When it comes to third-party controllers, it’s easy to be skeptical. Many affordable alternatives to first-party controllers suffer from issues like poor build quality, laggy wireless connections, or unresponsive buttons. However, Gioteck’s WX4 Wireless RGB Controller aims to change that perception by offering a feature-packed, budget-friendly alternative to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller—while also being compatible with PC and PS3.
With RGB lighting, motion controls, and a lightweight ergonomic design, the WX4 certainly looks the part. But how does it actually perform in real-world gaming? I put it through its paces on the Nintendo Switch, testing it across a range of games, and while it’s not perfect, it’s an impressive option for the price. Let’s get into it!
Unboxing & First Impressions
Right out of the box, the WX4 makes a strong first impression. The dark camo design gives it a sleek, modern look, and the RGB lighting behind the thumbsticks adds a nice touch of flair. The controller is noticeably lightweight, coming in at just over 250 grams—far lighter than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (which weighs closer to 400 grams).
While some might worry that this means a cheaper feel, the WX4 actually manages to strike a good balance. It doesn’t feel premium, but it also doesn’t feel flimsy. The weight is evenly distributed, making it comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions.
The plastic materials used in the construction are a bit of a mixed bag. The front face has a matte finish that feels good to the touch, while the backplate has a slightly different texture. More noticeably, the lower part of the controller’s handles features glossy plastic, which contrasts with the rest of the body. It’s a bit odd and feels unnecessary, but it doesn’t affect grip or comfort too much.
Setting up the controller was effortless. Thanks to the included manual, pairing it with my Nintendo Switch was as simple as pressing a couple of buttons. The Bluetooth connection was instantaneous, and once paired, the controller remained connected without any dropouts during gameplay.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is one of the WX4’s strongest points. Its lightweight build makes it ideal for longer play sessions, and it’s especially great for younger gamers, who might struggle with heavier controllers.
The ergonomic shape of the controller ensures a natural grip, and while it doesn’t have the same premium rubberized texture as the Switch Pro Controller, it still feels nice in hand. I spent hours playing with the WX4 and never experienced any discomfort or strain.
The button layout is mostly familiar, closely mimicking the Pro Controller. The face buttons feel responsive and snappy, providing good tactile feedback without feeling mushy. The D-pad, however, is a little stiff, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preference. On the plus side, I found that the stiffness helped prevent accidental inputs—something I sometimes experience on the Switch Pro Controller.
One minor design quirk is the placement of the Plus, Minus, Home, and Capture buttons. They’re positioned in a way that made me instinctively press the wrong button a few times. This isn’t a major issue, but it took some time to adjust.
Performance & Gameplay Experience
Analog Sticks & Buttons
The WX4’s analog sticks are responsive and snappy, quickly snapping back to the center when released. I tested them in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Persona 5 Strikers, and Final Fantasy XII, and I had no issues with input lag or drift.
The face buttons have a nice clicky feel, making them satisfying to press. Button travel distance is well-balanced—not too shallow, not too deep.
The D-pad, while slightly stiff, offers good precision, especially for platformers and retro games. It may not be as refined as first-party controllers, but it holds up well in most cases.
Motion Controls – A Bit Too Sensitive
The WX4 includes motion controls, which is a great feature for a budget controller. However, motion sensitivity feels a bit too high. In Super Mario Odyssey, even the slightest movement sent my cap flying in all directions. I’ve never been a fan of motion controls in Mario games, but this exaggerated sensitivity made things even trickier.
That said, motion controls performed a lot better in Bowser’s Fury. They worked smoothly and accurately, showing that the WX4’s motion sensors are capable, even if they sometimes feel a bit over-responsive.
Triggers – A Bit Stiff & Short Travel Distance
One of my biggest gripes with the WX4 is the trigger design. The L2 & R2 buttons (or LZ & RZ in Nintendo’s naming scheme) are stiff and stick out more than expected, resembling the DualShock 4’s triggers rather than the Switch Pro Controller’s.
While their short travel distance means quick actuation, they feel a bit unnatural at first. My index fingers needed some time to adjust, as they were more stretched out than usual. After a few hours, I adapted, but the stiffness never fully disappeared.
For casual games, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but for shooters or racing games, the triggers aren’t as comfortable as those found on higher-end controllers.
Battery Life & Connectivity
Battery Life – Solid for the Price
The WX4 offers around 15+ hours of battery life on a full charge, which is impressive for a third-party controller in this price range. While it doesn’t match the Switch Pro Controller’s legendary battery life, it still holds up well for long gaming sessions.
Micro-USB Charging – A Slight Downside
One minor downside is that the WX4 uses a Micro-USB port for charging instead of USB-C. While this means slightly slower charge times, it’s not a huge dealbreaker—just a bit outdated compared to newer controllers.
Connectivity – Quick & Reliable
Pairing the WX4 with my Nintendo Switch was quick and painless. Once connected, it stayed stable, with no noticeable lag or disconnects during gameplay. The controller can also wake the Switch from sleep mode, a handy feature missing from some third-party controllers.
Final Verdict – A Fantastic Budget Option
The Gioteck WX4 Wireless RGB Controller is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to the Switch Pro Controller. While it has a few quirks—such as stiff triggers, odd button placement, and Micro-USB charging—its solid performance, comfortable design, and long battery life make it a great option for casual players, kids, and anyone looking for an affordable extra controller for multiplayer gaming.
For $25 approx., the WX4 delivers a lot of value. If you’re looking for a premium-feeling controller, you may want to stick with the Pro Controller, but if you need a reliable, lightweight, and stylish alternative, the WX4 is a fantastic choice.
