Turtle Beach Rematch Core Wired Controller | REVIEW

Controllers these days can range from bare-bones basics to premium gadgets loaded with features that push prices well into triple digits, so knowing which one to get can be a bit intimidating. Well, the Turtle Beach Rematch Core Wired Controller sits firmly on the affordable end of the spectrum, promising comfort, reliable performance, and a few clever extras at a very budget-friendly price (as well as compatibility with both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs). At just under £25, it’s designed to offer solid value without overcomplicating things, ensuring that it helps delivering a tight gaming experience all without breaking the bank.

Check out some images of the Rematch Core below:

The Rematch Core looks and feels very much like a traditional Xbox controller outside of a few tweaks in shape, so Xbox gamers will feel familiar with it almost immediately. It’s also available in a range of bold designs – I got my hands on the black camo and neon yellow version, which I’m REALLY fond of. It’s definitely got that style factor over the standard controller, so it earns some points there.

In hand, the controller feels lightweight thanks to its wired setup, but still sturdy enough for everyday use. If I’m being honest, the weight was something I did have to get used to initially – especially after playing with the standard Xbox controller for so long – but it didn’t take too long before it felt just right. The face buttons and triggers have a satisfying click to them, whilst there’s a good overall quality to the build that makes it feel durable enough to withstand the occasional heavy-handed session.

The Rematch Core is shaped with comfort in mind, and for the most part, it does succeed. It’s easy to hold for extended periods, and the lighter weight – though something to get used to – does mean less fatigue during longer gaming sessions . That said, the lack of rubberised or dimpled grips does take away some of the reassurance found on more premium pads, and whilst it never actually feels like it will slip out of your hands at all, I did find myself missing the more textured surface.

Where the Rematch Core really differentiates itself from other budget controllers is with its integrated audio system. A small function button near the d-pad gives players quick access to volume control, game/chat balance, and mic mute, with these adjustments able to be made on the fly and without needing to dive into system menus or fiddle with a headset. For a controller at this price point, it’s a thoughtful and genuinely useful inclusion and something that I did find useful (though I did have to swiftly learn which button did what).

“The Turtle Beach Rematch Core proves that a controller doesn’t need to be expensive to deliver an impressive gaming experience.”

The controller also comes with standard rumble motors and impulse triggers, which do a good job of adding immersion without being overwhelming. I’ve actually used more expensive controllers that omitted this feature, so it was cool that it was included, and whilst the vibration isn’t quite as refined as on more expensive models, explosions, crashes, and hits all come through with enough impact to add to the experience.

The Rematch Core works with the PDP Control Hub app on both Xbox and PC (yes, it might seem confusing because it’s a Turtle Beach controller, but the companies fall under the same branch now). Through the app, players can remap buttons, fine-tune stick and trigger dead zones, and adjust vibration strength, giving players a useful layer of customisation for those who want more control over how the pad behaves. Honestly? It’s not something I’ve actually played with all that much, but the fact it exists shows that whilst the Rematch Core has a lower-end price point, it still packs plenty of features to suit competitive gamers.

The controller just gets all of the basic necessities right: the buttons are responsive, triggers are consistent, and the thumbsticks feel accurate. It works seamlessly across Xbox consoles and Windows PCs with simple plug-and-play setup too, so it’s equally convenient. However, there are a few little things where the budget design does feel more obvious.

For one, the d-pad can feel a little spongy, which makes precise input tricky in games that rely heavily on directional control. It’s not a big deal and will only be noticeable on a game-by-game basis, but it does feel lesser in quality when compared to the standard Xbox controller. Second, while the included 2.5m USB-C cable is fine for most setups, it was actually a little too short for me. Thankfully, the controller uses a standard USB-C connection, so swapping in a longer cable was an easy fix, but maybe including a 3.0m cable might’ve been better suited for those who’re gaming in their living rooms. Then there’s the aforementioned weight issue, which isn’t a massive flaw and probably won’t bother a lot of players, but that did feel a little odd to begin with.

Check out some images of the Rematch Core below:

They’re all small gripes though, and at £24.99, the Rematch Core really does offer excellent value. It’s officially licensed, has some smart built-in features, and avoids many of the compromises usually found in cheaper third-party controllers.  For casual players, kids, or anyone needing a reliable spare controller, it’s hard to argue with everything you’re getting here, whilst it comes with features that will impress competitive players too – it’s undoubtedly one of the more impressive third-party budget controllers that I’ve used on the Xbox.

Brand: Turtle Beach
Price: £24.99
Website: https://uk.turtlebeach.com/products/rematch-core-wired-controller?Color=Ghost+Black+Camo%2FYellow