Awesome Controllers

Designed for fighting game fans and esports players, 8BitDo Arcade Controllers are nearly A4-sized and just 1.6cm (0.62″) thick. Available in Xbox/PC and Switch/PC versions, the controllers offer wired and wireless play, 16 low-profile buttons, SOCD cleaning, and tournament locks. Pro touches include foldable metal feet and hot-swappable Kailh switches.

GravaStar’s unique mouse is engineered for elite gamers, offering responsive feedback and customizable controls. Its skeletonized shell is made from lightweight magnesium alloy. Features include a 26,000 DPI sensor with a 4K polling rate, programmable RGB lighting, and wired/wireless connectivity. Available in a black/white gradient or grey.

Intech Studio’s VSN1 controller system is designed for versatility, enabling a wide variety of creative workflows. The core module has eight pressure-sensitive switches, an aluminum encoder dial, and a 320×240 LCD screen. Add-on modules include faders, keys, knobs, and combos. It connects to Macs, PCs, and iPads via USB-C and is USB MIDI compatible.

This controller from Baseline Design Shop is all about the knob. Its weighted scroll wheel has a ball-bearing for smooth spinning, and its 12-bit hall-effect encoder ensures accuracy. Three Keychron K Pro Banana mechanical switches have RGB backlighting. The Knob V2 comes pre-set for adjusting volume and playing media, and it’s programmable using VIA.

This versatile computer accessory combines a macro controller and a 10-in-1 USB-C docking station. It has six programmable keys with LCD screens, three knobs, and three navigation buttons. The hub has numerous outputs, including HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, 2.5GBps Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, and an SD/TF memory card slot. Compatible with MacOS and Windows.

This expressive controller gives musicians an incredible amount of control and looks amazing while performing. The ERAE II has 16,000 force sensors to detect movements and pressure across its multitouch surface. A colorful LED grid provides visual feedback and can be programmed with virtual keys, drum pads, faders, and buttons. It also has a built-in 8-track looper.

This controller is designed to improve workflows with drawing tablets but can speed up any creative process. It has eight buttons, which can be programmed for shortcuts for up to 40 functions per application, OLED function displays, and a four-mode knob with LED lighting to indicate which mode has been selected. Works with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux PCs.

Celebrate your love for classic video games every time you type. This artisan keycap from MMi Keycaps was inspired by the Super Nintendo game controller. The detailed cast-resin keycap is designed to fit 1.5U key locations and comes with SNES purple or the Japanese Super Famicom’s multicolor buttons. Compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones.

Turtle Beach engineered the Stealth Pivot game controller with rotating button clusters that flip between layouts. One side is ideal for retro games and fighters, and the other is great for FPSes and modern games with its dual analog sticks. It’s compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PCs and offers wireless and wired connectivity.

There are many multi-platform game controllers, but what makes the GameSir Tarantula Pro different is that its button layout can be swapped on the fly. A motorized wheel rotates the positions of its ABXY buttons. It has high-precision analog sticks, a D-pad, nine programmable buttons, a 6-axis gyro sensor, rumble motors, and separate racing + FPS trigger modes.

Josh King’s M-Con is a Bluetooth gamepad for smartphones that works with the iPhone’s MagSafe connector (and compatible cases). Once attached, it slides in and out the back of the phone like the controls on the PSP Go. Josh is planning on raising funds for the gamepad on Kickstarter in 2025. Retro Game Corps got their hands on a working prototype.

Audima Labs shows off a sweet new MIDI controller that enhances live performance. Like a theremin, it’s controlled by waving your hands above it, but the Sway is built to control digital music. It offers six degrees of expression including strike, sway, glide, X/Y, aftertouch, and 2-handed gesture control. Place a reservation now to save when it launches.

This wired/wireless keypad from DOIO is perfect for programming custom macros. It’s got nine layers for saving presets and three encoder knobs. It has a sturdy aluminum alloy and acrylic case, and its circuit board has RGB backlighting and hot-swappable sockets if you want to change the included Gateron G Yellow Pro Linear switches.

The latest version of Razer’s Xbox and PC controller has six remappable inputs: four back paddles and two bumpers near the shoulder buttons. Its triggers can be toggled between analog and instant actuation. It uses Hall Effect joysticks for a drift-free experience. It has a wireless dongle, while its wired mode gets you a 1000 Hz polling rate.

A follow-up to the Xbox Adaptive Controller, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is essentially half of a modern gamepad. Its thumbstick’s topper is meant to be easily replaceable to better fit users with limited mobility, with Xbox promising 3D printable toppers. It’s also compatible with Windows 10/11, Android, and iOS. Available early 2025.

The Lofree Touch has retro looks but modern tech under its hood. Its scroll wheel is flanked by keycap-style buttons, and its shell comes in two shades of old-school computer beige: Tofu and Block w/orange. The buttons and palm cover can be swapped out with theme kits. The mouse can connect to up to four devices at once and supports USB, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth.