Gaming accessories maker PDP has released its newest range of products that aims to blur the line between collectibles and gaming peripherals. Featuring mini figurines of iconic characters in its casing, the REALMz controller literally puts the “realm” of Sonic the Hedgehog in the palm of your hand.
I had the opportunity to try out the new Sonic Green Hill Zone REALMz Wired Controller for the Nintendo Switch. The officially licensed controller has a figurine of Sonic floating in its transparent shell, making it a nostalgia-inducing eye-catcher. But is it more than a display piece for Sonic fans?
Your Favorite Sonic Characters in the Palm of Your Hand
The Green Hill Zone REALMz controller is stylish, to say the least. Inside the shadowbox-style casing lies a multi-layered Sonic-themed backdrop. A cutout showing the legendary level from the games covers the internal circuitry behind the buttons with its lush green scenery and gushing waterfalls.
A jumping Chopper, the piranha-esque mechanical fish lurking in the waters of Green Hill, adorns the right grip. Vibrant-colored red and blue buttons complete the Sonic-themed look.
The centerpiece of the REALMz controller is, undoubtedly, the mini 3D figurine of Sonic himself floating inside the left grip. Even though it is marketed as being a “collectible figurine,” there doesn’t seem to be a way to safely open the controller and take Sonic out to display him proudly on your shelf.
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Instead, the whole controller is a collectible. PDP’s REALMz product line includes three styles. Tails and Knuckles complete the collection with their own controllers featuring encased figurines of the respective characters. A Sonic-themed headset rounds off the set.
It’s a truly unique design that should excite young Sonic fans and evoke a burst of nostalgia in less-young Sonic fans. The look was clearly the team’s priority when creating the REALMz controller. Its official description reads:
REALMz takes the worlds of your favorite games and transports them into a controller or headset. You can collect, display, and play with these eye-catching gaming accessories, and explore the stories built inside each one.
This controller is intended to be collected and displayed first and foremost, whereas “play[ed] with” is listed last. So, is this controller more than just a pretty display piece that actually holds up when you take it for a spin on the Switch?
How Does the REALMz Controller Feel and Play?
The REALMz controller is basic but functional. It has an ergonomic shape, which makes it comfortable to hold while playing, even during longer gaming sessions. One of the first things I noticed when holding the controller was its weight – or lack thereof. It is extremely light, which makes it feel rather cheap and plasticky.
A bit more weight could have potentially helped make it feel more robust and premium. It also rattles when you shake it, adding to its feeble feel. The low weight and relatively small casing, however, make it perfectly suitable for kids.
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The buttons are easy to press and don’t stick. Children, as well as players with larger hands, might enjoy that the ABXY buttons are quite large compared to the Joy-Cons.
Unfortunately, they also feel somewhat cheap, though, as each press of a button and moving the thumb sticks makes a rather loud clicky sound. When playing without headphones and at a lower volume, this can even become quite irritating while playing.
As for the layout, all the buttons you know from the regular Joy-Con controllers are present, with one “function” button added in the center. The REALMz controller, however, does not have a gyro for motion control or a rumble. This is disappointing for players who like using those features.
An LED Backlight Adds to the REALMz Controller’s Stylish Look
As an extra gimmick, the REALMz controller has a stylish backlight. Featuring LEDs inside the controller and various lighting modes, you can illuminate Sonic in the dark. By pressing the “function” button and ABXY, you can turn it on/off, switch between modes, and dim the light. The LEDs can glow steadily, keep flashing, or blink every time you press a button while playing.
This makes for a fun and stylish gimmick, but probably more so for others watching you play, as your eyes are usually peeled to the screen and not the controller while playing.
The REALMz controller is equipped with a standard 3.5 mm stereo headset jack for in-game audio and USB-chat in compatible games. The volume can easily be adjusted using the patented audio controls on the D-pad.
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Setting the controller up is very straightforward. For the REALMz wired controller, a Sonic-blue 8ft (2.5 m) cable is enclosed in the box, so you can start playing straight away. It’s a USB-A to USB-C cable, which means, you can only connect the controller to the Nintendo Switch when it is docked and connected to a TV, as only the dock has a USB-A outlet.
I wasn’t able to try this myself, but a USB-C to USB-A adapter could do the trick and allow you to connect the cable to your console when it’s in handheld mode as well. Note that the REALMz line includes both wired and wireless controllers, so if you prefer to play handheld, the wireless option might be more suitable.
Once connected, the Switch will automatically detect it as a pro controller, and you’re ready to go. With the wired controller, the input worked smoothly and with zero lag. So, it was able to easily keep up with the fast-paced Sonic games.
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I got used to the feel of the controller and its buttons while playing quickly. It’s comfortable to hold over a longer period. However, once I switched back to the Nintendo Joy-Con Grip, I appreciated its more premium and sturdy feel and smoother buttons.
The REALMz controller is an eye-catcher with heart and a generous dose of nostalgia. It can seamlessly transition from being on display on your shelf to being used as a controller to jump into the world of Sonic (and other Nintendo Switch games) on screen.
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While Sonic fans and collectors will enjoy its unique design and collectible figurine, I would not recommend the REALMz controller as a replacement for your Joy-Con Grip or Nintendo Pro Controller. Players might lament its overall plasticky feel, especially considering the controller’s price point at $39.99 for the wired and $59.99 for the wireless option.
However, if you are a Sonic fan, this controller will make a gorgeous display piece that can also be used as an additional controller for your next local multiplayer game session with your friends. It is also very suitable for kids, who will surely enjoy its vibrant colors and charming design.
6/10
The Nintendo Switch Sonic Green Hill Zone REALMz Wired Controller was provided to FandomWire for review by Heaven Media.
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