Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2

A good controller can make a world of difference when it comes to a session catching monsters or slaying beasts. Smooth sticks, a comfy grip and battery that lasts the whole night is key for keeping those palms in prime condition!

When it comes to the Nintendo Switch 2, going beyond the included Joy-Con 2 controllers is more than possible with a wide range of options out there; including Nintendo’s own premium Switch 2 Pro Controller. Yes, it is rather good but comes with a hefty price tag that may not suit every budget. Third parties are riding the Nintendo Switch train with different themed editions, fancy colours, RGB swag and extra features for good measure. A more affordable price tag and cosmetics aside, are these controllers any good?

The original Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller, which is still widely available, polled well in Justin’s review. High praise on designs, sticks and d-pad, but falling short in other areas. The Turtle Beach folk return with the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2, with additional features to match Nintendo’s latest hardware. Has the Rematch levelled up?

First impressions and the controller bares a lot of similarities to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro. It’s sleek, compact and with the standard array of buttons in the right places. Width and thickness wise it’s certainly comparable – something that third party manufacturers are leaning toward; trying to come as close as possible to Nintendo’s form factor. There’s similar travel between the different buttons and analogue sticks, with a familiar shaped, grip handles to sit comfortably in your hands. It is ever-so-slightly thick at the point where the controller tucks into the bottom of your thumbs, though, but nothing that causes any discomfort.

This reviewer, with creaky joints, can certainly feel when a set of buttons isn’t quite right (looking at you, ECHTPower Wireless Gamepad Controller for Nintendo Switch 2). Echoing the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro, the revised Rematch for Nintendo Switch 2 has prominent, flat four face buttons – positioned well, with enough give on the right side to avoid cramping thumbs. These are also larger in size compared to some third-party offerings, in-line with the Switch 2 Pro at 1.1cm across. These things matter! Each serve up a satisfying press, not too loud or clacky, faring well in repeated presses and Super Smash Bros. Ultimatestress testing. Some players might not appreciate the slightly heavier press, though, but ultimately it does come down to preference.

The same applies to the shoulder buttons; smooth clicks, a good range of travel and well positioned. Some controllers tend to fall short on width, but Turtle Beach have a well-shaped, lengthy set that do allow for those fingers to wrap around neatly. Perfect for drifting around those corners in Mario Kart World with ease.

Speaking of drift, yes, the infernalJoy-Con drift. The curse of the Nintendo Switch owner with sticks that suddenly turn sentient. Characters that move on their own? Not ideal. Whilst things are considerably, anecdotally, better in the Switch 2 era, there’s always a risk that controllers can suddenly start drifting. Instead of the traditional mechanism under the hood, Turtle Beach use TMR thumbstick technology. This essentially uses magnets under the sticks to register movement. No longer do the stick sensors rub against each other, leading to far less chance of drift, longer-term durability and draws less energy. Win win, all round.

Testing the sticks in movement heavy games and both perform exceptionally well. Of course, not the buttery quiet magic of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro in sound, but a good range of travel and sticks that don’t sit too high, either. There is a bit of a thockwhen hitting the sides of the plastic, but it’s comparable to any standard controller or the original Switch Pro controller. Added grips along the top of the rubber works well, all without clinging onto those thumbs for dear life. The reasonably sized, standard d-pad is surprisingly tactile, too – not as rubbery in feel as some other controllers, with a solid press in each direction. It may not be a winner for fighting game fans, but still good, nonetheless. Those who want to tilt the controller about can also take advantage of the included motion controls – handy for sessions in Splatoon 3.

The Rematch for Nintendo Switch 2 also includes the standard set of Switch function buttons along the top, though oddly in reverse order and perhaps too close to the face buttons. As with other controllers in the range, the “C” button brings up GameChat, though the omission of a 3.5mm audio jack could be an issue for some players. An additional shortcut button that can re-assign back buttons, too. The back buttons aren’t anything to write home about, though are well positioned to avoid accidentally pressing when gripping the controller. Out the box, these are assigned to “A” and “B” and were surprisingly useful in a Mario Kart session!

One aspect of the controller can be an issue for some is the lack of rumble support. Not just the refined HD rumble, but a complete omission of vibration entirely. It is an odd move, especially given the mid-range pricepoint. This isn’t a sub £30 controller, where missing features can be a given. The lack of rumble may not be a dealbreaker in the overall feature set, but it can be noticeable in some games that take advantage of it. There’s also no option to wake the Switch 2 from the controller (at time of review).

Like the original, the Rematch plays host to a wide range of Switch 2 controller designs, with Turtle Beach putting the officially licenced deals to good use. Donkey Kong, Animal Crossing, Super Mario Bros. are splashed along the front, popping full of colour. The design for this review takes a slightly different guise, a special Minecraftedition for Minecraft Dungeons II. Unlike the more static finishes on most designs, this look comes with a lenticular coating – tilt the controller to shift the artwork from Steve to Creeper. Millennials, who felt that this tech was “magic” back in the day, will likely feel nostalgic with this one. The younger lot may simply appreciate the allure that Minecraftbrings.

Key Features

Cubed3 Summary

The Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch 2 is a solid, all-round controller contender. Smooth TMR sticks and tactile, well-sized face and shoulder buttons, plus 40 hours of battery make for comfortable, lengthy gaming sessions. A lack of rumble, 3.5mm audio jack and the ability to wake the console, however, are strange omissions – especially at the price point. Some players may not prefer the slightly heavier face button presses, also. With a wide range of colourful designs and familiar faces, the Rematch comes highly recommended.

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