New Year, Same Gear: BigBig Won’s Rainbow 2 Pro Revisited

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2024 proved to be a significant year for third-party controllers. In April, I decided to give a new brand with an intriguingly dubious name a try. To my surprise, the BigBig Won Rainbow 2 Pro wireless controller turned out to be exceptional and was even ranked among Game Rant’s top-rated controllers of the year!

Initially, it wasn’t unexpected that a third-party controller worked well initially. However, the crucial point is how it fared over a longer period. For the majority of my gaming sessions on PC and Switch, I’ve relied on the Rainbow 2 Pro, making it my preferred choice for these platforms. Consequently, I’ve had sufficient time to assess its long-term performance.

If you’re new here, don’t miss our initial review of the BigBig Won Rainbow 2 Pro Wireless Controller for an insight into its performance from the very start!

Connectivity and Responsiveness

The Rainbow 2 Pro boasts versatile connectivity options, including both USB dongle and Bluetooth. Although both connections are reliable, switching between different Bluetooth devices can be a hassle. You’ll need to press specific buttons to establish the connection on both your controller and the device (like a Switch or smartphone), and it can be tricky to get them synced perfectly. As a result, I rarely use the Bluetooth function for anything other than my Switch due to this synchronization challenge.

Instead, let me put it this way: Contrarily, linking the dongle is as straightforward as inserting it. However, the USB dongle appears rather bulky for the Switch’s back, so I wouldn’t suggest using it with the console unless you have a setup that makes reaching the dock’s back extremely convenient.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve encountered occasional lag when pressing buttons while playing games like ‘Infinity Nikki’ and ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’. The main problem seems to be with the A button, which is heavily used in both games. It’s possible that the issue lies with the button itself rather than the wireless connection.

Despite a few minor issues, it’s understandable because this controller isn’t primarily intended for intense competitive gaming. Nevertheless, the back buttons work just as well as those on other controllers, although I don’t utilize them extensively, primarily using them only during gameplay of Tears of the Kingdom.

It appears that some competitive gamers might find these occasional glitches somewhat frustrating, given the product’s description implies it is a competitive gaming controller. Nevertheless, I believe that even less experienced or casual PC gamers, primarily focusing on console shooter games, wouldn’t encounter any problems while playing matches.

RGB Lighting and Comfort

Initially, I was amazed by its customization options, but once I found the setup that suited me best, I haven’t made many changes since. However, there’s a problem with the lighting: when you connect to a new device, even if it’s an old one you’re reconnecting via Bluetooth, the lighting settings reset to their default state. Although it’s simple to adjust again, it lacks the seamless sync functionality I was hoping for.

Speaking of it, it continues to shine brilliantly and impressively even after almost a year, and I continue to believe that it is among the top-tier RGB controllers available. It offers a complete color palette for adjusting the lighting, as well as various display options such as the breathing or gradient effects.

The cushioned handles at the rear of the gamepad remain comfy even after prolonged use, and its sleek design reduces stress during extended gaming periods without compromising on a solid feel that sets it apart from budget options.

Despite being crafted from plastic, its surface maintains a harmonious blend of smoothness and tactility for months, all while the timeless Xbox design ensures ergonomic comfort every day.

Battery Life and Charging

Initially, the battery performance of the Rainbow 2 Pro surpassed even the manufacturer’s predictions. Given that initial assessment, it’s understandable now, as the battery life has noticeably declined since my review. However, it seems that BigBig Won intentionally set a conservative estimate, because despite the degradation, the battery life still falls within their estimated range.

Typically, I find myself needing to recharge my controller every six to eight hours, especially when I keep the RGB lighting at maximum brightness constantly. Unfortunately, this makes it less suitable for extended gaming sessions, as the battery life reduces significantly if you’re using the RGB during long gaming marathons, usually lasting around six hours rather than eight.

The great news is that this budget-friendly controller comes equipped with a charging station, which makes charging incredibly hassle-free. Simply place the controller onto the dock, and a light cue tells you charging has begun. Typically, I just set it down before sleeping, and it’s always fully charged by morning.

Additionally, I left it running for approximately half an hour, which resulted in a four-hour long gaming session afterward.

Would I Recommend the Rainbow 2 Pro Again?

As a movie buff who’s also a tech enthusiast, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about this brand. However, after spending a year testing various controllers, I can confidently say that the value you get with this one is unmatched for its price and specs. The charging dock is an excellent extra feature as well, offering peace of mind when it comes to power management and keeping my gaming area and coffee table tidier.

I’ve been using this third-party controller for nearly a year now, and I still believe it’s the top choice at $65. Its Hall effect joysticks, vivid RGB illumination, and broad compatibility are hard to match. To sweeten the deal, an extra $15 gets you the RGB charging dock, which is quite a steal for a total of $80. What’s more, both versions frequently go on sale, so you can usually find the Rainbow 2 Pro for around $60 throughout much of the year.

Currently, this is the controller I most frequently use for both my computer (PC) and Nintendo Switch. I don’t anticipate switching to a different one in the near future.

If you’re looking for something comparable to the Switch controller without any lag issues, you’ll need to spend a bit extra. The PDP Afterglow is a good alternative, although it doesn’t include Hall effect joysticks or a charging dock. On the other hand, the 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth receives high praise for its reliable connection, but it lacks RGB features altogether.

In summary, even with minor glitches, BigBig Won’s controller remains one of the most feature-rich options available at an affordable price. Many gamers prioritizing multi-platform compatibility and RGB lighting will find themselves consistently choosing the Rainbow 2 Pro for their daily gaming needs.

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2025-01-23 18:07