×
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Features
  • Videos
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Features
  • Videos
Log in / Register
HARDWARE REVIEW

SteelSeries Stratus Duo Review

by Luke Walsh, July 29th, 2019

Steelseries have been around the scene for ages when it comes to mice, keyboards and headsets but not as involved in the game controller inner circles as much. The Stratus Duo is a multi-purpose wireless controller which can be used for Android, VR, PC Gaming and made with Steam in mind already being tailored to controller enabled games and the Big Picture mode.

Serious mobile gamers can also purchase an added clip which attaches to the controller for your phone to slot into. This can then be used for games like Fornite which it has been officially recognised by the battle royale game.

It’s not the fanciest looking controllers or device but it has some top-notch components. The matte black frame is one of the nicest built third party controllers I’ve ever used. Has a decent amount of weight behind it and built to feel very solid in your hands. Weighted correctly is sits in your hands comfortably and does not feel like a cheap plastic knock-off or empty on the inside.

Controller setup is closer to the Xbox with an ABXY button mapping but has similar thumbstick arrangments to the PlayStation being symmetrical. The D-Pad has a nice soft but firm feel with a contour for ease of use and the ends of the controller are very slightly curved for a comfortable grip with a little weightiness to them so they sit into your palms.

Battery life sits about 20 hours and when using it regularly it definitely feels like it lasts long enough between charges. It does not last as long as some of SteelSeries other controllers like the XL but it does include a rechargeable battery this time, which easily plugs into your PC for a couple of hours and be ready to go again. You can still play PC games while it is charging too.

I’ve seen some feedback about the Stratus Duo also not including rumble feedback and how it’s a massive miss of the mark. I’d have to disagree if I am completely honest I’ve not noticed the lack of it in games, if any, quite enjoyed not having it. It might be a deal-breaker for some but logically, it’s a small trade-off.

Some of the first games I tried the Straus with was Fallout 4 which is one of my go-to games for testing as you need to do a lot. Setting it up to PC was an effortless process of connecting up the 2.4GHz dongle and it is picked up automatically by Windows. From there just jumped onto Steam and ventured into the Wasteland.

In Fallout, as expected the controller picked up the default controller configuration for Xbox which keeps things nice and uniform and does not require any controller mapping or tweaking.

While traversing the mutated wasteland using the Stratus Duo was a great experience and one which seems to be all the good bits from both the Xbox and PlayStation controller. It was comfortable for long periods of time and responsive.

Buttons had a nice bit of spring while also providing some feedback and triggers were soft but reactive and thanks to their softness they are not loud or “clicky”. This is ideal if you do some late-night gamer but have others who live with you that are not already a fan of noisy mechanical keyboard clicks.

When trying out Fornite the game it is most likely paired with when using it for mobile gaming, you can use the built-in Bluetooth to connect it up. The dual connectivity is a nice addition as it makes it a much more universal controller and easy to set up for both.

Sadly, it does leave you with a little more wanting as the connectivity would be amazing if it would also connect to Mac, iPhone, Switch, Xbox and PlayStation consoles. However, the main pull is most likely the Android connection which if you are a serious mobile gamer, then look at investing in the £9.99 clip.

Overall the Stratus Duo is a controller that I have used quite consistently when I am on my PC for pretty much every game. It’s a little bit of a targetted product aimed at Android mobile gamers but the biggest benefit for me was using it mainly for PC-Controller gaming.

The rechargeable battery lasts a decent time, connecting it up through the dongle was effortless and it is a comfortable experience for extended amounts of time with the solid build quality. Some might be put off with the lack of vibration support or any console support but still a worthwhile look if PC or Mobile gaming is your jam.

Editor Note: We updated the images of this review in 2020.

8
The Stratus Duo is a decent multi-use controller both PC gaming and Android phones. Some may not like the lack of console or rumble support but it has exceptional build quality for PC gaming especially that works straight out the box.

Filed under: Controller Gaming Controller steelseries Stratus Duo

SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC Headset Review
SteelSeries Arctis 3 Gaming Headset Review
SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth Specs, Price & Release Date
SteelSeries Announce 10 Keyless Apex M750 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Rival 110 Gaming Mouse Release Date, Specs & Price
Razer Announce Wolverine Ultimate Xbox One/PC Gaming Controller
Razer Raiju Review
SteelSeries Reveal APEX M750 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
SteelSeries Arctis 5 Headset Review
SteelSeries QcK & QcK+ Limited Mouse Mat Review
Powered by Magic
  • VGU
  • Platforms
  • Features
  • Reviews
  • Games

© 2023 VGU.

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

    No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item.