Haute42 COSMOX P12 Review – The Best Budget Leverless Controller for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck? – TouchArcade Leave a comment

Quite a bit has modified on the planet of controllers since I found leverless controllers. In truth, I’ve discovered myself sticking to leverless or all button controllers as a substitute of utilizing conventional battle sticks for 2D video games. I take advantage of my Razer Kitsune a number of instances per week for enjoying on Steam Deck or PS5. Haute42, AKA COSMOX, a brand new entrant to arcade controllers, mainly modified the panorama for most folk with very low worth factors, and a number of choices. I coated the Haute42 T16 a number of months in the past as a implausible leverless controller and likewise the Haute Board Mini which is a keyboard model arcade controller.

What’s a leverless controller and why do folks like them?

Earlier than going additional, when you aren’t positive what a leverless controller is or why folks desire it, it’s a stickless controller that replaces the normal arcade lever with 4 buttons to signify the 4 instructions. The location and sizes of those buttons varies by controller and elegance, but it surely mainly is designed like the way you’d use the next keyboard keys A (left) S (down) D (proper) and house bar (bounce/up) for motion. The remaining eight motion buttons are A B X Y LB RB LT and RT. This covers the primary buttons you’d want throughout gameplay in a fighter, shmup, and even retro video games.

As for why some of us desire leverless to conventional arcade controllers, I actually suppose it’s right down to choice, but additionally makes sure inputs so much simpler. I discover myself taking part in higher and feeling much more snug taking part in video games like Avenue Fighter 6 with a leverless controller, however I’ve observed I gravitate in direction of my Hori stick for video games like Tekken 8. As for what is healthier, it will depend on what you’re extra snug with above the rest. Simply having the most effective controller isn’t sufficient if it isn’t snug or causes you extra wrist pressure.

Haute42 P12 controller options

Ever since I purchased one thing from Haute42’s retailer on Amazon, I’ve ended up shopping for a number of extra of their finances controllers, however the one which impressed me probably the most regardless of its flaws, is the Haute42 P12 controller I purchased. Not solely is that this the corporate’s first ABS mould injection model of a stickless or leverless controller, but it surely is also the primary controller it has launched that seems like one which’s prepared for basic customers, reasonably than having parts of DIY ones. I say this as a result of it has correctly labeled further buttons, a event lock, higher button placement above the primary controller motion and directional buttons, and even has a a lot better non-slip answer.

The out of the field expertise for the Haute42 P12 is so much higher than the corporate’s different controllers to this point. The others have extra flexibility and customization choices, however I’ll cowl {that a} bit later on this function. For the low asking worth of $59.99 (often) on Amazon, you may’t go unsuitable with the Haute42 P12 proper now, assuming you realize what platforms you wish to apply it to.

One factor to notice is that the P12, because the identify suggests, has 12 buttons not like the T16 that has 16 buttons letting you do much more, and making issues like Drive Affect or Parry in Avenue Fighter 6 simpler given the place choices. The P12 is a extra conventional format, and this permits for a extra compact measurement and worth level.

The P12 additionally has a small display like the opposite Haute42 controllers that exhibits the mode it’s in, inputs, and extra. This one specifically suits into the physique higher to present this entire controller a extra polished really feel, reasonably than the way it appears to be like within the T16 controller.

Haute42 P12 controller compatibility

The Haute42 P12 formally helps Home windows, Steam Deck, Android, PS3, PS4 (with a dongle), Nintendo Swap, MiSTer, iPadOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi as indicated on the official web site. Not supporting the PS5 natively is certainly the largest destructive when you personal a PS5, however this may be fastened by a dongle like Haute42’s personal Booter 5 or the Brooks Wingman FGC that I take advantage of.

Haute42 P12 controller – what’s within the field

Earlier than moving into what’s included within the field, the field itself feels so much higher, and extra like a product that you just’d purchase in a retailer reasonably than a clean field with a sticker on prime. The Haute42 P16 ships with the controller itself, a USB cable, an instruction handbook, and equipment (an additional change and a change puller). The controller is housed inside the field with accurately minimize foam to guard it. I wasn’t proud of the inventory USB-C cable, so I used one in every of these.

Haute42 P12 controller efficiency, buttons, and really feel

Within the three or so months I’ve had the Haute42 P12 controller, it has labored completely. I didn’t initially understand what a distinction the smaller-sized buttons would make. I nonetheless don’t know what measurement I desire, however I can see why some of us had been aggravated on the massive buttons within the T16 controller. The P12 makes use of smaller sized buttons for all the pieces however bounce, which is the bigger button as you may see within the pictures. The button caps are the identical premium-feeling matte end ones, and you may exchange them simply.

The Haute42 P12 controller ships with the Crystal switches versus the inventory Kailh Low Profile Crimson Switches. The crystal ones enable for higher mild transmission, however in any other case really feel fairly just like the pink ones. I’ve ordered the Wind Engine switches they promote to see how they really feel, and can possible cowl these in a devoted modding article sooner or later.

For current testing, I spent a majority of time taking part in Responsible Gear Attempt following its latest replace with the brand new Season Move 4 skins, and likewise revisiting the sport after the final DLC. I used it on my Steam Deck and likewise on my PS5 in Attempt with the Brook dongle. After Responsible Gear Attempt, I performed some extra Beneath Evening In-Delivery II Sys:Celes and Melty Blood. Every little thing labored completely.

Haute42 P12 controller – modding, art work, switches, and keycaps

Talking of changing button caps, you too can take away the switches it ships with to make use of the Wind Engine ones or any others which are suitable. I like to recommend checking the official Haute42 Discord or Reddit for what’s suitable as I’ve not modified mine but other than one or two to check. I might be changing all the T16 ones quickly although.

Haute42 P12 controller points

Except for the controller being louder than the others I’ve which I anticipated given the plastic physique, my solely actual criticism is that it isn’t snug for lap play. It feels nice for desk or desk play although. If you wish to play with this in your lap, I like to recommend one thing just like the IKEA OEJULF. I take advantage of this once I work on my MacBook Air as nicely, and it has been a pleasant complement for utilizing smaller leverless controllers on my lap.

The right way to use the Haute42 P12 controller on PS5

To make use of the Haute42 P12 controller on PS5, you want a dongle. I take advantage of the Brook Wingman FGC, however I might be testing Haute42’s personal Booter 5 dongle when my order arrives. This dongle is inserted into the extension USB A slot on the proper of the P12 and must be plugged in when you play on PS5. Observe that this solely permits you to play PS5 video games with legacy stick assist and never all PS5 video games. I used the P12 on my desk to play the 2XKO alpha take a look at from Riot Video games on PS5 the place it labored utilizing my Brook dongle flawlessly. I ended up sticking to my Razer Kitsune for lap play, however thought this was nice for desk play. I’m additionally wanting ahead to taking part in extra 2XKO once I can.

For those who’re questioning why I haven’t coated learn how to use this on Xbox Sequence X, I gave up on utilizing these controllers there after Microsoft has repeatedly pushed out firmware updates to dam them making my Brook Xbox dongle a paperweight.

For those who do plan to get a Haute42 controller for PS5, ensure you issue the dongle worth into the equation as nicely.

The Haute42 P12 controller is the most effective finances leverless controller for Swap and Steam Deck

At underneath $60, there isn’t a lot that comes near the Haute42 P12. It isn’t excellent in fact, and the few points apart, that is going to be the controller I like to recommend to of us who need a small sized leverless. There’s at all times the T16 for a bigger measurement and even the R16 that I wish to use, however the P12 is superb proper now, and one to contemplate when you’re curious concerning the world of leverless, and need a finances entry level.

For those who’d wish to seize it, the Haute42 T16 controller is often out there for underneath $60 (or so) on Amazon on the official sellers right here, right here, or right here. For those who do find yourself shopping for it or already personal one, I’d like to know what you consider it. Tell us within the feedback under, and likewise when you’d wish to see any particular controller reviewed.

For those who purchase the controllers or objects listed and linked above by means of our hyperlinks on Amazon, it helps TouchArcade in a small method.