Gulikit Elves 2: A Budget-Friendly Controller with Switch 2 Wake-Up Support

The gaming accessory landscape is constantly evolving, with manufacturers striving to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions for players. In this competitive arena, Gulikit has unveiled its latest offering, the Elves 2 controller. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to its Elves 2 Pro sibling, this wireless gamepad for the Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming Switch 2 aims to strike a balance between functionality and price. Despite shedding some of the advanced customization options found in the Pro model, the Elves 2 distinguishes itself with a highly anticipated feature: integrated wake-up support for the new Switch 2 hardware, marking a notable first for third-party accessories.

A key highlight of the Elves 2 is its groundbreaking wake-up functionality for the Switch 2. After a straightforward pairing process via the console's settings, users can effortlessly awaken their Switch 2 from sleep mode by simply holding down the Home button on the controller. This convenience factor is a significant draw, immediately elevating the Elves 2's appeal above many other controllers currently available.

However, achieving a more accessible price point of $29.99 / £29.99 necessitates certain compromises. Compared to the Elves 2 Pro, the standard Elves 2 features a simplified rumble system, offering only three levels of standard intensity from its dual-rotor vibration motors, a departure from the more sophisticated 'HD Rumble' and 'Super Haptic' modes of its premium counterpart. This reduction in haptic feedback is a noticeable downgrade for those accustomed to the Pro's immersive experience. Furthermore, the Elves 2 foregoes advanced customization options such as button remapping, thumbstick sensitivity adjustments, d-pad directional mode toggling (between 4-way and 8-way), and APG macro recording. While macro recording might not be universally crucial, the absence of button remapping is a considerable drawback for many users who rely on personalized control layouts.

Despite these omissions, the Elves 2 retains essential features that enhance its value. It incorporates Hall Effect analog sticks with replaceable caps, a welcome inclusion given Nintendo's own Joy-Cons still lack this drift-resistant technology. Additional functionalities include a Turbo mode for rapid button input, a dedicated capture button for screenshots and video, and gyro support for motion-controlled gaming. The controller also boasts an impressive 20 hours of playtime on a single two-hour charge, ensuring extended gaming sessions without frequent interruptions.

Visually, the Elves 2 maintains the same design as the Pro model, drawing inspiration from the Sega Saturn's classic aesthetics. It features a traditional 4-button layout, catering to a broad audience, though perhaps disappointing fans of the Saturn's original 6-button configuration. Due to the removal of certain internal components, the Elves 2 is noticeably lighter than the Pro, weighing 170g compared to the Pro's 190g. While it still offers a comfortable grip, some users may perceive a slight reduction in its overall 'solid' feel. Color options include a sleek Translucent Black, which subtly reveals the internal mechanisms, and a Coral Red variant, which leans more towards pink. Unfortunately, like the Pro, the Elves 2 omits NFC and GameChat support, with the latter being a missed opportunity given the inclusion of the Switch 2 wake-up feature.

In conclusion, the Gulikit Elves 2 presents a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers, primarily due to its pioneering wake-up support for the Nintendo Switch 2. While it sacrifices some of the advanced features and nuanced haptic feedback found in the Elves 2 Pro, its core functionalities, including Hall Effect sticks and a decent battery life, offer a solid gaming experience. For players prioritizing the convenience of waking their Switch 2 from sleep mode without investing in a higher-priced controller, the Elves 2 stands as a viable choice. However, those seeking a more feature-rich and customizable experience might find the marginal extra investment in the Elves 2 Pro to be a more worthwhile expenditure.