GameSir Super Nova review: I would expect to pay much more for this controller and its Hall Effect sticks

The GameSir Super Nova is one of the latest controllers from the Chinese-based accessory manufacturer. GameSir has earned a solid reputation for making quality controllers at more affordable prices than many competitors. That trend continues with the GameSir Super Nova, which punches above its weight thanks to its Hall Effect sticks and sturdy design.

The GameSir Super Nova is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android. It can also be used as a Nintendo Switch controller. The omission of Xbox support will be a deal breaker for some, but the GameSir Super Nova proved to be an excellent gamepad during my testing.

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Sean Endicott

I have covered Windows, Microsoft, and gaming news for over a decade. I've played video games since the 90s, including every generation of Xbox console. RPG titles are my favorites, though I also love racing games. I've been known to grind away at a game to max out stats that were never meant to reach their ceiling.

GameSir Super Nova controller review: Pricing and specifications

• The GameSir Super Nova costs $49.99 and can be bought at Amazon.
• You can order the controller in blue or pink.
• Swappable faceplates are also available in a variety of colors.

The GameSir Super Nova is an affordable controller at $49.99 through Amazon, especially if you consider its spec sheet. You can order the controller in blue or pink, but there are also different colored swappable faceplates available.

Faceplates are available separately or within bundles that cost $54.99.

The GameSir Super Nova comes with a charging dock. Mine now lives on my desk since the dock is convenient to use. I've also made it so that removing the controller from the dock turns the controller on.

The Hall Effect sticks and triggers are the star of the show for me, but the controller also looks good on a desk. The RGB lighting of the GameSir Super Nova aligns with the lights on the charging dock, which is a nice touch.

You can connect the GameSir Super Nova through Bluetooth, a 2.4Ghz dongle, or through a wired connection. I used the dongle predominantly during my testing.

GameSir Super Nova
Buy now: $49.99 at Amazon

This controller is comfortable, grippy, and lightweight. Its Hall Effect sticks prevent the dreaded stick drift and are not common at this price point. The included charging dock, programmable back buttons, and rubberized grips of the controller make an accessory that most would believe costs much more.

👉See at: Amazon.com

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GameSir Super Nova controller review: The good

• It offers Hall Effect sticks and triggers at a budget-friendly price.
• Rubberized grips and sturdy construction make it comfortable.
• The included charging dock supports charging and auto start/stop.

The GameSir Super Nova is an impressive controller regardless of its price tag. But when you consider that the device only costs $49.99, it's surprising how much GameSir packed in.

Hall Effect sticks and triggers, two programmable back buttons, and rubberized grips deliver a comfortable and versatile gaming experience that, quite literally, wraps around the entire controller.

The Super Nova is comfortable in hand, looks good on a desk, and is responsive when gaming. It checks a ton of boxes for a controller, and it honestly surpasses what I'd expect from a device in this price range.

• ALSO READ: This $50 controller transformed a $1 million streaming setup

The docking station that's included in the box does not look like much, but it's quite handy. Pins along the back of the controller allow you to charge the GameSir Super Nova without having to fiddle with any cables.

Between racing games, RPGs, and titles from other genres, the GameSir Super Nova performed well. The grippy texture made it easy to use the controller for long play sessions without dealing with sweaty hands.

While you can use the GameSir Super Nova with any button setup you'd like, its shape is very similar to that of an Xbox controller, so that button layout will likely feel natural. Those who play with a Switch Pro controller may appreciate swapping some buttons around through GameSir Connect.

That software provides customization options for the controller, but you can also use the 'M' multifunction key to adjust the controller's dead zones, RGB lighting, and other elements.

GameSir states that the controller should get around 15 hours of battery life. Since I mostly used the GameSir Super Nova at my desk with its charging dock, battery life was never a factor.

GameSir Super Nova controller review: The bad

• GameSir Connect software struggles to connect wirelessly.
• Unfortunately, this controller does not support Xbox consoles.

The biggest knock on the GameSir Super Nova is not the controller itself. Rather, it's the GameSir Connect software that deserves criticism, or at least one specific aspect of that app.

I had a difficult time getting GameSir Connect to recognize when my controller was connected wirelessly. The app also seems to call the accessory the "Nova Pro" rather than "Super Nova."

If I connect the controller through a wire or manage to connect the device wirelessly, GameSir Connect works well and provides a plethora of customization options.

You can use GameSir Connect to remap buttons, customize RGB lighting, and enable and tweak various controls. The app also makes it easy to map a button to a key or series of keys.

Honestly, it's a shame I have to highlight the wireless connectivity issues because the app is useful and feature-rich.

A much smaller criticism of the GameSir Super Nova is that it does not support Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One consoles. I view that as a small complaint because GameSir is quite clear that the Super Nova is for other devices.

I'd love a version of the GameSir Super Nova with Xbox support, but the fact that the GameSir Super Nova is "just" an excellent controller for PC, Switch, and mobile gaming is a small gripe.

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GameSir Super Nova controller review: Also consider

There are plenty of great controllers to choose from these days. While I found the GameSir Super Nova perfect for my setup, there are certainly worthy alternatives.

The GameSir Cyclone 2 also comes with a charging dock, has Hall Effect sticks and triggers, and has a 1000Hz polling rate.

NO STICK DRIFT

GameSir Cyclone 2 with charging dock : $55.99 at Amazon

This latest wireless offering for PC from GameSir is probably the best-looking controller the brand has done so far, with a 'Phantom' transparent faceplate, gold accents and transparent triggers, it's reminiscent of the Starfield Special Edition, but with TMR tech in the triggers and a nifty magnetic charging stand for a clean PC gaming setup. Also comes in Phantom Black.

👉 See at Amazon

The Xbox Wireless Controller just went up in price, making it harder to recommend. That said, it is still the standard for an Xbox-style gamepad.

On top of being a solid controller for PC and mobile gaming, the Xbox Wireless Controller comes with the obvious bonus of working with Xbox consoles.

the standard

Xbox Wireless Controller: $59.99 at Best Buy

This wireless controller works with the Xbox Series X|S family of consoles and is a solid controller for PC and mobile gaming. The Xbox Wireless Controller lacks some of the fancier features of the GameSir Super Nova, such as Hall Effect sticks and triggers, but it's still a nice accessory.

👉 See at Best Buy

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GameSir Super Nova controller review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want an affordable controller with Hall Effect sticks and triggers

Since the GameSir Super Nova has Hall Effect sticks and triggers, you don't have to worry about stick drift.

✅You want a comfortable and versatile controller

With support for PC gaming, Nintendo Switch, or playing games on an iOS or Android device, the GameSir Super Nova is a controller that punches above its weight.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You need an Xbox controller

The GameSir Super Nova does not support Xbox consoles such as the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.

❌You need more than two back buttons or prefer paddles

The GameSir Super Nova has two mappable back buttons but lacks paddles, which some people prefer.

The GameSir Super Nova is a joy to use, and I was surprised to see that an accessory of this quality costs under $50. The controller's sturdy build, Hall Effect sticks, and overall design could easily be passed off as a more premium device with a higher price tag.

While my issues connecting to GameSir Connect wirelessly are noteworthy, they are far from a deal breaker. GameSir Connect is still powerful and lets you customize your controller, but I only found myself using the app a few times during my extended testing.

Most importantly, the GameSir Super Nova feels great. In over 100 hours of testing, I consistently had an excellent experience.

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