– Advertisement –
Cloud gaming has absolutely exploded! Consequently, where there is demand, there are manufacturers desperate to create new products. As such, the range of mobile gaming controllers is overwhelming. RiotPWR, Nacon, Gamesir, and Razer are to name but a few. However, we’re not here to talk about them. No, today I’m looking at a Turtle Beach controller called the Recon Cloud.
This futuristic accessory screams Cyberpunk and is fitted with many high-end features. What’s more, unlike many of its competitors, it can be used wirelessly and wired for a truly versatile experience. Moreover, it has customisable buttons and the fantastic Turtle Beach EQ presets. On top of this, it looks, feels, and acts like an official Microsoft controller. Therefore, it is reassuringly familiar, and this allows you to jump straight into the action.
What’s in the box of the Recon Cloud controller?
- The eye-catching box is slight and well-built. It is adorned with key selling points and some interesting imagery. Furthermore, it has the familiar Xbox green livery.
- The Recon Cloud controller looks fantastic. It comes in a choice of two colours and has comfortable tactile grips. To the back, there are two mappable buttons, and on the front is the EQ control panel. Alongside this, there is a USB-C port for charging and a wired connection, and a port to secure the mobile phone clip.
- Extendable mobile phone holder. This small rubberised clip is sturdy and will hold most mobile phones securely.
- USB-C cable. A braided cable for a wired connection or to charge the impressive 30-hour capacity battery.
- User manual and Game Pass code. With many features available, you’ll want to study the user manual. Furthermore, a one-month subscription to Game Pass is included in the package.
Technical aspects.
Whenever you get a new controller, you want it to perform perfectly. Fortunately, the Recon Cloud is an amazing device. It’s designed to look, feel, and respond similarly to the official Microsoft pad. As such, you are reassured of its quality and usability. Thanks to its responsive inputs and comfortable travel distance, this is a great device for all genres. On top of this, the additional mappable buttons are incredible. Not only are they easy to customise, but their textured finish and placement make them irresistible to use.
Alongside this, I was impressed by how easy it was to connect to various platforms. At the bottom of the controller is a switch that changes the connectivity from Bluetooth to wired. Subsequently, if you wish to play on your Xbox, you simply plug in the cable and away you go. If you are a PC gamer, you can choose your approach and play wirelessly or wired. However, if you wish to game online using your phone, this can be done in seconds. By simply connecting the handy mobile phone holder, the Recon Cloud becomes a portable gaming device.
Now, you may worry that the seating position for the screen is uncomfortable. Well, worry not, as it can be adjusted to your liking. What’s more, it doesn’t sit too high up, nor is the screen uncomfortably close to the controller. Instead, Turtle Beach has got the balance just right. Another contentious issue with this type of mobile accessory is the weight. The concern focuses on the weight of the phone and how much this impacts usability. Well, fortunately, it did little to detract from the fantastic experience I had with this controller. Yes, it is noticeable, but after a few minutes, you forget all about it.
Battery life and build quality.
A wireless controller has to last the course. Thankfully, the Recon Cloud has a whopping 30-hour capacity. This is incredible as it competes and beats many more expensive peripherals. Moreover, charging the device is easy thanks to the handy USB-C cable. The controller batteries are charged whenever you play on a wired connection. Accordingly, you rarely run out of juice as the process takes less than 2-hours.
There is an argument that wired connections outperform wireless ones. Sadly, I tend to agree with the logic. However, the difference in response rate and input lag is minimal. Fortunately, this controller performs admirably, and I had no issues at all. Yet, if you are playing competitively, you may wish to plug it in for optimum performance.
We all know that your gamepad takes a battering. Whether you drop it, throw it in a rage, or just play hours of Fifa or COD, it gets well used. Therefore, you need a device that is hard-wearing and built to last. Thankfully, the Recon Cloud ticks all of these boxes, and it looks fantastic at the same time. Its textured grips and robust buttons will last the course. Alongside this, the ports are well-positioned and the gaming clip is strong and sturdy. As such, I have no concerns about how long this device will last.
Is the Recon Cloud controller worth it?
Picking up a Cloud-ready device is extremely easy these days. The choices are almost endless, and it can be quite confusing. However, the Recon Cloud delivers an excellent gaming experience for both Cloud gaming and traditional methods. Consequently, it is fantastic value for money and stands out from its peers.
Alongside this, the exceptional EQ settings are mind-blowing. Whenever the controller is plugged in, you can access Turtle Beach’s amazing preset options. With Superhuman hearing, bass boost, and other options, it makes all the difference. Furthermore, you adjust your settings directly from the controller interface. Subsequently, this makes it quick, easy, and particularly user-friendly.
As you can tell, this device impressed me. I loved its versatility, its features, and its style. Moreover, the inclusion of mappable buttons, the EQ interface, and the tactile grips make it one of the best controllers I’ve used in a long time. Accordingly, this will make a phenomenal addition to anyone’s gaming setup. As such, I recommend you buy it here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
