When I’m gaming, mouse and keyboard is generally my preferred input method. It’s an extremely adaptable input method that works great across several genres of games. However, it’s not always the best option, and sometimes it’s nice to kick back and play with a controller instead.
For those times, I’ve come to really appreciate GameSir’s excellent Super Nova controller. I’ve been testing one out over the last couple of weeks, and it’s been fantastic for everything from playing titles like Path of Exile 2 on my PC to crushing my buddies at Super Mario Party Jamboree on Nintendo Switch. It also works with iOS and Android, but not Xbox or PS5, which is a bit of a bummer.
There’s a lot I love about the Super Nova. For starters, it’s one of the most comfortable controllers I’ve ever held. I’ve long given that distinction to Xbox controllers, though the Switch Pro controller is a close runner-up. But the Super Nova sits somewhere between the two, and I absolutely love it.
The Super Nova sports removable face plates and swappable buttons.
I’m also a big fan of the Super Nova’s customizability. It sports a removable face plate, and you can buy alternate colour schemes. GameSir sent me two alternate face plates alongside the default blue/black faceplate. There’s purple/black and yellow/white options, plus even more on GameSir’s website. These snap on magnetically, which is great, but removing the face plates is a bit tricky. I’d love if GameSir added a little tab to the face plates so I could get my finger under it for easier removal.
Another thing to note with the removal of face plates is that the A, B, X, and Y buttons are also removable, allowing users to swap the layout depending on whether they’re playing on Switch or PC. This is great, but it also means the buttons can fall out if you’re not careful when taking the face plate off.
Other customization options include rear buttons and multiple stages for the trigger buttons. I prefer having the full trigger experience, but for people who want a shorter travel, you can flip switches on the back of the controller to reduce how far you can pull the triggers. The controller also boasts Hall effect sensors for both the sticks and triggers, which should enhance the durability and longevity.
The GameSir Super Nova boasts multiple wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth and a wireless dongle. It also comes with a charging dock. This enables a clever setup where you can plug the dock into your PC, and the dongle into the dock, enabling a simple charging setup on your desk and easy wireless connectivity to your PC. I particularly love this as it gives me a place to store my controller when I’m not using it, and the 1,000mAh battery is always charged and ready for lengthy gaming sessions.
Moreover, the dock sports RGB lighting that matches up with the RGB on the controller. Aside from looking stylish, the RGB allows shows charging status, which is extra handy.
Finally, I wanted to highlight the haptics, which are fantastic. The controller lends notable weight to my in-game interactions. Firing my crossbow in Path of Exile 2 felt meaty, for example. I also compared the Super Nova haptics directly to the Switch Pro controller during a round of Mario Party and was dismayed by how mediocre the Pro controller’s haptics felt in comparison.
But perhaps the best part of the Super Nova controller is the price. Xbox and Switch controllers will run you about $90, or more, depending on the model. But the Super Nova costs a cool $70 in Canada (or less, depending on where you buy from). For a controller this good, with customizability, excellent haptics, and a rechargeable battery, it’s a pretty great option overall.
The GameSir Super Nova is available for $70 on GameSir’s website, or $63.99 on Amazon Canada.
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