A pro controller built for the Nintendo Switch but is compatible with many other devices, we take a look at the feature-filled GuliKit Zen Pro Wireless Controller and let you know if it’s worth the £67 price tag.
First Impressions
The GuliKit Zen Pro is a wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch, with is also functioning for Windows PCs, Android devices, devices using iOS and devices using MacOS. In a popping blue design, the Zen Pro is a real eye-catcher, with it heavily reminding me of an Xbox controller.
The controller came with a standard USB-C cable, which essentially looks and works exactly like the Nintendo Switch Pro controller by Nintendo themselves, making the whole connectivity process seamless and simple.
Design
In a stunning matte blue and silver colourway, the GuliKit Zen Pro has a very stylish look to it, with the black buttons combining beautifully with the blue body.
The silhouette of the body instantly reminded me of the Xbox One controller, with almost the exact same shape. Additionally, the layout of the buttons is identical to an Xbox controller, apart from the XYBA buttons being in the Switch format as opposed to the Xbox format.
The triggers and bumpers are labelled with ‘ZR’, ‘ZL’, ‘R’ and ‘L’. This again shows its primary focus being on Nintendo Switch compatibility. The triggers and bumpers are in a silver plastic design, which visually looks great, although I was expecting metal for the material based on its appearance.
The body is also plastic, which feels sturdy and strong, with no feeling at all of it being flimsy or tacky. The matte finish somehow reinforces this point, as there isn’t any glossiness whatsoever, which tends to emphasise the plastic element.
The sticks are built from some sort of metal, which looks good, however, performance-wise, I couldn’t notice a difference between the metal sticks and to plastics sticks that are used on most controllers.
Performance
The GuliKit Zen Pro performed rather well for me, with slight gripping on the handle area of the controller being comfortable and the overall shape being familiar. This of course is probably because it heavily resembles an Xbox controller, so there was no awkwardness with getting used to its feel.
The triggers and buttons also perform and feel very similar to an Xbox controller, with the triggers curving slightly upwards, just like how they curve on an Xbox controller. The bumpers have the same feel, although I must say both bumpers and triggers did feel softer and possibly smoother than an Xbox controller.
The sticks are very responsive and smooth, with no sense of fragility or tackiness whatsoever, delivering an impressive high-quality feel. I would’ve liked a bit more grip on the top of the sticks, as my thumbs did slide around a little.
Buttons can sometimes feel quite sticky or wobbly, however, I must say the buttons here on the Zen Pro are essentially the same as the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, with an extra soft feel and zero ‘clickiness’ at all. The same goes for the D-Pad and the Home, Screenshot, Plus, Minus, Settings and Learn buttons.
Pairing the Zen Pro to my devices was seamless and simple, with the controller using a Bluetooth system for connecting. I just had to hold down the pairing button whilst searching for a new controller on my respective device and then I was connected and ready to go.
Other Features
The buttons excluding the normal Switch buttons are quite interesting, with the Learn button allowing players to map buttons to their preferences. There is a Mode button on the front of the controller next to the Pairing button that allows you to switch between, Switch mode, Windows PC mode, Android/iOS mode and D mode.
This means players can map buttons for each mode with the Learn buttons, essentially customizing how the controller works for each device. This is a great feature as it saves you from having to change all the mapping options each time you connect the controller.
You can also calibrate the joysticks and gyroscopes for your controller however you prefer, by clicking the Settings button whilst following the respective button sequences shown in the manual that comes with the controller.
This Settings button also allows you to edit essentially any button on the controller, for example, you can change the vibration level by holding the Setting button and clicking the D-Pad either up or down.
You can also edit the trigger sensitivity and change buttons to semi-auto or continuous shooting using the Setting button, which is sensational in FPS games like Apex Legends or even in games such as Splatoon 3.
The battery life is claimed by GuliKit to be 25 hours, which was pretty accurate based on my own experience with the Zen Pro. It took around 5-6 hours to fully charge, although you don’t need to completely charge the controller to get a good amount of usage time when using it.
Additionally, the controller turns itself off rather quickly, saving battery for you when you accidentally leave it turned on once you’ve finished playing. This means the battery isn’t eaten away easily, which is a handy feature.
Conclusion
Overall, the GuliKit Zen Pro Wireless Controller for Switch sits high in my rankings for controllers. At a price point of around £67, it most certainly isn’t a bargain. However, for a pro controller that has many nifty features that set it apart from a standard pro Switch controller, £67 is a relatively understandable fee.
The high-quality build combined with the very responsive and smooth buttons and triggers makes for a sensational controller. Add in the vast amount of customization options and unique functions, you have yourself a great option for a controller that is a step up from Nintendo’s own Pro Switch Controller.
Product Rating
Design: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Performance: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Features: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Overall ranking: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars – 4.5-star rating
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Do not buy from this company.
They have zero support for failed products.
sorry I have been in hospital what is the issue?