Asus reveals PC/Xbox controller with OLED screen, tri-mode connectivity

[midian182]

What just happened? Asus has announced an Xbox/PC controller that offers some very fancy features, including a small (1.3-inch) OLED display sitting above the Xbox button and tri-mode connectivity. In the case of the latter, the ROG Raikiri Pro is the first officially licensed Xbox controller to carry this type of connectivity.

The OLED display is the highlight of the controller. Its size means the pixel count is just 128 x 40, but it will still be able to show customizable animations like moving wallpapers and text, as well as indicators such as battery life and microphone status, though its main use will likely be for switching profiles on the fly while gaming.

The other big feature of the controller is its tri-mode connectivity, allowing users to connect via a choice of Bluetooth, a low-latency 2.4GHz RF mode, or wired USB-C. The Verge notes that Asus only mentions connectivity to an Xbox Series X/S console via wired USB-C, so many of the pro features could be PC-only; the company describes the Raikiri Pro as being a pro PC controller.

Elsewhere, the controller packs four left and right rear buttons that can be programmed for in-game commands or for on-the-fly joystick sensitivity shifts, triggers with two different range modes and customizable dead zones, remap buttons, and adjustable joystick sensitivity. It also comes with a built-in ESS DAC for immersive audio, a 3.5 mm earphone jack, and a mute button.

Asus said the Raikiri Pro would be available at some point during the current first quarter, though it never gave any specific dates. Another missing piece of information is the price, but expect this one to be expensive.

The Dreamcast—ahead of its time

For comparison, the ultra-customizable modular Victrix BFG Pro Controller for the PC and PlayStation is $180, the same price as Microsoft's own Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, which has customizable sticks, paddles, and bumpers but no integrated OLED display. Don't be surprised if Asus' controller is around the $200 or higher mark. Still, that might be acceptable to those of us who owned a Sega Dreamcast console and a VMU (Visual Memory Unit) a couple of decades ago and crave a retro fix.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/97177-asus-reveals-officially-licensed-pcxbox-controller-oled-screen.html

 

[Tams80]

Nice to see four back paddles and a 3.5mm socket.

Not sure what the point of the OLED display is other gamer glam, but hey, if people like it... there are plenty of options available if you don't.

But no gyro means a no from me.

 

[UdyrL]

Mostly a gimmicky controller, with the multi connectivity option being the best feature so far, but without battery life information we'll have to wait before calling it a good idea. Knowing Asus, I expect this to be a $250+ product.

 

[Kashim]

If these are really going to be $200+ then good luck to Asus selling them.

We got $200+ controllers, $600+ video game consoles, $1500+ video cards, $2000 phones, etc. Things are really getting out of hand lately with how much these companies can get away with charging for their gear.

 

[kira setsu]

Looked it up and I see no connection for the chatpad so I'll skip it, looks neat though.

imo all the controllers have some issue, xb series controllers are a bit small without some type of grip cover(I use the otterbox), the dualsense although pretty badass doesnt work fully on pc unless its tethered or has some software running in the background. its good I found a few xbone controllers for cheap to keep me going for a few years.

 

[bviktor]

All I want is a symmetric controller like the DualSense/Shock, but apparently that's taboo in Xboxland.

 

[ThrakazogZ]

OLED screen ? Seriously ? Make a quality controller with sticks that use Hall Effect sensors (or comparable) for small dead zones and zero stick drift. No one cares if their controller has infinite contrast ratios and perfect black levels.

 

[EdmondRC]

CES 2023 was the year of wishful thinking by PC manufacturers, the year they started to believe that all their customers were enthusiasts willing to spend a small fortune on anything and everything related to gaming. Sadly, PC hardware sales are reflecting the reality they apparently don't wish to address. Most people can't afford this stuff and if they want to stay in business, they better come up with some value hardware. An OLED screen on a controller that is practically pointless, but will definitely drive up the price... okay

 

[pcnthuziast]

Love or hate Asus, their branding with their ROG line is the best in the industry.

 

[Watzupken]

Now that RGB is common, the new "in" thing they want to introduce is some random mini OLED screen. We see them on high end AIO pumps, GPUs, PSUs, keyboards, etc, now. So its going to end up end up in some high end monitor (Asrock), controller, and what not. It is good money to slap one cheap tiny OLED screen on anything and charge a steep premium since it will be used on high end products.

 

[Watzupken]

CES 2023 was the year of wishful thinking by PC manufacturers, the year they started to believe that all their customers were enthusiasts willing to spend a small fortune on anything and everything related to gaming. Sadly, PC hardware sales are reflecting the reality they apparently don't wish to address. Most people can't afford this stuff and if they want to stay in business, they better come up with some value hardware. An OLED screen on a controller that is practically pointless, but will definitely drive up the price... okay

It is only for product differentiation and aesthetics.