SteelSeries recently released its new Aeon Pro wireless gaming controller for PC and Xbox and it's available to purchase at the Steelseries store for $259.99. At that price we'd be asking a lot from our controller, including top-tier build quality and a plethora of features, maybe even some unique to this controller. Fortunately, the Aeon Pro delivers.
New SteelSeries Aeon Pro Gaming Controller
SteelSeries already has a lineup of gaming controllers that includes the Stratus and Nimbus. The Aeon Pro, however, is the company's first high-end pro-grade controller. Honestly, it's shaping up to be one of the best PC and Xbox controllers ever. IGN's Bo Moore has already posted his Aeon Pro review-so-far and his initial impressions have been stellar.
Wireless freedom with zero downtime
Amongst the bevy of features packed in the Aeon Pro, one stands out in particular, and that's the infinite battery system. This is essentially a hot-swappable battery system much like what you'll find in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro and Omni headsets, which I consider to be one of the best gaming headets on the market for this reason. The Aeon Pro basically includes two removable, rechargeable batteries: one to use in your controller and the other to remain charged and ready to go in the docking station that doubles as a charger. You get wireless freedom with zero downtime.
"Quick switch" between Xbox and PC
The Aeon Pro's other standout feature is its patented QuickSwitch system. You can switch between Xbox, PC, or mobile instantly and seamlessly, with no re-pairing or re-plugging required. How does that even work? It's pretty simple, actually. In addition to being a charger for your batteries, the docking station is also a hub of sorts. You plug your Xbox and PC via USB Type-C ports on the rear, and the controller then connects wirelessly to the dock. For mobile, the connection is made via Bluetooth. Again, I've seen this technology before in the Arctis Nova Pro Omni headset, and SteelSeries carried this feature over to the Aeon Pro. That's a big brain move.
Hall effect and micro-switches throughout
My favorite gaming controllers in the past have two features they all have in common: Hall Effect joysticks and mechanical switches for nearly all of its buttons (including the d-pad). The Aeon Pro does not disappoint. Both joysticks use Hall Effect magnetic sensors. These are superior to traditional potentiometer-based analog sensors. In addition to being more precise and more sensitive, they have no moving parts that can wear out and are thus naturally resistant to stick drift.
16 total buttons all customizable through the OLED display or GG app
The Aeon Pro has a d-pad and twelve programmable buttons, all of which use satisfyingly clicky mechanical switches. These include: four XYAB buttons, four trigger buttons, and four rear paddle switches. Two of the trigger buttons also feature adjustable travel length; with a flick of a switch you can choose either full travel or a hair trigger. The buttons can all be customized using the OLED display on the controller or via the Steelseries GG app.
Modular thumbsticks
Are you a sucker for interchangeable thumbsticks? The Aeon Pro has got that too. Included in the package are four different styles of modular thumbsticks that you can swap out: convex, concave, standard length, and long. They simply snap onto either joystick position and are a nice touch that you'll only find in premium controllers.
It's not cheap, but few great things are.
I've seen and tested so many tournament controllers, but none with all the technology that's packed into the Aeon Pro. Yes it's expensive, but if you're a heavy gamer that uses a controller for hundreds of hours, then this is so worth it.
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.