Xbox users, whether it’s the old Xbox One or now the Xbox Series X|S, have a wide variety of different controllers to choose from. Whether from the official Microsoft part, which offers dozens of different designs or other compatible models, such as Hori, Razer, Thrustmaster or in this case, Turtle Beach. However, many saw their sales fade for those who wanted “something more” after the appearance of the Xbox Elite Controller, a true control marvel that perfected its edges with its version for Xbox Series X|S, the Elite Series 2.
It contained everything that the first lacked, leaving behind practically the rest of the options on the market, with the exception of SCUF Specialists, which are perhaps aimed more at players who like to compete, and therefore less common. For that, I received with particular enthusiasm the announcement of the new Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, the characteristics of which can be compared to the Elite 2but to continue to have a contained price, try to stand out through the details.
We started the review this way because obviously you will all be wondering: how does it compare to the Xbox Elite 2, is it better than it, is it worth the price? We hope that after this article you will have understood more clearly, counting my experience with the Stealth Ultra over two weeks with a unit provided by Turtle Beach for testing, to whom we greatly appreciate being able to try it. Of course, I’ll give you a spoiler of the conclusions: I just bought myself one.
Subscribe to the GX channel on YouTube
Technical characteristics and accessories
The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra has a long list of features, among which its LCD screen stands out, which will allow us to directly access the controller settings without the need for additional software. We break them down:
- High-performance, low-latency wireless technology
- Wireless with USB-A: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 and 11 PCs.
- Bluetooth: Android 8.0+, PC with Windows 10 and 11 and Smart TV compatible with Bluetooth
- Audio input and output: 3.5mm port for stereo audio output and microphone input
- Product weight: 246g
- Dimensions: 120mm x 160mm x 64.2mm
- Accessories included in the box: Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra controller, USB wireless transmitter, Charging base, 3 meter USB-A to USB-C cable, Four stick cases, Hard case for charging from the inside.
- Price: $199 – Buy from Turtle Beach
Something as simple as the fact that it is wireless and has a battery already differentiates it from most controls on the market, but if we add to that the integrated screen, the RGB lighting intelligent and the anti-drift sticks, the whole thing is irresistible. . Precisely these They use the well-known Hall effect which does not use physical and mechanical contact, but rather internal magnets. which physically prevent the appearance of Drift*, perhaps, with its screen and lighting, the greatest advantages compared to the Elite Series 2.
The new Stealth Ultra also has 4 remappable quick action buttons instead of the well-known cameras. They are positioned comfortably and it is easier to avoid involuntary pressure, but above all, the most interesting thing is the be able to activate Turtle Beach’s patented Pro-Aim aiming modewith which we will calibrate the sensitivity of the stick to our liking on the fly and make it perfect.
Go a little deeper into the screen topic, inside you will find interesting configuration menus for everything you can think of about the controller. From the remappable button configuration, to the sensitivity of the sticks, to the colors of the RGB lighting system, to vibration, and even absolute control of the headphones you connect, with equalizer, mixing of game and chat volume, monitoring of the microphone, a real luxury. The novelty is being able to use it to connect our phone notifications accompanied by the Turtle Beach ‘Control Center 2’ application on your mobile, although in practice it does not quite work as it should.
And of course, one of the details that convinced me the most, do you remember the first Xbox One controllers how they had the LB and RB with a microswitch or click system? I still have the limited controller from Titanfall, which works like this and I preferred it to the new one. Well, the Stealth Ultra uses this system for both the top buttons and the 4 center and 4 auxiliary buttons, a quiet click that is fast, useful and, according to Turtle Beach, lasts 5 times longer than normal buttons, with 5 million certified pulsations.
*The Drift effect of analog sticks is the involuntary movement of the stick, causing poor control or poor aim.
Use experience
In these two weeks that we have been able to test it, I cannot deny that the first sensation I felt was magnificent, as if it was really the controller I needed. It’s comfortable, light, with everything I need and the extra premium that the screen, materials and RGB lighting system offer. The most remarkable thing in everyday life are undoubtedly the microswitch type buttons, which give very satisfying feedback to our hand. The sticks adapt without problem to our needs and generally speaking, the improvement is notable compared to the Elite 1 or a standard controller, since weighs almost 100 grams less than the Elite 2: 246gr versus 345gr.
I particularly like the detail of being able to charge it from the case (as also happens with the Elite 2), and another that is related to the triggers, because their latch is short, but they also transmit that mechanical pulsation that is not as successful in the Microsoft controller. As we mentioned above, everything is configurable from the screen: the triggers, the sticks and even its dead zone, the intensity of the vibration in one of its 4 motors, the RGB colors – which have a brutal and very careful customization -, and Even when connecting headphones, the sound equalization option appears and even the possibility of activating “SuperHuman Hearing”, another Turtle Beach patent.
Of course, it has some weaknesses, which When it comes to the material texturing of the controller itself, it’s not as high a standard as the Elite 2 and the battery doesn’t last as long. as they say. It is normal that with so much lighting and screen, the duration is much shorter than expected. However, even during long 6-hour gaming sessions, we weren’t able to wear it out. The need to have the dock connected for charging and the fact that wireless USB is integrated frees us from another USB and at the same time the base, which is magnetic, is always available so that the controller charges while not in use.
Conclusions
When peripherals are priced this high, since a standard Xbox Series controller can be had perfectly well for $50, the manufacturer’s challenge is to find a compelling reason for you to buy their product, leaving two possible sales windows: that you are a regular buyer of this type of product or you are definitely looking for a qualitative leap in it. For the first case you will not need anyone to convince you, but in the second you will look at comparisons until you decide and, obviously, the other one that will be in the crosshairs is the Elite Series 2.
I can’t deny that the construction and materials used in the Xbox Elite Series 2 are very good, with an almost unmatched premium feel in the hand, but it has some features that more casual gamers might not even use not, as happened to me. for many years, many years with my Elite 1. Therefore, the Stealth Ultra comes into play and makes you consider switching to a controller with a brutal aesthetica screen that allows maximum configuration from the controller itself and of course a battery with dock included, very comfortable to use and the end of the nightmare of many, levers with anti-drift, the terror of Elite 2 users.
Personally, I have been using an Elite 1 for 4 years and the condition was deplorable at that time with so much use, levers that drifted, the rubber grips that came loose, the buttons that no longer work, but I I settled for a standard controller, well no, I saw the motivation to upgrade to an Elite 2. However, the Stealth Ultra, itFrom the moment I picked it up, it had exactly what I was looking for: great design, comfort, ease of use, and just the right premium touches. and necessary to be worth what it costs. As I mentioned in the introduction, I definitely got myself one for Christmas, and I love it more every day.
Subscribe to the GX channel on YouTube
