus V2 Pro, which expands the Azeron Cyborg II's 30, but lands just shy of Keyzen's 32. Where Azeron might have another edge is in physical customization and comfort. That brand's keypads have always made a point of laying out their rows of keys (towers) in an ergonomic fashion that lines up with the shape of a human hand. You can also adjust their length, depth, and height. Meanwhile, on the Tartarus V2 Pro, the keypad itself has been expanded over the original, but the rows are laid out on one fixed board, and the only adjustments you can make are to the angle and length of the wrist rest.

The Azeron Keyzen can store up to six profiles, with an infinite number stored on the brand's software. Razer's new Tartarus can store 3 profiles you create through Synapse, each with 8 keymaps supported for 24 configurations in total. And yes, you can assign macros to each key if that's your preferred method.

I'm looking forward to testing the Tartarus V2 Pro out for myself to see how it compares to the Azeron experience. When I'm not testing out the latest controllers for review, I spend all my time gaming on PC with a mouse in my right hand and an Azeron Keypad under my left, so I find any newcomer, or in Razer's case, returner, to this niche of gaming hardware to be something to celebrate.

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

Rumour has it Apple is working on two gaming controllers, and I'm already reminiscing about the iPod. Yes, the company that ushered in the age of full touchscreens is apparently working on gamepads, and if it's really getting back into buttons, I need it to bring back the mighty click wheel.

First highlighted by a MacRumors reader, the Apple controllers emerged as references in the latest macOS 26.7 release code. Dubbed T6502 and T1057, the gamepads apparently include staple elements like a D-pad, dual thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, and analog triggers. The latter adds an accelerometer and gyroscope, though, suggesting that it could be a "Pro" version.

Those findings have now been corroborated by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who says the gamepads are actually controllers for the iPhone. The tech journalist specifically says the gamepads will likely launch under the Beats brand and were actually engineered by executives for the sub-brand. That makes sense, given that the accessories would theoretically work with non-Apple devices if they use USB-C, but it does crush my click wheel hopes and dreams.

For those of you unacquainted, the click wheel is the big touch-sensitive pad on the front of every iPod. You could say it was Apple's way of soft-launching touchscreen navigation, as it fused rotational, capacitive gestures with physical, clicky buttons to create an incredibly intuitive way to scroll through menus and playlists. It even doubled up as an eventual Atari-style paddle controller once iPods started shipping with arcade-inspired games like Brick.

No, I'm not saying Apple should turn your iPhone into a retro handheld just for Breakout clones, even if that would be a neat bonus. That said, I do think the company should go back to its roots if it's finally getting into gaming hardware, as the click wheel could bring something "new" to an already brimming battlefield.

You've already got the Backbone One serving as an affordable mobile pad, while newcomers like the foldable Razer Prio cover the premium side. Even Game Boy players are being catered to with the likes of GameSir's Pocket Taco and the 8Bitdo FlipPad. But Apple could make big waves by resurrecting its click wheel, as it could let players do everything from quickly switching weapons to actually performing specific in-game mechanics, should developers leverage the unique, circular range of motion.

Alas, the chances of Apple actually reviving its click wheel for the new iPhone controllers are slim, especially if they're Beats-branded. I suspect they'll be at least designed with the new iPhone Duo in mind, with the connectors specifically catering to the taller 1.4:1 aspect ratio so that the buttons are in a central, balanced position.

However, I suspect we won't be treated to anything that specifically feels very "Apple", not that we'd get that physical feel of its 2000s devices anyway. What I will say is that if the rumors that there's a version with a gyro and an accelerometer are true, we could be looking at gamepads that are designed to work with more than just mobile, and that may mean the company is properly dipping its toes into PC and console hardware waters.

• More mobile controllers at Amazon
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Swing by the best retro controllers for authentic console gamepads with modern abilities.

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.