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Acer Nitro NGR300: One-minute evaluation
That is going to be a fast one as a result of there simply isn’t a lot to say concerning the Acer Nitro NGR300. As a PC and cell controller, it in all probability would’ve made a good buy had it been launched near a decade in the past. Round that point, there was a lot much less in the way in which of wi-fi controller choices, and so they didn’t almost have the function units we take with no consideration at present.
At face worth, it isn’t a horrible controller. I fairly like its aesthetic, and it performs completely properly whereas gaming – feeling responsive whether or not you’re wired through USB-C or wi-fi through Bluetooth. A phrase of warning, although; Bluetooth is the one wi-fi possibility right here, so chances are you’ll have to supply a Bluetooth adapter individually within the case your setup does not have it in-built.
In 2025, nonetheless, there isn’t a lot of a motive to buy the Acer Nitro NGR300. And maybe the model is aware of this, too, because it solely appears to be out there within the UK (at the very least on the time of writing). With regards to the best PC controllers, there are such a lot of choices that value the identical or are cheaper than the Nitro – whereas concurrently providing modern options like Corridor impact sticks, 2.4GHz wi-fi connectivity, and extra.
Acer Nitro NGR300: Worth and availability
- Record worth: £49.99
- Restricted to UK-only availability
- There are cheaper choices out there with extra options
Very like the Acer Predator controller, the Acer Nitro NGR300 solely seems to be out there within the UK. Nonetheless, it’s £20 cheaper than the Predator, coming in at £49.99. Should you’re buying from overseas, you’re taking a look at roughly $64.99 / AU$100. The trade-off right here is that the Nitro lacks the two.4GHz connectivity and Nintendo Change compatibility of its counterpart.
That being stated, it’s nonetheless very tough to advocate the Nitro when competing fashions just like the GameSir T4 Kaleid ($41.99 / £41.99) and the 8BitDo Ultimate C Bluetooth controller ($29.99 / £24.99) are available less expensive. With these, you’re additionally getting extra options. Within the Kaleid’s case, you’ve received drift-resistant Corridor impact sticks and tactile microswitch buttons. For the Final C, whereas missing Corridor impact, it makes up for it with 2.4GHz connectivity and Nintendo Change compatibility in addition to PC and cell.
Acer Nitro NGR300: Specs
|
Worth |
£49.99 |
|
Dimensions |
6.2 x 4.4 x 2.5in / 157 x 112 x 64mm |
|
Weight |
6.88oz / 195g |
|
Connection kind |
Wi-fi (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
|
Compatibility |
PC, cell |
|
Software program |
N/A |
Acer Nitro NGR300: Design and options
- Easy, but cool look
- Low-cost-feeling construct high quality
- Turbo button perform works as you’d anticipate
I do fairly just like the look of the Acer Nitro NGR300. Whereas actually an understated design, the subtly textured sample bearing the ‘Nitro’ emblem is a very nice contact. Acer clearly is aware of methods to do loads with a bit in relation to total appears, and it’s simply my favourite factor about this gamepad.
That’s about the place the positives finish in relation to design and options, sadly. General construct high quality feels low-cost and overly plasticky; a letdown even with that comparatively budget-friendly price ticket.
Sticks and face buttons each really feel strong, in equity, however I’m under no circumstances a fan of the extremely mushy D-pad that results in some imprecise inputs. The bumpers and triggers are additionally comparatively extensive, with the latter additionally feeling fairly listless when pressed.
The standout function right here is actually the devoted Turbo button. Should you’ve used the function on different controllers – which helps you to assign a button to carry for steady inputs – then it’s the identical right here. It’s actually useful for old-school beat ‘em ups and motion RPGs (role-playing video games), however on no account is it the distinctive promoting level it could have been all these years in the past.
Acer Nitro NGR300: Efficiency
- Performs adequately in each wired and wi-fi modes
- It’s a Bluetooth controller, nevertheless it’s not appropriate with Change
- Depends on AA batteries for wi-fi play
As soon as extra, there’s not a lot to jot down dwelling about when it comes to efficiency with the Acer Nitro NGR300. As an ordinary controller expertise, it’s akin to equally primary pads just like the Xbox Wireless Controller, albeit missing the robust consolation issue of that mannequin.
In my testing, which included PC and cell video games like Final Fantasy 14 Online, RoboCop: Rogue City, and Zenless Zone Zero, I discovered the Nitro to be completely appropriate for a wide range of genres. It was additionally impressively responsive when used wirelessly over Bluetooth connection on cell. I’d nonetheless argue that the very best cell controllers are higher suited to gaming on the go, however the Nitro is serviceable on this regard.
The massive sticking level for me – moreover the shortage of two.4GHz connectivity – is that the Nitro depends on AA batteries for energy. Whereas not completely extraordinary within the current day (it’s additionally the default possibility for the Xbox Wi-fi Controller), I a lot desire having a built-in battery that may cost up through USB-C.
Acer claims you’ll rise up to 25 hours of battery life (because it did with the Predator), however it will naturally fluctuate relying on the model. With the included Energizer batteries, I managed to get round 15-20 hours of play.
Ought to I purchase the Acer Nitro NGR300?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally take into account…
Not offered on the Acer Nitro NGR300? There are at the very least a few higher and extra reasonably priced alternate options on the market, equivalent to…
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Acer Nitro NGR300 |
Horipad Turbo |
GameSir Nova Lite |
|
Worth |
£49.99 (round $64.99) |
$29.99 / £29.99 |
$24.99 / £29.99 |
|
Dimensions |
6.2 x 4.4 x 2.5in / 157 x 112 x 64mm |
6.1 x 4.7 x 2.5in / 155 x 119 x 64mm |
6.1 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 155 x 104 x 61mm |
|
Weight |
6.88oz / 195g |
12.32oz / 349g |
10.56oz / 299g |
|
Connection kind |
Wi-fi (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
Wired (USB) |
Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB Sort-C) |
|
Compatibility |
PC, cell |
Nintendo Change, PC |
Nintendo Change, PC, cell |
How I examined the Acer Nitro NGR300
- Examined for 15-20 hours (the time it took for the AA batteries to expire of juice)
- Examined throughout PC and cell video games
- In comparison with the GameSir Nova Lite and Horipad Turbo
I examined the Acer Nitro NGR300 controller over a interval of about 15-20 hours in complete, after which the included Energizer AA batteries ran out. I primarily performed on PC, which is its main platform, having been unable to attach the controller to my Nintendo Change. That stated, Acer doesn’t checklist the Change as a supported platform, however as a Bluetooth machine, I figured it was price a attempt.
I in contrast my time with the Acer Nitro to that of its companion controller, the Acer Predator, in addition to the GameSir Nova Lite and Horipad Turbo – all three of which I ended up preferring over this mannequin. That’s resulting from a spread of things, together with higher options, compatibility, and connectivity choices being out there within the competitors.
First reviewed March 2025