Exploring the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot: A Game-Changer for Xbox Enthusiasts

In my current controller setup, I’ve impressively settled on a slanted Xbox Design Lab pad and a SCUF controller that I scored a fantastic deal on a few years back. However, there’s usually a new third-party option that captures my attention, often because of a particular feature or two. Entering 2023, it was Thrustmaster’s Forza Horizon 5 controller, and now it’s the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot controller that I’ve been examining in recent weeks.

To start, the build quality of this new Turtle Beach model feels exceptionally solid. It’s something I noticed in a recent headset review late last year – the accessory manufacturer has genuinely enhanced its craftsmanship in this area, which certainly makes me more inclined to use their products going forward. That’s the primary point checked off with the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot.

Next, it’s worth discussing some of the standout features that make this controller genuinely intriguing – especially as a backup controller or just a different option. Most noticeable are the ‘rotating modules’ that allow for entirely different button layouts with just the flick of a switch – you can even swap from a traditional Xbox layout to one that incorporates additional face buttons for a retro-style setup effortlessly, which is a remarkable feature.

For example, if you’re diving into some 2D platforming adventures, why not replace that unnecessary analog stick with two extra face buttons? When engaging in something like a Metroidvania that demands precise platforming mixed with intense combat, this setup becomes increasingly valuable – particularly since those extra buttons are fully remappable according to your preferences. Sure, such controllers are available already – but the fact that the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot offers this as an option alongside more traditional layouts makes it a truly adaptable controller.

Personally, I’m more of an FPS enthusiast, so how does this controller perform with those types of games? Well, you’ll never replicate the accuracy of a mouse & keyboard setup with a gaming controller, but the Stealth Pivot does introduce several features to make your first-person shooting experience a bit smoother.

To begin with, you’ll find two remappable rear buttons that allow for quick inputs without lifting your hands from the sticks – much like the Xbox Elite Controller rear paddles. As is common with the standard Elite controller, this helps you keep track of enemies while executing crucial in-game actions like jumping and sliding, and honestly, I can’t play without these at the moment, especially in competitive scenarios. This is why I’ve relied on a SCUF for so long, and it performs quite well here too.

Another interesting feature I noticed right away is the controller’s ‘plain zones’ – or rather, the absence of them. Upon using this controller and jumping into Call of Duty for the first time, I immediately recognized how responsive the Stealth Pivot’s analog sticks are – and although it takes some getting used to, it genuinely helped me with those finer stick movements. This is something that can probably be adjusted to your liking using the company’s ‘Dangle Control Center 2’ app, in case you want them to feel more like Microsoft’s standard controllers, but you can definitely sense that this Turtle Beach offering has been designed with competitive gaming in mind.

Now that I’ve mentioned the app, let’s touch on customization for a moment. While you can absolutely connect the controller to a companion app for more advanced customization, thankfully that isn’t strictly necessary for standard adjustments. The Stealth Pivot actually features its own small LED display on the front, and functions like mapping additional buttons and selecting different controller profiles are easily achievable directly on the controller itself. This is a handy feature if you want to adjust settings on the fly without delving into the app.

Finally, I must point out that the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot is a wired controller for Xbox, which may be a deal-breaker for some. In situations where I wanted to utilize its modular features or extra buttons, I reckon I could get used to its wired nature.