Performance

For performance testing, I have mostly been using the Cooler Master Storm Controller paired up with my PC which is where I do most of my gaming. I did test it out connected to my phone as well but most phone games that I play aren’t controller compatible. That said the Storm Controller paired up with the optional cradle did a great job of holding my larger phone which would be great for any controller-compatible phone games. You can even keep it connected to multiple devices and switch between devices using the controller itself. Connecting to my PC was simple, opening up the Bluetooth control and searching for the device after holding the Bluetooth button to put the controller in sync mode. Windows picked it up as soon as it connected and by default, the controller shows up and works as an Xbox controller. That is because it runs in xinput mode but the Storm Controller can also be switched over to dinput mode as well. That is the DirectInput API which is an older controller API for Windows going all the way back to Windows 95, so the Storm Controller can work with newer games as well as older games once you know how to switch between the two modes.

Functionally the Storm Controller is basically an Xbox controller which should make it easy to pick up and use for most people. That and because of xinput it also “just works” in most games as well. To test it out I put it to use in Microsoft Flight Sim which is by far the game I use the most that benefits from having a controller. I did go beyond that and put it to use in F.I.S.T. to check it out in a side scroller, PAC-MAN 256 for something completely different, and also in Lawn Mowing Simulator. In all of the games the Storm Controller was picked up without any trouble and the controls worked perfectly. The analog sticks are cupped at the top with a texture around the outer edge that gives a good grip and with them being a standard height they didn’t feel any different than a standard Xbox controller. The direction pad worked well, I will always prefer an old school Nintendo cross style but because of Nintendo’s patent on that shape, the rounded shape still works well and does make it easier when doing angled directions. With Cooler Master being so involved with mice I thought that the purple control buttons would have a shorter throw clicky mouse switch to them but they do not, they have a traditional contact pad and rubber behind them for that longer throw. All of the menu buttons in the middle have that same feel as well including the Cooler Master logo-shaped button in the middle. Then for the triggers on the shoulders. The bottom triggers have analog movement and a long throw just like on an Xbox controller. The top shoulder triggers on the other hand have a firmer mouse click button behind them.

Being a Bluetooth device the wireless range has been great, I wasn’t able to get far enough away to cause any problems without also being far beyond what I could see. The Storm Controller also benefits in that it is both a wired and wireless controller with its Type-C connection. You can use this to connect as a wired controller to a PC or just to charge the controller. You of course do have 40 hours of battery life before you need to worry about plugging it in, which is in line with the battery life of an old Xbox 360 controller with its AA batteries, and is 10 hours past what the Xbox Series X controller. My only complaint here is that because the three small pinhole LEDs on the controller also have other functions I haven’t found it to be very easy to get an idea of the controller's current battery life. A more standard 4 LED layout or using colors would be easier. Thankfully even if it surprises you and dies you can plug it in and keep using it if you are using it with a PC using the included cable. It wasn’t long enough o reach across the room but is more than enough if you are at a desk which for me is where I would be using the Storm Controller anyhow.