SteelSeries introduces Stratus+ Android gaming controller
The controller is touted to bring a "full console experience" to handheld Android gaming.
- SteelSeries announced the Stratus+ controller on Tuesday.
- This controller features Bluetooth LE support, as well as improved thumbsticks, triggers and a 90-hour battery life.
- The SteelSeries Stratus+ is currently available for $60.
A new Android gaming controller is on the way, with SteelSeries introducing the Stratus+ controller on Tuesday. The controller is available now, though it may take a while for it to show up across various retailers.
The SteelSeries Stratus+ is billed as the ultimate "full console experience" while playing on a mobile device. As the successor to the Stratus Duo, the Stratus+ features a variety of improvements, such as an included phone mount that's designed to adjust and fit any Android phone. The SteelSeries Stratus+ also features Bluetooth LE support, meaning it works with Chromebooks and mobile Android devices alike.
If the inability to last a long time is a problem impeding your performance, the Stratus+ has you covered there as well. SteelSeries claims that the internal lithium-ion battery lasts for 90 hours, while also claiming that it'll play for 12 hours on a 15-minute charge.
Not all of the best Android games support controllers (looking at you, Genshin Impact) but for those that do, the Stratus+ features ALPS analog thumbsticks, with greater precision than prior SteelSeries Android gaming controllers. These thumbsticks also feature clickable L3/R3 buttons for extra input options. The triggers have also been redesigned, now using magnetic sensors for a smoother overall experience.
Last but not least, the Stratus+ is certified to work with GeForce NOW, NVIDIA's streaming service. GeForce NOW has a variety of tiers, with the highest tiers allowing players to enjoy high-end PC gaming on the go. Instead of pulling from a library of games, GeForce NOW allows users to play the games they already own, without having to buy expensive hardware to natively run the games.
The Stratus+ is currently available directly from SteelSeries for $59.99. Depending on how it holds up after long periods of use, the SteelSeries Stratus+ might even join the ranks of the best Android gaming controllers currently available.
The SteelSeries Stratus+ is a great new Android gaming controller for anyone looking to up their game without breaking the bank.
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Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on PlayStation on Android Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert