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Over the course of the last few weeks, I’ve been playing a little more of the Nintendo Switch 2 than I regularly might. The reasons for this are tenfold, but the core one is the kids and their realisation that there’s a new Pokémon game that combines the adorable little monsters with gardening, another of their keen interests. While teaching them how to do what Ditto does, I’ve been testing out a couple of items from the Turtle Beach line of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, more specifically, the Rematch Wireless Controller and Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset.
As you’d expect, both products serve a specific use case for the console. Some people in the crowd prefer the feel and form factor of a controller over the Switch’s built-in Joy Cons. I’m one of them, but I do tend to restrict controller use to in-home, as, despite the console having a kickstand, it feels cumbersome to lug the whole kit around. With that said, the controller checks all of the boxes a third-party peripheral should. Firstly, syncing it to the console proved to be trouble-free, and it has a more than respectable battery life of nearly 40 hours.
As the controller is compatible with the original Nintendo Switch as well, it is missing the more bespoke features relating to the new console, such as a chat button; however, I’d say that isn’t going to deter anybody looking for a cheap and functional alternative to Nintendo’s own hardware line. What it does include is a set of programmable back buttons, which, despite not being as tactile and nice as the Xbox Elite’s paddles, can be mapped to suit whatever game you’re playing.
The one thing my kids especially liked was the controller’s neat design, which features a lenticular image of Mario in his retro brick-bashing form. This is the video game controller equivalent of jingling keys in front of a kid’s face, but it’s definitely got a unique appeal that’ll keep younger ones occupied even when a game loses their interest. In addition to the Super Mario design I’ve got, there’s a really nice Donkey Kong alternative that features silhouettes of the great ape and his sidekick, Diddy Kong, against a jungle backdrop; so if you’re riding the Bananza craze, that might be the one for you.
The other product, the wired headset, feels like a no-brainer as Nintendo continues its push in the online space, especially after incorporating the aforementioned chat features. Of course, my use case revolves more around noise reduction, specifically for when I’m playing in bed. By plugging straight into the unit’s auxiliary jack, the headset is genuinely so simple to use right out of the box.
Its design is very much in keeping with the Nintendo Switch 2’s more subtle, mostly black design with the instantly recognisable red and blue accents on the lower portion of the headband. Again, for a budget product, there’s an unassuming quality that left me pleasantly surprised. It’s sleek and will fit in with the machine if left next to it atop your entertainment unit. The headband itself feels durable yet flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit, which is made even easier by how lightweight the headset is. It is in the name, I guess. As someone who feels other headsets after an hour or so of use, I must say these cans nail the ergonomics with soft mesh ear cups that minimise pressure on the outer ear as much as possible.
All in all, if you’re gaming on a budget and are after a suite of products to compliment the Nintendo Switch 2, or even your original Switch, Turtle Beach continues to deliver perhaps the best value for your dollar within the third-party market.