Turtle Beach is best known for its gaming headsets. However, it just launched the Recon controller for the Xbox Series X / S and Xbox One. The $59.99 wired model is available in white or black and doesn't feel any different to Microsofts wireless controller. It doesn't make much design changes, but it is still very successful. I'll be back shortly to discuss all of this. However, I would like to concentrate on the Recons's most important feature: customization.The Recon's 3.5mm headphone socket can be used to plug headphones in to make changes to your chat audio and game. There are four presets of equalizer presets to choose from, which can focus more on bass or treble. Mic monitoring can be adjusted and headphones can let more of your voice through if they have a microphone. Or you can mut the mic completely.Turtle Beach Recon Controller Verge Score 8 Out of 10 Good Stuff. This headset features are comparable to wired headphones that have a microphone.ComfortableSolid build quality.It's not the most elegant-looking controller. Buy it for $59.95 at Best Buy or for $59.99 on AmazonYou can also adjust the chat volume and game audio separately with the Recon. There are two rockers available, one for each side. The chat mix function is only available on Xbox consoles and not on PCs. Turtle Beach has even added a Superhuman Hearing button to its headset line. This feature emphasizes key sounds such as footsteps and doors opening. It may also help you identify the competitor.The Recon adds essential headset features to a controller. This lowers the barrier to entry for the number of accessories you require. This is great, but it will take patience and practice to master the complicated button layouts that enable these features and others. You will need to make sure you have the instructions manual at your fingertips. Everything works as it should.The buttons allow you to adjust the sound and other controls. You can map any function of the controller, except analog stick movement, to the Recon. Pro-Aim is the last feature. It allows you to toggle between four levels in slowed down sensitivity for your right-hand stick. After activating the setting, toggle through the options and select the desired level of sensitivity. Holding down the rear right macro button will slow down the sticks' movement speed, which can make it easier to align your shots. Although it works great, the program is limited to the right rear button. If you have assigned a custom function to another button, it will overwrite it.The Recon is similar to the Microsoft Xbox Controller that was introduced alongside the Xbox Series X / S consoles. The wired version comes with rubber-coated grips and the shoulder buttons are covered in tiny raised dots to make them more slippery. These are also available on the Microsofts controller, though they have a smaller area. Turtle Beach comes with a 10-foot braided cable that should work well in most entertainment centers.Recon controllers are similar to Microsoft's new controller in that they require the same amount of force to push triggers and buttons. Recons sticks require more force to click in. If you still use the Xbox One's older wireless controller, the eight-way dpad will be a huge improvement. If you have the new Microsoft controller, you won't notice any difference.Last note: This controller supports rumble on Xbox consoles but PC support is limited. While the Recon worked well on my PC with Streets of Rage 4 and Death Stranding, other titles I tried did not provide any rumble feedback.The Recon controller won't work if you have a wireless controller already and a wireless headset you like. The Recon controller is for those who already have a pair of headphones they love and wish to expand its capabilities without spending too much. I'm still happy that Turtle Beach has included the customization features in a $59.99 controller, despite its less than perfect execution.Cameron Faulkner Photography / The Verge
