The Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller has been available since December. Consequently, I have had to wait patiently to get my hands on this premium device. Needless to say, the wait was worthwhile. Designed for use with Xbox and PC/laptop, this versatile controller ticks many boxes. Yet, some elements are still a little glitchy and this was a shame. But I certainly wasn’t disheartened, nor did it undermine the high-end finish.
This review comes at a time when ROCCAT and Turtle Beach have merged into a gaming superpower. This combined experience and knowledge is hard to beat. Accordingly, whenever I’ve handled one of their products, I’ve always been impressed. They are the leading light for 3rd party Xbox peripherals, and I had high expectations before this controller landed on my desk. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed as this beastly accessory looks great and feels even better. As such, if you love an elite edge whenever you game, this is the device for you.
What’s in the box of the Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller?
- The packaging is colourful and robust. It highlights its Xbox credentials and demands to be opened.
- The Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller is divine! The sci-fi finish is laced with RGB lighting. Moreover, it has an advanced display screen and mappable rear buttons. Furthermore, there is a USB-C and audio port.
- A docking station allows you to charge the controller in no time. It matches the aesthetic and looks phenomenal on your desk.
- A tough but tactile carry case is included. This luxury item has pass-through charging and a delightful velvet finish.
- A USB-C to USB-A cable charges the device.
- Use the USB-A dongle to wirelessly connect the device to your PC or Xbox.
- Spare thumb caps let you change the profile of the analogue stick.
- A quick start guide helps you understand the fundamentals.
Technical aspects.
The Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller is unbelievably jam-packed with technology. Subsequently, I’m worried that it has a higher IQ than me. However, I won’t let this put me off as this has to be one of the best controllers I’ve ever handled. This smart device has an impressive 30-hour battery life, a low-latency wireless connection, and Bluetooth for social media connectivity. Additionally, thanks to the external dongle, you can seamlessly connect to your PC and Xbox with no problems whatsoever. Yes, you have to move the dongle from one machine to another, but this wasn’t exactly taxing or hard work.
Alongside the impressive connectivity settings, you’ll experience some of the most responsive switches you’ve ever tried. The mechanical buttons are lightning-fast and spectacular to use. The wonderful tactile nature feels responsive and comfortable at all times. Moreover, the rear mappable buttons merge into the shell of the controller to create an intuitive layout that destroys other pro controllers. Furthermore, there are trigger depth switches to improve your FPS gaming.
The display screen.
If you have an all-singing and all-dancing controller, you want to be able to alter things as and when you like. Thankfully, the Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller deals with this issue in 2 ways. First, there is the impressive and versatile app (more on this in a moment.) Second, the vivid on-board display screen takes the sci-fi edge to the next level. This awesome piece of tech allows you to change your EQ, check your socials (when it works), and play with the lighting effects. Moreover, you may alter your profile on the fly to match any genre you play.
This spectacular addition to an elite controller makes this stand head and shoulders above its peers. However, things are improved further when you consider the user-friendly and free-to-download “Control Center 2” app. This piece of software is available for your phone, PC, or Xbox. Once connected, it allows you to update the firmware, change your settings, and play with every aspect of your device. What’s more, you can test the dead zone of your analogue stick and switch on the pro-aim feature.
Pro-aim isn’t a magic wand. Yet, it helps smooth out those juddery moments when aiming a precise weapon. Accordingly, poor FPS gamers will see minor improvements. However, pros and veterans will love the support that this additional tool delivers.
The ugly!
I’d love to smooth over the minor issues, but sadly, I cannot. Now, I have to emphasise that the shortcomings are negligible, and Turtle Beach has started working on solutions to most of the issues. But when you are paying a premium, it’s fair to expect near perfection. The 2 areas of concern were the battery life and the social media notifications. The advertised 30-hour battery life can only be achieved when the device is set up for the lowest power consumption. Accordingly, a realistic 18 to 20 hours should be expected and is certainly achievable. This reduction in battery power may seem a lot, but it is negated by the fast-charge docking station. Within 2 hours, you’ll have the device juiced up and ready to go. Alternatively, you can play wired if you sit near your system of choice.
My major complaint is the social media notifications. No matter how hard I tried, I struggled to get this element to work reliably. When it did work, it was a fun, albeit niche idea that kept you in contact with your friends and family. Sadly, though, an array of permissions, connections, and other hurdles trip you up throughout. Consequently, I dumped the idea of this flashy feature and stuck to using my phone. I’m sure it will get ironed out, but at the time of this review, this feature is somewhat glitchy.
Usability of the Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller.
A gamepad can have all the bells and whistles. However, that means nothing if it is terrible to use. Luckily, the Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller is spectacular to use. It is an officially certified Microsoft product, so you won’t have issues with the latest Microsoft T&Cs. Every part of this device is phenomenal. The design matches the official layout except for the home button. What’s more, there is an additional button to connect with the screen and the trigger depth switches as well. This familiar layout will impress hardcore Xbox gamers. Moreover, the comfortable shapes and ergonomic design are perfect for gaming on your PC.
There are up to 10 profiles that can be programmed and stored in the controller’s memory. This was a great design choice that ensured you could be prepared for an array of genres with the flick of a button. Whether you wish to adjust your rear mappable inputs or simply change the lighting effects, it can be done with ease. Furthermore, the ability to tweak your profile to maximise your potential for FPS, platformers, or racing was impressive.
Build quality.
Balancing weight distribution, ergonomic designs, and a premium finish isn’t an easy task. Additionally, gamers are a fussy bunch, and they’ll make their feelings known if something doesn’t match their expectations. Thankfully, this controller delivers on every aspect. Though it is lighter than its peers, weighing in at 246g, it still feels substantial and well-built. The rubberised grips and tactile mechanical switches deliver a professional edge that is rarely seen.
Alongside this, the low friction rings for the Hall Effect sticks and triggers eliminate the risk of stick drift. This is an issue that has plagued many of its competitors, and Turtle Beach doesn’t wish to be tarnished with that brush. Luckily, the high-end components remove that issue whilst delivering precise movement and game-changing accuracy. The adjustable trigger switches are mechanical and easy to operate. Alongside this, you can use the software to adjust the sensitivity to maximise your potential.
Finally, I turn my attention to the accessories. The case is ideal if you wish to store your product, or you want to use it while you commute. The hardened exterior keeps the controller safe, and it is wonderfully understated. Consequently, it won’t attract unwanted attention. Moreover, it has a handy pass-through charging port so you can charge your device on the move. Talking of charging, the low-profile docking station is fantastic. It has a magnetic connection that magically attracts your device. Furthermore, once it is docked, the gamepad switches off almost immediately.
Is the Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller worth it?
My 5-month wait to test this product was arduous but worthwhile. The Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller is a dream product that leaves its peers in its wake. Not only does it look amazing, but this highly versatile beast will improve every aspect of your gaming. Moreover, if you are a streamer, you’ll love the discreet but impressive RGB and the comfortable ergonomic design. Yes, I had some minor issues, but these pale into insignificance when you consider the mountain of plus points. Accordingly, this is a phenomenal elite device that I recommend buying here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! Turtle Beach provided a sample for this review!)
