The Nova HD Rumble Nintendo Switch Controller from Manufacturer GameSir is an RGB, HD Rumble-enabled, wireless controller for everyone’s favourite Nintendo console. With two versions to choose from, neon teal and retro white, the GameSir Nova aims to offer gamers a cost-effective alternative while still offering many of the features found on an official Pro Controller.
The form factor of the Nova is very similar in size and weight to the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro, which we had the opportunity to review late last year. As for the look, GameSir sent over the Neon Teal version of the Nova. This beautiful translucent outer shell allows some light to pass through, exposing the inner workings of the controller. It harkens back to the old Crystal N64 era for those old enough to remember and is a great call back to Nintendo’s past. Likewise, the retro white edition of the Nova is a nod to Nintendo’s past with some great callbacks to the SNES days.
The face buttons and analog sticks follow a standard Xbox layout except for a Nintendo-style Y, B, X, and A button format and are a membrane construction. As for tactile feel, each button offers a decent feedback response through the D-Pad but feels a bit stiff compared to the rest of the face buttons. As for the sticks, much like many of the GameSir controllers released of late, the Nova features Hall Effect sensors reducing the chances of drift caused by prolonged use.
The bumpers and triggers are well-placed, making them easily accessible while gaming. Two things to note. In the case of the bumpers, they aren’t quite as pronounced as they are on the T4 Cyclone Pro and, as such, don’t offer that same punchy response when pressed. It’s a small detail but noticeable compared to other controllers in the GameSir lineup.
The second note concerns the triggers. While they did shorten up the overall length of the trigger, it is shorter than some of the recent Nintendo Switch controllers we’ve reviewed. GameSir added a small outward curve at each trigger base that sits perfectly in line with where your index fingers naturally rest when playing. It works well with the design and aids in trimming down the overall form factor of the Nova.
“On the base of the GameSir Nova are two additional programmable buttons, a feature that GameSir is well known for.”
On the base of the GameSir Nova are two additional programmable buttons, a feature that GameSir is well known for. Thanks to the programming button located on the face of the Nova, assigning commands to each button takes mere seconds. As for the placement of the programmable buttons, they rest on the underside of each grip in line with where your middle fingers naturally grip the controller. This allows for quick button activation without the need to shift the placement of your fingers.
As for functionality, the GameSir Nova is responsive with no noticeable lag during gameplay. It is worth noting that all tests were performed in Bluetooth mode (more on this later). Games were responsive and the Nova had no issues relaying inputs back to the Nintendo Switch. The sticks felt exceptionally nice to use, with each one offering nice weighted resistance when pressure was applied to them. The GameSir Nova feels good to use, even when stacked up against the official Pro controller.
The GameSir Nova HD Rumble Nintendo Switch Controller also includes two customizable RGB ring lights located under each of the two sticks. Customizing the lighting is handled on the controller thanks to the aforementioned programming button, with several lighting options to choose from. While it doesn’t specifically add any noticeable function to the controller, the RGB lighting is a nice customizable feature of the controller and looks exceptionally nice on the neon teal edition of the controller.
GameSir has also included full-motion control support with the Nova with a 6-axis gyro. It’s easy to set up and use. Additionally, the Nova includes HD rumble support with a motor installed at the base of each grip. It’s responsive and works quite well during gameplay. Of course, this feature can be shut off, along with the RGB lighting, if there is concern over battery life.
“GameSir has also included full-motion control support with the Nova with a 6-axis gyro.”
On that note, the Nova includes a 1200mAh rechargeable battery that can be recharged via the included USB type C to type A cable. With a 1200mAh battery, the controller has no issue handling 6-7 hour play sessions with full HD Rumble and RGB lighting engaged. This can be prolonged by changing each of these settings. In testing, after eight hours of play with RGB off, the Nova was still going strong.
While the GameSir Nova HD Rumble is primarily a Nintendo Switch controller it does offer cross-platform support and tri-mode connectivity. Bluetooth is the primary mode of wireless connection for Nintendo Switch along with Android, iOS and PC. It’s easy to connect to each device thanks to GameSir’s approach to switching the controller between modes with a simple button combination on power up. Once connected to your primary device, simply powering up the Nova will automatically reconnect it.
Players will also have the option to connect via the included USB Type C to A cable to the PC if needed. The final method of connection is via a low-latency wireless dongle, much like the aforementioned T4 Cyclone Pro. While this is a great method of connection for gamers looking for the edge in response, there is one issue with the Nova’s wireless connection option: the dongle isn’t included with the controller.
You are required to purchase it separately. The salt in the wound here, as it were, is that there is no place on the official GameSir website to purchase the dongle at the time of writing. As such, we couldn’t test this connection method. It’s a bit disappointing, considering that it is listed as a key mode of connection in the official promotional materials. While I can speak to the functionality of the wireless dongle on the T4 Cyclone Pro, it worked exceptionally well, I cannot speak to Nova’s 2.4GHz capabilities.
The Nova Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch is a satisfactory option for those looking for a cost-effective solution. While the buttons functionally work fine, they do lack some of the tactile feedback that other GameSir controllers offer. Additionally, the lack of inclusion of the wireless dongle and the inability to even purchase it at the time of writing is a miss-step for GameSir. Especially considering that a 2.4GHz wireless connection is a major part of the Nova’s marketing. A price point of $35.99 USD for a Nintendo Switch controller that offers HD Rumble, easy-to-connect options, RGB lighting and solid battery life makes up for its shortcomings.
- GameSir Nova wireless switch controller is compatible with Switch/Lite/OLED, Windows 10/11, Android, iOS and Steam Deck.
- The Switch controllers using the same type of voice coil linear motor as the PS5, you will get more precise tactile feedback, making your gaming experience more direct and more realistic.
