Looking for a multi-capable wireless controller that lives comfortably in a bag and loves to play with Nintendo hardware? The Neo S will fill that role, for relatively little money. A solid build, Hall Effect thumbsticks, and ease of setup make up for the kinda non-functional 3.5mm jack, which works... but only in specific configurations.
-
Value
-
Features
-
Design
-
Build
If you tuned in yesterday, you would have seen a brief mention of the CRKD Neo S controller in our CRKD Nitro Deck review. Available separately, the two operate as a single functional upgrade if you want them to. Or you could simply use the Neo S as an additional controller for the Nintendo Switch, Mac, or PC. Smart TVs and tablets (or phones) can also benefit from the compact wireless controller.
The Neo S — we got the Goat Simulator 3 edition for review — demands about R1,200 for what is a third-party version of the Nintendo Switch Pro controller… minus those flappy bits at the bottom. The rectangular shape recalls retro Nintendo controllers from days past, but the internals are all modern.
Block of buttons
Button layout is the same as any other Nintendo Switch controller, complete with the confusingly rearranged A, B, X, and Y, and the same offset thumbsticks seen in the Nitro Deck. The buttons, as far as we can tell, are exact matches for CRKD’s console grip accessory, so if you’ve used one, you’ll know what to expect. If not, well… the buttons are high quality and tactile.
The underside of the controller features a 3.5mm headphone jack that, unfortunately, only transmits audio if you use the controller in a wired configuration with a docked Switch. Small contacts reside there too, for mounting on the included charging base. The rear of the controller has two programmable switches for whatever customisations you feel you might need.
At the top of the controller is a USB-C port, either for charging or connecting the Neo S as a wired controller to… something. Dealer’s choice. A lengthy and sturdy USB-C cable is included in the package for this purpose.
Set up for success
Using the Neo S as a wired controller is the simplest option. Connect the cables, plug it in, and you’re good to go. If it’s supported, it should just work. If not… well, ask an increasingly unhelpful internet for help (but you’re probably wasting your time). Wireless connections are covered in the small instruction booklet, but as with most wireless devices, holding the largest button in sight for a few seconds will put the Neo S in pairing mode. Select the controller on your target device, and you should be good to go.
Sticking it to Nintendo
As with the Nitro Deck, the best part about using the Neo S controller is the thumbsticks. The Hall Effect sticks are accurate and responsive, snapping back satisfyingly when released. Whether that will hold over time remains to be seen, for us at least, but camera and movement on the Switch seemed smoother and more accurate — distressingly so, sometimes — during our review.
The face buttons are similarly pleasant under the fingers, though the D-pad didn’t receive much time from us. Even so, it’s better than the standard version on Nintendo’s own JoyCons. That would be more biting praise if the bar weren’t so low.
About the only problem, for us, is the width of the Neo S controller. It’s not an issue when gaming, but accessing the – and + buttons, as well as the screenshot key, calls for a spot of reaching. If you’re trying to snap a map or menu open, it can certainly prove irritating, but action should be well-handled no matter what you’re playing, or the size of your hands.
The 750mAh battery has enough juice for several hours of uninterrupted play. The Neo S recharges quickly enough that you’ll grab another hour or three with just a few minutes of downtime. We found that the charging base seems to work quicker than a direct connection. Maybe it’s unconscious bias toward a shiny shelf-based object. Either way, it should go from zero to full in a couple of hours.
CRKD Neo S verdict
The same control and quality as seen in the CRKD Nitro Deck, but with the option to use it to play games on a PC or Mac? We were sold almost immediately. Virtua Verse isn’t going to play itself, after all. It helps that the Neo S is a snappy, responsive bit of gaming hardware that pairs exceptionally well with Nintendo’s older gaming hardware and does just as well with the other supported platforms. We’ve a suspicion that the controller would also pair with the PlayStation 3, but have yet to test it.
Drawbacks? The central buttons are clustered too far from the edges, which might cause the odd problem. Most games, those with sensible control schemes, shouldn’t suffer at all. Finally, there’s the other issue — buying CRKD’s hardware. Amazon has them in stock (and delivers to South Africa), or you can go direct. Shipping that way will be a touch more complicated, however.
