Some controllers are simply made for champions – and I do mean that quite literally. For those playing at a high level who want a controller to match, the new Tegenaria Lite from GameSir is made in collaboration with renowned fighting game competitor MenaRD.
Designed for competitive play, this controller looks and feels great to use, plus is available at a low price point, making it the perfect choice for gamers of any level.
What’s in the box?
There’s just the controller and a QR code for the manual in this one – no fancy extras or accessories.
It doesn’t need them, in all honesty.
Design
The design is probably the most striking part of this new Tegenaria Lite controller – green and orange is a rare colourway to find, and it’s offset by MenaRD’s signature on one grip. It’s stylish, sure, but given its ‘professional’ label it’s far from the only notable part of the design.
Similar to the non-collab Tegenaria Lites, the controller takes a bit of retro inspiration for its layout – its dual joysticks and buttons are set into a flat face, reminiscent of some 90’s models.
GameSir are all about preventing stick-drift, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see this pro controller makes the most of that status. These, like most of their models, use the hall effect for the analog sticks (rather than potentiometers), so you can stay playing for longer. Way longer. Aside from being long-lasting, they’re also precise.
The rest of the controller is a good match for these sticks – the front buttons and triggers are cushioned with a membrane to make them just that bit smoother and more durable, and it even includes a pair of mappable back buttons right in the space your ring fingers rest, for those with a penchant for customisation.
A set of asymmetric motors add a touch of subtle immersion, while the laser-engraved textured grips mean the analog sticks aren’t the only thing that won’t be slipping. It even has Turbo functionality to automate repeated button press – a reminder of why these controllers are such a great option for fast-paced fighting games.
This model is wired only. To some it might sound an odd choice for what’s supposed to be a high-end controller, but for one designed around competitive play it’s the right one. Its connection is ultra-low latency for near-instant response times, with a 1000Hz polling rate. The cord is also notably longer than some controllers I’ve used as well, which is sure to please those playing from a TV rather than a PC.
Performance
Given all the fancy specs, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see that the controller performs well. It really is as highly reactive as it’s supposed to be and comfortable to hold. The motors provide great feedback and ambience, the grip on the back is useful yet unobtrusive, and every button and joystick moves smoothly.
It’s not that it feels flashy or creates big wow moments (unless you’ve been using a broken controller, in which case any improvement will feel like a ‘wow moment’). For the most part, and for most players, it’s just a solid, well-made controller.
For those who do want to take advantage of the controller’s more advanced functions (like adjusting the vibration intensity, toggling a stick dead zone, switching the button layouts around, or activating that Turbo functionality), the process is pretty simple. It’s clearly outlined in the manual with simple button presses, and definitely isn’t something you can do by accident.
Though the manual being a QR code instead of a physical booklet does rankle my old-fashioned tastes, it works just fine – besides, it’s easy enough to set up that most players won’t need to worry about anything more complex than plugging it in.
Verdict & Value
In all honesty, bar those striking colours there isn’t much separating this from the standard Tegenaria Lite models. This is, however, not necessarily a bad thing. The original models are a solid option for high-performance gaming.
They only thing they don’t quite deliver on is style – which is exactly where the MenaRD version steps in. With a recommended retail price of $39.95, it’s great value as well, especially given its competitive gaming capabilities. This lower price also makes it clear you don’t have to be playing at such a high level to make it a good option.
If you’re looking for a durable controller, one that’ll stand up to professional play and has all the features to match, but aren’t looking to spend a fortune to get it, I don’t think you can go past the Tegenaria Lite. The quirky design of the MenaRD model only adds to the appeal. Between its anti-drift sticks, Turbo functionality and stylish look, this controller is a great option for competitive and casual players alike.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Striking colours; Anti-drift stick design; Low price makes it great value
Lowlights: Doesn’t have many differences compared to the original Tegenaria Lite model
Manufacturer: GameSir
Price: A$39.95
Available: Now
Review is based on a unit provided by GameSir.
Feature header image provided by GameSir.
