Latest news with #gamingcontroller
CNET
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
There's No Way a Controller This Good Should Be So Affordable
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. GameSir Super Nova Multiplatform Controller $50 at Amazon Pros Solid hardware Lots of customization Plenty of pro features Mappable buttons Affordable Cons Mobile app is limited PC app UI needs work No Xbox support GameSir Super Nova Multiplatform Controller $50 at Amazon I've used a lot of GameSir products over the years, and it's gotten to the point where I'm never sure what to expect when they send a new product. It's always hit or miss. The Super Nova is one of the company's hits, and quite likely one of the best controllers it has ever made -- especially in a gaming landscape that's become increasingly competitive. The Super Nova has all the features you'd expect from a solid controller, including many you typically only find on pro-level controllers, plus some fun customization options, all at a price that's much lower than you might expect. What I like about the GameSir Super Nova Jason Cockerham/CNET From a design standpoint, the Super Nova looks and feels a bit like a Nintendo Switch Pro controller, which isn't a bad thing, especially for those of us with smaller hands. I really like the way it feels. I find it more comfortable than most Xbox and other popular controllers. The buttons are nicely tactile, which is surprising for membrane ABXY buttons. Typically, membrane buttons feel mushy and soft, but these are crisp and satisfying. You can even switch the buttons around for playing on Switch or PC, which is a useful feature. At $50, you might not expect the Super Nova to come with many "pro-level" features, but surprisingly it does. For starters, it has Hall Effect joysticks. These are becoming more popular but it's still rare to find them on controllers priced far below $100. There are also two-stage, Hall Effect triggers, so you can mechanically lock the trigger pull for much faster response times. You can even set a digital hair trigger for high-speed games. If you've never used multi-stage triggers on a controller before, they're a game-changer (pun intended). Jason Cockerham/CNET On the back, there are two programmable buttons that you can remap to almost any keypress. You can also get up to a 1000Hz polling rate via the wireless dongle or the included USB-C cable. There's also support for macros and, of course, there's RGB lighting. Compatibility The Super Nova is compatible with PC, Switch, iOS and Android, but switching between them quickly can be annoying. If you're switching Bluetooth inputs, just be prepared that it might take a couple of minutes before everything's ready to go. My favorite feature of the Super Nova is auto-play. Once paired to a device, you can just pick up the Super Nova from the charging station and it will instantly reconnect, waking your device in the process. I can grab the Super Nova and by the time I've sat down in my chair, my Switch is awake, the TV is on and I'm ready to play. You'll quickly get spoiled by not having to manually turn on your console like a Neanderthal. Customization options Jason Cockerham/CNET The entire faceplate is attached magnetically, and GameSir has made several different color options for the Super Nova, allowing you to add your own dash of flair. If you want the white controller and charging stand, however, you'll have to order the "whipped pink" color, but again, you can swap the faceplate out if you prefer. Aside from the magnetic faceplates, there are plenty of other customization options available in GameSir Connect app for Windows. There are also iOS and Android apps, but they don't offer quite as much customization. You'll need to use your PC to fully fine-tune it. GameSir Connect is pretty comprehensive, letting you adjust the trigger stops, joystick dead zones and even the motion control settings if you like using the gyroscope for Switch games. The UI is a little stale, and you can't store multiple profiles for the controller, but overall it works well. The only issue I've seen is that sometimes connecting to the controller wirelessly can be tricky; just use a cable and you'll be fine. Should you buy the GameSir Super Nova? To be honest, there really isn't anything I don't like about the Super Nova. A nitpick might be that the D-Pad is not the best, but it's certainly not bad. I do wish you could store multiple profiles on the controller, and some people might be turned off by the lack of Xbox support, but none of those are deal-breakers for me. CNET Especially when it only costs $50. I personally don't know of another controller on the market that is this good and gives you this many features for so little money. If you want to upgrade your Switch controller with one that also works great for PC and mobile, or if you want a great, inexpensive extra controller for your partner or kiddos, you really can't go wrong with the Super Nova.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Yahoo
One of the best retro gaming controllers we've ever tested is finally getting a successor
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The 8BitDo Pro 3 has just been announced by the popular controller brand It's due to release in August in the US, and October in the UK Pre-orders have now begun at Amazon Controller manufacturer 8BitDo has announced its next big gamepad, the 8BitDo Pro 3. It'll be a successor to the 8BitDo Pro 2, which remains listed in our guide to the best Xbox controllers and is a superb budget retro gaming option. The brand revealed the 8BitDo Pro 3 controller via its official X / Twitter account. You're able to pre-order it now for $69.99 / £59.99 at Amazon, and it'll begin shipping from August 12, 2025 in the US. However, UK folks will seemingly have to wait a bit longer until October 10, 2025. Color-wise it comes in three flavors; a SNES-inspired 'G Classic', a more traditional 'Gray', and an eye-catching 'Purple' variant. The 8BitDo Pro 3 sounds like it has a mightily impressive feature set, packing Hall effect-like TMR thumbsticks, extra remappable bumper buttons, Hall effect triggers, and Trigger locks. For me, though, the standout feature has to be its swappable magnetic face buttons, as well as the optional joystick modules that could make the 8BitDo Pro 3 perfect for the best fighting games. And much like the 8BitDo Pro 2 before it, likely also a great fit for retro gaming, be that on PC or via Nintendo Switch Online's various retro libraries. On that note, 8BitDo has confirmed the controller is compatible with both Switch and Switch 2, as well as PC, Mac, SteamOS, and Android devices. While this initial model doesn't appear to be compatible with Xbox like its predecessor, there's the possibility another model will be made for the console, as 8BitDo tends to do with its other pads including the 8BitDo Ultimate 2. You might also like... Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.3 will take immersion to the next level with realistic taxis and more Another Pokémon Presents teaser has dropped, this time with an image of Pikachu in front of a rather ominous DJ deck Nintendo's anti-piracy rules have got one Switch 2 owner's console banned after they bought pre-owned games that they later found out were cloned
CNET
25-06-2025
- CNET
This Mobile Controller Is Better Than Backbone for the Same Price
The difference between an average mobile gaming experience and a legendary mobile gaming experience often comes down to the hardware you're using. Thankfully, we've seen a whole slew of dedicated mobile gaming controllers hit the market in the past few years. Elo is a new gaming hardware manufacturer founded by a former e-sports player, and he set out to create a pro-level mobile controller accessible to everyone. The Vagabond is the result of nearly two years of work and has easily swept in to put Backbone on notice. What's good about the Elo Vagabond? CNET / Jason Cockerham There's no getting around it: This is one of the best mobile controllers I've ever laid my hands on. Elo nailed just about everything about the design of the Vagabond. One of my biggest issues with most mobile controllers is the mushy buttons that feel like they take forever to press and/or register in game. With the Vagabond, there's no such problem. The buttons are clicky and tactile and have never once let me down or frustrated me. The only part of the controller I was a bit unimpressed by was the D-pad; it worked fine but didn't feel as solid as the rest of the controller. The joysticks and triggers are both Hall Effect, which should make them last longer compared to other controllers' buttons that don't use Hall Effect. There are also two programmable buttons on the back, situated perfectly in the curve of the grip. The USB-C connection is flexible (thank you), so you won't harm your phone or your controller when it plugging in. And as we've come to expect on top-tier controllers, there's also passthrough charging and a headphone jack. CNET / Jason Cockerham It's also the most comfortable mobile controller I've ever used. The hand grips are resemblant of a full-sized console controller, which is impressive. Most others I've used are smaller or not as ergonomic. The larger size also means it can accommodate almost any sized phone, including a foldable phone like the Samsung Z Fold 6 or an iPad Mini, if you really want to go all out. Elo also wanted to eliminate the hassle of having to remove your case every time you want to game (or the fear of lugging your phone around naked), so it included a range of adapters to accommodate almost any size case -- including thicker, more rugged cases -- with the Vagabond. There are limitations, of course, but every case I have -- and as a reviewer, I have a lot -- worked with the Vagabond just fine. I think Elo also nailed the pricing. The Vagabond is $99 on Amazon. For everything you get with the Vagabond, that's a win. What could be better about the Elo Vagabond? CNET / Jason Cockerham As great as the hardware is, there are a couple of things that could be improved. Aside from the D-pad, the material on the joysticks is a bit rougher than I'm used to. That never became a problem for me, but I did read several customer reviews that complained about it, particularly after longer play sessions. And while not a huge deal, there are no additional covers in the box. It's also the biggest mobile controller I've used by a decent margin (Razer Kishi Ultra notwithstanding). The size is wonderful for gaming, but it's very portable. It fits in my backpack, but since it doesn't come with a case or a bag, it often got snagged as I was pulling it out. I get that this is a tradeoff -- but it's a mobile controller, so size and portability matter. It's not a dealbreaker for me, but it's worth keeping in mind. CNET / Jason Cockerham The biggest weak point of the Vagabond is the software, namely the company's Unleashed app. It's available on both iOS and Android, but it's quite limited at the moment and only shows you a few games. To Elo's credit, it only shows you games that are fully compatible with the Vagabond – thankfully Call of Duty: Mobile is fully supported -- but the selection is currently pretty limited. You can certainly play other games that work with controllers, but that's still hit-or-miss for most of them. The app fully supports major cloud gaming platforms like Apple Arcade, Xbox, PlayStation Remote and Steam, so you'll have access to all those games. The founder and owner of Elo told me that virtual touch mapping is coming soon, but with such a small team and a first-generation product, they've understandably experienced some roadblocks. But the fact that this thing is even shipping in such a polished state as a freshman product is quite a feat. All that said, Backbone's software is still miles ahead of Elo's, but it's not nearly as bad as others I've used. Should you buy the ELO Vagabond? It's hard not to recommend the Vagabond. I think it's a fair price for the hardware you get. If you're after a console-quality controller and mainly play games like CODM, Warzone or Genshin Impact, you'll likely be impressed. There are certainly less expensive options out there that offer comparable hardware, so if that's all you're after, you might find a better option elsewhere. If you want the best of both worlds -- top-tier hardware and robust software -- the Backbone or Razer Kishi Ultra might be your best bet, if you're willing to pay for it.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
Razer Kishi V3 Pro Review
The Razer Kishi V3 Pro bridges the gap between phone and tablet controller options, leaving little room for competition. Mobile controllers are as commonplace as third-party controller offerings on your favourite home console or PC platforms, but often require smart shopping for those looking for a controller best suited for their phone or tablet. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro promises to deliver a mobile controller experience that not only works on a wide gamut of smartphones but also tablets up to 8', on top of full support as a PC gamepad, making it a truly versatile gaming beast. Inside the box, prospective buyers will receive the Razer Kishi V3 Pro controller itself, a series of rubber cushions for the best fit of your device of choice, an instructions card, and a set of replaceable concave and convex sticks reminiscent of the Xbox gamepad and Nintendo Joy-Con sticks. In terms of overall build quality and aesthetics, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro is cast in the same mould as the Razer Kishi Ultra, with the most significant visual difference stemming from the lack of the distinct RGB strip found in the previous model. Don't let the lack of lighting fool you. However, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro makes up for it with tremendous attention to quality and detail, with the mobile controller sporting swappable TMR sticks, satisfyingly clicking microswitches for the face buttons and D-pad, back bumpers and full console-quality triggers and shoulder buttons that make it not only one of the best mobile controllers to date, but just one of the best controllers to use, period. Of course, a controller, particularly one adapted for mobile device use, lives and dies with its software suite to support it. Thankfully, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro and the Razer Nexus app in general set a new standard for mobile gaming and remote play software for PC users looking to stream their games. As someone familiar with streaming protocols on PC, I am used to relying on software such as Sunshine and Moonlight and other derivates such as Artemis and Apollo to get the best streaming experience possible. Still, now, thanks to Razer's efforts on the streaming front, this process has become a seamless experience that can be set up with only a few clicks. The Razer Nexus mobile app combined with Razer Cortex on PC is not only an effort to get up and running, but it also offers gamers with multiple game launchers installed on their machines a central hub (or nexus) to launch all their games from, on top of a new mobile-friendly mode, reminiscent of Steam Big Picture, which looks fantastic on mobile screens, adding to the overall enjoyment of using the service. Razer's reliance on open-source streaming protocols also ensures a robust and fast connection for capable setups, which, on top of offering low-latency game streaming, allows custom resolutions, HDR and high refresh rate features that conform to your mobile devices, making 1:1 experiences possible that feel native to the device you are gaming on. The option to use tablets up to 8' also gives the Razer Kishi V3 Pro some flexibility when connecting your device to the controller via its USB-C connection, which doesn't feel rigid or finicky, making the setup process to get up and going as easy as a Bluetooth connection, but with the added benefit of a wired bond and of course, the option for passthrough charging and optional headphone jack for wired headphone users. I must admit, my daily driver thus far since having reviewed it has been the GameSir G8 Plus Galileo, for its console-like controls and profile-switching capabilities, but the Razer Kishi V3 Pro has dethroned it, as it not only offers a robust feature set for streaming, the controls of the portable controller also go above and beyond what others offer, with my favourite being the Kishi V3's d-pad, which feels clicky and satisfying and reminiscent of my favourite D-pad of all time, the Sega Saturn's floating disc-shaped pad, which feels excellent in fighting games and platformers that require that extra bit of precision needed to pull off moves or time jumps accordingly. At the end of the day, the Razer Kishi V3 Pro continues Razer's dominance in the mobile controller space, offering a no-brainer solution for those who need a flexible controller capable of use on larger-format phones and medium-sized tablets, aligning with its traditional controller offerings and mobile controllers alike. Finally, with options to use the Razer Kishni V3 Pro via a wired USB connection on PC platforms, paired with the fact that the controller, in general, feels akin to Razer's Wolverine line of high-quality controllers, Razer's latest mobile offering is an easy pick for PC gamers looking for the most utility in their controller.
Digital Trends
07-05-2025
- Digital Trends
Backbone Pro review: Mobile controller royalty charts a bold new course
BackBone Pro MSRP $169.99 Score Details 'Backbone Pro reaches the summit of what a mobile controller can accomplish, and then dives further into a the realm of a do-it-all device. It doesn't come cheap, but delivers beyond it's ballpark."' Pros Outstanding build quality Excellent triggers and thumbsticks Dual-mode connectivity A rewarding companion app Unified retro emulation cores Cons Relatively pricey for a mobile controller Features tied to annual subscription Table of Contents Table of Contents Thoughtful design, stunning build The best-grade inputs out there A versatile gaming experience A rewarding controller app Verdict Mobile gaming is having a moment, and with more fervor on Apple's ecosystem than Android. Finding the right controller, however, can be an arduous task. In 2020, Backbone landed on the scene and instantly became a hot favorite for gaming on phones. Recommended Videos Over the years, the company has released two iterations of its One controller, and even one for PlayStation fans. With its latest, the Backbone Pro, the company hopes you won't look for another controller. From mobile and cloud devices to PC and VR hardware, this is one controller to rule them all. Backbone went back to the engineering table and made a host of changes to ensure that the Pro can be used in USB-tethered mode, as well as a standalone mode. That mandated a bulk-up, but also introduced perks that gaming enthusiasts will love. The price is still at a premium, but the sum total of this $169.99 package is more than what you would get from an average controller. Thoughtful design, stunning build The Backbone Pro is bigger and bulkier than its One sibling, though it still tips the scales at under 200 grams. Maneet Khaira, the founding chief of Backbone, tells me that the flagship controller has been in development for over three years and entailed hundreds of 3D-printed prototypes. Over the course of testing, the team performed camera capture to finalize the most comfortable grip, button layout, and even the texture work. The updated thumbsticks required multiple micrometer-level adjustments to get them right. All the work that went into design and engineering reflects during usage. I've tried nearly half a dozen game controllers in the past few months, including those with a telescoping bar like the Pro. The Backbone controller stands out with its superb build quality and weight balance. A neat touch on the Pro model is the dotted texture on the handle. It's not rubberized, but it still offers a remarkable surface-level grip. Khaira tells me that the team experimented with multiple laser-etched textures to ensure that it's not too rough, and doesn't get the palm sweaty either. Jumping across different venues in Grid Legends in a sweltering 98 degrees Fahrenheit weather, the Backbone Pro did an admirable job at maintaining surface grip against my perspiring palms and prevented slipping. The handles are thicker this time around, and I quite like them. It's a personal perk because I've grown used to the official Xbox controller and felt right at home with the Backbone Pro. The added heft is also reassuring. In hindsight, it offers a more controlled experience if you are using gyro tilt in racing games. The Backbone Pro also throws a couple of customizable rear buttons into the mix. Positioned towards the inner side of the handle, these curved buttons offer a satisfying click feedback and really come in handy for games with crowded controls. The telescopic bar can fit any smartphone easily, including the big ones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Red Magic 10 Pro. It barely falls short of accommodating the iPad mini. Thankfully, the controller won't cause any trouble if you don't want to take the case off your phone. The best-grade inputs out there For all that increase in size and heft, the Backbone Pro added a serious functional perk. In addition to using it in tethered mode via the USB-C insert, this one can also act as a standalone wireless controller for all your devices, including TVs, tablets, and laptops. I spent most of my time using the controller in wireless mode, burning up hours in Warframe, Alien: Isolation, and the new Resident Evil titles. I didn't run into any issues with latency, and the pairing process was also fairly seamless across the screens I tried. This dexterity also ties into a continuity feature for gaming. For example, if you left playing a game at a certain point on a large screen, you can seamlessly carry it over on a phone via the official streaming client, such as Xbox Cloud. 'We want to support every platform,' Khaira told me during a live demonstration of the Backbone Pro controller. So far, my own experience with playing games across various formats has been fairly smooth and hassle-free. In wireless mode, the built-in battery is touted to last 40 hours. I couldn't verify this number, and honestly, you shouldn't be concerned about it, either. That's because the controllers allow parallel charging via the USB-C port on the right handle. When plugged in, the port can top up the phone as well as the built-in battery. Technically, I never ran out of juice during my gaming sessions. Thankfully, the companion app conveniently shows the phone and the controller's battery levels, so you can keep an eye on the drain. A versatile gaming experience The buttons and sticks you get on the Backbone Pro are arguably the best you will find on a controller out there. Period. In retrospect, you shouldn't settle for anything less at this asking price. The round action buttons offer a nice clicky feedback with a satisfying level of vertical travel, perfect for mashing during your dungeon grinds. The D-Pad, in contrast, offers a quieter response, but they're really well put together. The slight elevation on the edges and a concave profile combine to offer a rewarding circular input for executing combos in fighting games. The Hall Effect triggers, unsurprisingly, perform just as well and keep concerns of drifting at bay. My favorite element of the controller is the full-sized ALPS joysticks. They have a nice texture around the periphery for extra grip. The pair offers precise movement control, especially in racing games where cornering and hand-brake combos require nimble fingers and subtle radial movements. You can calibrate the trigger depth and also configure the thumbstick dead zone. Button remapping is also part of the package, but I wish the app also offered an in-game launcher experience, the way labels like Red Magic have executed. I had a fantastic time gaming with the Backbone Pro and can report that the aspects such as depth sensitivity, response time, and keypress feedback are all top-notch. The only misstep was the occasional bugs in the app, which is to be expected while running a TestFlight build. In the stable version that I was running on the Red Magic 10 Pro and OnePlus 13, I didn't notice any lag or non-responsive buttons. Depending on the platform, you can also save custom key presets and set unique profiles, as well. A rewarding controller app The most enticing element of the Backbone Pro experience is actually the mobile app. The layout and feel will be second nature to Xbox mobile app users if you're on Team Green. The app has been beautifully designed, and the content organization is lovely. Games are neatly sorted across platforms, categories, and the cloud service providers. The app acts more like an aggregator, where you can seamlessly pick up games across Android, iOS, Apple Arcade, Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and other libraries. And yes, you can launch the games directly, as well. The game cards are dynamic, which means even without tapping on them, you can get a short preview of the gameplay. When I launched the app, I got access to a bunch of freebies with the Backbone+ subscription, such as Discord Nitro and Apple Arcade for three months. The biggest surprise? A native emulation tool in the Backbone app. The team has built a unified system where emulation cores for multiple retro Nintendo consoles have been placed in a single container. For now, you can enjoy games for SNES, NES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance platforms. The Backbone chief tells me that the emulation stack will go as far back as Nintendo 64. When I asked about bringing more legacy console platforms, Khaira said it's not about choosing a side (read: Sony or Nintendo), but technical capabilities. 'We want to support every platform,' he put it bluntly. Backbone is currently testing emulation cores for PlayStation 1, PSP, and Nintendo DS, in case you're wondering. When I asked him to dig further into the challenges at hand, the Backbone chief told me that the 'biggest constraint is memory on the phone.' Tying it all together is the Backbone+ subscription, which serves a bunch of exclusive tools and benefits. Priced at $39.99 per year, it offers $35 worth of in-game benefits, a 30% discount on Backbone products, the ability to record game videos at full-HD 60fps with cloud storage, in-app voice chats, and Twitch direct streaming. The best, however, is yet to come. Khaira tells me that the subscription bundle will bring more titles and content later this year. 'We are working on adding licensed games into the subscription bundle,' he tells me. In addition to new games, Backbone envisions offering free games as well as instantly playable games that can work offline with the premium bundle. 'We want to bring down the barrier of entry as much as possible,' Khaira explains, adding that Backbone hopes to evolve into a gaming platform of its own by working with multiple partners in the gaming industry. 'We are really trying to be an alternative way to play games.' – Maneet Khaira, founder and CEO of Backbone. Verdict The Backbone Pro is an unabashedly premium controller. But for its $169.99 ask, it inches close to the territory where you find first-party controllers from the console warlords. But where the Backbone option races ahead is the sheer flexibility. The buttons and joysticks are fantastic, and so is the flexibility of using it in docked as well as standalone mode across different platforms. From a hardware perspective, it is as good as it gets. If your preferred gaming platform is mobile devices, and the best experience is what you seek, the Backbone Pro will serve you just fine. It goes a step further by offering a fantastic catalog aggregator in the mobile app. For fans of emulation, the built-in emulator will be a huge draw. The Backbone One will remain on the shelf at its $99.99 ask, going against the Razer Kishi V2. And if you're looking for budget alternatives, the GameSir X5 Lite is a great option. But for folks willing to spend on the Backbone Pro, you are in for a premium gaming experience par excellence.
