Manba One Wireless Controller Review: Bells and Whistles Galore

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After years of being a dedicated gamer, I’ve seen my fair share of controllers, but the Manba One Wireless Controller has truly stolen my heart! The interactive display is a game-changer, allowing me to customize settings on the fly without interrupting my gaming flow. Plus, the anti-stick drift and hall effect joystick mechanics are a dream come true for any serious gamer like myself.

Over time, I’ve amassed a variety of controllers from different brands and systems, but my go-to has always been the latest version of the Xbox controller for the Series X|S. They’re comfy, the weight is just right, and they perform flawlessly on PC, where I spend most of my gaming hours. But when Manba offered me a chance to try their Manba One Wireless Controller, I couldn’t resist!

To start with, let’s explore what sets this controller apart from numerous other third-party alternatives available. The most striking feature is its central 2-inch interactive display. This allows you to customize the button layout, lighting settings, vibrations, and more according to specific games or systems directly on the controller itself. In addition to its attractive design, the ability to switch configurations quickly without having to use external software during gameplay results in an incredibly user-friendly setup.

What’s in the Box?

Purchasing the Manba One Wireless Controller, whether it’s straight from the manufacturer or via a retailer such as Amazon, will result in these components arriving in your package:

  • Manba One Controller
  • Charging Station
  • Bluetooth Receiver
  • USB-C Charging Cable
  • Screen Protector (Mine was already in place!)
  • Swappable Joysticks

This device isn’t an oversized box packed with excessive extras like extra components and cables; instead, it contains all the essentials needed to effectively operate the controller within your preferred game. By the way, upon opening the package, mine was almost fully charged, but I recommend connecting it to the charging station initially, allowing it some time to rest, before giving it a try.

The Good

From the get-go, let me share that the Manba One Controller is top-notch. Its weight is superb, control layout is comfortable, buttons respond swiftly, and the central screen provides useful data while also enhancing the gaming experience with a touch of style. However, what truly matters is its functionality, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with gameplay.

After several sessions with the Manba One, I found myself opting for it over my standard Xbox Series X|S controller when I wanted to play a PC game. This shift led me to move away from my mouse and keyboard. The user-friendly charging station, conveniently placed on my desk and out of the way, made my choice of the Manba One simpler and more streamlined – a significant advantage in my view.

When looking for a new controller, you’ll likely be interested in its technical performance. You’ll find that the D-pad is easy to handle, and although the triggers are compact, they offer a comfortable grip. Additionally, the joysticks move smoothly and provide excellent control rotation.

In conclusion, this controller appears to be quite robust. Although I didn’t conduct a formal drop test, my somewhat clumsy daughter did have a chance to handle it once, and it survived an approximately three-foot fall without any visible damage. This suggests that the materials used are of high quality. However, please don’t intentionally drop your controller!

The Bad

In summary, I had few issues with the Manba One Controller overall, but encountered an annoying problem while playing Stardew Valley. The controller would unexpectedly disconnect and reconnect, leaving only my mouse and keyboard functional. Even though the controller indicated it was fully charged, switched on, and connected, it wouldn’t work properly. To resolve this issue, I had to exit the game entirely, unplug the controller, briefly charge it, then restart the controller. Fortunately, after doing so, it functioned correctly. While I hope this problem doesn’t affect many users, it was certainly inconvenient and potentially troublesome for some.

The Verdict

For PC gamers who are looking for something other than the Xbox Series X|S controller and don’t wish to buy another Microsoft or Sony branded controller, the Manba One Wireless Controller is a strong competitor. Its price is roughly comparable, but it offers additional features such as a charging station, interactive screen, that set it apart. With its comfortability, durability, and RGB lighting, you’ll have an entertaining gaming experience whether you’re playing Hades or Fallout 76!

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2024-12-04 18:48