We analyze the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud controller, the perfect complement to Xbox Cloud – Xbox

Before going into the matter and telling you what we thought of this Turtle Beach controller, let’s go with the technical specifications:

Design, Touch and Material

In terms of design, the first thing that strikes us is that the Recon Blue is practically a carbon copy of the official Xbox controller. Not only in the layout of the buttons, which is the same (asymmetrical joystick, screenshot button in the center), but also in their ergonomics. Although it seems a bit bulkier, the reality is that it is not that different. With a weight of 300 grams (without counting the mobile), it is a command that is pleasant in the hand.

Part of that sensation is thanks to the honeycomb panel that it has in the grip horns, which allow us to have a perfect hold. These are made of a kind of rubber or pseudo-rubber that feels comfortable, doesn’t slip, and allows for long gaming sessions. In addition, the rest of the controller is made of plastic that, without being the best on the market, leaves us with a pleasant and comfortable touch, feeling very good in the hands.

Returning to the buttons, as we mentioned, we find a layout that is familiar to us. In addition to the above, we have a crosshead with diagonals, the Xbox button to turn on the controller or the console. This, along with the screenshots and menu, is a little further down than we are used to. This is due to a new panel of buttons that Turtle Beach has included in the controller, which allow us to control different parameters, both of the controller and of the headphones that we use in conjunction with it. We will talk about these later, in Functionality, but the sensations are very good.

Along with all these new buttons, the company has decided to add two new buttons on the back of the horns. These buttons are not assigned startup functions, but are fully configurable. In a way, they are like the rear levers of the Xbox Elite Series, but being buttons to use. We have two, one on each side, placed in the central part of the horns. They have a good touch, feel of quality and are comfortable to use, being in a natural position where the fingers reach without any problem. An idea perfectly executed.

Finally, mention that among the upper triggers we find the anchoring system for the support of our mobile. This one is quite simple and is barely noticeable on the knob, being a small round hole. The system is an anchor by means of a screw that is screwed in so that it does not move. The support itself has space and capacity for practically any mobile on the market today.

functionality

The main feature of this Recon Blue is, without a doubt, that it is a very versatile controller. Since I got it, it has become my main controller to play xCloud on mobile, as well as being a regular controller in my console sessions. A controller that has good configuration options, since we can assEsports Extrasdifferent profiles for the use of the rear buttons, as well as the field of action of the right joystick. Of course, being able to configure them has a learning curve perhaps a bit rough.

Especially since we don’t have an Xbox or mobile app for it, but we have to follow a combination of buttons that is well explained in the instruction manual. But of course, the first few times it takes more than one look or two to do it and, until we learn it, it’s a normal trend. Otherwise this Pro-Aim system is pretty good and put to good use.

In addition, everything is controlled with the new central button panel that we mentioned before. It includes several additional buttons that allow us to control the volume of the audio and voice chat of the helmets that we have connected to the remote. This is especially interesting because we can control, raise and lower everything at all times from the controller, without having to let go or divert the action of a hand and without having to open the Xbox menu tab.

connections

As for the connections, the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud arrives well served. We can connect it via Bluetooth to practically any Android device. This includes smartphones, tablets or smart TVs with an Android-based operating system. With Apple devices, even though it connects via Bluetooth connectivity, the controller doesn’t work.

In addition, the controller is fully compatible with PC, also via Bluetooth or wired, and with Xbox consoles. That is, it is fully functional with Xbox Series X | S and all Xbox One family consoles. Of course, there is a big but, or at least it seems so to us: it can only be used by connecting it via USB cable. A 3M cable is included with the controller that works perfectly, but we believe that a controller with these characteristics and with the price that counts, could include support for playing wirelessly on consoles as well.

Opinion and final assessment

We have reached the end of this evaluation of the Turtle Beach Recon Blue. Before that, we only have to comment on the price of the controller: €99.99. A price for which we have a pretty good controller, with interesting options and a Bluetooth connection for mobile phones, which includes support (which not all controllers designed for this use do) as well as a 3M cable to charge it or use it on PC and Xbox consoles. In addition, it is available in two colors: one with a mixture of blue and orange, which is the one we have tested, and another with black tones and silver details.

With this, only our opinion on the command remains. And this, the truth, is that it is very good. After several intensive days of continuous use, the Turtle Beach Recon Blue has established itself as a good controller. As a console or PC controller, it’s a more than decent controller, with some unique features and the option of having modifiable rear buttons to our liking, as well as audio control on the controller itself. But as a controller to play xCloud it is, without a doubt, one of the best I have had the opportunity to try.

Especially since its ergonomics and layout is the same as that of the Xbox controllers, so the feeling when playing is exactly the same. In addition, it has hardly any latency or input-lag and allows long gaming sessions thanks to its large battery, with more than 30 hours of charge. With all this, it is a highly recommended controller that includes everything you need to be able to enjoy cloud gaming on your smartphone.