GameSir Nova Lite controller review

Our VerdictThis controller is a surprise in the best possible way. While you may be willing to stomach a litany of downsides to get something this cheap, the GameSir Nova Lite somehow manages to avoid almost all of them.

Our Verdict

This controller is a surprise in the best possible way. While you may be willing to stomach a litany of downsides to get something this cheap, the GameSir Nova Lite somehow manages to avoid almost all of them.

ForBudget priceVery lightGreat connectivityAgainstNot super sturdyBattery is just okayNo audio jack

ForBudget priceVery lightGreat connectivity

AgainstNot super sturdyBattery is just okayNo audio jack

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GameSir Nova Lite Wireless…

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GameSir Nova Lite Gaming…

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$25

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The budget controller category is often a huge gamble. When you’re spending so little for a piece of tech, you can afford to get something that is… okay, I guess. If buying on a budget is a game of risk/reward, GameSir’s Nova Lite is what it’s like to hit the jackpot.

Though noticeably cheap in some areas, the Nova Lite performs well above others at the same price point with only a few small drawbacks.

Starting at one downside you might notice right away, this controller does not have a 3.5mm jack. Unless you have a standalone headset that plugs directly into your device, you will unfortunately be locked to having to communicate purely in well-timed emotes in multiplayer games. Most of thebest gaming headsetsright now plug in via USB or Bluetooth but this is still a downside worth considering if you are thinking of making the modest investment of just$25.

As well as coming with a dongle for 2.4 GHz low latency play, the Nova Lite has Bluetooth capabilities and can be plugged in with a USB-C at the top, though it doesn’t come with a cable. I think the assumption here is that people will have their own, but this is a noteworthy exclusion for some. At the very least if you aren’t a tech hoarder like myself with a jumble of random cables stuffed into a bag. Interestingly, holding the home button and one of the A,B,X,Y buttons produces a different colour at the top of the remote to signify the type of connection. This means that, if you have the Bluetooth mode connected to your phone, and the 2.4GHz mode connected to your laptop, it can swap between them in just a few seconds. You can connect to iOS, Windows, Steam Deck, Android, and Switch easily.

Nova Lite specsCompatibility:Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-CConnectivity:PC, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOSPorts:USB-CThumbstick layout:AsymmetricWeight:309 gramsPrice:$25/£30

Nova Lite specs

Compatibility:Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-CConnectivity:PC, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOSPorts:USB-CThumbstick layout:AsymmetricWeight:309 gramsPrice:$25/£30

Changing connection is all surprisingly intuitive once you’ve gotten used to it, making it an excellent controller to take on the go. In service of this, it’s also super light and easy to simply throw (or gently place) into your bag before leaving. The only thing that makes me less inclined to literally throw it into the bag is its build quality.

The Nova Pro doesn’t creak under pressure or bend in any way, but that low weight comes at the cost of it feeling a bit breakable. This is a very understandable decision but not the best choice if you can’t resist chucking your controller right into Malenia, Blade of Miquella’s, stupid face after your 15th loss. Sorry Malenia.

Indicative of the price and selling point, the Nova Lite is a very understated controller, coming in a simple cardboard box with a small plastic shell for the controller. There are two central colours you can pick, all-black or white with orange accents. Both look clean and simple yet catch the eye in their own way. They look good on a shelf. The controller’s shell helps keep it free from dust and offers a nice way to package up your controller when you’re done, but I wouldn’t quite call it protective.

Image1of5(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

Image1of5

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk

The GameSir Nova Lite is a very competent controller with asymmetricalHall Effectsticks, ensuring no stick drift. They feel consistently great. The buttons provide a satisfying click on each hit which feels nice under the fingers without distracting. Though the bumper buttons aren’t quite as big as those found in Sony’s DualSense or as indented as Microsoft’s Xbox Core controller, which makes them feel a little small and unpronounced in my—admittedly rather large—hands. This is something you eventually get used to, rather than something you play in spite of, but you are noticeably not quite getting the professional feel of the big boys here.

The D-Pad isn’t as refined as I might like. It’s just serviceable for fighters and platformers.

Image1of2(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

Image1of2

(Image credit: Future)(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

Two GameSir Nova Lite controllers on a desk

Buy if…✅ You’re on a budget:One of the Nova Lite’s central selling points is its excellent price. If you are willing to spend a good bit more, you can get a nicer controller that offers some extra features but you’re unlikely to get a better value choice in the market.✅ You want to play on multiple devices:This controller has built-in functions for quickly swapping from one device to another. It even outclasses much more expensive controllers in just how easy it is to connect to multiple devices in seconds.

Buy if…

✅ You’re on a budget:One of the Nova Lite’s central selling points is its excellent price. If you are willing to spend a good bit more, you can get a nicer controller that offers some extra features but you’re unlikely to get a better value choice in the market.✅ You want to play on multiple devices:This controller has built-in functions for quickly swapping from one device to another. It even outclasses much more expensive controllers in just how easy it is to connect to multiple devices in seconds.

✅ You want to play on multiple devices:This controller has built-in functions for quickly swapping from one device to another. It even outclasses much more expensive controllers in just how easy it is to connect to multiple devices in seconds.

Don’t buy if…❌ You want a heavy, sturdy controller:Though it doesn’t feel easy to break, the Nova lite is very… well light. It doesn’t quite give the same comfort that the hefty feel of an Xbox Core controller does in the hand.❌ You want super strong battery life:At around 10 hours of battery life, the Nova lite won’t go dry too early but alternatives like the 8BitDo Ultimate offer double the battery life and a more convenient charging cradle too.❌ You’re looking for pro features:This controller lacks back paddles, a capture button, and an aux jack, and you certainly notice it quite quickly. The Nova Lite is not a flashy controller but it never really tries to be.

Don’t buy if…

❌ You want a heavy, sturdy controller:Though it doesn’t feel easy to break, the Nova lite is very… well light. It doesn’t quite give the same comfort that the hefty feel of an Xbox Core controller does in the hand.❌ You want super strong battery life:At around 10 hours of battery life, the Nova lite won’t go dry too early but alternatives like the 8BitDo Ultimate offer double the battery life and a more convenient charging cradle too.❌ You’re looking for pro features:This controller lacks back paddles, a capture button, and an aux jack, and you certainly notice it quite quickly. The Nova Lite is not a flashy controller but it never really tries to be.

❌ You want super strong battery life:At around 10 hours of battery life, the Nova lite won’t go dry too early but alternatives like the 8BitDo Ultimate offer double the battery life and a more convenient charging cradle too.

❌ You’re looking for pro features:This controller lacks back paddles, a capture button, and an aux jack, and you certainly notice it quite quickly. The Nova Lite is not a flashy controller but it never really tries to be.

Testing it out onCyberpunk 2077andFallout New Vegas, games that use the triggers and sticks a lot but the D-Pad only occasionally, the Nova Lite performed brilliantly. OnUltros, a recent Metroidvania, it works decently but feels much more satisfying on a more expensive controller. The textured grips on the back help how it feels in the hands and it’s super comfortable.

If you are a fan of features that help in multiplayer play, like paddles on the back and the ability to speak with an aux-based microphone, thePDP Afterglow Wavemay be a better budget choice. However, if you just want a solid controller with an excellent feel, fantastic connectivity options, and an understated aesthetic, this is one of thebest PC controllersout there for its price point.

GameSir Nova Lite: Price Comparison

$24.99$20.34View$24.96View$24.99View$24.99View$25View

$24.99$20.34View

GameSir Nova Lite Wireless…

GeekBuying

$24.99$20.34View

$24.99$20.34

$20.34

$24.96View

GameSir T4 Nova Lite Gaming…

Walmart

$24.96View

$24.96

$24.99View

GameSir Nova Lite Wireless…

Best Buy

$24.99View

$24.99

$24.99View

GameSir Nova Lite Gaming…

Walmart

$24.99View

$24.99

$25View

Gamesir Nova Lite

Amazon

$25View

$25

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

The Verdict80Read our review policyGameSir Nova LiteThis controller is a surprise in the best possible way. While you may be willing to stomach a litany of downsides to get something this cheap, the GameSir Nova Lite somehow manages to avoid almost all of them.

The Verdict

80Read our review policyGameSir Nova LiteThis controller is a surprise in the best possible way. While you may be willing to stomach a litany of downsides to get something this cheap, the GameSir Nova Lite somehow manages to avoid almost all of them.

80Read our review policy

GameSir Nova LiteThis controller is a surprise in the best possible way. While you may be willing to stomach a litany of downsides to get something this cheap, the GameSir Nova Lite somehow manages to avoid almost all of them.

GameSir Nova Lite

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