PB Tails CHOC 2.0 Game Controller Review

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Tech Specs

I’m forever trying out new game controllers and love trying new fits and feels when it comes to gaming on a console. I’ve been seeing some wild offerings from the team at PB Tails and decided to reach out. A big thanks to the team for sending us some CHOC 2.0 review units. 

It often feels like there’s a consensus on controllers. We cracked it—two legs on either side for grip, face buttons, and some bumpers. When the biggest talking point is a debate over the offsetting of analogue sticks, we may have plateaued. PB Tails say ‘heck no’ fusing controllers with a cyberpunk aesthetic of straight edges and sharp corners that stand out. Are they comfortable? Do they work? I’ll tell you what I think in this rapid review. 

Connectivity: Reliable and Seamless Integration

The CHOC 2.0 controller impresses with seamless connectivity to my Switch console, just like a Pro Controller. So far, so good. There was minimal input lag during gameplay, and everything seemed quick and responsive. I was playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Tetris 99, and Persona 5. Three different games that chase immersion, high response online play, and rhythmic RPG gameplay, respectively. They all felt great to me. 

The controllers are entirely wireless, and I never felt any connectivity issues in terms of distance across the room. Outside my switch would be propped up on the kickstand while I used the CHOC, and again, connectivity was consistent. Neither of these setups ever showed any issues when using the CHOC 2.0. Success all around in the connectivity space. 

I need to make something clear before I get to this last bit on connectivity. PB Tails says these devices connect to PCs, Windows, Steam Deck, Raspberry Pi, and Nintendo Switch. I tested everything other than a Rasberry Pi and had good results. They do not promise anywhere that they will connect to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. But boy, do I wish they would! This could be a perfect companion for tablet or smartphone gaming. I found some compatibility on some devices, but it was inconsistent. To anyone wanting to pick one of these controllers up, I strongly recommend reading product descriptions for advice on compatibility. 

Design: Aesthetically Pleasing, but what about Ergonomics?

Visually, the CHOC 2.0 controller boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring cutting lines and a refined finish. The attention to detail in its construction is evident, with slight engravings in the body looking and feeling well finished. There’s a variety of aesthetics available, but the ‘Mr. WULONG’ and the ‘KNIGHT WARRIOR’ controller I used look great. I really can’t stress how much I love the look of these controllers. The ‘WARRIOR’ even comes with some great metal panels to the body that feel premium and sturdy. It really adds a little something to the hand.

However, the design falls short in some of its ergonomic considerations. The controller’s compact size and button placement make it a little less comfortable to use for extended gaming sessions. I’ve got pretty regular-sized hands for a man around 5”11 and could feel myself struggling during some of the longer play sessions. Larger hands may find it challenging to grip the controller securely, resulting in similar potential discomfort or strain. I would love to see PB Tails offer slightly bigger controllers which are sized more in line with the industry standards seen from PlayStation, Xbox, etc. Maybe even bigger like Xbox’s ‘Duke’ controller (a personal favourite).

Ultimately, these are well-put-together controllers. The design is eye-catching, the finishes are great, and the materials feel really solid. As a small nifty controller to drop in a bag and use on the go or for shorter play sessions, the size isn’t a deal breaker, but the experience is just a touch too cramped for longer play sessions or full-time use. 

Responsive and Precise Controls

Despite its small size, the CHOC 2.0 controller is great when it comes to input performance. The buttons offer satisfying tactile feedback, and each press feels responsive and precise. I appreciate the accurate input recognition. My D-pad isn’t pulling me in unexpected directions or landing on menu choices I wasn’t expecting. The D-pad is often a make-or-break feature for gamers, but it delivered precise inputs during my time playing Tetris 99, a feat that Nintendo struggled with on both the Joycons and the Pro Controller.

The analogue sticks are smooth and provide consistent control for movement overall, but size becomes a bit of a sticking point again. Small analogue sticks mean they’re a little fiddly at times and don’t feel like they have a great range of motion. I was a Playstation player first, so I have no issue with not having offset analogue sticks, but on a small controller with little sticks, I even found reaching and using them a bit of a squeeze at times.

The only downside I found was the bumpers. To keep the controller nice and thin, the controller ditches the common stacked bumper option in favour of running L2, L2, R1, and R2 side by side along the top edge of the controller. This isn’t an issue in and of itself, but the L and R buttons wrap around the sides of the controller a little bit too much, which resulted in the occasional accidental press.

There was also a bit of wobble on the R2 button. It never caused any issues, but it was particularly noticeable when the rest of the buttons on the controller felt fitted and snug. I reached out to PB Tails, who explained that they understand these kinds of concerns are a big deal for players and they’re always looking to improve their controllers, but they didn’t feel it caused a significant issue in use. I’m inclined to agree in that I found no issues at all with the actual use of the button, but fit and finish are important. At no point has that button caused me issues, but it sticks out on an otherwise well-put-together piece of kit.

Unique Patterns and Colour Options: A Stylish Touch

The CHOC 2.0 controller truly stands out in its wide array of unique patterns, colour options, and styles. The design choices provide some real expression and personality, which gives the controllers a unique feel and style. Some are very sleek and minimal, while others are incredibly loud and pop. I had the opportunity to use two different CHOC 2.0 controllers, and as I mentioned earlier, they both look great. 

The CHOC 2.0 ‘Mr. WULONG’ is an entirely white controller plastered with some fun graffiti covering the front face entirely. Little pops of pink and green add some welcome colour, and all the buttons on the device are easy to find and use, a small but important detail for such an unconventionally shaped controller that feels unfamiliar during early use. Made entirely of plastic all the way around, it looks and feels great but lacks the slightly ‘higher-end’ feel of its counterpart. 

The CHOC 2.0 ‘KNIGHT WARRIOR’ has a metal body which elevates it immediately. It feels great in the hand but doesn’t actually add all that much visually. That might be down to the very busy design, which pulls the eye away from anything else, but it still makes it feel nice. There’s a fun, techy design on the face of the controller made up of a nice palette of teal, purple, and orange on a black body. The controller has a wider variety of colours than the ‘Mr. WULONG’, as do the buttons, which feel well-designed and thought out. Again, it’s about making the buttons quick and easy to spot, and by ensuring good contrasty colouring, this is executed nicely—black buttons on blue, blue on black, and even a nice little pop of orange. 

The look of these controllers is what pulled me in, and, in my opinion, it’s the strongest part of the products overall.  

Comfort Concerns: Size Does Matter

As mentioned, while the controller excels in many aspects, its one major drawback lies in its size. The compact design, although visually appealing and practically convenient, compromises comfort during extended play. Gamers with larger hands may find themselves cramping or experiencing discomfort because of the controller’s smaller dimensions. It happened to me from time to time during use, and it feels like a real shame. To my understanding, there isn’t a bigger version of this controller available, which is a little disappointing. I feel like it could be a perfect fit if it were just a touch bigger. 

As a Nintendo Switch solution, however, the conversation gets a bit more nuanced. While I feel it’s a little small when compared to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or a Dualsense from PlayStation, it’s a fair bit bigger than a standard Joycon turned on its side. This puts it in a strange middle ground. Having a couple of these knocking around the house for a game of Mario Kart is great, and the exciting look of these controllers might even get a reaction from friends and family who are relieved they don’t have to cramp their fingers around comically small Joycons. 

One of these controllers will live in my bag, and the other will be my go-to ‘Player 2’ option. Neither, unfortunately, will be the first that I pick up for my regular gaming sessions. 

Conclusion

The PB tails CHOC 2.0 controller offers a mixed bag of features, showcasing its strengths in connectivity, design, input performance, and unique patterns and colour options. Its seamless connectivity and responsive controls make for an immersive gaming experience in a pinch. 

The controller’s compact size, however, compromises its overall comfort, making it less suitable for extended gaming sessions, particularly for users with larger hands. While its aesthetics and performance are a whole lot of fun, a smarter or simply bigger ergonomic design would significantly improve the controller’s overall appeal.

Ultimately, the CHOC 2.0 controller represents an ambitious attempt by a new brand to bring innovation and style to the gaming accessory market. I like these controllers. If they were just a touch bigger…I’d REALLY like them. 

Rapid Reviews Rating

4 out of 5

4

You can grab your CHOC 2.0 controller from the PB Tails store today.

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