Summary
Thrustmaster has announced a new HEART controller forXboxconsoles and PC that promises to completely eliminate stick drift. To that end, thisXbox-licensed gamepad utilizes Hall effect technology.
In the simplest terms, aHall effect sensor is a device that detects magnetic fields. This allows it to be utilized to create extremely longevous analog sticks whose central components aren’t in direct contact, which would add to their wear and tear during use. Their shafts instead have small magnets attached to them that move when the stick itself does. Perpendicularly placed Hall effect sensors near the magnets then detect their positional changes and translate that to controller input in a frictionless manner. Most modern solutions of this sort utilize two Hall effect sensors per stick, one for the X-axis and another for the Y-axis.
In the simplest terms, a Hall effect sensor is a device that detects magnetic fields. This allows it to be utilized to create extremely longevous analog sticks whose central components aren’t in direct contact, which would add to their wear and tear during use.
Thrustmaster Reveals HEART Controller With Hall Effect Analog Sticks
Americangaming accessorymanufacturerThrustmasterhas now opted to leverage this technology while designing its newly revealed HEART controller. The gamepad incorporates Hall effect sensors that promise to be completely immune to analog stick drift, thus maintaining maximum precision over time. The controller’s name is an acronym for HallEffect AccuRate Technology, which is what Thrustmaster calls its very own implementation of these sensors. TheThrustmaster HEART became available to pre-orderin early October 2024, priced at $99.99 / €99.99 / £99.99. Pre-orders are currently available through Best Buy and the manufacturer’s own online storefront.
Thepremium Xbox controllerstill doesn’t have a firm release date attached to it. But since Thrustmaster has historically revealed new products up to a few months ahead of their release, it is plausible that the HEART will hit the store shelves before the end of Q4 2024. The gamepad ships with a power cable and manual, with its official description implying that it will be a wired-only controller rather than offering battery-powered wireless connectivity. Its left side also features an LED strip whose colors are user-customizable.
Thrustmaster HEART Is Notably Lighter Than Official Xbox Controllers
The HEART measures in at 160 x 45 x 110mm (6.3 x 1.8 x 4.3") and weighs 214g. This makes it notably lighter than the current-gen Xbox Series X and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which tip the scales at 287g and 345g, respectively. Its overall shape and button configuration mostly mimic the officialXbox gamepads, so owners of Microsoft’s controllers should get used to the HEART in no time.
Given its $100 price point, the HEART will seemingly be positioned as a compromise between entry-level and premium gamepads in the vein of the Elite Series 2. But seeing how not even every high-end controller on the market currently utilizes Hall effect sensors, the promise of drift-free analog sticks could turn out to be quite a big selling point for Thrustmaster’s upcoming product.
Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Gaming Controller
The Xbox Elite Series 2 is everything an avid Xbox fan would want in a wireless gaming controller, thanks to its limitless customizability features. It is versatile and works with Windows PC, Android, and iOS. Gamers can fine-tune the thumb stick’s tension for precise movements; its shorter hair trigger locks minimize travel distance for enhanced fast response times, while its rubberized grip ensures it won’t slip easily. Its battery life is also decent, with up to 40 hours of juice per charge!
