🎮 The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller: A Game-Changing Experience 🐢🏝️

The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra controller surpasses what the Asus ROG Raikiri could and should have delivered. It stands among the top Xbox Series X controllers on the market.

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra review The Xbox controller’s closest encounter with haptic feedback.

Have you ever had that moment when you come across a gamepad that just blows your mind? Well, I recently had that experience while testing the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless controller. It reminded me of a scene from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, where Gandalf the White returns to right the wrongs of his wizardly peer. Just like Gandalf, the Stealth Ultra is here to right the wrongs of its gamepad predecessors.

Last year, I was excited about the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro, which garnered a lot of hype for its mini OLED screen, RGB strikethroughs, and intriguing back buttons. But when I finally got my hands on it, I was left disappointed. It was all style and no substance. That’s where the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra comes in. Priced at $179.99 / £179.99, it not only looks great but also focuses more on function than form.

The DesGameTopic of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless Controller

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless’s facial components up close Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson

The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless controller can be compared to the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro. It’s an officially licensed pro controller for Xbox and PC that features Hall Sensor thumbsticks and triggers, a mini display on the face of the controller, four unique back buttons, and all the customization and profiling options you could ever need.

On the controller’s grips, you’ll find flashy RGB lighting arrays that blend perfectly with its bronze faceplate and sleek black body. These lights not only add aesthetic appeal but also give the Stealth Ultra an aura that other gamepads envy.

The microswitch buttons on the controller’s face are responsive and feel more tactile than those on other top controllers. The metallic D-pad, with its subtle grooves, provides a quick and easy navigation experience. The Stealth Ultra even surprises with its four back buttons, which are large, easy to locate, satisfying to press, and have a dotted texture for improved usability.

Flipping the controller over, you’ll find microswitch bumpers, excellent Hall Sensor triggers, trigger stop switches, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. Everything you need for a seamless gaming experience.

🎮 Features Designed to Impress

The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra shines in the features department. As the first officially licensed third-party Xbox controller with wireless support, it’s a trendsetter. It boasts a quoted battery life of 30+ hours, which I couldn’t manage to drain in weeks of testing. Additionally, the controller comes with a sleek charging stand that not only charges your controller but also displays it with style. The grip lighting even indicates the charging progress with different colors. An awesome accessory that adds a touch of elegance to your gaming setup.

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless’s mini display and UI Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson

One of the standout features of the Stealth Ultra is its mini display. Unlike the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro’s limited display, navigating the Stealth Ultra’s screen is a breeze using the controller’s buttons. The UI feels well-designed and intuitive, a far cry from Asus’s robotic menu that feels like a rushed addition.

What’s truly impressive is that the Stealth Ultra offers a PC software application, but most of the options available within the software are already accessible on the controller itself. From axis-mapping to audio settings to lighting customization, you can tweak it all without needing a gaming PC. There’s even a social section that displays notifications like WhatsApp messages. Talk about convenience!

Similar to the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, the Stealth Ultra allows for the storage of up to 10 profiles onboard. This puts other pro controllers with fewer profile options to shame.

⚡ Performance That Redefines Gaming

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless review image of the controller with its lighting on Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson

When a controller makes me rediscover the joy of my favorite games, it earns my respect. The Stealth Ultra did just that. Playing Celeste, a platforming masterpiece, with this controller was a revelation. The ergonomics provided by Turtle Beach, combined with their best-in-class vibration, revitalized the gameplay experience. It felt like I was playing a new game.

Let’s talk about vibration. The Stealth Ultra might not have haptic feedback like the DualSense Edge, but it comes very close. The game feel it delivers is exceptional and sets a new standard for Xbox controllers. It’s as close to haptic feedback as you can get on an Xbox controller, at least until the rumored Xbox Series X Refresh hits the market.

Another standout feature is the layout of the back buttons. Unlike other controllers that place them in awkward spots, the Stealth Ultra integrates them seamlessly into the natural curves of the controller. They’re raised, making them easy to find with your middle fingers. Whether you’re playing Alan Wake 2 or Hunt: Showdown, these back buttons add an extra layer of control to your gaming experience.

While the Stealth Ultra excels in many areas, there are a couple of minor downsides. The thumbsticks lack any attachments to make them taller, but the included toppers significantly improve grip. Additionally, the left menu button is symmetrically placed to match the options button, but it can be a bit awkward to reach due to the offset thumbsticks. It’s a minor annoyance, but worth mentioning.

🎮 Is the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Worth Your Money?

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless review image of the controller propped up on a stand Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson

In short, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless controller is one of the best gaming investments you can make. It delivers a plethora of features and exceeds expectations in terms of performance. I give it a well-deserved four-and-a-half-star review score, placing it on par with the Victrix Pro BFG, an undisputed champion among gamepads.

With an affordable price tag, the Stealth Ultra offers incredible value for your money. It boasts four back buttons, extensive customization options, anti-stick drift assurance, and battery life that rivals the Elite Series 2. While the upcoming Victrix Pro BFG might pose a challenge, its lack of vibration makes the Stealth Ultra an excellent all-rounder for gamers who prioritize a balance between performance and features.

How We Tested the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless from the back showing the gamepad’s back buttons Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson

We thoroughly tested the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless controller over the course of a month. Our testing included comparing it to other pro controllers from the past year, with a particular focus on the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro as a rival.

The controller underwent rigorous testing across various genres, with games like Hunt: Showdown, Celeste, and Alan Wake 2 serving as our touchstones. We aimed to provide an in-depth and comprehensive review.

For more detailed information on how we test the latest gaming tech and accessories, take a look at our hardware policy.

Additional Reading and Recommendations

For more information on controllers, check out these helpful resources:

🎮 Join the Stealth Ultra Revolution and Share your Gaming Experience 🐢📱

Have you tried the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra Wireless controller? Share your thoughts and experiences with us! Join the game-changing revolution and let us know how the Stealth Ultra has elevated your gaming sessions. Don’t forget to share this article on your favorite social media platforms to spread the word about this incredible controller. Happy gaming! 😄🎮