Page 3 - Subjective Performance Tests
In order to truly test a gamepad, it makes sense to play some games with it. For my tests, I several different genres of games with the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller. This includes adventure, strategy, platform fighter, and more. For comparison’s sake, I played the same games with a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the Nintendo Joy-Cons.
One of my favorite games to play on the Nintendo Switch is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. With an open world exploration and 3D combat, it is important to have a comfortable controller for longer periods of playtime, as well as buttons that feel accessible and easy to press. This is a game I always play docked with the Pro Controller, so it was a pretty comfortable swap to use the Rematch Wireless Controller. The thumbsticks felt responsive and easy to keep my grip on. The standard ABXY buttons felt stiffer to the press compared to the first-party option. This meant I did not make any accidental presses, but it also the buttons felt slower. I also was not a fan of the relocation of the Home button, especially since it is higher than usual. In some cases, I would accidentally press the + button instead of the Home and vice versa. The motion controls of the Rematch Wireless Controller work well and similar to the Nintendo options. Unfortunately, the lack of a rumble or vibration in the controller was noticed, especially in more intense scenes and gameplay. However, this is a limitation from Nintendo, as third-party manufacturers are not allowed to implement vibration on their gamepads.
Another classic game is Super Smash Bros., and the latest one is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As this is a platform fighter, it is important again to have a comfortable gamepad that feels responsive. Once again, the thumbsticks felt pretty capable and performed as expected. The triggers were in a comfortable location that did not require stretching and generally felt good. Once again, the stiffer primary buttons were notable but they worked as expected. I did use the back buttons a bit more given its lower pressure to actuate, and they worked precisely as I expected. Once again, this product was comfortable and easy to use.
Finally, I have a lot more casual games like Animal Crossing: New Horizon, Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy, Untitled Goose Game, and a few others. The performance of the gamepad might not be as crucial with these games, you still want a comfortable and consistent input device. Overall, the controller feels good in my hands. The slightly slimmer body means you will notice your hands are closer together over longer periods of use, but it should not be too distracting.
In terms of its wireless performance, I was quite pleased with the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller. It definitely lasted the whole time during testing. and I was able to reach near the 40-hour mark with no trouble. It should noted the Nintendo menus do not show the battery level for this third-party controller, so you should pay attention to the LED button on the front. While this is likely a limitation from Nintendo, it is too bad we do not have this properly integrated with the console, especially as a licensed product. Its wireless range was also superb, although I doubt people will be moving too far from their console. I was able to move to another room with the Rematch Wireless and could tell it was still connected and functioning.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware
3. Subjective Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
