I never thought wed get a controller like the GameSir Tarantula Pro.

That controller had a traditional PlayStation feel to it with symmetrical thumbsticks and beautifully comfortable, rounded grips.

Moreover, it gave us something no Sony gamepad had previously - room for our pinkies.

An Alpine Green DualShock 4 lying next to a GameSir Tarantula Pro

But GameSir is changing that.

The Tarantula Pro is the DualShock 4 successor we never got from Sony itself.

The Tarantula Pro also gives the DualShock 4s triggers a much-needed growth spurt.

The holographic buttons of the GameSir Tarantula Pro

The face buttons are an act of creative genius.

Visually, theyre so distinct since they dont actually hold any specific symbols on their outside.

At the same time, TMR sensors can communicate inputs at much higher polling rates.

The GameSir Tarantula Pro’s facial components

Gone is the GameSir Nexus app thats been used for all of the brands controllers so far.

This is plenty of customization for a controller that has trigger stops anyway.

Battery life is quoted as an inexact long-lasting.

The back of the GameSir Tarantula Pro

In many ways, the GameSir Tarantula Pro captures a lovely halfway point between them both.

The comfort here feels as good as it did on the DualShock 4, except with added heft.

This small gripe doesnt prevent the Tarantula from feeling like a super-cohesive gamepad in fast-paced games.

The GameSir Tarantula Pro lying above a DualShock 4

I really dowish that GameSir would offer us four back buttons one of these days.

People who prefer this layout want competitive options too, hey.

Running around in Hunt: Showdown, I really felt the difference that TMR modules give.

The GameSir Tarantula Pro on its charging stand

At the same time, sweeping shoulder aim flicks felt robust and controllable thanks to dialed-in thumbstick tension.

I think the increased sensitivity you get from Hall Sensor thumbsticks applies here.

Using the microswitch D-pad, directional inputs were speedy, and using the thumbsticks felt just as accurate.

A close-up of the GameSir Tarantula Pro on its charging stand

Should you buy the GameSir Tarantula Pro?

I can thoroughly recommend the GameSir Tarantula Pro.

Besides a few changes Id make, this is the pro-DualShock 4 Ive always wanted.

GameSir Tarantula Pro…

In that time, Ive used it for all of my gaming on PC.

I also enjoyed playing 1000xResist with the Tarantula in hand.

For more onhow we test controllers, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Prime

On the hunt for your dream controller?

Take a look at thebest PS4 controllers, thebest joysticks, and thebest Nintendo Switch controller.

GameSir Tarantula Pro for…

The GameSir Cyclone 2 with blue and pink RGB lighting on

A Manba One review image showing the controller in its charging stand with its display on

Best PC controller buying guide hero image showing the Victrix Pro BFG controller and its suite of components

The Scuf Valor Pro leaning against a stand

GameSir G8 Galileo close up

DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink

The new Invincible Mario Turtle Beach Rematch controller design

The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro being held by a reviewer

Hand holding Retro-bit Sega Saturn Pro controller with TV in backdrop with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gameplay on screen.

Call of Duty content creator NoisyButters holding cat and Scuf Valor Pro controller with PC setup in backdrop

A Razer Wolverine V3 TE review image showing the white controller leaning on a stand

Articulate! box, board, tokens, and timer on a wooden table, against a black background

The Logitech Z407 speaker and control puck

2025 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop on a wooden desk

Logan Kim as Hershel and Lauren Cohan as Maggie in The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2

King of Tokyo components, box, and cards on a wooden table against a black background

The cast of Thunderbolts standing in an elevator during the trailer for the upcoming Marvel Phase 5 movie.

Articulate box, cards, board, and tokens on a wooden table