Genki's Manta Controller Packs Plenty of Features and a Screen.

Have you ever felt like your controller is holding you back? You can tweak settings in-game, but you can't fine-tune the hardware itself. Well, Genki's new Manta controller might be the answer. And it's packing a screen to prove it.

This isn't your typical gamepad. The Manta has a 2.9-inch LCD screen on the bottom, and it's not just for show. You can change profiles, inspect input mappings, test inputs, and check connections right from the controller. Mid-game, you can check or adjust connection, polling rate, and battery life—on the fly. It's like holding a control panel in your hands.

But the screen is just the tip of the iceberg. The Manta is packed with tech you won't find on other controllers. There are 'tri-stage triggers' that let you adjust trigger travel distance, analog sticks with anti-drift tunneling magnetoresistance (fancy talk for no more drift), and a magnetic levitation haptic device that uses two independently driven linear magnetic IC ram motors to deliver feedback directly to your palm. Plus, 'pulse buttons' can detect movement without electrical contact, so they respond faster and last longer.

Inside, there's a Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller running MantaOS. Profiles, tuning, connections, macros, and custom apps can all be stored within the controller. That makes it a potential all-in-one device for everything from FPS to fighting games. And with a 2,600mAh battery, you won't be tethered to a charger all day. There's even a dedicated button to switch to keyboard and mouse mode, handy for certain PC games.

All this hardware makes for a chunky design, but Genki says it's ergonomically designed to stay comfortable. It works with PC, Switch, and the upcoming Switch 2. Early Kickstarter pricing is $189, with a retail price of $279 after launch. If you want to see it in person, Genki will be demoing the Manta at Gamescom, PAX West, and Tokyo Game Show this year.

Genki's Kickstarter campaign is already crushing it. They aimed for $100,000 and have raised over $371,000 at the time of writing. Clearly, there's a thirst for a controller that lets you tweak things. Valve's new Steam Controller is also turning heads at $100, making the competition even hotter. But the Manta's screen and customization options set it apart.

Would you pick the Manta, or stick with your current gamepad? Let us know your thoughts!