One of the regularly mentioned “Best Budget Controllers” has been the GameSir Nova Lite. A $25-ish controller that manages to connect to just about anything while still being a solid piece of kit. However, the Nova family extends well past that one controller.
The OG Nova is a Bluetooth controller for Switch, the Super Nova is a high-end expansion of the Nova Lite, and now this. The GameSir Nova Lite 2 bumps the price up to $30 and offers compatibility with the Super Nova Charging dock. But if you’re getting both of those, does it make sense? Is this controller worth it?
Gamesir Nova Lite 2 Specs
For only $30, you shouldn’t be expecting the world in terms of specs, but for what the Nova Lite 2 does have, I think you’re getting a very complete package.
- Sticks and Triggers: Hall Effect
- Face Buttons: Membrane
- D-pad: Mechanical
- Extra Features: M1-M2 Back Buttons, Trigger Stops, Charging Dock Compatibility
- Battery: 600mAh
- Polling Rate: Up to 1000hz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth/2.4GHz Dongle/Wired over Type-C
- Compatibility: Nintendo Switch/PC/Android/iOS
- Weight: 224 grams
What I Like
The Ergonomics and Feel
One thing that hasn’t really changed since the original is the ergonomic design. It follows what everyone expects from a controller and does it well. The nicer thing is that it follows past Nova controllers, too. So if you’re looking for an upgrade or a replacement, it won’t be too different from before.
The other thing that’s nice is just feels nicer than the original Nova. It’s sturdier, feels a little heavier, and overall feels like a better product. It even outdoes the Supernova in terms of feel, as it doesn’t have those soft-touch grips that will more than likely wear away over time. This feels like a device that is built to last longer than you expect, despite the price. And I like that.
The Controls (Mostly)
This is almost ideal for me. The shoulders I’ll talk about later, but the Hall effect sticks manage to work really well and remain smooth during my use. Throughout a few racing games, including Art of Rally and Forza Horizon 5, I didn’t run into any issues using them, and didn’t experience any sticking, which just made things better as a whole.
In precision platformers like Celeste, the soft membrane buttons are super responsive and didn’t make me second-guess whether or not I was actually using them. On the other hand, the dish-style D-pad told me exactly which direction I was going and made the experience more solid than before. The only concern that may keep others from getting this controller is the sound. The D-pad is super clicky, and can get pretty noisy if you’re really in a D-pad-centric game. Not the worst, but it will stop some from liking it.
Overall, though, the controls get a pass.
What I Don’t
The Shoulder Buttons
I’m not a fan of these for a few reasons, and for me, it makes sense overall, but it may not be a big issue to you. The first concern is their size. Both L1/R1 and L2/R2 are just a bit too narrow for my taste. If you don’t have fat fingers, this may not be a concern, but overall, I felt they could have been a bit larger.
The other issue comes from the trigger stops. This time it isn’t even the mechanism itself, but rather the additional travel that’s available even when activated. There’s a normal stopping point, but if you push just a little bit harder, you can really force those triggers further. The concern here isn’t the travel being available, but rather the durability of the trigger stops. But only time will tell.
The Pricing Concerns
This is a pretty small concern, but the pricing of the Nova Lite 2 is just a bit of an awkward position. At $30, it does a lot better than the Original Nova in terms of feel, controls, and just usability. However, if you want to add the charging dock, you not only pass most of its budget competition but land a lot closer to the GameSir Supernova, the step-up controller from this.
It’s not the biggest concern, but if you want the dock, you end up with some curious pricing overall.
Software
Once again, we reach my favorite part of controllers in the budget segment, the software! Or lack thereof. Everything you want to take care of is all done on the controller. From Back buttons and turbo functions to stick adjustments and more. I appreciate this as you don’t have to rely on software that might suck, but it does mean you really should keep the manual with you just in case.
If, for whatever reason, you do want the software, GameSir does have that for you. The GameSir Connect App on PC and Mobile devices is a good option if you want a more visual indication of the changes you’re making to the controller. However, as mentioned, you don’t have to use it, and I appreciate that.
GameSir Nova Lite: Final Thoughts
The GameSir Nova Lite 2 sits in an awkward position. At $30, it’s a great no-frills controller that hits the mark most people are looking for. “It works good, lasts a while on a charge, and doesn’t drop connections.” And adding the charging dock for $15 gives it an even easier way to use it. However, at $45, you’re butting up to the Gamesir Super Nova, a controller that’s $50 normally, and occasionally $45 on sale.
For most people, either buy just the Nova Lite 2, or get the Super Nova if you want to spend more. However, for me? I like the Nova Lite 2 more, and would happily get it and the charging dock to save that highly coveted $5. At least then I could buy another budget game on Steam with that. The Nova Lite 2 is a good controller, just be aware of the costs.
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