Genki launched the Manta, its first controller designed entirely in-house, through a Kickstarter campaign. The device distinguishes itself through an unconventional layout with thumbsticks and buttons positioned above a 2.9-inch LCD display. Early backers can secure the controller at a discounted price of $189, with standard retail pricing set at $279. The company has established credibility through eight previous crowdfunded releases, providing backers with a track record of successful product delivery.
The controller’s primary differentiator lies in its customization capabilities, powered by an integrated Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller. Users can establish and alternate between multiple profiles tailored to different consoles, games, and individual users. The system allows adjustment of thumbstick responsiveness, dead zones, and haptic intensity levels. Button remapping functionality enables users to create custom macros by recording, editing, and combining multiple button inputs. The device also features analog face buttons where users can calibrate the activation threshold for each button independently.
The Manta incorporates several advanced technical features, including a distinctive “tristage trigger” system offering three switchable modes—two conventional options plus a middle setting designed for rapid repeated presses. The controller employs linear magnetic ram motors for directed haptic feedback and drift-resistant thumbsticks using tunneling magnetoresistance technology with adjustable tension. A 2,600mAh user-replaceable battery powers the device, while six additional remappable buttons are positioned on the back and shoulders.
Connectivity options include wireless Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle for reduced latency, and direct USB-C connection to gaming consoles. The controller includes a dedicated mode for keyboard and mouse functionality, allowing users to navigate browsers without switching devices. Similar controllers with integrated screens exist in the market through manufacturers like Anbernic, though the Manta emphasizes greater customization depth through its dedicated processing hardware.
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