SteelSeries revealed today their new wireless gaming controller the Stratus XL. Designed specially for Windows PC and Android smartphone, gamers now have the option to play their games wireless via Bluetooth. PC, Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, Ouya and other micro-console systems can use the Stratus XL.
“When SteelSeries introduced the first Stratus Controller we believed that the gaming ecosystem was on the cusp of changing and that gaming was becoming less restrictive to players who wanted to game on their mobile devices. Two years later we see this evolution happening across multiple platforms and devices,”
“The new controller creates an easy-to-use experience and allows that multiscreen experience to really happen.”
– Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO.
Stratus XL allows you to play all your Steam games and features Microsoft’s XInput API which makes the controller function just like the console controllers on a PC. Also supported by the SteelSeries Engine gamers can change the joystick settings, sensitivity levels and invert the axis.
To make it easy to use the Stratus XL is a similar size and design to other console controllers and has an 8 way D-pad, analogue joysticks, four face buttons and four shoulder buttons. An LED is also on the controller to let gamers know the battery level and the three centre buttons allow for easy navigation in games and Steam Big Picture mode.
Due to the Bluetooth connectivity, multiple players can connect to the same system when gaming and the controller should last for up to 40 hours of gameplay on AA batteries.
The Stratus XL also features four LEDs for player indicator and battery status level. For added convenience three centre buttons allow easy navigation in games and Steam Big Picture Mode. The controllers Bluetooth connection will allow multiple players to connect to the same wireless system when gaming. Powered by AA batteries, the Stratus XL will deliver an estimated 40 hours of gameplay.
Stratus XL for Windows and Android will be available this July. The windows version will cost £59.99 with the Android version price TBC. You can pick up the controller when it comes out over at the SteelSeries Web Store.