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After the eSwap X Pro Controller, Thrustmaster is rolling out its joystick concept with interchangeable sticks and crosses for the second time on PC and Xbox. Here comes the eSwap S, more compact and less expensive.
Thrustmaster eSwap S Pro Controller
Introductory price €129.99
Thrustmaster’s family of modular eSwap controllers is growing. A year and a half after its first certified Xbox device, the eSwap X Pro Controller, the company is preparing to launch a slight variation of the latter, the eSwap S Pro Controller.
Always designed to work on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, the eSwap S of course retains the emblematic characteristic of its line: sticks and a cross on the front mounted on removable and interchangeable modules. In particular, this allows the user to opt for a configuration with symmetrical or staggered sticks, which can be modified as desired.
But the new born is distinguished from its predecessor by its new ergonomic design: its slightly more compact dimensions should give it a slightly more universal grip. The approach is on paper rather relevant – we had precisely criticized the eSwap X for being a bit excessively overweight during its test. However, it comes with a small counterpart: the eSwap S is thus only equipped with two back buttons, instead of four for its big sister.
A focus on longevity
The eSwap S is also equipped with a stick “new generation“, whose manufacturer praises the precision and longevity. He thus evokes a lifespan of 2 million rotations – and does not hesitate to point out that even if a problem were to arise prematurely, the modular design would at least make it possible to replace very easily the stick alone, rather than the whole controller. At a time when the problems of stick drift have tarnished the reputation of many controllers, the argument is not insane.
As for the buttons, the choice was made to use very short-stroke switches (0.45 mm for the directional cross, 0.3 mm for the ABXY buttons) in order to optimize the responsiveness of the controls. The manufacturer evokes this time a longevity of 5 million activations. Finally, with regard to the triggers, like any “pro” controller worthy of the name, the eSwap S makes it possible to shorten their stroke in order to accelerate repeated presses, which can prove useful in shooting games in particular.
The controller works in tandem with the ThrusmasterX app, available on Windows 10 and 11 as well as Xbox One and Series X/S. It offers all the usual customization options: reassignment of buttons (including backbones), customization of dead zones and stick response curves, vibration power, etc.
Finally, note that as often with third-party controllers, the eSwap S only has wired connectivity, USB-C. The manufacturer is playing the latency optimization card to justify itself; a somewhat fallacious pretext, since the wireless communication protocols of current consoles are extremely fast. It’s even one of the features touted by Microsoft about the Xbox Series X and S.
The Thrustmaster eSwap S Pro Controller is available for pre-order now, with first deliveries expected from April 28, 2022, at an indicative price of €129.99.