Our Verdict
Meet the PDP Realmz Minecraft Diamond Print controller, designed with Minecraft enthusiasts in mind; it’s an ideal gift option or personal purchase for devoted fans of the beloved game. While it may not match the level of premium controllers in terms of feel, options, or accuracy, this controller still delivers a solid performance and is only slightly more expensive than more basic alternatives.
- Joyous clear Minecraft design
- Strong construct high quality
- Respectable efficiency
- Affordable worth
- Clear plastic is surprisingly slick to handle.
- The custom-built controller will not be as powerful as standard issue generic controllers?
Novelty controllers for PCs and Xbox have been a staple of innovation, boasting an array of unconventional, fantastical, and unorthodox designs that have captivated gamers over the years. Notwithstanding its lengthy official title, Turtle Seashore’s latest release – the Turtle Seashore/PDP Realmz Wi-fi Controller: Minecraft Diamond Print – is undoubtedly one of our most enjoyable yet.
Turtle Beach, no stranger to designing exceptional PC controllers, brings its expertise to create a premium Minecraft controller with a keen focus on design, making it an ideal gift for the most ardent Minecraft enthusiasts.
Our team of experts dedicates hours to rigorously testing hardware and meticulously reviewing video games and virtual private networks (VPNs). We offer reliable, impartial insights to help you make an informed decision when buying the ideal product. Discover out how we check.
Specs
| Turtle Seashore PDP Realmz specs | |
| 2.4GHz wi-fi, wired | |
| Rechargeable battery | |
| PC and Xbox | |
| Xbox | |
| 175 × 175 × 82 mm (approximately 6.9 × 6.9 × 3.2 inches) | |
| 210g / 0.46lbs | |
| What Steve figure carefully placed within a sturdy case, its delicate LED lights subtly illuminating? |
Options
Outside its elaborate design, the Minecraft Diamond Edition controller resembles a standard Xbox-style controller, yet it boasts a few notable features to set it apart. At the console’s entrance, nestled alongside the standard layout of twin thumbsticks, directional pad, ABXY buttons, Xbox button, and trio of primary face buttons lies a dedicated operate button. When you double tap this button, it automatically mutes the microphone on any headset plugged into the controller’s audio port, allowing for seamless management of your audio settings. Additionally, you can combine this function with other button inputs to execute a variety of custom actions.
For users adjusting their controls with D-pad guidance, the ability to modify the controller’s audio settings is another available option. Adjust the volume by pressing the faucet up or down, or navigate through your game and chat settings by moving it left or right. The Windows system exhibits a seamless integration of features, with the added benefit that audio settings only become accessible once a headset is connected, thus preventing any potential interruptions from the controller when plugged in.
At the back of the controller, two paddles and buttons provide swift access to several expedient functions. The opposing buttons will be reconfigured using PDP’s Management Hub software tool.
The most notable advancement over a standard Xbox Wi-Fi controller is the built-in rechargeable battery, touted by the manufacturer to last up to 40 hours.
Outside of its unique design, the Minecraft Diamond Edition controller lacks additional features that are available on other high-end gaming peripherals. Without getting triggers that unexpectedly shift into a short-throw mode, there aren’t any replaceable components, and the thumbsticks and buttons follow standard designs. There aren’t any Corridor Impact thumbsticks or microswitch buttons among some options. Here’s an improved version: The design sticks to the traditional Xbox controller template, but with some minor tweaks and additions.
Design
While bearing some resemblance to a standard Xbox controller, the Minecraft Diamond Print’s core design and feel are distinctly similar, albeit with slightly widened front palm grips. What truly sets this controller apart is its distinctive appearance.
The transparent casing of your unit allows for a unique perspective on its inner mechanics, permitting an unobstructed view of the iconic Steve figurine within. The small figurine appears suspended within the palm of the controller, its presence enhanced by the subtle glow emanating from the LED lights as they highlight its precise features.
Unique visual flourishes elevate the design, including a striking creeper illustration on the left grip’s floor, subtle mint green accents, and playful patterns adorning the top of the PCB within the controller. The harmonious blend is undeniably delightful.
Although I initially considered the possibility of the Steve dome being removable or detachable, further investigation reveals that this is unfortunately not an option. From a product longevity standpoint, having him in a fixed location is actually a beneficial decision.
The general consensus is that this gaming controller’s exceptional build quality instills an undeniable sense of superiority, despite the slightly kitschy presentation afforded by the plastic wrapping – which, when paired with its seamless responsiveness and robust construction, ultimately yields a cohesive and satisfying user experience. Despite its potential for a high-gloss finish, the plastic is prone to showcasing even minor imperfections like dents and scratches, making them quite noticeable. The textured appearance of this plastic leads me to speculate that it may be more susceptible to cracking than others. While undoubtedly bringing joy to young Minecraft enthusiasts, the device’s tactile experience is crucially enhanced by controllers featuring textured grips or rubberized zones.
Efficiency
The subtle texture and sheen of that component have a negligible effect on the overall performance of the controller, merely enhancing its tactile sensation without compromising functionality. While I initially found the smooth surface unremarkable in terms of its tactile feedback, upon prolonged use with parched hands or those prone to moisture, the sleek design’s grip becomes less assured, leaving me missing the subtle texture of traditional controllers.
Without significant compromise in performance, this controller’s efficiency is comparable to that of a standard Xbox wireless controller. The controller’s buttons and sticks exhibit satisfying responsiveness, allowing for ample control customization through the sticks; however, a standard Xbox wireless controller still offers a marginally smoother experience. This controller’s overall tactile sensation and responsiveness, while decent, fails to convincingly justify its premium status, leaving it feeling merely comparable to budget-friendly options priced around $50.
The gaming experience is uncomplicated and seamless, with no discernible lag whether using the wireless controller or connecting it via USB-C to a PC. The inherent issues with drift on this controller, similar to those experienced with traditional Xbox controllers, are likely to arise from its reliance on standard thumbsticks. Notwithstanding these potential problems, it has proven remarkably stable straight out of the box.
The controller’s battery life proved surprisingly resilient, enduring seven days of casual use without requiring recharging, with its impressive 40-hour lifespan translating to roughly five hours of continuous gaming each day. For enthusiastic gamers, occasional in-game purchases every few weeks are often sufficient.
Software program
A brief overview of PDP’s software for the controller is decent, but could be enhanced with more detail and clarity: The software program from PDP that supports this controller is a solid foundation. A hassle from the start: the programme demands registration on a PDP account before access is granted, while its sluggish loading time only adds frustration. To make matters worse, users must reload the software after installation just to get their controller recognised – all for the sake of forgetting one simple step: plugging it in beforehand.
Loaded with its sleek design and intuitive layout, the app presents itself with impressive clarity from the moment you start using it. I’m delighted by the exact match between the controller’s icon and the Minecraft model, rather than a generic representation.
Players can customise their gaming experience by modifying parameters such as lifeless zone dimensions, reversing thumbstick axes, fine-tuning audio settings, calibrating lifeless zones, adjusting vibration intensity, and remapping controller buttons to suit their individual preferences. One crucial aspect that cannot be modified is the LED lighting.
While the lights cannot be altered, they don’t simply stay on constantly. The lights will initially pulse with an inexperienced hue as the controller searches for a Wi-Fi connection during startup, but will remain inactive while gaming until you manually engage them by pressing a specific button – simply adjusting the thumbstick is insufficient to activate this feature, resulting in a dull white glow. As an additional button is pressed, the sunlight momentarily intensifies before rapidly shifting to a radiant green hue when multiple buttons are activated simultaneously.
While this may seem slightly jarring, observation reveals it’s not particularly perilous, and to be honest, it’s barely perceptible in a well-lit setting. Although the darkness may have been more pronounced in a dimly lit room, I never found it particularly bothersome.
Worth
Is the Turtle Seashore PDP Realmz Wi-fi Controller’s Minecraft Diamond edition truly worth the $5-$10 premium over a standard Xbox controller at $74.99? Despite slight diminutions in certain aspects, you’re essentially receiving top-tier Minecraft design at a premium price, which remains a reasonable value proposition considering the meticulous effort invested in its aesthetic.
Alternate options
Xbox Wi-fi Controller
While at this price point, the clearest most crucial alternative to this Minecraft controller is to simply opt for a vanilla Xbox wireless controller. They are well-crafted, operate consistently, and are truly valuable despite occasional minor issues with stick drift.
Discover the Ultimate Gaming Experience with Our Comprehensive Review of the Xbox Wireless Controller
Verdict
While the Turtle Seashore PDP Realmz Wi-fi Controller may boast a Minecraft Diamond Print design, it’s unlikely to revolutionize the gaming landscape as a premier choice for those seeking exceptional performance and value. Despite any initial reservations, Minecraft enthusiasts will find the design endearing, while the controller’s features and performance prove reliable and well-suited.
You’ll undoubtedly invest more in this design, as the textured controls offer an exceptional experience similar to those found on premium controllers that typically cost around $20 less. Notwithstanding this, the device is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery and Wi-Fi connectivity, features that are typically absent in more affordable options. The performance remains outstanding, particularly when playing Minecraft, ensuring seamless gaming experiences.
If you’re seeking additional ways to control your PC games, consider exploring our top gaming mouse and best gaming keyboard recommendations for our preferred KBM pairings.
