I tested Turtle Beach’s Mario-infused Nintendo Switch 2 controller, and its combination of a flashy design with TMR thumbsticks won me over — even if it does omit a few too many features

· TechRadar

TechRadar Verdict

The Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 nails a lot of the fundamentals. It delivers textured TMR thumbsticks that feel satisfying to use, it’s got an attractive semi-translucent design, and it's filled with plenty of battery life. However, the omission of rumble, NFC, and a 3.5mm port are a shame. In the end, it’s a very solid controller that’s pleasant to use; it just needs more expansive functionality for the price.

Pros

  • +TMR thumbsticks feel great
  • +Eye-catching semi-translucent design
  • +Great battery life

Cons

  • -No rumble
  • -NFC left out, so no Amiibo fun for you
  • -Can’t wake the Switch 2 from its slumber

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Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 review: one-minute review

Fancy a Rematch? That’s right, Turtle Beach is back with the Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2, which comes equipped with an all-new design, trusty C button, and a few other technical touch-ups.

There’s a lot to love about the Rematch, whether that be its drift-resistant TMR (tunnel magnoresistance) thumbsticks, its eye-catching semi-translucent design – which even features Super Mario himself, or its customizable GL and GR buttons. It’s also a pretty comfortable controller to use, with responsive triggers and face buttons, and incredibly seamless pairing.

I was also delighted with the controller’s generous 40-hour battery life, which competes with top controllers in our guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories. Despite that, though, the Rematch certainly isn’t without its flaws.

One of the most glaring drawbacks is the controller’s omission of rumble technology. This can be crucial for certain in-game segments, and is generally a vital instrument to immerse players more deeply in their gaming experiences. I was also sad to see NFC tech left out, which lets you scan Amiibo in titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or Kirby Air Riders.

When you combine those things with the Rematch’s lack of a 3.5mm port and its inability to wake your Nintendo Switch 2 console from sleep, I think it’s fair to say it's missing a few crucial features. And yes, although this model costs a fair bit less than the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, it's not exactly cheap. At more than $60 / £50 / AU$90, I’d hope for more expansive functionality.

All of that’s not to say that I disliked the Rematch – far from it. It’s a solid model overall that feels comfortable and effective in use, and the TMR tech is something that Nintendo’s official Switch 2 pro controller doesn’t have. And even with some missing features, it does support motion controls, which worked well in my experience.

Ultimately, I’d probably recommend waiting for a sale for this model. It’s a trustworthy, appealing controller that gets a lot of the fundamentals right, and it will almost certainly serve you well. At full price, though, I just feel that it’s a bit too thin on features.

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