Pro controllers have always been a hot topic, from the Playstation Dualsense Edge to the Xbox Elite Series controllers all the way to questioning whether or not the Steam Controller should be considered “Pro”. What makes a controller Pro anyways? Is it the amount of features they cram in, the compatibility they offer, or just the high price tag associated with them? Well it seems like Genki is looking to through their hat in the ring with their latest product release; the Genki Manta.
Originally known for their Nintendo Switch accessories, Genki has been putting out high quality products for a number of handhelds for years at this point, and it looks like they’re finally trying out something new with the latest release of the Genki Manta.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but from the top it looks like a mondo-chunky controller with a big ole screen pumped right into the front. But given the tech specs Genki has included on their website, it seems to be quite a bit more.
Genki Manta Specs
- Display: 2.79-inch color IPS TFT-LCD, 428×142 resolution
- Polling Rate:Â 8,000Hz wired, 1,000Hz over 2.4GHz, 125Hz over Bluetooth LE 6Â
- Wireless range:Â Rated over 10m for 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth
- Wired connection:Â USB-C with cable-retention systemÂ
- Wireless receiver:Â 2.4 GHz USB receiver includedÂ
- Target Battery: 2,400mAh; 2×1,200mAh cells in a user-replaceable battery assembly
- Charging:Â USB-C and three-pin contact charging
- Target weight:Â 315g
- Face buttons:Â Four full-range analog Pulse Buttons
- Joysticks: TMR sensing, continuous 30–80 gf target tension with silicone ring
- Triggers:Â Hall effect sensing; independent Digital, Rapid, and Analog stagesÂ
- Motion:Â Nine-axis IMU: gyro, accelerometer, and compassÂ
- Additional buttons:Â Six controls: two shoulder, two rear, two removable paddles
- Profiles and tuning:Â Managed directly through MantaOSÂ
- Internal storage:Â 16MB
The most curious parts to me have to include their own self developed MantaOS to run on the screen directly, the 8,000hz Polling rate, but the targeted 2,400mAh battery that’s simply labeled as “In a User-Replaceable Battery Assembly” which to me really feels “pro”. Cause nothing makes me feel better than intended longevity of a product.
This isn’t going to be a cheap product; Genki is listing Super Early Bird Pricing at $189. Early Bird at $199, Kickstarter Pricing at $219, and Retail at an eyewatering $279. And if you’re looking for the Founder’s Edition, you can bump that up to a full on $349. For a controller.
It’s obvious they’ve put a lot of time into developing this controller, and a lot of effort to boot. If you’re interested in learning more; check out their Kickstarter page, it’s already passed their goal so it will be produced at some point. Admittedly at this point, I’m unsure if Genki should still be using Kickstarter to launch a product, but that’s just me. This feels just a bit too high end for me in terms of specs and price, but we’ll see. Their shipping timeline is aiming for around January of 2027, so if you’re someone with patience and the need for a high end controller, definitely give it a look.
