Corsair Novablade Pro Review: Premium Leverless Luxury

The Corsair Novablade Pro delivers a premium leverless fighting game controller experience for serious competitors on PS5, PS4, and PC. Designed with intermediate to professional players in mind, this controller impresses with its slim, high-quality build and extensive customization options, though its aluminum face plate does tend to collect fingerprints. While the pressure-sensitive keyswitches offer deep personalization, some users might prefer the more distinct tactile feedback found on competing models.

After a week of testing, the Novablade Pro stands out as a thoughtfully engineered piece of hardware. It replaces the traditional joystick with a full button layout, a design popularized by leverless controllers like the 8BitDo Arcade Stick. The immediate impression is one of luxury, thanks to its mix of metal and robust plastics. Its remarkably thin profile makes it highly portable for tournaments, a significant advantage over bulkier alternatives.

Customization is a core strength. The magnetic aluminum face plate removes easily, granting access to the buttons, keyswitches, and even a storage compartment for the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. Onboard function controls allow for straightforward button remapping and profile creation. The default black plate, however, is a smudge magnet, a noticeable issue during intense sessions in games like Tekken 8.

The choice of pressure-sensitive keyswitches is a defining feature. They allow you to adjust the button actuation point from a very shallow 0.1mm up to 4mm, which can help prevent mispresses. For some, the spongier feel might not be as satisfying as the sharp, clicky microswitches used in the 8BitDo controller, but this is purely a matter of personal taste and does not detract from the controller’s overall responsiveness.

Priced at $249.99, the Novablade Pro sits in the mid-to-premium segment, matching the cost of the Victrix Pro KO but landing significantly higher than the budget-friendly 8BitDo Arcade Controller. This positions it as a competitive option for players who are also considering Victrix’s offerings. It is available directly from Corsair and various participating retailers.

The design is packed with features tailored for competitive play. The unit features 15 buttons, including six dedicated function keys at the top for profile switching, tournament mode, and power. A touchpad and L3/R3 buttons are conveniently placed, while five vertically aligned macro buttons on the right side prove useful for training mode functions. The bottom is fully covered with non-slip rubber for stability, and a rear USB-C port includes a physical cable lock to prevent accidental disconnections.

The RGB lighting is subtle and practical, allowing for color-coded button identification without being distracting. All lighting and profile settings can be managed directly on the controller itself.

In terms of performance, the Novablade Pro is exceptionally responsive. For the lowest input latency, the wired USB-C connection or the 2.4GHz wireless dongle are the best choices. Bluetooth is available but generally introduces slightly more lag. On PC, both wired and 2.4GHz connections support a 1,000Hz polling rate, matching top-tier gaming controllers. On PlayStation consoles, this high polling rate is only achievable via a wired connection.

Who should consider buying the Corsair Novablade Pro?

You should buy it if:

• You seek a premium, high-end leverless controller with outstanding build quality and meticulous design.
• Customizability is important to you, with its swappable components, multiple profiles, and macro support.

You might want to avoid it if:

• You are new to leverless controllers. The high price and feature set can be overwhelming for beginners, making a more affordable model like the 8BitDo a better starting point.

Here’s how it compares to two key competitors:

| Feature | Corsair Novablade Pro | Victrix Pro KO | 8BitDo Arcade Controller | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | Price | $249.99 | $249.99 | $89.99 | | Compatibility | PS5, PS4, PC | PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox model sold separately) | Switch, Xbox, PC (models vary) | | Connection | Wireless & Wired | Wired Only | Wireless & Wired | | Battery Life | ~40 hours | N/A | ~20 hours |

Victrix Pro KO As a direct competitor at the same price, the Victrix Pro KO is a wired-only controller that offers a similar level of customization. It’s a strong alternative, especially for players who also need Xbox compatibility.

8BitDo Arcade Controller This model serves as an excellent and affordable entry point into leverless controllers. It features tactile buttons, profile creation, and a lightweight design, making it ideal for newcomers or those on a budget.

This review is based on one week of testing with the Corsair Novablade Pro. It was used to play a range of fighting games, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Guilty Gear Strive, on both PS5 and PC. The controller was directly compared to the 8BitDo Arcade Controller and the Victrix Pro KO to assess its value, performance, and place in the current market. For players ready to invest in a high-end leverless controller, the Novablade Pro is a compelling choice that excels in build quality and user customization.

(Source: techradar)