ManbaOne Review: The perfect Multi-gaming controller?

Multiplatform gaming without constantly switching devices is a dream for many gamers. That’s exactly what the ManbaOne controller promises.

I tested it myself over several weeks and discovered both its strengths and a few things that aren’t quite perfect.

The result is a gamepad that combines ambitious features at a fair price and is surprisingly versatile.

Controller for PC, Switch, Android, and iOS

What sets the ManbaOne apart from many other controllers is its broad compatibility. It works seamlessly on PCs, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, iOS and Android devices, and can be connected either wirelessly via Bluetooth or via USB.

For PC users, a Bluetooth dongle is even included in the scope of delivery, so that the connection works even without integrated Bluetooth.

Furnishings and everyday life

Pairing is quick and easy. Turn on the controller, select the mode, and connect—it usually works right away without any major hurdles.

One minor drawback was that the Bluetooth connection occasionally seemed unstable when I moved further away from the dongle, which was particularly noticeable during longer sessions on the sofa.

Display in the center

The 2-inch LED display in the center of the controller is a truly unique feature. The display can be used to change button assignments, adjust vibration, control the brightness of the LEDs, and set dead zones.

I used this a lot, especially when I switched between different genres and needed a different assignment quickly.

LED lighting

The LED lighting on the sides is attractive to look at and can be customized in terms of color. It creates a certain gaming atmosphere without being distracting.

It looks good in darker rooms, even if it is not as intense as with more expensive RGB controllers.

Vibration and haptics

The vibration of the ManbaOne is differentiated and makes gaming more immersive. You can clearly feel explosions in fast-paced shooters or drifting in racing games. Compared to high-end controllers such as the DualSense or Elite Series 2, the feedback is not quite as finely tuned, but for the price, it feels very solid.

The charging station

I personally find the included charging station very practical. Instead of connecting a cable every time, I simply place the controller in the station when I’m done. It looks neat and keeps the battery well charged.

In my test, the 1800 mAh battery easily lasted through several gaming sessions without me having to worry about charging it in between.

Workmanship and ergonomics

The ManbaOne fits comfortably in your hand and feels sturdy despite its plastic casing. The Hall effect joysticks are designed to prevent drift and are pleasantly precise—I noticed this especially in shooters like Rocket League.

However, the buttons and D-pad feel a little cheaper than on more expensive controllers, which can become somewhat uncomfortable after prolonged use. 

Minor criticisms from everyday life

Although my experience has been mostly positive, there are a few minor points of criticism. In particularly radio-sensitive situations, the Bluetooth connection occasionally dropped out, which was annoying when playing games on the couch.

In addition, some games did not always recognize the back buttons correctly right away, which required a quick readjustment. According to user reports, the stability of the connection can also vary depending on the environment and device.

For the price, the ManbaOne offers an astonishing number of features that are usually only found on more expensive controllers. The display, broad compatibility, vibration, and practical charging station make it an attractive all-rounder.

The workmanship isn’t perfect and the connection can be a little shaky in some situations, but overall, the controller offers a very decent package for gamers who play on multiple platforms and don’t want to constantly buy new hardware.