When choosing a gamepad, do you often find yourself torn between wired and wireless? I certainly do. Wired controllers mean no worries about charging, and wireless offers freedom of movement. However, wired controllers restrict your location, while wireless ones can unexpectedly die mid-game because you forgot to charge them, or simply refuse to work when you're ready to play.
Of course, this problem is solved by simply charging your wireless devices. But unlike the keyboard and mouse I use for work, I've quite often had the experience of realizing I 'forgot to charge' my gamepad.
However, a groundbreaking gaming gamepad has emerged that eliminates those accidental wireless charging oversights: the SteelSeries 'SteelSeries Aeon Pro' (hereafter referred to as Aeon Pro).
Virtually Infinite Playtime with Two Batteries, Simultaneous Charging on a Dedicated Dock
The Aeon Pro comes with two batteries, including a spare. One can be inserted into the gamepad itself, while the other can be charged by placing it in the dedicated dock. If you're playing for an extended period and the battery in the controller starts to run low, you can simply swap it with the fully charged battery from the dock. This allows you to continue gaming uninterrupted, while the depleted battery recharges in the dock. This system effectively provides infinite playtime.
One battery charges in the dedicated dock
The other is installed in the main unit. By repeating this process, the effective operating time is virtually infinite.
This feature was originally adopted in SteelSeries' high-end gaming headsets, but I believe it's an excellent fit for gamepads as well.
In addition to charging the gamepad simply by placing it on the dock, this dedicated dock also functions as a wireless receiver. Furthermore, the dock features two USB Type-C ports, allowing for seamless switching between PC and Xbox connections if both are plugged in.
The dedicated dock offers excellent connectivity; simply placing the pad on it ensures it's recognized and charging begins. It also functions as a wireless receiver, and on PC, it was immediately recognized and usable upon removal.
Quick switching between PC and Xbox
The gamepad itself also features a display that shows the remaining charge for both the battery in the unit and the one charging in the dock. I think it's a good and safe practice to swap batteries when the main unit's battery indicator drops to one bar.
Battery charging status is displayed on the OLED screen
Honestly, once fully charged, each battery provides a decent 11 to 14 hours of use, so those who diligently charge their devices might not utilize this feature much.
Conversely, for people like me who aren't great at returning things to their original spot, or those who want to play until they're absolutely exhausted, there's no more perfect model than this.
SteelSeries 'Aeon Pro'
All Recent High-End Pad Features Adopted, But Polling Rate is Max 1000Hz
In terms of features, it's safe to say that the Aeon Pro covers almost all the specifications of recent high-end gamepads.
First, the analog sticks utilize Hall Effect sensors for position detection, which use magnetism. Unlike conventional contact-based sticks, this design reduces physical contact wear, thereby mitigating the risk of stick drift.
Additionally, stick sensitivity and dead zones can be adjusted using the dedicated 'SteelSeries GG' software. Furthermore, it comes with four types of interchangeable sticks with different shapes. Being able to attach sticks that suit your preference is a welcome bonus.
Stick sensitivity and dead zone can be adjusted with 'SteelSeries GG'
The rear features four paddles, and their button assignments are, of course, customizable. The paddles are positioned perfectly for the middle and ring fingers, offering a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback when pressed.
The rear is equipped with four paddles. Above them, there's a switch to change the actuation feel of the RT and LT trigger buttons.
The four paddles are positioned perfectly for your fingers when gripping, making them easy to use.
Button mapping is possible via the software.
Additionally, haptic settings can be adjusted.
The RT and LT trigger buttons feature a hybrid design combining Hall Effect sensors with mechanical microswitches. The Hall Effect mode allows for deep presses, ideal for racing games, while the mechanical microswitch mode offers a shallow, crisp click, suitable for FPS and TPS titles.
Furthermore, the main unit is equipped with an OLED display. This display allows you to operate and view various settings directly on the pad, such as connection destination, game profiles, button function changes, idle power-off settings, and even factory resets. The remaining battery charge is also displayed, which is convenient for quickly seeing when it's time to swap batteries.
The OLED panel allows various settings to be changed without going through software.
Changing haptic settings, or
Setting how long the device remains idle before powering off.
While it boasts a variety of features, the polling rate is 1000Hz, not 8000Hz. Given that 8000Hz is becoming standard for competitive controllers, I felt it was a bit of a missed opportunity for a feature-rich device like this to only have a 1000Hz polling rate.
However, for a player at my level, the difference between 1000Hz and 8000Hz didn't significantly impact gameplay. While professional-level pad players might desire 8000Hz, for a gamer like me who just wants to enjoy playing intensely, it's not a major issue.
SteelSeries 'Aeon Pro'
Excellent Hand Fit, Superb Mechanical Clickiness!
What I immediately noticed when using it was how well it fits in the hand. While most controllers don't have overly eccentric shapes, and I rarely struggle to adapt to a new product, the Aeon Pro offered such a natural grip from the start that I found myself thinking, 'Wait, have I been using this all along?'
I also really love the mechanical clickiness of the XYAB buttons, D-pad, triggers, and rear paddles. They produce a crisp, satisfying 'click-clack' sound, and the actuation feel is distinctly mechanical, making for a very pleasant user experience.
The XYAB buttons also offer a very satisfying clicky feel.
No matter how finely you can adjust settings in software, if the buttons themselves feel subpar, you'll gradually lose interest in using the device. With the Aeon Pro, however, that doesn't seem to be a concern.
Nearly Infinite Battery Life and Great Usability – Now, Can You Justify the Price?
However, the price of 44,480 yen might give some pause. Recently, it's not uncommon to find pads with an 8000Hz polling rate in the 10,000 yen range. But beyond the nearly infinite battery life, I believe that once you actually hold it and press the buttons, many will be convinced by its level of refinement.
With many pro-oriented gamepads on the market today, the Aeon Pro stands out as a rare and perhaps the ultimate gamepad for pure entertainment. If you want to ditch the cables but never run out of charge, this might be worth considering.
