GuliKit Elves 2 Review
Summary: The GuliKit Elves 2 is 100% affordable play with these tiny controllers perfect for kids!
3.5
Affordable play
The GuliKit Elves 2 is a new wireless controller that pairs classic design with modern features at a lower price point for gamers. At just $29.99 / £29.99, it’s a more budget-friendly version of the Elves 2 Pro, pulling its design inspiration from controllers like the Sega Genesis while still working with today’s many gaming platforms. However one of the most notable aspects of the Elves 2 is that it is Nintendo Switch 2 compatible and is the first third-party controller that can wake the console from sleep mode. With a simple press of the Home button, the feature works seamlessly, which gives the controller a major advantage in a very competitive market.
Unboxing
In terms of design, the Elves 2 looks a lot like the Pro, taking cues from the Sega Saturn. It’s a bit lighter than the Pro, which makes it feel a little less solid, but it’s still comfortable and stylish. It comes in a translucent black that’s sleek but a magnet for dust, and a coral red that, while bold, doesn’t quite have the polished “Retro” look of the Pro’s finish.
To keep the cost down, GuliKit did have to leave out some of the bells and whistles. The Elves 2 doesn’t have the advanced haptics found in the Pro model, offering three levels of standard rumble instead of the more sophisticated “HD Rumble” and “Super Haptic” modes. You also lose out on deeper customization like button remapping, stick sensitivity tuning and macro recording but it is also half the price of the Pro. While these omissions might be disappointing for serious gamers, the essential features are still there.
You still get the much-loved Hall Effect analog sticks, which are smooth, won’t drift and have replaceable caps for longevity. The controller also has a Turbo mode, a capture button, gyro support and a battery that lasts up to 20 hours on a two-hour charge which is impressive. The controller supports a wide range of platforms, including the aforementioned Switch 2, the original Switch, Windows, iOS and Android. It offers a low latency connection, whether you use a wired connection with a 1000Hz polling rate or a wireless Bluetooth connection at 730Hz.
I tested the controllers with Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, Street Fighter and also Wild Hearts S on the Switch and all these games performed exceptionally well with the controller. The only downside is that if you have larger hands, you will struggle with the controller because it’s very small. Kids on the other hand won’t have any issues and more importantly, is a great cost saving for a spare controller. On a downside, it’s not as well built as the Pro, the case is a little cheap and there is no USB-C cable.
GuliKit Elves vs Elves Pro 2
Final Thoughts?
In the end, the Elves 2 is a solid controller with a standout feature: it can natively wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode. If that’s the main feature you’re looking for, it’s a smart purchase. However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more, the Elves 2 Pro offers a more comprehensive and customizable experience that is hard to beat.
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