The PB Tails Crush controller aims to fill two core human needs: one, a single controller for both your Xbox, PC and Switch gaming, and two, doing good gaming and making it look fashion at the same time.
There are a lot of different options among the best Switch controllers on the market, as well as the range of Xbox and PC controllers around, so standing out is vital. I'm primarily a PC gamer, and my favourite controller ever is the GameSir G7, which I reviewed last year.
And while that won't change after my month with the PB Tails Crush, I wouldn't blame anyone for preferring this beautiful controller to anything else on the market.
PB Tails Crush review: Design
Made from a polycarbonate and zinc alloy, the PB Tails feels sturdy and weighty out of the box. It weighs 250 grams, which is a good 30 grams more than the aforementioned GameSir G7, but then this one contains a battery (as it's a wireless one, opposed to the G7), so that's to be expected. The PC/zinc alloy case feels smooth to the touch without fears of it being too slippery. The metal MagCase on the top-spec Porsche-inspired Ghost variant ups the weight to 348 grams, which I think might be pushing it just a bit...
The nicely contoured handles mean the grip is very comfortable, and my relatively small hands have no issues reaching any of the buttons on top, which have all been stylishly designed too. It is ever-so-slightly larger than the GameSir (and the official Xbox controller), but not uncomfortably so.
The RGB lighting is customisable, and with a combination of the 'T' button next to the central power button and other buttons, you can make it look exactly like you want.
There are four colour options available, I received the Ruby variant, but there are China White, Azurite (blue) and Ghost (silver) options available too. The magnetic faceplate can be swapped out too, so buying one colour doesn't mean you'll be stuck with that forever if you want to change things up.
PB Tails Crush review: Features and performance
On board the PB Tails you'll get magnetic Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, with a 6-axis gyro, and 256 colours of RGB customisation. The Bluetooth function supports up to a 125Hz polling rate, while connecting the USB-C cable ups that to an impressive 500Hz. 125Hz does the job for most games, in terms of keeping the response fairly seamless, but it's noticeably more impressive when plugged in via cable.
As primarily a PC gamer, the Switch layout of the buttons confused me a little bit at first, but I soon recalibrated my brain to adjust to that, and the function buttons in the centre were relatively easy for me to get my head around.
I found the responsiveness and gaming experience mostly excellent, be it in sports, racing games or RPGs, with no noticeable drift (thanks to the 6-axis gyro sticks) and highly reactive triggers. I personally would have liked more texture for ultimate trigger and joystick grip, but that's a subjective opinion, I admit.
There were no back buttons on my unit, while those are apparently available on the more premium (and more expensive) Ghost variant. I have grown to like these for macro commands or additional programmed functions, especially when racing, where I have been able to use them for setup and pitstop commands. Again, that's a good-to-have function that's not essential to most gamers, but at this price point, they've become more ubiquitous in recent years.
PB Tails Crush review: Price
The PB Tails Crush retails for between $64.99 for the basic China White model to $99.99 for the top-spec Ghost one on the official PB Tails site. That said, there are regular discounts on their site, and third-party retailers are likely to include the Crush in seasonal discount events. This is a higher price than for some other leading controllers, including the official Xbox controller and its superior alternative, the GameSir G7, but with the additional design flair, that can be justified.
Should I buy the PB Tails Crush?
If you want to add a bit of style to your gaming, whether it's on Switch, Xbox or PC, the PB Tails Crush is definitely up there with your top options. It's a cool-looking, responsive and high-performing controller (especially in USB-C mode), strong and sturdy, with swappable magnetic faceplates adding to your customisation options, but if you want more textured sticks and triggers, or absolutely need the back buttons (only included here on the top-spec model), you may have to look elsewhere. But if you don't mind those niggles, and you're happy to pay a little extra for that splash of style, the Crush will be an attractive option indeed.
