Manufacturer Turtle Beach has been known to console gamers for years, especially for its headsets. With the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, the company now also offers an affordable professional gamepad that bridges the gap between the Elite Controller and the standard pad. Our test clarifies what the special features are and how good the debut turns out.
Technical data
| Size | 180 x 183 x 73 (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 300 g |
| Colors | Black; White |
| Cable | USB-C to USB-A (3 meters) |
| Compatibility | Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC |
| Features | Front panel with various settings; two customizable auxiliary buttons (rear panel); Superhuman Hearing mode; 3.5 mm jack connector; 2 vibration motors |
| Scope of delivery | Recon controller, USB-C to USB-A cable, quick start guide, Turtle Beach sticker |
| Price | € 43.67 * |
Scope of delivery
Compared to the slightly more expensive PowerA FUSION Pro 2 (our review), the Turtle Beach Recon Controller’s scope of delivery is more manageable. Besides the gamepad itself, the cardboard box only contains a three-meter USB-A to USB-C cable, as well as a cardboard slipcase with a quick-start guide and a sticker with the manufacturer’s logo. Unfortunately, you will have to do without a transport case or other contents (such as exchangeable analog sticks or similar).
Design and finish
When it comes to design, Turtle Beach’s Recon controller looks, at first glance, very much like Microsoft’s original gamepad for the Xbox Series X/S. The basic layout of buttons, triggers and the asymmetrical sticks is the same. The 3.5 mm audio jack for stereo output and microphone input on the bottom of the gamepad is also retained.
However, there are two additional buttons on the back of the controller that can be freely configured. Particularly practical: Up to four different configurations for the additional buttons can be saved directly on the controller with the help of the control unit on the top of the controller front.
The Recon controller’s grip horns are also equipped with non-slip materials on the inside and outside to ensure a secure grip. At the same time, the bumpers, triggers and rear buttons feature a noticeable, nubby surface. This actually provides a bit more grip in gaming compared to the original controller.
All in all, the gamepad’s build quality is quite good, even though the weight is shockingly low (due to the missing battery unit). At least the included detachable cable is mandatory to use the Recon Controller.
In order to fit the control panel on the front without making the gamepad noticeably larger than the Microsoft original, all buttons had to be moved closer together – due to the smaller gaps, it sometimes happens that we don’t get the buttons in the game as we were used to before. The relatively hard pressure feeling of the ABXY buttons is also not quite up to the original. In addition, the RB and LB bumpers have smaller dimensions, which also has a negative impact on the playing feel. But this is ultimately just a matter of practice. Once you get used to the slightly different layout, the operation usually works very well.
Connection and compatibility
With the help of the included USB-C cable, the Turtle Beach Recon Controller can be used on the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One as well as on the PC. On the consoles, the gamepad was recognized immediately and was ready for use within a few seconds. When used on the PC, the controller initially refused to work on the USB 2 port. However, if you plug it into a USB-3 port, it is immediately recognized and can be used. A manual driver or software installation is not necessary for use.
Handling and practice
Right out of the box, the large control panel on the front of the gamepad catches the eye, which also marks the unique selling point of the Turtle Beach Recon Controller. The buttons mostly control the gamepad’s audio, but are also used to quickly switch between profiles.
On the left side, the volume of the audio output can be adjusted when headphones or a headset are connected, while the chat volume can be increased or decreased on the right side. Next to that, there is a button that instantly mutes the microphone. The button for activating the so-called Superhuman Hearing function is also exciting. According to the manufacturer, this is supposed to emphasize important sound effects like footsteps or the reloading of weapons to give you an advantage in multiplayer shooters.
However, you should not expect a revolutionary change in the sound. In our test with Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends or Gears 5, the difference with activated Superhuman Hearing was only minimal. We liked the preset equalizer presets, which you can switch between at the push of a button, much better. Turtle Beach offers options for bass boost as well as bass, treble or voice boost, which all result in a differentiated sound. Especially the treble boost proves to be useful in shooters, while we did best with the standard sound or bass boost in other games.
However, it is annoying that these options are only available with wired headphones. When using a wireless headset, the audio settings have no effect. The sensitivity of the right analog stick can also be adjusted at the push of a button. Turtle Beach calls this “Pro Aim Focus Mode” and several presets are available here as well. Shooter fans in particular will love this option.
However, there are several reasons why the Recon Controller falls short of expectations in terms of handling. On the one hand, there is the already mentioned, compressed button layout. Although all buttons are in their familiar positions, they are closer together, which caused us to accidentally press several buttons at the same time, especially during the familiarization period.
On the other hand, the additional keys on the back trigger a bit too easily for our taste. It was not uncommon during the test that our middle fingers, which rested over the keys, accidentally pressed them – we like PowerA’s and Microsoft’s paddle solution much better here.
The two built-in vibration motors also don’t come close to the original. Not in terms of intensity, which is significantly higher than that of the Microsoft gamepad. Rather, the vibrations are too strong and cause the plastic cover of the Recon controller to vibrate unpleasantly in the hands. For example, when you drive over a gravel road in Forza Horizon 4, the gamepad rattles noticeably in your hand.
Conclusion
The new Turtle Beach Recon Controller leaves our test lab with a satisfactory impression. In terms of build quality, the gamepad doesn’t show any weaknesses and, despite the plastic feel, convinces with a valuable feel that, in combination with the low weight, ensures a high level of comfort even during continuous use.
The audio control on the front also proves to be extremely practical and enables a quick switch between different presets – but only when playing with a wired headset. Increasing the sensitivity of the right analog stick also proves useful in shooters, as do the two freely configurable buttons on the back – although they trigger a bit too easily.
Although the feel is better than that of the Microsoft controller, we would prefer the original for several reasons. Above all, we find it annoying that Turtle Beach overshoots the mark a bit in terms of the vibration function. In addition, the distances between the individual buttons are a bit too short for our taste. This might only be a matter of practice, but it had a noticeable impact on our performance in the game.
All in all, the Turtle Beach Recon Controller is a more than solid gamepad debut, which especially gives users of a wired headset on consoles an advantage that should not be underestimated. At any rate, you can’t go far wrong with the gamepad for around 60 Euros.
Turtle Beach Recon Controller
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Value for money
86/100
Well-made gamepad with exciting features and buttons. However, the controller has to make concessions in terms of design and functions.
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