Hands on with a new wireless 3rd-party Xbox controller — it’s the cheapest yet and made for Minecraft fans, just in time for the holidays
PDP Realmz has gone wireless for Xbox for the first time, and Minecraft fans will love it.
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What you need to know
Ever since I got a behind-the-scenes look with Turtle Beach atGamescom 2024, I’ve been holding onto a tight-lipped secret. Among the array of Xbox accessories they showed off, one stood out—the most beautiful Minecraft-themed wireless controller, crafted for Minecraft and Xbox fans alike since their acquisition of PDP accessories earlier this year. Photos were off-limits then, but now that I’ve got it in hand, I can snap as many as I want, aha!Introducing the rather wordy titled ‘PDP REALMz Wireless Controller: Minecraft Diamond Print.’ Now, before I dive into the details, I’ll answer the two burning questions: yes, it’s actually wireless, and, it’s priced at $79.99.
The PDP REALMz Wireless Controller: Minecraft Diamond Print Edition launches on November 20
The controller is officially licensed by Xbox and Mojang, and houses a collectible Steve figurine in the right grip plus a unique, multi-layer design featuring diamond elements inspired byMinecraft.So other than it’s looks, what’s going on under the hood of this PDP Minecraft controller? Here’s the important info:
The controller also comes with 2 programmable rear buttons, for on the fly customization or use with the PDP Control Hub app, which also allows adjustment of deadzones and reconfiguring of the triggers.
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Third-party wireless controllers are still a rarity
The PDP REALMz Minecraft controller made me sit up and take notice not only because of its design, but because wireless third-party controllers remain a rarity, with only a select few brands licensed to deliver wireless options for Xbox. Earlier this year, we saw the release of some high-end options like theRazer Wolverine V3 ProandTurtle Beach’s own Stealth Ultra Wireless, but these models come in at over $149.99. PowerA also joined the lineup with itsFusion Pro Wireless at $149.99for the Lumectra edition, and the more affordableFortnite Wireless at $99.99.
Right now, though, the PDP REALMz stands as the most budget-friendly option at just $69.99—a likely hit among Minecraft fans and just in time for the holidays. Those familiar with PDP’s accessory range might recognize the design from theirMinecraft-themed Nintendo Switch controller,which was sized for smaller hands. However, this Xbox edition is full-size, made to suit all players. Turtle Beach acquired PDP and all of it’s more quirky accessories earlier this year, and on first impressions, I can feel its impact on the build quality with this controller.
It’s about damn time
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It’s been a hot minute since I last held a new Minecraft controller for Xbox, considering the sheer volume of different colors and styles of their standard X|S controller they’ve been holding out on us when it comes to collaborative designs like we got treated too in the One S| One X era. As a proud owner of both theMinecraft PigandCreeper controllersI, for one, am happy to see a brand come through and give us more options for the current generation of Minecraft fans, and it being wireless and under $100 sweetens the deal. With theMinecraft movie launching in April,I can see this being very popular with kids and parents alike.The PDP Realmz Minecraft controller goes on sale from November 20 and we await news of what retailers will be stocking it outside of PDP’s official site. For now, you can also check out thewild new ‘rotating’ controller from Turtle Beach,which also launches later in November. With a family full of Minecraft fans, I’ll now be stashing this away until the holidays!
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Jen is a News Writer for Windows Central, focused on all things gaming and Microsoft. Anything slaying monsters with magical weapons will get a thumbs up such as Dark Souls, Dragon Age, Diablo, and Monster Hunter. When not playing games, she’ll be watching a horror or trash reality TV show, she hasn’t decided which of those categories the Kardashians fit into. You can follow Jen on Twitter@Jenbox360for more Diablo fangirling and general moaning about British weather.
