An unexpected combination of classic motorsport design and gaming grade components, the PB Tails Crush is a peripheral that steers its own path in our review.
Available now from $64.99 and looking to stand out in a crowd that is already awash with Xbox Elite variants, the PB Tails Crush controller is a refreshing option. Parking up on my desktop last week, this handset incorporates pure, uninterrupted lines and a seamless build that unashamedly draws on the Porsche 550 Spyder, and it’s obvious from the outset.
The striking curves and motorsport inspired livery of the Crush series controllers is a joy to unbox. While the first look is all business, there are hints that the controller hidden within is going to be something special. The PB Tails card and the braided cable are two of the only extras included and these thoughtful additions seem obvious after unwrapping the core controller. Even before turning the Crush on, it’s obvious this is a different beat to most of my spare controllers. While the likes of the MOGA and Victrix are great in their own ways, they are all a little plastic fantastic. A smooth polycarbonate shell replaces the sort of coarse plastic, PVC, and rubber that be common on other options, taking the contiguous flow of the traditional XBOX format and teasing it out into a modified form. The curved corners of the handheld and RGB strip along the bottom give the Crush a slightly bulbous look that apes the front of the Porsche classic, while the livery around the analog sticks and the action buttons are akin to interior trim. Even the top trigger buttons have a smaller silhouette than most controllers, peaking up out of the controller like the headlights of the Spyder.
Form and Function
All that accommodation to form does mean some change from the norm. The overall proportions are consistent with other controllers, but the curved edges and rounded tops shave a little flat face from the front and back of the controller. This makes it feel smaller than some other options. That said, I do appreciate the way the B button leans into the curved right edge to accommodate for he lack of space. It’s obviously something the team at PB Tails has taken into account when building this controller.
As you’d expect, the Crush feels distinct in hand. The smooth gloss top and matt polycarbonate bottom just eased into our grip and make it feel inviting rather than abrasive. While the white color and glossy top aren’t going to grip through the wettest of conditions, my experience was a comfy and never cramped set of sessions. Even average European male hands still don’t feel overcrowded but rather than glide over the top of the shoulder buttons, The resulting claw is reasonable accommodation between style and function that, much like the aesthetic here, feels familiar but doesn’t end up being reductive.
Specification
- Dimension 156.6MM x 103.05MM x 66.3MM
- Material PC+ZINC ALLOY (MAGCASE)
- Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0
- Charging TYPE C
- Weight 250G/348G (Metal MagCase)
- Battery LITHIUM (1-2 CHARGING HOURS)
- Battery Capacity 860MAH
- Battery’s Operation 10 HOURS
- Colors CHINA WHITE, RUBY, AZURITE, GHOST
Enter Battle
Despite its emphasis on looks, the Crush is reassuringly competent. Everything under the hood feels ready to take on the likes of Forza and won’t leave you hanging on a tight corner. The hall linear triggers have a silky consistent motion and good response times. The LT and RT even include a visual alert during activation, augmenting the tactile feedback of other buttons. The hall joysticks similarly provide a good range of coverage with no obvious dead zones and consistent motion. Whether that’s taking a tight corner or trying to snipe in Apex Legends, I couldn’t find anything but good things to say about these core components. The XYAB buttons and D-Pad are best described as firm. Each has a very definite actuation point that won’t easily misfire but does still feel responsive. The D-Pad is a little disappointing, feeling cramped and less flexible than I’d like. It could benefit from some more prominence and space on the faceplate. Retro gaming on the Crush wouldn’t be my first choice as things feel a bit tight across the D-Pad, but anything from the Xbox 360 era onwards is fair game.
Battery and Wireless
The base model of this handheld comes with the ability to wirelessly connect to Xbox, PC, Android, Switch, and iOS. Depending on your options, gallant adventures can configure this with a switch on top of the Crush and an intuitive push and hold button select. Bluetooth 5.0 support meant that I was easily running through Fontaine from another floor in my house. Unless you’re aiming to take on Guilty Gear from out on the sidewalk then there’s little else to be said.
Battery life is equally good. The 250 grams of the Crush mainly sits in the haptic feedback motors and batteries. The 860 MAH gave me more than a solid 8 hours of gaming over a single session with around a 2-hour charge time via the wired USB-C connection.
Looking Good – Personalization
RGB might be an overused gimmick in the gaming industry, but it isn’t out of place here. Two configurable RGB zones are available to make this controller your own. While the default setting leaves the Crush feeling more like a bag of skittles rather than a classic motorcar, changing that only takes a quick button press and a tweak of the joystick to reveal a far more understated aesthetic.
This look can be enhanced by adding on additional faceplates. A proprietary MagCase system secures the cover without the need for creaky plastic clips or screws. Available via official website and costing around $9.99, each front face can be combined with a set of interchangeable joysticks to help distinguish the PB Tails Crush from the rest of the pack.
The Final Fight
The PB Tails Crush is a refreshing and inspired change in a market that seems unwilling to innovate. It doesn’t quite reach the technical heights of the PS5 DualSense or Xbox Elite 2 but it’s also not in the same price range. What it does manage is a well-balanced mix of design and function. If you are looking to ditch the bargain bin plastic and try something new, this is a standout option that you won’t be embarrassed to be seen with. The PB Tails Crush is available now on the official website with regular discounts on the retail RRP. Check out more and decide on your confirmation now.
