At the same time, its design gets in the way of it being a truly viable gaming controller.
For some, this might be the hand-crafted crown jewel of their hardware collection.
For others, there are much more functional options for less money.
One look at it will immediately make that clear.
So if it isnt making a play for the top of ourbest PC controller list, whats the point?
Well, lets ignore the fact that not everyone needs the latest and swankiest pro controller.
The PB Tails Crush Defender is a landmark gamepad that signals a turning point for this fabled gaming peripheral.
This is a controller thats earned a place in museums of the future for that alone.
Its rusted, metallic design seems self-aware of that, like its playing into its antique appeal.
For $109.99 / 92, it costs more than some pro controllers, though.
So what are you looking for?
The controller has a metal body thats hand-finished with tiny dents, scratches, and its own unique deformities.
On another note, the shape of this controller is also distinctive.
The shape of the Defender was inspired by, of all things, a car.
The Porche 550 Spyder is known for its elegant curves and smooth metalwork.
Its headlights are these perfect circles that look almost out of place on such a non-formulaic body.
Each push and pull sends a deep, reverberating rumble through your hands.
The Crush Defender held its own when playing Celeste.
The hefty weight and excellent feel of the pad gave each jump and dash so much power.
The triggers are perhaps the part of the Defender that benefits the most from the metal design.
They clack down with authority and remain cool to the touch no matter the intensity of your session.
Unfortunately, these also experience drawbacks too.
The back of the controller has a superb shape to it.
So much of the time grips on a controller end as soon as you get to ones spine.
It also works with Windows, SteamOS, Apple, Android, and the Rasberry Pi.
Theres an 860mAh battery inside too, which supplies around 8-10 hours of wireless life.
Of course, the main selling point here is the TMR technology in the thumbstick modules.
Theyre also faster, reporting their positions at up to 20,000Hz.
Its not an easy process, one not something PB Tails accounts for in its instruction leaflet.
On the whole, rumble and feedback here make theTurtle Beach Stealth Ultrafeel like a Hasbro toy.
Great feel is hamstrung by a lack of responsiveness though.
Its not like what PB Tails has built is unusable though, and I want to make that clear.
Besides the aforementioned thumb slips, the Crush Defender held its own when playing Celeste.
It also cant be denied just how comfortable a controller this is.
I did notice that recording footage for videos felt great with the Defender.
On that note, in FPS games that didnt require too much precision, the Defender worked great.
Should you buy the PB Tails Crush Defender?
One of my favorite controllers of all time is the DualShock 4 - even to this day.
It doesnt have pro features, back buttons, or really much that stands up to thebest PS5 controllerstoday.
The PB Tails Crush Defender feels like a progression of that jot down of gamepad.
For some, I bet squeaky triggers will be a step too far.
Again, let me ask you what youre looking for in a controller.
Ive had a great time testing it with slower, more cinematic games like Indika and Pools.
In slower single-player FPS games, it wasnt unusable.
I compared the Defenders speed with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro because I tested both controllers alongside one another.
For more onhow we test controllers, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Theres more where that came from!
Take a look at thebest joysticks, thebest Xbox Series X controllers, and thebest racing wheels for PC.
