GameSir Nova Lite controller review

The budget controller category is often a huge gamble. When you're spending so little for a piece of tech, you can afford to get something that is… okay, I guess. If buying on a budget is a game of risk/reward, GameSir’s Nova Lite is what it’s like to hit the jackpot. 

Though noticeably cheap in some areas, the Nova Lite performs well above others at the same price point with only a few small drawbacks.

Starting at one downside you might notice right away, this controller does not have a 3.5mm jack. Unless you have a standalone headset that plugs directly into your device, you will unfortunately be locked to having to communicate purely in well-timed emotes in multiplayer games. Most of the best gaming headsets right now plug in via USB or Bluetooth but this is still a downside worth considering if you are thinking of making the modest investment of just $25.

As well as coming with a dongle for 2.4 GHz low latency play, the Nova Lite has Bluetooth capabilities and can be plugged in with a USB-C at the top, though it doesn’t come with a cable. I think the assumption here is that people will have their own, but this is a noteworthy exclusion for some. At the very least if you aren't a tech hoarder like myself with a jumble of random cables stuffed into a bag. Interestingly, holding the home button and one of the A,B,X,Y buttons produces a different colour at the top of the remote to signify the type of connection. This means that, if you have the Bluetooth mode connected to your phone, and the 2.4GHz mode connected to your laptop, it can swap between them in just a few seconds. You can connect to iOS, Windows, Steam Deck, Android, and Switch easily.

Compatibility: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C
Connectivity: PC, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Ports: USB-C
Thumbstick layout: Asymmetric
Weight: 309 grams
Price: $25 / £30

Changing connection is all surprisingly intuitive once you've gotten used to it, making it an excellent controller to take on the go. In service