Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Controller Review

Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Controller Review

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of controllers from humble beginnings to the sophisticated devices they are today. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Controller has caught my eye as a unique and innovative piece of hardware that caters specifically to the needs of the fighting game and retro gaming communities.


Without a doubt, Turtle Beach’s Stealth Pivot controller is based on a novelty, but it’s an impressive one indeed. By simply flipping two switches and rotating two sections of the control, the Stealth Pivot can adapt from a device tailored for one gaming style to one catering to another.

Initially, the Stealth Pivot appears very similar to Turtle Beach’s Stealth Ultra, featuring a central Connected Command display. This built-in screen allows users to view social notifications from their phone, alter button mapping by switching profiles, and monitor battery levels. Although the resolution of the screen on the Stealth Pivot is lower compared to the Stealth Ultra, it still provides essential information effectively.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Controller Comes With All The Right Features

The Stealth Pivot features a few of the common premium controller features like:

  • Hall Effect Joysticks – Avoiding stick drift is crucial for any premium controller.
  • Trigger Stops (Full and Short) – If you want to take full advantage of a trigger pull or would prefer to treat it like a button with an instantaneous press.
  • 2 Customizable Back Buttons – The back buttons cover a bit of the controller grips and the underside of the controller, making them easy to press while retaining a firm hold.

The Stealth Pivot has a substantial feel to it, and it’s pleasantly comfortable to grasp. Although the device is somewhat top-heavy due to its screen, I didn’t notice any significant issues with balance or distraction. Moreover, there’s an added texture on the exterior of the grips and back buttons, which ensures a secure grip even with its smooth surface.

Without considering brand names, the Stealth Pivot is a high-quality premium gaming controller that checks all necessary boxes. Its wireless compatibility with PC (wired on Xbox) makes it an excellent choice for platform gamers, it has a touch of style, and it feels comfortable to hold. However, this isn’t your typical controller.

To change the layout on your controller, simply rotate two control/button modules located at the front by adjusting two toggles on the underside and twisting the joysticks. On the left module, a turn will reveal a D-Pad instead of the joystick along with RSB and LSB buttons beneath it. The right module, upon rotation, shows XYAB buttons in place of the joystick, with P1 and P2 buttons situated above them.

Based on which modules you switch out, there are four distinct setups for the Stealth Pivot. However, it’s evident that the manufacturer is catering to both fighting game enthusiasts and retro gaming communities with the additional modules. For instance, a side-scrolling game might not require a second joystick, but having six buttons directly under your thumbs could be beneficial. In contrast, for a fighting game, the accuracy of a D-Pad along with six buttons (for high, medium, and low actions) can be more effective than a regular controller layout.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Controller is a good fit for fighting and retro gaming communities.

The unique adaptability of the Stealth Pivot sets it apart for many gamers, making it an interesting choice. The ability to switch between “side scrolling mode” and “fighting game mode” is appealing, yet optional. This controller is already great without the swapping feature; having the option to do so is a bonus. Ultimately, whether you prefer Turtle Beach’s controller over other high-end controllers within its price range depends on how valuable that interchangeable mechanism is for your gaming needs.

As a gamer, I can jump right into Turtle Beach’s Control Center app and personalize features like RGB colors, stick sensitivity, button mapping, or audio settings for the built-in headphone jack. If you’re going for a controller with plenty of extra buttons, it’s great to be able to customize them according to your preference.

Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Controller Review

During my exploration of the Stealth Pivot, I discovered that the module’s rotating feature was a handy addition. Transitioning from a first-person shooter such as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, where dual joysticks are crucial for precision, to a side-scrolling game like Nine Sols, which favors precision, was seamless and effortless with the controller. Having two distinct configurations for two different games enhanced each gaming experience for me.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot excels at the fundamental aspects, making it appealing to a wider audience. While some niche groups might find the controller particularly enticing, the fact that Turtle Beach didn’t compromise on premium features or overemphasize modules means that each unique function is an extra perk. Essentially, you get multiple high-performing controllers in one package.

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot controller is available for pre-order now. Game Rant was provided a unit for this review.

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2024-11-25 08:03