The Fantech Nova II WGP16 controller doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it packs in enough features to make you stop and look twice – especially considering its price. It’s a budget controller that borrows heavily from the DualSense symmetrical design, offering a PlayStation-style layout, a functional touchpad, motion controls, and even Hall Effect sensors in both sticks and triggers.
In hand, the Nova II feels larger than an average gamepad, with a sturdy build and a matte finish that doesn’t attract fingerprints. At 222 grams, it’s fairly light, though the ergonomics might feel a bit bulky for smaller hands. The face buttons use membrane switches – they’re serviceable but noticeably spongy and require more pressure than mechanical or tactile alternatives.
What really stands out here are the Hall Effect sticks and triggers. They’re smooth, precise, and eliminate stick drift, a feature rarely found at this price point. The inclusion of motion control and a responsive touchpad adds even more versatility for titles that support them. While the touchpad isn’t as refined as the DualSense’s, it’s accurate enough for navigation or quick in-game gestures.
The rear paddles are another smart addition. They’re placed naturally under the fingers, providing quick access to shortcuts or macros. Programming them doesn’t require any app – everything is done directly on the controller, with each macro storing up to 63 inputs. It’s an impressively advanced setup for a low-cost gamepad.
Connectivity is solid. You can use the Nova II either wired (USB-C) or wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3. Wired mode offers a faster 250 Hz polling rate, while wireless runs at 125 Hz. The catch? When connected wirelessly to a PC, the controller identifies as a PS4 pad, which can cause compatibility issues in some games unless you use DS4Windows. Wired mode fixes that by switching to Xbox input, making it plug-and-play.
Battery life is modest at around 10 hours, powered by a 600 mAh cell. It’s fine for casual use but falls short compared to the likes of 8BitDo or GameSir controllers. Still, I mostly used the controller in wired mode, so it didn’t affect me at all.
In the end, the Fantech Nova II WGP16 offers a surprisingly rich feature set for a budget gamepad: Hall Effect sticks, motion sensors, macros, and a touchpad in one package. It’s not perfect – the buttons could be better, and wireless PC support isn’t seamless – but for its price, it’s an excellent value choice for players who prefer the PlayStation layout and want modern features without spending much.
Overall it’s a solid budget controller that offers a neat package at the price it’s being sold at. Playstation layout at a low price is always a welcome addition, because it’s a pretty rare form factor.
You can get the controller from official Fantech store here.
I love testing and writing about new tech. I focus on keyboards and controllers. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.
