Turtle beach lights up switch controllers with rosalina & koopa troop flair
Turtle Beach is injecting some vibrant personality into the Nintendo Switch gaming experience with a pair of new, backlit controllers and a matching travel case. Forget subtle; these accessories scream playful nostalgia, particularly the Rosalina-themed controller, a welcome addition for fans of the Super Mario Galaxy era.
Cosmic glow and koopa chaos
The new Rematch RGB Wireless Gaming Controller line features a Rosalina design that harkens back to her debut in Super Mario Galaxy. The controller’s backdrop showcases a light blue and white gradient punctuated by twinkling blue and yellow stars, with a distinct silhouette of her iconic space palace. When the backlight is activated, these elements really pop, creating a striking visual effect reminiscent of the Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave’s patterned RGB lighting.
Alongside Rosalina, Turtle Beach is unleashing the “Koopa Troop” controller, depicting Bowser and his minions in a spirited chase after Mario against a silver backdrop. The 70s-inspired gradient stripes add a touch of retro charm, while the backlight illuminates the characters, bringing the scene to life. Both controllers offer a solid set of features, including drift-resistant TMR sticks, motion controls, and all the standard buttons you’d expect from a Switch controller.
However, there’s a caveat. These aren't direct replacements for the official Switch Pro controller. Notably absent are rumble functionality and the ability to wake the console, a limitation Turtle Beach claims results in a battery life of up to 40 hours and a reliable Bluetooth connection up to 30 feet away. Still, they should feel familiar to those accustomed to the Afterglow Wave, making them viable second-player options.
A stylish stowaway: the koopa troop playtrek case
The accompanying “Koopa Troop” PlayTrek travel case mirrors the controller's artwork, featuring hand-drawn 2D graphics of Bowser’s gang. While the case itself adheres to the standard Switch travel case design—complete with a compartment for the console, elastic loops for game cartridges, and a zippered accessory pocket—it boasts a subtle surprise: glow-in-the-dark ink outlining the characters, visible when the lights are dimmed. It’s a nice touch that elevates the case beyond the ordinary.
The Rosalina and Koopa Troop Rematch controllers will be available for preorder starting May 4th, priced at $64.99 each. The Koopa Troop PlayTrek case arrives on June 14th with a price tag of $29.99. While the lack of rumble might disappoint some, these controllers offer a distinctive aesthetic and solid performance—a worthwhile upgrade for Switch owners seeking a splash of personality in their gaming setup.