One of the worst things that can happen to a player is realizing that your controller is giving up the ghost. The dreaded stick-drift comes to everyone and you never know when it will strike. You'll be lucky if your device is still under warranty, but if it's not, you'll have to either repair or replace it.
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If you're not too happy with the game controller that comes with it, you can always exchange it for one of these.
However, there are other ways to deal with stick drift. Setting up a dead zone usually works, but it's a long and arduous process that's not for the faint of heart. Plus you'll have to do this for every new game, or download some third-party software and take it from there. So wouldn't it be great if we could make all these adjustments right on the controller itself? That's exactly what Manba One offers.
Driver with full control
What do you see when you imagine the video game controller of the future? A more intuitive shape? More control options? A literal chip in your brain? While these are still cyberpunk dreams, we can at least imagine a controller with a screen. That's the Manba One's biggest selling point — a full-color LED screen in the middle where you'd normally find the trackpad on a PS5 DualSense controller.
However, unlike the trackpad, this screen is actually useful. Remember when I said it would be cool to customize the controller on the unit itself? This is what the screen offers. The main menu gives you options to pair with different devices, the ability to switch between modes depending on what you're pairing with, presets, and an in-depth customization menu.
While the first three options are pretty neat, it's the customization menu that really shines. Without having to look at another device, you can manage button configuration, dead zone settings for joysticks and triggers, vibration settings and change colors on the RGB strips on its side.
And to top it all off, the four back buttons allow for multi-button configuration, so you can access combos with the click of a single button. Is it cheating? I don't know, discuss it with Manba. It's not that other drivers don't give you these options, but the ability to do this in such detail without using another device or app is absolutely incredible.
It looks like the controller of the future
The look of the Manba One intrigued me even before I discovered the in-depth customization options. I was sent a white model that has a clear removable faceplate that locks in place with magnets. The design below looks like something out of Horizon Zero Dawn. And once you turn on the screen, it really feels like the future is here.
Instead of just plugging a wire into it and letting it charge on your desk – which you can do – the Manba One comes with a charging dock that doubles as a stand. It might not sound like much, but it's my second favorite thing.
Putting it back in the dock after a game is satisfying, almost like putting the sword back in the scabbard. It even beeps to let you know it's properly positioned and charging. Another advantage is that you can show it off on your desk when you're not using it.
But why does it look so zigzag?
The perfect fit in the palm and the futuristic look are great, but the controller should be used well. Manba One uses the traditional Xbox layout, but for the sake of the screen, the menu buttons have been moved along the bridge below the d-pad and right joystick. It also adopts the shape of an Xbox controller, as most third-party devices do.
His most important trait, however, turns out to be his failure in this department. To make room for the screen, the shoulder buttons (LB and RB) have been moved a bit higher than any other controller I've used. As someone who uses the index finger for shoulder buttons and triggers, I'm forced to move it awkwardly and awkwardly in certain games to register commands.
I'm aware that this can vary from case to case, but as someone with relatively large hands, I found myself stretching the shoulder buttons in a way I didn't want to.
The face buttons feel zigzag like a mouse button, rather than an Xbox or DualSense controller. They don't feel satisfying to press, and in the heat of battle like in Hades 2 or Space Marine 2, they make me feel unsure of myself and if what I'm doing is actually registering in the game. This is frustrating, especially since every second counts against Prometheus or Zoanthrope.
Is it worth it?
Manba one
Manba One is a unique controller with a full-color LED screen. It gives you the ability to customize your controller without the need for a secondary device or app.
- It provides complete control and customization options on the controller itself.
- It looks like something from the future.
- Includes replaceable faceplate.
- The shoulder buttons need a bit of stretching.
- The face buttons are too clicky and don't feel like they register well.
If you're someone who loves to minimize control options, the Mamba One is great. No more fussing with another device or app – simply change what you need on the controller itself and you're good to go. Unfortunately, it's let down by some confusing decisions regarding the shoulder and face buttons.
At $69.99, it has to offer innovation as well as convenience, and that's very little.
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