GameSir Tarantula Pro Review – a new era for GameSir?
GameSir seems to release another new controller every few months, giving PC, Xbox, Switch, and mobile gamers a lot to choose from (hopefully PS5 one day as well). But their latest release, the GameSir Tarantula Pro, feels like something different.
Whereas the last year or so has been mostly predictable when it comes to GameSir controllers, the Tarantula Pro is more experimental in a number of areas. And while I don’t think some of it works, it’s still an interesting addition to the line-up that makes me excited for GameSir’s future.
Feature List
- Works with: Switch, iOS, Android, PC
- Connection options: Wired, Bluetooth, Wireless Dongle
- Battery: 1200mAh
- Sticks: TMR sticks
- Triggers: Hall Effect or Micro Switch
- Gyroscope
- HD Rumble
- NFC support
- Membrane ABXY Buttons
- Micro switch d-pad
- Extra Buttons: 2 Back Buttons, 7 on the front
Appearance
The GameSir Tarantula Pro comes in two packages, one with the controller on its own, and another with a charging stand. The controller itself only has one variant unlike the multiple colorways you’d usually see from GameSir.
Even at a glance, the Tarantula Pro is a different beast when compared to the usual Xbox controller-style offerings. The general shape resembles a DualShock 4, with the front having an odd black camo pattern. Even the RGB is mostly understated, limited to a small line under the top button, and the face button backlighting.
It’s far from the worst design I’ve seen in a controller (especially when it comes to actual ergonomics), but the camo pattern is absolutely out of place. Something more plain, perhaps even a flat black, would have done wonders for the overall appearance.
On the other hand, the face buttons hide something that I appreciate much more. As a controller designed to work both on Switch and PC, it has to take into account the flipped A/B and X/Y buttons that each console uses.
Some GameSir controllers got around this by letting you take out the buttons and physically swap them. The Tarantula Pro instead has an option for this built in by holding a simple button combination. It’s a neat effect seeing the buttons actually move, something that the controller does each time you turn it on.
Meanwhile, the optional charging stand is mostly understated. It’s primarily transparent plastic, and quite light compared to the sturdier Xbox controller chargers. I suppose it makes sense that you don’t get a premium feeling charger for only £10 though.
An excellent d-pad and analog sticks paired with average buttons
Following some of their other excellent d-pads, the GameSir Tarantula Pro features another micro switch d-pad that feels great to use. Hitting all directions is consistent and comes with an obvious click, making the controller a solid choice for platformers and fighting games.
For some odd reason though, the face buttons don’t make use of micro switches at all. This is perhaps due to the moveable button gimmick, though it does take away from the controller’s overall feel somewhat. Thankfully, they’re still decent membrane buttons — you don’t have any issues with unregistered inputs at least — but they could have felt so much better.
Speaking of buttons, I’m also mixed on the Tarantula Pro’s L and R buttons. They’re a decent size and relatively clicky, but can be uncomfortable in games that require you to hold either of them down for longer stretches of time.
Rounding out the buttons is, oddly enough, the triggers. By default, LT and RT are fairly standard triggers which should hold up well for a while thanks to their use of Hall Effect tech. But they also hold another secret thanks to two switches on the back.
Enable these, and you can change the triggers to micro switch buttons. It’s an interesting idea, which goes a little way to mitigating the strange feel of only using regular trigger stoppers. However, I didn’t find myself using this very often since the LT button didn’t feel very responsive when pressed in certain areas — perhaps an issue with my review unit specifically.
Bringing my overall impressions of the regular controller setup are the analog sticks. GameSir controllers nowadays always have excellent sticks, and the Tarantula Pro is no different. Everything you expect is here, from grippy tops to smooth motion at all times.
This is also the debut of TMR sticks for GameSir. Without going into specifics, TMR sticks essentially offer the higher durability and lack of drift you’d get with Hall Effect, but at a reduced power cost. When it comes to usability there isn’t much difference, but that just means that they’re still best in class.
Extra buttons, and lots of them
Another experimental aspect of the Tarantula Pro is just how many extra buttons you get. For starters, you have the usual two back buttons (which can actually be locked via switches on the back.) But there are also another seven on the front, alongside the regular controller function buttons that have been squashed into the center.
It’s certainly an interesting setup, with three of the buttons all mapped to one big button at the top that somewhat resembles a DualShock/DualSense touchpad. The main drawback with all these extra buttons is the aforementioned controller function buttons, which are now tiny and harder to reach.
This is mitigated by the extra buttons being mapped to these functions by default. So even if you don’t remap anything, the overall experience isn’t that much different from a standard controller.
But what if you do want to use these buttons for something? This is where the GameSir Connect program comes in. You can use this on PC (there’s also a mobile app) to remap the extra buttons, along with a few other RGB and analog options.
This includes remapping buttons to keyboard inputs, which is what I’d consider the main use case for the main front buttons. An example of this is mapping extra skills and functions in Final Fantasy XIV to these extra buttons, since that game supports seamless switching between controller and keyboard.
It’s something that works well enough, though you might run into issues when games only let you use one input method, or auto switch button icons. For consoles, the limited amount of remapping options makes these somewhat pointless — unlike the back buttons, you still need to move your hands away from the sticks or face buttons to press them.
DualShock 4 ergonomics, but better
I mentioned before that the overall feel of the Tarantula Pro resembles a DualShock 4, which I’ve really come to appreciate during my time with the controller. It feels super comfy to hold, even for hours at a time, and the grippy texture is much more welcome than the DualShock 4’s smooth plastic.
In fact, I like it so much that I wish that GameSir would go forward with this ergonomic design for future controllers. Most of their non-mobile offerings lean towards Xbox-style designs, and while this is fine, I vastly prefer what they’ve done here.
Hopefully, even if this design isn’t copied exactly, it is at least a sign that their controllers are going to get more varied over the coming years. I’d never say no to more options at least!
Pricing is almost right, depending on your region
One aspect that has definitely become a sticking point for third-party controllers recently is pricing. While costs aren’t that different in North America, here in the UK (and the rest of Europe) things have been getting a little worse.
Looking at the GameSir Tarantula Pro on its own, you’ll pay $69.99 in the US. In the UK, it’s a more costly £69.99. I’d say this is borderline what I’d consider an okay price for a slightly more premium option, though it’s a harder sell than the cheaper US price.
This also makes the £79.99 controller + charger bundle a tough sell too, since the charger itself feels rather cheap in comparison to the Tarantula Pro itself.
GameSir Tarantula Pro Review – Final Thoughts
The GameSir Tarantula Pro offers up a unique experience compared to the company’s previous output, even if not everything is successful. It’s not a bad controller, though I’d almost say you should wait and see if a V2 launches in the near future. With some tweaks to the extra buttons, and perhaps micro switch face buttons, I could see this being a solid choice in the future.
The GameSir Tarantula Pro was reviewed using a unit provided by the manufacturer. It is available now via Amazon UK and the official GameSir store.
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