As a seasoned gamer who’s seen my fair share of controllers, I must say that the Manba One wireless controller has caught my attention with its unique LCD screen and premium feel. However, after spending some quality time with it, I can’t help but feel a bit divided about this device.

Increasingly, various external gaming accessory manufacturers are designing controllers for PC, Switch, and mobile users, offering additional functions. While serious gamers may prioritize upgrades like TMR joysticks and rapid polling rates, those shopping for third-party controllers generally seek entertaining features such as customizable RGB lighting and interchangeable joysticks.

The Manba One wireless controller stands out among controllers of this gaming era due to its front-facing large screen, reminiscent of Dreamcast’s design. LCD screens are becoming popular nowadays, primarily on GPUs and gaming keyboards. Does the Manba One effectively utilize its main screen or is it just a novelty? Over the past month, Game Rant tested the controller to find out.

Box Contents

• Manba One controller
• Charging station
• Bluetooth receiver
• Swappable joysticks x2
• USB-C cable
• Screen protector

The Manba One controller isn’t packaged with many extras, but its charging stand is notably sturdy, which is particularly beneficial for players with constrained desk areas. Interestingly, Manba offers a comprehensive, laminated user manual filled with images for almost every instruction, and it’s not oversized.

Design

Bypassing the large LCD screen at its core, the Manba One controller appears conventional in terms of shape initially, but it stands out in nearly every other aspect. The lightweight handlebars draw instant attention, complemented by a moderately heavy central section that ensures good balance. The premium-feeling grip is noticeable from the get-go, thanks to its sleek, smooth design, which breaks away from the typical heavily textured controllers. Although the lack of texture might not appeal to everyone, the controller offers adequate trigger texture, superb contouring, and distinct finishes for each section. This makes it comfortable for most gamers to grip for extended gaming periods.

An unusual aspect of this controller is its power switch located at the back. Though this feature might prevent accidental activation, it seems unnecessary for gamers’ needs. It appears as though the design addresses an issue that may not have been a concern in the first place. However, once you become accustomed to using the Manba One, the switch becomes less conspicuous.

On the rear side, you’ll find four programmable buttons. Arranged in a 2×2 pattern, these small paddles are easy to identify due to their slightly smaller size and textured top buttons. However, during fast-paced FPS and narrative games, I found that reaching the upper right button (M1) could be tricky. Contrastingly, in games like ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ and ‘Zero Horizon Dawn’, where the gameplay is slower and stealth tactics are crucial, this wasn’t a significant problem.

The Manba One wireless controller isn’t just engineered for a comfy hold, it also boasts an appealing aesthetic. The body of the controller features vibrant RGB illumination, and the white version includes a clear faceplate to showcase its silver interior. Conversely, the black controller exudes minimalist elegance while still retaining the style of the RGB sides.

Customizability

With various brands interpreting customizability differently, Manba brings a unique perspective by providing several common customizable features, making it incredibly user-friendly to personalize. The controller boasts exchangeable joysticks for effortless modification and a detachable faceplate, although at present, alternative faceplates are not available.

The primary aspect we’d like to highlight about the Manba One wireless controller is its built-in LCD screen, which comes with a protective film applied right out of the box. Although this film has an adhesive backing that might be unwanted by some users due to the low chances of actually damaging the screen, it’s still quite useful for personalizing your controller settings.

This device offers users the flexibility to modify RGB settings and reassign control functions instantly without requiring a separate application. It provides numerous customization options along with helpful troubleshooting features such as testing triggers, buttons, and fine-tuning every function. The interface is straightforward to navigate, but it’s essential to utilize only the start and back buttons instead of the ABXY controls.

In terms of visual settings, Manba offers limited yet effective customization. It boasts five adjustable screen brightness levels, ranging from typical brightness for a device of its size to a level suitable for well-lit spaces, even outdoor environments under direct sunlight.

Initially, the RGB selections might appear limited, but they effectively meet most users’ needs. There are seven distinct colors available, as well as a multicolor rainbow option. In line with prioritizing the majority of customers, Manba offers just two lighting modes: constant and breathing. If you’d rather turn off the RGB illumination altogether, that option is also provided.

The button mapping is much better, with the process being as easy as it gets. Using the screen controls, after selecting which button you want to program, you can enter up to 20 key presses! Plus, there are four profiles available, so you can program commands for different games and then quickly switch between your button layouts.

Performance

It’s a little unexpected that the Manba One comes with affordable pricing, given that its controller doesn’t stand out in terms of overall competition. However, it’s important to note that the controller isn’t intended to challenge high-end models. Instead, it offers a fashionable choice for gamers who use Bluetooth devices, focusing more on style than direct competition with top-tier options.

To clarify, the wireless dongle enclosed doesn’t use the typical 2.4gHz USB technology for connection. Instead, the receiver amplifies the Bluetooth signal to improve the overall connection quality. Interestingly, there seems to be a mismatch between the manual and the on-screen instructions; while the manual suggests no USB dongle connection with the Switch, the screen indicated that it can be connected via a USB dongle. However, using the dongle simplifies the process of connecting to both PCs and Nintendo Switch consoles, as it automatically connects once the receiver is plugged in and its light starts flashing.

The large screen moving the menu buttons down does come with a slight learning curve. It manages to still be a comfortable layout, but many users will frustratingly hit the wrong button for a while before getting used to it. At the same time, when on PC, opening the screen menu also opens Microsoft’s Game Bar. This essentially makes it so that you have to double-click the controller’s home button in order to access the menu without de-synchronizing your controller and game screens.

Regrettably, during my playtime of Tears of the Kingdom, I experienced noticeable delays in response to my inputs, especially when keeping buttons pressed for extended periods to charge an attack or run. Interestingly, this delay didn’t seem to impact games such as Mario Kart 8. However, it did make combat more challenging in both Zelda and Elden Ring. In essence, this issue might not pose a problem for users who generally avoid complex or competitive gameplay. Nevertheless, any game where timing is crucial will be less enjoyable with this controller.

To put it simply, the battery performance is outstanding. From the get-go, the controller managed to last beyond four hours, and that was with both RGB and LCD brightness cranked up to their maximum. The Bluetooth connectivity certainly contributes to this extended life, as does the 1800mah battery. Interestingly, you can expect the controller to run for about 8-10 hours under full load. The provided cord is approximately three feet in length, so while charging during gameplay on a Switch might not be ideal, it’s perfectly feasible for many PC gamers to continue playing even after the battery runs out.

Overall Impression

The Manba One wireless controller has entered its second phase, yet its captivating LCD screen remains unchanged. Nevertheless, it’s somewhat bothersome when considering the whole package. The screen consumes a significant portion of the controller and requires a notable learning curve to navigate. Despite facilitating easy customization that most competitors haven’t approached, it’s primarily useful during setup or when starting a new game. Mostly, the screen gets in the way without providing any additional features like GIF integration to improve the display.

This controller boasts quality construction, providing a luxurious, scarcely found feel in the gaming industry. It’s not just well-made, but also versatile, working seamlessly with PC, Switch, and mobile devices. The Manba One wireless controller’s RGB lighting and clear design options give it an appealing look that attracts many gamers. Underneath its stylish exterior, it offers robust hardware that makes it a reliable pick for casual players.

Related Items

If the Manba One wireless controller wasn’t exactly what you wanted, here are a few alternative options that might be better suited to your gaming setup:

FAQ

Q: Do you have to use the wireless receiver with the Manba One?

No, but it is highly recommended to use the wireless dongle to strengthen the connection.

Q: Is Manba a legitimate company?

Yes, Manba is a legitimate manufacturer of third-party controllers.

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2024-10-18 16:04