Tech Review: Steelseries Nimbus Controller

[yasr_multiset setid=4] By: MithrandielThe Steelseries Nimbus controller was recently released alongside Apple's latest home entertainment hardware, the 4th generation Apple TV. With games being a central part of what makes the new Apple TV different and unique, a quality bluetooth controller can be the difference between smooth and responsive gaming or having to purchase another TV because you just threw your controller at the screen. I'm happy to report that the Steelseries Nimbus won't be responsible for many broken TVs, as it is an excellent controller that lends legitimacy to gaming on the Apple TV. 

Quality/Design

 At first glance the controller looks very similar to the Xbox controllers, and that's definitely not a bad thing. It uses an "X, A, B, Y" control scheme and R1-R2/L1/L2 shoulder buttons. It also features two joystick controls, a D-pad and a central "Menu" button that's used both as a pause function as well as access to the main menu of the Apple TV. The buttons are well-sized and the recessed shoulder buttons are responsive as well. Overall, it's a comfortable fit for most.I was pleased with the fact that it's a rechargeable accessory. While its predecessor, the Stratus, had a 10 hour battery life on a full charge, the Nimbus boasts a whopping 40 hours of playtime.

Performance

 I put the Nimbus to the test on a number of different games: the action/RPG Transistor, the fast-paced Asphalt 8, and Crossy Road.I started out by playing Transistor, and right away I was impressed by the responsiveness of the joystick, as its pressure sensitivity was very accurate. Shoulder buttons came into play as well, and as I mentioned earlier, the recessed design made it easy for me to integrate into regular play without my fingers feeling over-extended. Playing action-RPGs, especially one like Transistor that has a built in turn-based combat element, there are not as many critical response moments. However, using the joystick to target attacks and engaging in combat that required all of the buttons gave me a good impression of what gaming with the Nimbus should feel like...and it felt good.Asphalt 8 gave me a more thorough experience with the sensitivity of the joysticks as I took a few frenzied laps around the track. For me it was important to test this controller out with a racing game because as many of us know, the controller needs to be absolutely on-point to be able to succeed. Of course, there was a fair share of user error, as I introduced my vehicle to center divides and walls on a few occasions, but when I pressed my well-timed Nitro and took off down the track I was satisfied with the Nimbus' ability to provide a well-rounded gaming experience.Then, just for fun, I loaded up Crossy Road to give the D-pad a whirl. If you're unfamiliar, Crossy Road is basically a Frogger revival with dozens of interesting characters that you take on a journey across roads, train tracks, rivers and freeways. This game exclusively uses the D-pad to maneuver your character forward, left, right and (very rarely) backwards. I did notice a flaw when I relied on the D-pad to heavily: on more than one occasion When I pressed up to move forward, it would move me to the right, or forward and then to the right. Now that could be a point for the sensitivity of the D-pad, but with a game like Crossy Road you need perfection with no wasted or unnecessary movement, and I unfortunately encountered that a few times. However, that was not enough to discount its performance in the other two games.

Overall

 The Nimbus is a great wireless controller to go with your Apple TV. With great design, performance, and a 40-hour battery life, if you are looking to enhance the way you or your kids play games, it's a great purchase. Sure, the price is a bit on the high side ($49.95 MSRP), but with Black Friday and the holidays coming I wouldn't be surprised to see this controller go on sale sometime very soon. Besides, even if it didn't go on sale, the price is right on point with other mainstream controllers like the Xbox One and PS4 controllers for example.