We’ve all done our fair share of online “window shopping”. Just as in real life, you occasionally come across something unusual and a little strange. Such was the case with the ManbaOne Series wireless gaming controller. This controller is one of the most unique ones I’ve examined, and while it falls short in a few places, it has enough going for it to be a worthwhile addition to any gaming system.
The kit includes the ManbaOne Series controller, a USB dongle for wireless connection, a charging dock, a USB-C cable, and two additional thumbstick styles. This is an incredible collection of accessories to go with your ManbaOne. The charging dock even has a hole underneath with a door where you can store the USB dongle when you’re traveling or switching between devices. The ManbaOne understands the importance of the small details.
The controller is quite elegant, having a translucent overlay on top of the shell. It is magnetically attached, allowing you to purchase more covers later. Aside from that, you’ll discover your face buttons (labeled as Xbox inputs), offset thumbsticks, a D-pad, two triggers and bumpers, the start and select buttons, and four back buttons. There is also a Home and Back button.
Of course, the two-inch LCD panel at the top is presumably why you’re reading this article. I’m okay with the positioning, however it has moved the start, select, home, and back buttons to the bottom of the controller face. This certainly confuses me, because they are critical buttons depending on the game you’re playing. The screen contains a variety of functionalities, such as button mapping, vibration control, and even response curves and dead zones. I have to say that the number of functions crammed into a less costly controller like this one astounds me.
RGB lighting runs down the sides, increasing the cool factor. To customize the ManbaOne, you can select one of several colors, a prism of them, and two different effects. It’s simple and effective.
In my hands, I can sense it’s a somewhat larger build. It reminds me of an Xbox 360 controller, which is larger than an Xbox Series controller. It’s also quite heavy, thanks to the vibration motors inside. The screen certainly requires this controller to be a little larger, but they’ve struck the ideal mix of size and weight. Even so, if you have tiny hands, this one may feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re playing something more competitive.
It takes some getting used to using this controller while gaming. Beyond their size, the thumbsticks are fairly loose. With these being anti-drift Hall Effect sticks, I was apprehensive that something was wrong. After playing with them for a bit, it appears to be a design choice, as moving and aiming have no negative consequences. The face buttons are also rather mushy when compared to the precise pushes of a first-party controller. They are nevertheless responsive, similar to the thumbsticks.
This trend extends to the rear buttons, which are a little small for my liking. They press just fine, but their position makes them less useful, with the upper two being more difficult to reach. The lower two fit in the grip, but I’d prefer to have both immediately beneath my fingertips so I could activate them independently without moving my fingers. I like how easy it is to modify them; with the display, you know exactly what you’re mapping and can do so in seconds.
The triggers include a trigger stop mechanism for faster pulls. It’s probably the closest similarity to the original Xbox Elite controller, having the option of a full or locked pull. I find it extremely comfortable to use, albeit it is a little sensitive. Every now and again, I accidentally discharged my imaginary gun while adjusting my grip, or just because the scenario became tight.
Unfortunately, if you wish to utilize this controller everywhere, it has some limitations. The ManbaOne does not have PlayStation or Xbox compatibility, but it does function on the Switch, PC, and mobile. You’ll be able to select your platform from the display screen, as well as enable Bluetooth if you prefer that link. There are also USB dongle and wired alternatives for using the ManbaOne, so they have you covered.
Once you’ve become used to the ManbaOne’s quirks, playing games becomes second nature. Whether playing a casual game like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom or fighting in the fierce battlegrounds of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, it performs admirably. My experience in Black Ops 6 was particularly instructive, as I noticed my initial exchanges slowing me down as I learnt the feel of the ManbaOne, and everything ratcheting up as my muscle memory began to adjust. As someone who frequently uses back buttons and trigger locks in competitive games, it was wonderful to not notice a significant drop-off with this controller.
Given the controller’s wireless capabilities, the design team installed an 1800mAh rechargeable battery inside. This is a little more than a PS5 controller, so you may expect 6+ hours of charge per use, provided you don’t use the RGB too much. The charging base extends the life of your controller by providing not only a place to store it, but also a charging station. There’s also an audible cue to let you know it’s properly attached to the base, as well as an auto-waking feature when you remove it, allowing you to jump right back into the game. The battery life design is carefully thought out, making it easy to maintain your controller ready to go.
One of the primary reasons why this controller is an excellent choice is its low price. Despite the fact that it includes all of these functions, the ManbaOne only costs $70. I’m honestly taken aback; I have controllers twice the price that offer less capability. I’d guess that platform limits play a role, but even so, the ManbaOne is a great deal.