Turtle beach levels up switch controllers with cosmic & koopa flair
Turtle Beach is injecting some much-needed personality into the Nintendo Switch accessory landscape, unveiling a pair of new, glow-in-the-dark controllers and a travel case that’ll have collectors reaching for their wallets. Forget understated elegance; these are statement pieces designed to stand out in a sea of generic peripherals.
Rosalina and bowser: a backlit blast from the past
The star of the show, quite literally, is the Rosalina-themed Rematch RGB Wireless Gaming Controller. Forget sterile, modern renderings; Turtle Beach has opted for a faithful recreation of the character’s appearance from Super Mario Galaxy, complete with a backdrop of twinkling stars and a subtle silhouette of her iconic space palace. But it's the backlight that elevates the design. The stars and the castle architecture now shimmer with a soft glow, creating a genuinely captivating visual effect – remarkably similar to the Technology employed in Turtle Beach's Afterglow Wave series.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Koopa Troop controller depicts Bowser and his minions pursuing Mario against a sleek silver background, accented by a retro-inspired gradient. The backlit characters bring this scene to life, adding a dynamic element that’s surprisingly effective. While these controllers don’t offer rumble functionality or the ability to wake the Switch, they deliver up to 40 hours of battery life and reliable Bluetooth connectivity from up to 30 feet – solid choices for a second player.
Playtrek case: glow-in-the-dark charm
The accompanying Koopa Troop PlayTrek travel case mirrors the controller's artwork, featuring hand-drawn 2D visuals that glow in the dark. While the case itself follows a familiar design—offering a compartment for the Switch, cartridge storage, and accessory pockets—the subtle glow-in-the-dark ink detailing adds a playful touch. It’s a functional accessory, certainly, but one that avoids the pitfalls of blandness.
Priced at $64.99 for the controllers and $29.99 for the case, these new offerings represent a shrewd move by Turtle Beach. They aren't aiming to replace the Switch Pro Controller, but rather to carve out a niche for themselves with visually striking accessories that appeal to collectors and fans of Nintendo's classic characters. The pre-order window is now open, with the Rosalina and Koopa Troop controllers arriving on May 4th and the PlayTrek case following on June 14th. Whether you’re a seasoned Nintendo enthusiast or simply looking to add a bit of flair to your gaming setup, Turtle Beach’s latest creations are certainly worth a closer look. The question isn't whether these controllers are essential, but whether you can resist the allure of a glowing Rosalina in your hands.