GameSir Tarantula Pro review: the craziest controller I’ve ever seen

GameSir has already accustomed us to its high-quality controls with great features that we often do not find in official console controls. Even so, what they have done with the GameSir Tarantula Pro has left me completely impressed. We are faced with a control that breaks with several conceptions that we have about game controllers and that is designed to satisfy both pro and casual players.

And the Tarantula Pro You can dynamically change your triggers and button layout to suit to different games or even different ways of playing. Plus, it has a ton of extra buttons, RGB lights, NFC, and even its own charging base. It’s very complete! I’ve been using it to tell you what it’s like and if it’s worth it.

Review of the GameSir Tarantula Pro: a controller for PC, Switch and mobile phones that is a box of surprises

The GameSir Tarantula Pro, also known as “GameSir T3 Pro”, belongs to the brand’s family of controllers for PCs, consoles and mobile phones. Specifically, It is compatible with Windows PC, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS.. As its name suggests, it is a professional controller, so it includes advanced features and functions that console controllers normally do not have. This is its technical sheet:

What is the GameSir Tarantula Pro controller like?

Although I thought I wasn’t going to like it because I’m already very used to the shape of Xbox controllers, the design of the GameSir Tarantula Pro seemed ergonomic to me. It looks more elongated than the Xbox controller, but it is actually a very similar size. Its body is equally thick, allowing for a firm and natural grip, and it also weighs almost the same (about 250 grams).

The handles have a nice rubber texture for prevent it from slipping in case your hands get sweaty. It also has some texture on the triggers and back buttons for a better feel. However, I have to say that on an aesthetic level I was a little disappointed.

Your front face It has a kind of camouflage that does not integrate well with the RGB lights and transparency of your action buttons. They have made a strange combination of rustic and modern aesthetics, which at least doesn’t convince me at all. The GameSir Kaleid Flux still seems to me to be the brand’s best designed controller.

As for the buttons, it has the typical ones: a D-pad and ABXY action buttons arranged symmetrically (like PlayStation controllers), LB, LT, RB and RT triggers, two sticks (also symmetrical), a start button, a menu button and a view button. Additionally, it has an NFC contact point (which integrates three buttons), 6 extra buttons (four on the front and two on the back) and a M (macro) button that is used to program up to 12 buttons on the remote control and make other configurations without using an app.

It has customizable LED lights around the home button, on the ABXY buttons, and on the NFC touch point. Furthermore, it incorporates four indicators that show you which mode you are using the controller in (DS4, HID, Switch, XInput, etc.). I recommend you read the GameSir Tarantula Pro manual to better understand this and what you can do with each button.

At the bottom of the controller, there is only a small pairing button. Pitifully, This controller does not have a 3.5 mm jack to connect headphones. Another detail that draws attention is the small window near its action buttons, as well as the four switches on the back. Don’t worry, we will tell you what each one does and what it is for in the next section.

Regarding the contents of the box, it includes a USB-C charging cable, a 2.4 GHz dongle for a better wireless connection with PC and a transparent magnetic charging base. Of course, keep in mind that it is also sold without the base.

What technologies does the GameSir Tarantula Pro use?

This controller is considered professional not only for its extra buttons, but also for the advanced technology it uses. Its levers are GameSir Mag-Res TMR sticks with a 1000Hz polling rate combining the precision of potentiometer joysticks with durability of the Hall effect. Its triggers also have a Hall effect, although you can use them as micro-switch buttons.

And the thing is, one of the things that “Pro” does to this command is its interchangeable triggerswhich offer three modes of use:

• Analog Hall Effect Mode: The triggers have a long travel and recognize different levels of pressing. It is the ideal mode for racing games where they are used to dynamically adjust the acceleration of the car.
• Hall Effect mode to the hair: The triggers have a long travel and recognize a complete press as soon as you touch them. In this mode, there is no distinction between a long and short press, which is ideal for shooting games where you need the trigger to fire as quickly as possible.
• Micro Switch mode to the hair: The triggers have a short travel and recognize a complete press as soon as you touch them. This mode is activated by moving the switches behind the controller, which block the movement of the triggers, causing them to become short and quick press buttons. It is the best for playing competitive shooters.

On the back of the controller there is also switches to lock the operation of your R4 and L4 rear buttonswhich is good for those who tend to press them accidentally.

But the craziest function of this controller is the one hidden by its ABXY buttons. If you hold down the M button and the bottom action button at the same time, a mechanism changes their arrangement so that they are ordered as you prefer. The impressive thing is that it has a window so you can see how a gear inside the controller is physically turned to change the layout of the front buttons.

As a good controller designed for Switch, It has a gyroscope, Rumble HD vibration motors and even NFC to scan the Amiibo. Additionally, you can turn on the console with the home button. By the way, its action buttons are membrane, while the crosshead uses a micro-switch.

How does the GameSir Tarantula Pro work?

The GameSir Tarantula Pro connects via Bluetooth, with a 2.4 GHz dongle or using the USB cable, making it versatile and suitable for almost all platforms (except PlayStation and Xbox consoles). In any of its connection modes, I didn’t notice input delay, lag or anything like that.. It works perfectly well and it is not difficult to start using it at all.

The gaming experience is good, with a precise crosshead, powerful vibration, joysticks that accurately detect movements and triggers adaptable to different games. All its buttons respond well and quickly. Although I particularly prefer micro-switches on the action buttons, I found the pressing of its membrane buttons excellent.

How long does the GameSir Tarantula Pro battery last?

Internally, the GameSir Tarantula Pro has a 1200 mAh battery whose duration varies depending on the use you give it. For example, playing on Switch usually takes less time than on PC due to the use of Bluetooth, gyroscope, Rumble HD vibration, NFC, etc. That’s why, Its duration can vary between 7 and 20 hours.

Final verdict: the GameSir Tarantula Pro is a very complete controller, suitable for professionals

The GameSir Tarantula Pro is positioned as a solid option for gamers looking for a Highly customizable controller with professional features. Its design, although somewhat polarizing, is ergonomic and comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Its battery lasts a long time, its build quality conveys durability and resistance, and it has a ton of great features.

The ability to swap triggers, reconfigure buttons, and customize RGB lighting offer a level of adjustment that few controls achieve. In addition, its Mag-Res TMR joysticks and triggers with Hall effect and micro-switch guarantee a precise and fast response, ideal for competitive games.

Its price is €69.99 and it costs €10 more if you want it with the charging base. That is to say, It costs much less than the professional Xbox and PlayStation controllersoffering you similar features. Definitely worth it. Get it on Amazon or the official GameSir store for 10% off using the code 10 The tarantula.

If you are going to buy it from AliExpress, make sure to use the coupon TARANTULAPRO 10% discount.