Genki Manta Crowdfunds Steam Controller Rival With Built-In Display And OS

A new project from Genki, last mentioned here for its Nintendo Switch 2 mockups, has taken Kickstarter by storm, promising a best-in-class pro controller for PC and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 players. This project is called the Genki Manta, and at time of writing it's already reached $404,586 of its $100,000 funding goal. So long as all goes according to plan, Genki's plan to ship early bird controllers starting next February should go without a hitch.

Before we get into it, we should note that even the cheapest "Super Early Bird" pricing for the Genki Manta starts at a whopping $189 USD, and the final MSRP is anticipated to be $279. That's an extremely expensive gamepad, even if the Super Early Bird pricing is broadly in-line with alternatives from Genki's competitors, such as the $199 Razer Wolverine. I won't sugarcoat it: the pricing on this one might be a killer, but the actual features on display are truly exciting, and I hope that the Genki Manta helps pull the space at large in its direction. Let me explain why.

First, all the "Pro Controller" essentials you would expect are here, though some may be different than you expect. The Genki Manta's adjustable triggers have three stages instead of two stages of adjustment, ranging from a digital click, to a short-throw mode, and then full analog travel. There are four programmable back buttons (as popularized by SCUF and the Xbox Elite Series) and a swappable D-Pad. There's even full gyro support, which can be put to good use across both of Genki's target platforms.

Besides the gyro, that's all pretty standard. What fascinates me personally as a long-time enthusiast is what Genki has done elsewhere. The most obvious change (and contributor to that price point) is the built-in screen, which is powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2350 running Genki's own MantaOS. MantaOS offers virtually all the controller customization and macro features you could want right on the pad without needing to run the controller through Steam Input or dig into system menus.

Another essential feature that sets the Genki Manta apart, which is frustratingly absent from otherwise-compelling alternatives to my existing Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, is adjustable joystick tension. Not only does that allow you to adjust the "feel" of the sticks to your exact preference, in the case of the Genki Manta, they're also drift-proof TMR sticks. Since even basic Hall-effect sticks have yet to be confirmed for Xbox Elite Series 3, the Genki Manta is starting to look awfully compelling for my next controller replacement.

Finally, I want to narrow in on a feature that's been dead in mainstream console controllers since the 2013 launch of the Sony PlayStation 4 and its DualShock 4 controller: pressure-sensitive face buttons! Now, Genki's intended use is for you to customize actuation distance per-button, akin to Razer's Snap Tap over on keyboards. For regular usage, the buttons should be extremely responsive. But, if you're interested in emulating the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, or original Xbox game libraries, you may be able to set these up 1:1 with those systems' intended analog face button functionality.

I didn't expect it to take 13 years, but welcome back, analog face buttons. You may soon be joined by variable-hardness face buttons. Here's hoping that the Genki Manta does well enough to promote such features (at least adjustable stick tension, please God) for future controllers. At time of writing, there are 41 days left to back the project on Kickstarter, and the first 4000 backers will get a free protective case.