I’m a stalwart for official controllers. It takes a lot for me to use anything from a third-party. Now, I’ve certain enjoyed Turtle Beach’s prior offerings like the Recon controller , but it had so many extra features I didn’t really need. It’s well-known that I’m not a fan of wireless… anything, but this feels better than any other controller I’ve used before, to include first-party. The Stealth Ultra is a wireless controller that uses the Xbox styling and suits my every need. I have put this controller through its paces across various genres and platforms. From its design and build quality to its performance and unique features, the Stealth Ultra Controller stands out as a true gaming marvel.
The first thing that struck me upon unboxing the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller was its sleek and ergonomic design. The matte finish not only feels premium but also ensures a comfortable grip during extended gaming sessions. The strategically placed textured grips on the handles provide excellent control, reducing the chances of slips during intense gameplay. It even comes with a hard-shell carrying case in all black with purple trim that really stands out.
The button layout is intuitive, with responsive and well-spaced buttons that enhance the overall gaming experience. The addition of customizable buttons on the back of the controller is a game-changer, allowing for personalized configurations tailored to individual play styles. These buttons are easily accessible without compromising the natural feel of the controller, adding a layer of versatility that sets the Stealth Ultra apart from its competitors. The build quality is exceptional, with a robust construction that feels durable and reliable. The controller has endured countless hours of intense gaming without showing any signs of wear or performance degradation. The tactile feedback from the buttons and triggers instills confidence, further enhancing the overall gaming immersion. Turtle Beach has truly excelled in the design and build of the Stealth Ultra Controller, making it a pleasure to hold and operate.
Where the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller truly shines is in its performance. Compatible with a wide range of platforms, including PC and Xbox, as this controller adapts seamlessly to various gaming environments. The wireless connectivity is flawless, providing a responsive and lag-free gaming experience. I couldn’t find myself in a situation where interference got in the way of a good time. The controller’s Bluetooth capabilities ensure a hassle-free connection, eliminating the need for additional dongles or cables. However, should you want to go wired, you can. The included USB cable lets you resume a session if you’ve gotten careless about charging it, and is a great compliment to it.
The analog sticks are incredibly precise, offering a level of control that is essential for competitive gaming. Whether executing precise movements in a first-person shooter or navigating tight corners in a racing game, the Stealth Ultra’s analog sticks deliver accuracy and responsiveness that elevate the overall gaming experience. The trigger buttons are equally impressive, providing a satisfying tactile feel with just the right amount of resistance. One standout feature is the customizable trigger stops, allowing users to fine-tune the trigger sensitivity to their liking. This feature is particularly advantageous in fast-paced shooters, where split-second reactions can make the difference between victory and defeat. The ability to customize trigger sensitivity adds a layer of personalization that caters to both casual and competitive gamers.
The battery life is incredible, offering dozens of hours of uninterrupted gameplay on a single charge. The controller’s quick charging capability ensures minimal downtime, making it convenient for impromptu gaming sessions. Turtle Beach has clearly prioritized performance in the Stealth Ultra Controller, creating a device that enhances the gaming experience across a variety of genres and platforms. There’s even a magnetic dock for it to rest on to charge, with instantaneous feedback of where it’s at in the recharging lifecycle. It’ll be red when the battery is at its lowest, to yellow, and finally green when fully charged.
What sets the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller apart from the competition are its unique features that cater to the diverse needs of gamers. The inclusion of a dedicated audio control wheel directly on the controller is a game-changer. This allows users to adjust audio settings on the fly, fine-tuning the balance between in-game sounds and chat audio without interrupting gameplay. The convenience of having audio controls at your fingertips cannot be overstated, especially in online multiplayer scenarios where communication is key. You can do everything on the controller. Compatibility with Turtle Beach audio accessories is another noteworthy feature. The controller seamlessly integrates with Turtle Beach headsets, unlocking additional audio customization options. This synergy between the controller and compatible accessories creates a unified gaming ecosystem that enhances both audio and gameplay.
Another standout feature is the Pro-Aim Focus Mode, which significantly enhances aiming precision in shooters. Activating this mode adjusts the sensitivity of the analog sticks for more controlled and precise aiming, giving players a competitive edge in intense firefights. The seamless integration of this feature into the controller’s design showcases Turtle Beach’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that elevate gaming performance.
The Stealth Ultra Controller also boasts a customizable RGB lighting system, allowing users to personalize the controller’s appearance to suit their style. The RGB lighting adds a touch of flair without being overly distracting, striking a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. It’s a small detail that reflects Turtle Beach’s attention to detail and commitment to offering a comprehensive gaming experience.
Turtle Beach has gone the extra mile in providing users with a robust software suite that complements the Stealth Ultra Controller. The Turtle Beach Control Studio is a user-friendly interface that allows for in-depth customization of button mappings, trigger sensitivity, and audio settings. The software’s intuitive layout makes it easy for both novice and experienced users to fine-tune the controller to their preferences. Though I did find it finicky at times, not wanting to update firmware properly, or flat-out ignoring changes to simple things like colors. While you can’t do anything on your PC when it updates firmware, it has more options for fine-tuning control you can’t get elsewhere.
The ability to create and save multiple profiles is a must for competitive gamers, and even casual ones who enjoy a variety of genres. Switching between profiles is seamless, allowing for a customized experience tailored to specific games or play styles. The software updates are delivered promptly, reflecting Turtle Beach’s commitment to ongoing support and improvement for their products.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller stands tall as a pinnacle of gaming innovation. Its exceptional design, build quality, and performance make it a must-have for those seeking a premium and versatile controller. From the comfortable grip to the precise analog sticks and clicky mouse-like buttons make it extremely responsive. Every aspect of the controller has been meticulously crafted to enhance the gaming experience. The inclusion of customizable buttons, trigger stops, and Pro-Aim Focus Mode further cements its status as a top-tier gaming peripheral. If you’re in the market for a premium gaming controller that combines style, functionality, and performance, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Controller does mroe than enough to distinguish it in a crowded market. The Steath Ultra feels truly competitive to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 in just about every way, and even surpasses it.
A Stealth Ultra was provided by Turtle Beach for review purposes
