The SteelSeries Aeon Pro Controller is a Tri-Connect gaming controller designed for endless play and broad compatibility. Built around the SteelSeries dual Docking system, the Aeon Pro offers impressively quick mode switching, hot-swappable batteries and onboard setting controls, all in a purpose-built, premium form factor. Though this premium controller comes at a premium price point, the Aeon Pro Controller offers enough to warrant its $259.99 MSRP.
Weighing 310g (with battery) and measuring slightly larger than a standard XBOX controller at 112 x 155 x 55 mm, the SteelSeries Aeon Pro feels great in hand, offering an ergonomic grip position for gamers accustomed to the XBOX grip format. While the Aeon Pro provides a similar look and feel to an official XBOX controller, there are a few standout features that set it apart.
The positioning of the view, share and menu buttons has all been positioned along the bottom edge of the faceplate to make room for the OLED Smart Display. This simple but informative display allows for easy access to pertinent information such as current connection, battery level and active profile, with full access to the controller’s various settings.
While I’ve been fortunate enough to test a few controllers with built-in displays, such as the excellent Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra, the SteelSeries Aeon Pro easily provides the best user interface for gamers. Navigation is streamlined, and accessing the various settings and swapping connections is seamless and smooth, taking only a couple of seconds to complete. SteelSeries has nailed its onboard control system, making it my new go-to recommendation for gamers looking for a controller with a built-in display and onboard setting control.
Continuing the examination of the controller face, gamers will be happy to know that SteelSeries hasn’t pulled any punches in the overall construction of the Aeon Pro. It features swappable stick modules (four in total) for the hall effect joysticks as well as 18 mechanical switches for the various buttons. On that note, the face buttons and D-Pad feel exceptional to use, providing solid mechanical feedback and a subtle but satisfying click response when pressed.
The palm grips are wrapped in a textured silicone finish that provides extra grip for those longer play sessions. The top bumpers and triggers also feature micro switches and provide similar feedback to that of the face buttons. As a bonus, players can swap the triggers from hair to full trigger mode, with the latter leveraging the same hall effect switches as the joysticks.
“…the SteelSeries Aeon Pro feels great in hand, offering an ergonomic grip position for gamers accustomed to the XBOX grip format.”
Finally, four additional paddle switches are located along each palm grip, providing additional, programmable buttons to be leveraged. All buttons can be programmed via SteelSeries GG software along with a host of other customizations, allowing gamers to fully dial in every aspect of the controller experience.
In testing, the SteelSeries Aeon Pro performed exceptionally well, with buttons, triggers and joysticks feeling great to use. Every input is responsive and precise, with no notable issues during the past couple of weeks of use. From Shooters to ARPG’s, I have thoroughly enjoyed using the Aeon Pro for everyday gaming. The real treat here is that, as a multiplatform gamer, the Aeon Pro has become my one-stop shop for gaming, no matter which device I’m using.
This is all thanks to what SteelSeries calls its Dual Docking System. This unique device supports 250Hz polling on XBOX and 1000Hz polling on PC, which helps provide that snappy response time while gaming. This Dock allows the controller to be connected to both devices simultaneously, with quick switching managed from the controller’s onboard controls.
It’s a smart design, and it even allows the controller to power on the XBOX if desired. Bluetooth is also baked into the controller, allowing for a third device connection. I’ve had no issue swapping between my PC, XBOX and tablet, with each recognizing the controller almost immediately. It’s an impressively easy system to use.
If that weren’t enough, SteelSeries has also included a second hotswappable battery for the Aeon Pro, allowing for continuous gaming. The second battery is housed in a charging port built into the dock, making it easy to keep everything in one space. With around 12 hours of game time on a single charge and a quick-swap battery solution, you can quite literally game non-stop with this wireless controller.
While the Aeon Pro controller comes with a premium price tag of $259.99, its sheer compatibility also makes it a great solution for gamers who dabble in multiplatform gaming. Essentially, it can take on any gaming device that supports Bluetooth, along with XBOX and PC connections. Even if you’re not a multiplatform gamer, the hot-swappable battery, onboard controls and exceptional build quality are reasons to consider SteelSeries latest controller.
The SteelSeries Aeon Pro Controller is a premium controller that offers the best multiplatform support I’ve ever tested. Throw in the smart, onboard controls, quality construction, and swappable batteries, and the SteelSeries Aeon Pro Controller easily warrants consideration for those looking for more from their wireless controller experience.
