SteelSeries is simply a family sanction for galore gamers, but not erstwhile it comes to controllers. Instead of easing into the speech pinch reasonably-priced console and PC controllers to build trust, it’s kicking down the doorway pinch the $259.99 Aeon Pro wireless controller for Xbox and PC, which starts shipping today.
What does 1 of the astir costly controllers retired location do that others don’t? A fewer things. The 1 you’ll apt announcement first is its mini OLED surface that tin guideline you done swapping betwixt Xbox, PC, aliases Bluetooth. It lets you set astir settings connected the controller, including genre-based presets. You tin remap the controls and set rumble sensitivity from the controller, too, but much analyzable stuff, for illustration adjusting instrumentality deadzones and making profiles, requires the GG app for PC. Screens connected controllers isn’t a caller concept, but this 1 is astatine slightest easy to use.
Its astir appealing characteristic is the astir applicable one: its swappable artillery system. It ships pinch 2 batteries, and they past for astir 12 hours each. The spare gets charged successful the included wireless guidelines position (it’s really the aforesaid artillery utilized successful the high-end Arctis Nova Pro, Omni, and Elite headsets). The position has 2 USB-C inputs, 1 for Xbox and different PC. It tin automatically switch sources, though you tin manually switch from the controller, arsenic well.
The guidelines position tin complaint a spare battery, though it’s disappointing that there’s only 1 correct measurement to insert it.
There aren’t a ton of different surprises pinch the Aeon Pro’s hardware compared to different pro-grade controllers. It has Hall effect joysticks and triggers, and astir of its inputs person mechanical switches alternatively of membranes, yielding a much tactile sensation and sound than the modular Xbox controller, among others. And it has two-position trigger stops that fto you opt for shorter throws, changing the seamless analog propulsion into thing that feels akin to a rodent click.
On its back, location are 4 rear paddles. They aren’t removable, which SteelSeries says is because modular ones often consequence successful wobbly paddles. They’re conscionable there, whether you usage them aliases not. Like different buttons, these tin beryllium mapped done the controller, aliases done the GG package connected PC.
The charging indicators connected the surface are a bully touch.
The rear paddles aren’t removable, but they’re nosy to click moreover if you don’t representation them to immoderate commands.
I for illustration SteelSeries’ swappable artillery system, and it’s awesome to spot it travel to much peripherals than conscionable its high-end headsets. However, I’m not sold connected it (or moreover the OLED screen) being compelling capable to warrant upgrade for if you’re smitten pinch your existent Xbox aliases PC controllers. Also, astatine this value location really ought to beryllium a zip-up lawsuit included, but location isn’t.
For those who are wondering astir alternatives, Valve’s $99 Steam Controller is simply a much highly customizable action for PC players. The Sony DualSense Edge is $60 cheaper and has coagulated PC support, too. Even connected Xbox, there’s nary shortage of cheaper, yet highly tin options. 8BitDo’s Ultimate 3E is $149.99 (not cheap!) yet it matches galore of the Aeon Pro’s features, but pinch modular fastener sets and other d-pads included, to boot.
Still, for a institution that I felt had adjacent to nary credibility successful the controller space, the Aeon Pro abruptly earned it a spot successful the conversation. Next, let’s person a PlayStation and Switch variant.
Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
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