Turtle Beach is a leading brand in the gaming accessory market. While primarily known for its PC peripherals, the Afterglow Wave 2 controller for the Nintendo Switch boasts impressive features that make it a top contender for Nintendo’s latest hybrid console.
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When it comes to choosing a controller for the Nintendo Switch 2, you have a wide range of options. You can either go for a budget-friendly choice or opt for a trusted brand. In this context, the Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave merits comparison with the official Nintendo controller.
We had the opportunity to test this model for a few weeks. Here are our insights and how it ranks among the top accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Turtle Beach Afterglow (Wireless) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160 mm x 65 mm x 135 mm |
| Operating System Compatibility | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Connector Type | USB Type-C |
| Product Details | Link to product information |
The controller was provided by the brand for testing purposes.
Design
The Turtle Beach controller features a standard black design with plastic finishes that are quite conventional but comfortable to hold. The grips are enhanced with small textured surfaces, improving handling during extended gaming sessions.
In terms of aesthetics, the black color is unassuming for a Nintendo-branded controller, which is typically not very flashy. However, the Afterglow Wave stands out with its LED light strips that illuminate when the controller is activated.
By default, these lights glow red on one side and blue-green on the other. They make a striking visual impact upon activation, though they are easily forgotten during intense gameplay.
The triggers and action buttons are also textured to improve tactile contact. The joysticks are designed with Hall effect sensors to avoid long-term drift issues. Furthermore, the controller is lightweight at just 380 grams, which is ideal for long gaming sessions.
Ergonomics: Subtle Strength
Turtle Beach has not reinvented the wheel with this controller. Its most significant feature is a central action button. There are also programmable rear buttons for shortcuts. The overall button layout is quite standard, including a C button for GameChat.
Connection-wise, the setup is similar to other Nintendo Switch controllers. A button on the top of the device allows for easy synchronization with the console, offering a connection range of 9 meters.
However, the Afterglow Wave is only compatible with Nintendo consoles, including the Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, and Switch 2. One minor drawback is that turning on the controller does not power on the console.
Customization: All About the Lights
The Turtle Beach controller offers basic customization without the need for additional software. Here are the steps to program the rear buttons, lighting modes, and color settings:
Rear buttons:
– Hold the action button
– Press the rear button you wish to program
– Press any button to assign it to the rear
– The LED will blink three times to confirm the programming
– To delete, hold the action button and press a rear button twice
Light strips:
– Hold the action button
– Choose the mode by clicking L or R
Color settings for light strips:
– Hold the action button
– Click right or left on the D-pad
Light intensity:
– Hold the action button
– Press ZR and ZL triggers to adjust
In-Game Performance
We tested the controller on various titles including “Hades II,” “Pokopia,” and “Silksong.” It performed flawlessly, handling both intense and calm scenarios well.
The Afterglow Wave does not feature vibration, opting instead for a more subdued and comfortable gaming experience. However, the controller buttons are slightly louder than those on the official controller, which could be distracting during tense gameplay.
Battery Life
The Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave excels in battery life with a built-in battery that delivers up to 20 hours of playtime. Recharging is straightforward using a USB-C cable, taking about an hour and a half to fully charge.
Price and Release Date
The wireless version of the Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave controller is now available on various e-commerce sites, starting at 64.99 euros. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the wired version, which is priced at 24.99 euros.
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.