The professional controls market, where models cost between 70 and 100 dollars, is constantly looking for innovations to justify additional investments by consumers. The answer to this demand may have arrived with a new model that integrates a color screen directly into the device, offering an unprecedented level of customization.
This is the Genki Manta, a controller that is about to be launched in a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. It stands out for using Manta OS, a proprietary operating system developed by Genki, which allows fine adjustments in real time without the need for external devices. Users will be able to customize three-stage triggers, dead zones and haptic feedback directly through the screen and the integrated operating system.
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In addition to the system and screen, the control features notable technical specifications. Connected by wire, it achieves a polling rate of 8,000 Hz, while the 2.4 GHz wireless connection offers 1,000 Hz. It has a range of more than 10 meters, up to 150 hours of battery life via Bluetooth LE 6, TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers. The 16 MB internal memory allows you to load applications on Manta OS, and Genki indicated the possibility of expandable storage as an additional goal on Kickstarter.
The Los Angeles-based company Human Things, responsible for the Genki product line, already has a history of successful Kickstarter campaigns. The brand is known for successful launches in the past, which gives the Manta project some credibility, although the final quality of the new control still needs to be evaluated.
Genki describes the Manta as “Beyond the Pro Controller” on its Kickstarter page. The device incorporates many features expected from a professional controller, such as four paddles at the bottom and two extra buttons next to the bumpers. All of these commands can be remapped through the control software.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the screen and operating system combination is the controller’s ability to switch to keyboard and mouse controls. There is even a dedicated button on the pad for this change. It’s not yet clear whether the screen is touch-sensitive or how Genki plans for players to navigate a mouse using the controller.
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It remains to be seen whether the Genki Manta will be able to balance the addition of the screen and extra buttons in its 280 to 290 gram structure, a weight similar to that of an Xbox Series X controller. The software will also need to be extremely fluid to justify the effort and cost.
There is no estimated shipping date for the product yet, assuming the Kickstarter campaign is successful. The starting price for early backers (Super Early Bird) is $189, with the expected retail value at $279. This value is considered high, especially when compared to other high-end controls. For example, the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC, considered an excellent high-performance option, costs $200 retail and offers TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers, as well as a superior 8,000 Hz wireless polling rate and proven build quality.
There are also more affordable alternatives that compete in build quality and feature set with professional controls. The Gamesir G7 Pro, for example, costs 70 dollars, and the Gamesir G7 Pro 8K, with 8,000 Hz polling rate, costs 80 dollars.
Therefore, even with its own operating system and a 2.79-inch screen, the Genki Manta will face a considerable challenge in the market. It represents an audacious bet for a first control, and it will be necessary to test it in hand to determine if it is really worth the high price.