HardwareGaming ControllersTwo of my favorite controller brands are joining forces, I just hope it doesn’t end it tearsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareGaming ControllersTwo of my favorite controller brands are joining forces, I just hope it doesn’t end it tearsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
The two best controllers I’ve reviewed in the last year are the Victrix Pro BFG, and theTurtle BeachStealth Ultra Wireless. You can imagine my surprise, then, when I learned this morning that the parent brands of both of those gamepads would be joining forces.
More specifically, the news has broken that Turtle Beach Corporation, the brand behind some of the best console accessories of the past decade, is acquiring PDP, which is arguably one of its biggest rivals. Both of these companies make some of thebest PC controllersavailable, and in fact, they’ve both had unrivaled success in the console space recently.
TheTurtle Beach Stealth Ultrais the first officially licensed third-party Xbox Series X controller to get wireless support - something that Xbox usually requires its third-party accessories to forgo if they want a license.
Thebest PS5 controller, without a doubt, is theVictrix Pro BFG. In fact, it’s so good, that its Xbox Series X version has just been released, and is virtually unchanged from the original model. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of another controller that’s so good that it’s been 1:1 translated from PlayStation to Xbox.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
At first thought, I was excited to see what PDP and Turtle Beach could create together. You’re essentially talking about two of the best controller makers in the sector combining their collective talent, and that could make for some truly brilliant controllers in the next couple of years. The press release that announced the news did say that “the transaction substantially grows the size of Turtle Beach”, projecting “total revenues of $390 to 410 million in the first full 12 months of ownership (Q2 2024 through Q1 2025).”
Whether these are accurate projections or not, the buyout cost $118 million for Turtle Beach, which, according to numerous reports, has had a fairly turbulent few years financially speaking.
On the other hand, I have no idea how to feel about this merger.
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(Image credit: PDP)
I think, regardless of how it’s managed, this acquisition could be huge for the controller market. In fairness, we still have very few details about how it’ll play out, and even though I asked both parties for comment earlier today, I’m told they have no news to share on it. In time, I’m sure we’ll know more.
We’ve seen our fair share of acquisitions in the gaming hardware space recently, though, so we can speculate based on what we’ve seen elsewhere.Logitechbought Blue, one of its biggest rivals in the content creation/microphone space. Following that, the Blue brand has been pretty much eradicated, surviving only in updated versions of its products under the “Logitech G” name.
Alternatively, things could play out likeCorsairwith its now numerous arms and legs. It most recently bought DROP, the keyboard brand, but to Corsair’s credit, you’d be forgiven for not noticing a real difference. Corsair’s Elgato, Scuf, and Origin brands frequently pull resources, spinning one another’s ideas around. The Corsair 2000D Airflow Case is slightly modified for theOrigin Chronos V3, for example, but you don’t get the sense that any one brand is dictating the other.
(Image credit: Future)
To be honest, compared with either scenario, I’m more nervous than I am excited.
Competition within hardware markets breeds so much innovation, and arguably that’s especially true of controllers because so many designs are similar, and competing for the same shoppers.
If Turtle Beach and PDP are now under the same umbrella or completely integrated into one team, it could make for fewer standout controllers for us to play with. For surrounding brands like Scuf, GameSir, PowerA, andRazer, it could actually mean great things. If there’s one less big shark feeding in this pool, another has the chance to capitalize.
Today’s best controller dealsTurtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless$199.99$179.99ViewSee all pricesPDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller$159.99ViewSee all pricesVictrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller$174ViewSee all pricesSony DualSense Edge Controller$199.99ViewSee all pricesRazer Wolverine V2 Pro$189.99ViewSee all pricesXbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2$179.03ViewSee all pricesGameSir G7 SE Wired Controller$39.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best controller dealsTurtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless$199.99$179.99ViewSee all pricesPDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller$159.99ViewSee all pricesVictrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller$174ViewSee all pricesSony DualSense Edge Controller$199.99ViewSee all pricesRazer Wolverine V2 Pro$189.99ViewSee all pricesXbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2$179.03ViewSee all pricesGameSir G7 SE Wired Controller$39.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best controller dealsTurtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless$199.99$179.99ViewSee all pricesPDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller$159.99ViewSee all pricesVictrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller$174ViewSee all pricesSony DualSense Edge Controller$199.99ViewSee all pricesRazer Wolverine V2 Pro$189.99ViewSee all pricesXbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2$179.03ViewSee all pricesGameSir G7 SE Wired Controller$39.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best controller deals
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless$199.99$179.99ViewSee all pricesPDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller$159.99ViewSee all pricesVictrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller$174ViewSee all pricesSony DualSense Edge Controller$199.99ViewSee all pricesRazer Wolverine V2 Pro$189.99ViewSee all pricesXbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2$179.03ViewSee all pricesGameSir G7 SE Wired Controller$39.99ViewSee all prices
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless$199.99$179.99ViewSee all prices
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless$199.99$179.99ViewSee all prices
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra wireless
$199.99$179.99View
$199.99$179.99
$179.99
See all prices
PDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller$159.99ViewSee all prices
PDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller$159.99ViewSee all prices
PDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller
PDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller
$159.99View
$159.99
$159.99
See all prices
Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller$174ViewSee all prices
Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller$174ViewSee all prices
Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller
Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller
$174View
$174
$174
See all prices
Sony DualSense Edge Controller$199.99ViewSee all prices
Sony DualSense Edge Controller$199.99ViewSee all prices
Sony DualSense Edge Controller
Sony DualSense Edge Controller
$199.99View
$199.99
$199.99
See all prices
Razer Wolverine V2 Pro$189.99ViewSee all prices
Razer Wolverine V2 Pro$189.99ViewSee all prices
Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
Razer Wolverine V2 Pro
$189.99View
$189.99
$189.99
See all prices
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2$179.03ViewSee all prices
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2$179.03ViewSee all prices
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
$179.03View
$179.03
$179.03
See all prices
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller$39.99ViewSee all prices
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller$39.99ViewSee all prices
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller
$39.99View
$39.99
$39.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”