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0 Controllers. Where would we be without them? Well, we’d be surrounded by keyboards and mice for a start, which presents a whole different problem. Speaking of problems, the one I often find with controllers is that generally they are all similar. Turtle Beach is set to change that, with the Turtle Beach Pivot Controller.
You Spin Me Right Round
You can tell something is different straight out of the box. There are two rotating modules with different buttons on each side. The Pivot Controller is a new beast. Does it live up to the other more important areas?
Let’s find out!
Design
The Turtle Beach Pivot Controller has the traditional Xbox layout. With asymmetric joysticks, and the A, B, X and Y buttons on the face. With the standard Xbox buttons in the middle. It is all very familiar. What isn’t familiar is the extra buttons on the back and those couple of little sliding switches. Those I will go into later.
Really, aside from some nice printed labels to signify where each pivot section is and the name of the controller, design-wise it’s all pretty standard. It’s the features where this controller stands out, so let’s get stuck into that section.
Features
The biggest thing that you might have noticed about the Pivot Controller is the rotating button modules. Effectively you have the potential for three controller layouts in one controller shell. This offers different layouts for different gaming genres. From a great layout for fighting games, to a single stick layout for adventure games. Just unlock the modules using the sliding switch on the back, rotate the modules and then lock them back up.
There is a little Connected Command Display at the top of your controller. Which gives you the ability to customise your audio, remap your controllers and more. All at the touch of your fingers. If you connect any headset to the 3.5mm audio jack, you can enhance the audio using one of the Turtle Beach EQ presets. Making it more immersive when you are playing games that are controller-based.
Another little neat touch is the adjustable trigger stops. Flick the switch and it modifies the distance that the trigger travels. Allowing for faster firing on FPS games. Alternatively, leave the Pivot Controller triggers alone and make use of the full travel for racing games.
Connectivity
Being primarily a wireless controller, you can connect the Turtle Beach Pivot Controller to your PC using the 2.4GHz transmitter. Or even via Bluetooth to any Android device or smart TV. If you fancy something a bit more wired, then just plug in the included USB cable, and play on the PC or an Xbox using a wired connection. Use this same USB to charge the controller and if you don’t want to cut your session short, there is even the ability to play and charge.
You can keep the controller firmware up to date by using the Control Centre 2 companion app, which offers a variety of customization options too. ‘Appy days.
Final Thoughts
Turtle Beach have tried to create something new with the Turtle Beach Pivot Controller. They’ve definitely succeeded there. I don’t think the price tag of £120 is too unfair either. It doesn’t do everything the Thrustmaster ESWAP X2 did, but again I wouldn’t expect it to! With the rotating modules, the aims to change the game when it comes to game controls, and a great battery life of up to 20 hours, this really is a great controller.
It’s easy to give the Turtle Beach Pivot Controller the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: A product sample was received to write this review.
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