Thursday, 31 Oct 2024

Astro C40 Controller Review – A Premium Gaming Experience

If you’re in the market for a high-end controller for your PS4 or PC, or if you’re tired of the DualShock’s analog sticks wearing out, look no further. Astro offers a fantastic solution with the Astro C40 TR premium controller. While it may be on the pricier side at $199.99, this controller provides superior performance, longer battery life, and a plethora of customizable options.

A Controller Designed for Tournaments

Just like the Xbox Elite and Scuf controllers, the Astro C40 TR is designed with tournament play in mind. It can be quickly disassembled and reassembled, allowing you to easily swap the placement of analog sticks and the directional pad. You can even map two additional buttons on the back of the controller in a matter of seconds, making it a convenient feature for any game you play.

Built to Last

The C40 has a solid build, with rubberized grips that provide a comfortable and secure hold. At 11 ounces, it’s slightly heavier than the DualShock, but the extra weight adds to the controller’s sturdiness without hindering its usability. In fact, the slightly larger size of the C40 enhances grip, especially if you prefer the offset analog stick positioning of the Xbox One controller. Swapping the analog sticks and d-pad is a breeze with the included tool, making it quick and painless to customize your gaming experience.

Customization at Your Fingertips

The C40 comes with a variety of analog stick forms and heights, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your gaming style. If a stick wears down or breaks, you can easily purchase replacement parts from Astro. The faceplate buttons have a coarse finish, providing a more tactile feel compared to the DualShock. The d-pad delivers solid input, although some may still prefer the feel of the DualShock for certain game genres.

Enhanced Triggers and Connectivity Options

One common complaint about the DualShock is the spongy and narrow triggers. Fortunately, the C40 improves upon this with wider buttons and adjustable sliders on the back. These sliders allow you to control the amount of give you get from each trigger, enabling quicker response times. The only downside is that the position of the sliders may occasionally be annoying if your fingers accidentally touch them.

The C40 can be used both wired and wirelessly. The wireless connection uses a USB transmitter that provides a solid 2.5GHz connection, while the wired connection offers slightly less latency. However, the USB port on the controller is somewhat difficult to access, which may cause issues when using non-standard USB cables.

Extended Battery Life

With its internal battery, the C40 offers an impressive 12 hours of gameplay on a single charge. This is a significant improvement compared to the standard PS4 controller, which typically lasts four to eight hours. Keep in mind that using headphones or rumble frequently may slightly decrease battery life.

Customizable to Your Play Style

The C40 features backside UL and UR buttons that can be easily customized to any button input. By holding down the desired UL button and a small black button on the controller’s back, you can assign a new function. This proves especially useful for games with actions mapped to the d-pad. Additionally, you have the option to remap every button (excluding Options, Share, and the PS4 button) using software on a PC. The controller even allows you to adjust analog stick and trigger sensitivity, LED glow, rumble intensity, and headphone sound equalization. If you’re experimenting with button configurations, the C40 includes a switch on the top that lets you alternate between two profiles, making it easy to switch back to a default setup.

The Verdict

While the Astro C40 TR controller comes with a higher price tag, it offers significant improvements over the standard DualShock. Its durability, customization options, and extended battery life make it a top choice for serious gamers. While there is tough competition in the PC gaming market, with controllers like Microsoft’s Elite leading the pack, the C40 still stands out as a reliable and feature-rich controller that will elevate your gaming experience.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the Astro C40 TR controller with a PC?

A: Absolutely! The C40 TR is compatible with both PS4 and PC.

Q: Are replacement parts available for the C40 TR?

A: Yes, Astro offers replacement parts for the C40, making it easy to replace worn-out or damaged components.

Q: How long does the C40 TR controller’s battery last?

A: The internal battery of the C40 TR provides approximately 12 hours of gameplay on a single charge, depending on usage.

Conclusion

The Astro C40 TR controller may come with a higher price tag, but its exceptional performance, customization options, and extended battery life make it worth the investment. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or simply seeking a premium gaming experience, the C40 TR will not disappoint. Visit Wqaindia to learn more about this top-of-the-line controller.