Customizable gaming controllers are nothing new. They go beyond merely remapping the controls, too, even allowing you to adjust the sensitivity and a whole load of other stuff. Only problem is, they require to use an app either on a PC or phone to make the adjustments. The Genki Manta eliminates that.
Instead of using specialized software on a different device, this gamepad lets you make the adjustments right on the controller like an even more customizable version of the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. That means, you can tweak your gamepad’s functionality even in the middle of a game, with no need to pause or launch a new app to fiddle with the settings. Heck, you can even create profiles and macros on this thing, which is downright amazing.
The Genki Manta is larger than your typical game controller to the point that it looks a bit unwieldy. Obviously, we don’t know how it feels in hand, so it may actually be comfortable during gaming sessions for all we know. The reason it’s so big, though, is because it has a built-in 2.8-inch display at the lower section between the two grips, which is how it allows users to change settings on the fly, with no need to use a separate app on a PC or smartphone. Why put the screen at the bottom instead of the top? According to the outfit, it’s because most people play with the controller tilted away from them, so putting the screen lower keeps it closer to the user at all times.
The control layout itself isn’t all that unfamiliar. You get asymmetric analog sticks, a D-pad, four action buttons, two shoulder buttons, four trigger buttons, two rear buttons, and two removable paddles in the back, so it’s a lot like many modern gamepads. It uses Pulse Buttons for the action buttons, allowing it to track the full travel instead of simply actuating at the bottom. That means, you can set it to be extra sensitive, so you only need to lightly press to carry out an action. For the sticks, it uses TMR controls with an adjustable tension range between 30 gf and 80 gf, so you can fine tune how the analog sticks respond in-game. You can even replace the sticks with compatible KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks so you can customize the height, grip, and leverage to your liking. It even comes with selectors in the back that you can use to quickly adjust the amount of travel the triggers require. Each has three settings, so you can set it light or heavy on the fly, depending on what you prefer for each game.
The Genki Manta can be used with a wired USB-C connection, although it also gets built-in Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle for wireless options. It’s compatible with Switch, Switch 2, Windows, SteamOS, and, basically, all Apple devices, including Apple TV and Vision Pro. Other features include a 2,600 mAh battery that’s user-replaceable, a built-in headphone jack, a keyboard and mouse mode that lets you use it like a PC peripheral, 10 meters wireless range, 16MB of internal storage (good for up to eight onboard profiles), nine-axis IMU for motion controls, and a dedicated Record button to simplify creating macros.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for the Genki Manta. You can reserve a unit for pledges starting at $199.
