SteelSeries Launches The Stratus Duo Controller
by Brett Howse on January 29, 2019 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Accessories
- SteelSeries
Today SteelSeries is announcing a new controller in their stable of accessories dubbed the Stratus Duo, joining the Stratus XL from the company, and adding some new features and capabilities. The Stratus Duo is compatible with both Windows and Android, and offers both Bluetooth connectivity as well as a 2.4 GHz wireless adapter, and can switch between the two connections at the flick of a switch. The Stratus Duo will also be compatible with the new SmartGrip accessory which allows you to attach an Android phone to the controller for mobile gaming.
In addition to the dual-wireless connectivity, the Stratus Duo also features magnetic Hall Effect sensors on the triggers for better long-term durability, consistency, and precision. There are a total of seventeen buttons on the Stratus Duo, and two clickable analog joysticks. For power, there is a built-in Lithium-Ion battery pack which provides over twenty hours of battery life per charge. For charging, the kit comes with a 1.8 meter / 5.9 foot micro USB charging cable which is long enough to allow some freedom of movement when charging if you do run out of power during a gaming session.
| SteelSeries | |||||
| Stratus Duo | |||||
| Compatability | PC (Windows 7+) Steam VR Android |
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| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz Wireless via USB adapter Bluetooth 4.1 Wired USB |
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| Battery | Lithium-Ion Rechargable Rated 20+ hours of use |
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| Range | 12 meters / 40 feet | ||||
| Width | 150 mm / 5.91 inches | ||||
| Height | 110 mm / 4.33 inches | ||||
| Depth | 63.2 mm / 2.49 inches | ||||
| Weight | 245 grams / 0.54 lbs | ||||
| Box Content | Controller USB Wireless Adapter 1.8 m / 5.9' Micro USB cable |
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| Accessories | SmartGrip Smartphone holder | ||||
| Price | $59.99 USD | ||||
| Availability | Now | ||||
The controller is compatible with both the PC and Android with no additional software requirements, which is, I think, a pretty nice benefit. On the PC side, you can connect either Bluetooth or use the wireless adapter, and the controller is recognized as an Xbox compatible controller for gaming. The controller also supports Steam Big Picture Mode, and Oculus VR. On the Android side, there is only one controller specification, so if the game supports controllers, it will work with the Stratus Duo.
Adding the SmartGrip is likely a key if you are going to use the controller with an Android phone, and SteelSeries is only going to charge $9.99 for this accessory when it becomes available in the near future.
The Stratus Duo is available today, for $59.99.
Source: SteelSeries
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edzieba - Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - link
I prefer the symmetrical-stick layout over the 'Xbox layout' (I'm generally using either dpad+face-buttons or dual-stick, and very rarely stick + face-buttons), but the last 3rd party controller I tried that did not ape the Xbox pad (the Logitech F710) failed utterly in implementing it: the grips on the pad were formed such that actually using the sticks was required an excruciating contortion of the hand to reach them. This sort of layout requires grips that you can 'roll' your hands around to two different positions (e.g. the DualShock series).Besides, it has concave rather than convex analog sticks and a non-discrete dpad, so is objectively wrong to start with.
Lord of the Bored - Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - link
I always thought the DualShocks had the analog nipples too low to use comfortably, personally.Ultimately, the entire controller layout needs to be reconsidered, if not the entire CONCEPT, but we've standardized so firmly on Sony's "glue some extra nubs onto a Super Nintendo pad in awkward locations" design that we actively punish the rare attempt to move beyond it.
Samus - Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - link
I've been disappointed with 3rd party controller D-pads too. Especially those form Logitech - going all the way back to the original XBOX.Not sure why HORI is the only company that can get D-pads right...it isn't like there are patent issues anymore.
logamaniac - Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - link
reminds me of the old sidewinder gamepadQB the Slayer - Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - link
I was going to say the same thing... I think I still have mine somewhere in the apartment... Can't remember the last time I used it :PQB
bloodgain - Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - link
The real question SteelSeries needs to answer here is why would I buy this over an Xbox One controller or even a DualShock 4? At $60, plus $10 if I want the SmartGrip, it's a hard sell.CoreyWat - Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - link
Micro USB SMHm16 - Sunday, February 24, 2019 - link
Outside of the micro-usb connector which is getting kind of old, it's a really solid controller, that gets detected as an xbox one controller.The only real let down is there's no rumble feature, so just beware (kind of makes sense since it's got rechargeable battery and that's a battery killer in short and long term).
That being said, its ergonomics and quality of control parts (that is, unless you like shiny slippery plastic) is top notch, and I'd highly recommend this over a xbox one controller, and this is coming from someone that can't stand the ps4 controller's layout. The ergonomics are that good.
Catchy Title - Sunday, July 7, 2019 - link
I don't like such a controller. I play games a lot and I got used to Xbox-like button layout when you have the cross in between of sticks. On this site https://bestgamingthings.com/call-of-duty-black-op... I found more interesting controllers which are the best for Black Ops 4 but I tend to old good Xbox 360.