The gaming world is abuzz, and for good reason: Donkey Kong Bananza has just swung onto store shelves, instantly captivating critics and players alike. As fans delve into this highly anticipated title, a complementary piece of hardware has emerged, promising to enhance the experience with a unique blend of nostalgia and modern design: the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Pro Controller: Donkey Kong Reveal.
For those familiar with the peripheral landscape, Turtle Beach`s acquisition of PDP last year means this controller is, at its core, a familiar friend with a fresh identity. Essentially a re-branded PDP Rematch, this Donkey Kong-themed marvel is set to release on October 12th. Given the current fervor surrounding DK, securing a preorder might be a prudent move for enthusiasts, ensuring you`re not left without your jungle-ready gamepad.
The Art of Play: A Lenticular Marvel
What truly sets this controller apart from its monochromatic peers isn`t just its vibrant color scheme, but a fascinating design feature: lenticular artwork. Beyond mere static imagery, the controller’s surface boasts an innovative design that subtly shifts as you change your viewing angle. Imagine DK and Diddy Kong, depicted racing through their lush jungle environment, seemingly coming to life with every tilt of your hand. This dynamic visual effect is a relatively uncommon characteristic in gaming peripherals, transforming the controller from a simple input device into a captivating piece of interactive art.
The controller’s aesthetic extends beyond the lenticular magic. Dressed in fitting hues of green and black with striking red accents, it perfectly captures the essence of the Donkey Kong universe. Red back buttons and green triggers further punctuate its design, ensuring it stands out in any gaming setup, a clear tribute to the iconic ape and his companion.
Performance Meets Ergonomics
Beyond its striking appearance, the Donkey Kong Reveal controller is engineered for performance and comfort. It`s designed for full compatibility with both the current Nintendo Switch and the highly anticipated Switch 2, ensuring future-proof functionality. Powering your extended gaming marathons is an impressive battery that delivers up to 40 hours of play on a single charge – a testament to its efficiency.
Players can also leverage familiar features such as motion controls, essential for many Nintendo titles. For those who crave customization, the controller includes two remappable back buttons, allowing for personalized input configurations that can provide a competitive edge. An ergonomic design ensures that even the most arduous gaming sessions remain comfortable, minimizing hand fatigue.
Navigating the Controller Landscape: A Feature Comparison
While the Turtle Beach Rematch offers a robust feature set, it`s worth noting one specific difference compared to Nintendo`s own first-party Switch 2 Pro Controller: the absence of the `C button` for GameChat. For dedicated online multi-player enthusiasts who frequently utilize voice chat directly through their controller, this might be a consideration. However, for a vast majority of players, particularly those drawn to the unique aesthetic and core functionality, this omission is unlikely to be a deal-breaker.
Priced at approximately $60, the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Pro Controller: Donkey Kong Reveal positions itself as a compelling option, particularly for fans seeking a specialized, visually distinct peripheral. While other controllers might offer a slightly different feature set or a lower price point, few can boast the unique lenticular artistry and dedicated fan appeal of this Donkey Kong edition.
A World of Alternatives (and thematic counterparts)
For those exploring the wider controller ecosystem for Nintendo`s consoles, Turtle Beach (and its PDP lineage) has offered various themed designs. Earlier this year, two glow-in-the-dark Super Mario-themed models, “Invincible Mario” and “Super Mario Star Star,” made their debut. Various editions of the older PDP Rematch controllers with similar core features are also available. These include popular designs like:
- Invincible Mario
- Super Mario Super Star
- Grand Prix Mario
- Bowser
- Boo
- Super Mario Icon
Beyond Turtle Beach, Nintendo`s own first-party Switch 2 Pro Controller, typically priced around $84, remains a premium choice, notably including the aforementioned C button. Furthermore, the market offers innovative third-party options like the upcoming 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Gamepad, a successor to the popular Pro 2, featuring TMR sticks, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth also offers a similar form factor to the Switch 2 Pro Controller, while the Pro 3 adopts a PlayStation-style stick layout, catering to diverse player preferences.
Conclusion: A Collector`s Dream, A Player`s Delight
In a marketplace often saturated with conventional gaming peripherals, the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Pro Controller: Donkey Kong Reveal distinguishes itself with flair and personality. It’s more than just an ergonomic input device; it’s a vibrant celebration of one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, offering a tangible connection to the world of Donkey Kong Bananza.
For the dedicated fan, the collector, or simply anyone seeking to infuse their gaming setup with a touch of unique, dynamic artistry, this controller represents a compelling proposition. It’s a subtle nod to gaming history, beautifully rendered with modern technology, proving that sometimes, the best way to control a game is with a controller that’s truly a work of art.
Callum Darby