SteelSeries SmartGrip Controller Accessories

Saw this when I stopped in one day and decided to give it a try. It's a nice mock Xbox 360 controller, though some might be put off with the joysticks being parallel to each other instead of offset.Been wanting a new game pad for my PC since I was still using a 20-ish year old Logitech Dual Action (mock PS2) controller. PC gaming hasn't made use of game pads much unless you do a lot on steam, so never had much reason to upgrade until I finally got myself GTA5.The difference between the two controllers is literally night and day. This feels heavy and solid in the hand, but not tiring to hold. The buttons are all responsive even with the wireless connection. The trigger buttons use Hall Effect magnetic sensors which give them much more precise input than ... MoreSaw this when I stopped in one day and decided to give it a try. It's a nice mock Xbox 360 controller, though some might be put off with the joysticks being parallel to each other instead of offset.Been wanting a new game pad for my PC since I was still using a 20-ish year old Logitech Dual Action (mock PS2) controller. PC gaming hasn't made use of game pads much unless you do a lot on steam, so never had much reason to upgrade until I finally got myself GTA5.The difference between the two controllers is literally night and day. This feels heavy and solid in the hand, but not tiring to hold. The buttons are all responsive even with the wireless connection. The trigger buttons use Hall Effect magnetic sensors which give them much more precise input than traditional triggers, something my old pad didn't have. Playing GTA5, I can actually accelerate without burning the tires off and I can even drive at a specific speed without having to let off the trigger. Same with braking, no more squealing tires when slowing down (unless you mash the button). The Forward/Start and Back/Select buttons are recessed into the pad, it would have been nice if they were up a bit higher, I find myself hunting for them occasionally.The wireless connection was easy to set up with the included dongle. The unit will connect to your PC via bluetooth, but it may not see it there or in my case, it treats it like a normal game pad, you loose the nice trigger buttons. However, battery life is doubled with the wireless connection as compared to bluetooth, so us PC gamers can sit back and relax with 42 hours of game play. There is also a neat little button to press to see how much battery life you have. Still finding you're running out of juice? Just plug the included USB cable in to charge while you're playing.The game pad also turns itself off after a few minutes of non-use and is easily reconnected with the press of the home button or thumb buttons.This will not work with iOS devices, I already knew this going into it, but still would have been nice to have the option. It is supposed to connect to Android (I don't own one myself, so I can't test it) and they are pushing use for Fortnite really hard. Some other reviews I have read says they couldn't use it in Fortnite, but again I cannot verify this myself.I knocked one star for two reasons. First reason is NO RUMBLE. Even if not HD rumble, this is 2019, there is no reason a controller like this should not at least have rumble. The second reason I knocked a star is for the player select LEDS on the top. The controller is supposed to show what player you are by one of four LEDs, but since I have gotten this controller, it refuses to do that and just constantly blinks all four LEDs as if it's not connected. I remember something similar with 360 controllers on the 360 itself, but for the price of this controller, that is unacceptable. The Steelseries website doesn't even seem to have this controller listed when you go to look for help/trouble issues, so no firmware updates. I have watched review videos and even they seem to have the same issue.Overall, I'm still happy with this purchase as I was expecting to pay about the same amount for an older 360 controller and the separate USB dongle, but this at least has the updated trigger buttons and really long battery life. One thing I did notice that is sort of amusing are the ABXY buttons, while labled, are not colored in. Instead they are all black with a slight raised impression of the letter with a very small dab of what color the button should be next to the button. Not sure why they didn't just color them in or even make them light up.

It is an excellent controller for the price. There have been occasions where the controller will stick on certain games while moving forward. But, it is only temporary and lasts only a fraction of a second. Then you are back to playing. Response time is excellent on all buttons, triggers and plus pad. If you are looking for a tough controller that responds well. I would say this will do the job. It feels great in your hands and not too bulky. The charging on the controller is a little slow once charged it will last for up to 8 hours of game play. If you are looking for a budget controller that will take the abuse and has long battery life give this one a try.

I would recommend using keyboard and mouse for most games.However, if you are wanting a controller for you PC, I do NOT recommend this. It needs a supportive software to assist in connecting with a PC. It continuously changes to player 2 and there is no way to convert it back to player 1 unless you restart your PC. When your controller is labeled as player 2, you lose basic functions that are needed as a player 1. You can't start games, control settings, etc... You will also need to purchase a silicon skin b/c the grips and sticks are slippery. I had this controller connected to my PC wired and wirelessly and I continued to have all my issues stated above. I also have the SteelSeries Engine app loaded onto my PC and this controller is not compatible with the app. I ... MoreI would recommend using keyboard and mouse for most games.However, if you are wanting a controller for you PC, I do NOT recommend this. It needs a supportive software to assist in connecting with a PC. It continuously changes to player 2 and there is no way to convert it back to player 1 unless you restart your PC. When your controller is labeled as player 2, you lose basic functions that are needed as a player 1. You can't start games, control settings, etc... You will also need to purchase a silicon skin b/c the grips and sticks are slippery. I had this controller connected to my PC wired and wirelessly and I continued to have all my issues stated above. I also have the SteelSeries Engine app loaded onto my PC and this controller is not compatible with the app. I have no idea why when it's a steelseries product. If you are wanting a PC gaming controller, then just buy an XBOX controller. XBOX controllers are all compatible with PC and all windows based PC's have an XBOX accessories app for easy connectivity. I highly recommend the XBOX Series 2 Elite.