This controller provides an elegant solution to gamers that play on multiple different devices with an impressive range of features for its compact size.
I’ve always been a controller lad. Even though I've been dragged kicking and screaming into the land of PC gaming I still insist on running the triggers. This is true even in notoriously mouse and keyboard advantaged PvP First person shooters, much to the dismay of my clickity clacking team mates. From jerry rigging PS4 Controllers to the Power A Enhanced I have used many game pads over the years for all kinds of Gaming ( My Current Weapon of choice is the RAZER Wolverine TE, a gamepad that goes for around A$179). So given the chance to put the GENKI PocketPro by 8BitDO which costs a fair friendlier A$104 I was stoked.
The PocketPro mimics the classic shape of the Super Nintendo controller in a robust frame but with all the buttons needed to play modern games. You're treated to not just a full gamut of face buttons, but also a responsive D-pad, and twinsticks for direction controls. But it doesn't stop there, this travel-sized unit packs in a few more features than I expected from a controller that's about the same size as an iPhone.
I’ve been using it mostly to play Hollow Knight: Silksong on PC using the included USB C Cable and it is a very sharp tool for guiding Hornet as she slices her way to Revenge. The Ganki connected immediately over the cable and did not require a manual driver update. A true plug and play experience.
From its retro appearance and pocketable size, you’d be forgiven for thinking that indie games and classic side scrollers are all the PocketPro is good for, but you’d be very wrong.
The unassuming controller boasts a full set of bumpers and triggers on the back making it possible to play FPS and other trigger-based games. I proved it with a bit of Borderlands 3 and Halo. Due to its small size it is not the most comfortable experience, I found the joysticks accurate enough to cut down aliens and wasteland savages. I didn’t dare take the Genki into PvP modes ( I’m shit enough at those already, and this little guy really doesn't need to experience that).
I like the build quality, and while it's not the most premium finish when considering the price point it's very refined. The buttons are meaty giving a certainness and satisfaction to presses, and the “Hall effect” Joysticks are very smooth. The triggers are just binary switches so racing games will lack the progressive throttle feel needed for driving cars. But I really don’t think that's what 8BitDo designed this thing for, especially given I was surprised to see it sport them at all!
The PocketPro packs more surprise into its small package with gyro controls and a rumble pack – features usually unheard of in this form factor and price point. I’m happy to report that the gyro works well in Mario Party minigames and the rumble pack is quite strong. Maybe a little too strong?
I can't be sure if they haven't just hulked out of their mounts, but the rumble motors feel like they are loose inside the chassis. It makes the PocketPro sound like a maraca when shaken. We checked this against another PocketPro and found the same thing, so it seems to be consistent across the line.. This touch of cheapness, feels like such a shame given how far above its price point this controller has previously punched.
In summary I think the PocketPro makes a fantastic compact interface for PC, Switch 2 with a firmware update and Mobile Gamers (Full disclosure I didn’t test it out on a mobile device but c’mon it's probably going to work with your smart phone). It serves as a great additional Switch controller for Party games and with its classic translucent styling it would even be at home on a collectors shelf.
A Genki Pocket Pro was provided to SIFTER for the purpose of this review.
Connectivity: Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 - USB-C
Battery: 480mAh Li-ion Rechargeable battery
Sticks: Hall-Effect sensor analog sticks
Materials: Translucent Polycarbonate
Switches: Full Compliment of controller buttons including R1 and R2 triggers
Features: Universal compatibility with basically everything, Gyro Motion Controls available
Weight: 111g
Dimensions: 143mm x 63mm x 29mm
People who play a lot of platformers, RPGs, Party Games or travellers who are looking for a controller that consistently works across multiple devices and ecosystems.
People that already have full-sized controllers in higher price brackets will find this device lacking in many ways. It’s not built for driving games due to size and triggers, and gamers with larger hands are going to struggle a bit with it's tiny form factor.
People who play a lot of platformers, RPGs, Party Games or travellers who are looking for a controller that consistently works across multiple devices and ecosystems.
People that already have full-sized controllers in higher price brackets will find this device lacking in many ways. It’s not built for driving games due to size and triggers, and gamers with larger hands are going to struggle a bit with it's tiny form factor.
