The Switch has been a massive success for Nintendo since it’s launch in March 2017, but while the Joy Con controllers are fine in handheld mode, they leave a fair bit to be desired when the console is docked. Nintendo, obviously aware of this fact, released a pro controller which has received almost universal praise. Some however don’t want to pay £55 and this is where the WX4 comes in. A controller that delivers in both quality and price point.
Build quality is similar to the Gioteck VX4 that we reviewed here on the website last year. Although while that controller was more akin to a dual shock 4, the WX4 has a closer resemblance to the Xbox One pad, complete with the asymmetrical analog stick layout. Something you will notice as soon as you pick the controller up is how much lighter it is compared to official pads. Depending on your preference this could be both a positive or negative.
As the WX4 works on the Nintendo Switch, PS3 and PC Gioteck have decided to take inspiration from all three official controllers during the design stage. The face buttons are labelled B, A, Y & X just as they would be on the Switch. The colour code of these buttons however matches the Xbox controller, making it familiar to PC players. Lastly, so as to not leave out the smaller PS3 fan base, instead of labeling the bumper and triggers L, R, ZL & ZR they have went with the tried and tested L1, L2, R1 & R2.
If you are the type of gamer picking up an extra third party controller for your system you are likely able to pick up any controller and auto-map the buttons in your head at this point, but I still thought it was a nice touch to throw some love to all devices. The model we are reviewing is a Fortnite inspired white and grey camo design but it comes in a variety of colours and a wired model as well.
Many third party controllers come without many features present in the official model, but here Gioteck have done their best to replicate the experience by including both rumble and motion controls. It’s not quite the effect you get with the HD rumble from the Joy-Con’s but it’s a nice addition nonetheless. The only other feature missing is the NFC support for amiibo’s but this is to be expected.
The controller is cased inside some fairly cheap feeling plastic, but when you make a budget controller so feature rich you have to cut costs somewhere and this (literally) feels like a smart compromise. There is also a turbo button should you feel the need for an extra advantage. Simply hold down the central button for a few seconds and choose the button you wish to super-charge.
Charging and pairing the controller to the different compatible devices couldn’t be easier. Packaged in with the pad is a Micro USB cable which you simply connect to the console or PC, pair by pressing the home button and from there you can either play wired or disconnect and continue. Battery life comes in at a surprisingly good 10-12 hours and re-charges at a decent rate.
Overall the WX4 is a great third party alternative. It’s not going to challenge the Switch Pro controller in terms of quality, but coming in at a fraction of the price it is the ideal choice for a second controller. I have a five year old boy who happens to mainly play both Switch and PS3 (as I am usually busy on the PS4) and he is absolutely delighted with how the controller performs. This is a recommended purchase.
-VDZE
A review unit was provided by Gioteck.