While game controllers have improved over the years and added more customization, sometimes it can be too much for the average gamer, not to mention costing hundreds of dollars. Literally! Thankfully, there are several basic—and more affordable—controllers available for casual gamers.
Our Turtle Beach Rematch Core Controller review examines an Xbox/PC controller that strikes a balance between simplicity and on-board Turtle Beach audio controls, all conveniently located on the controller itself. At the least, you’re going to love the price point on this wired Xbox controller. Read on for our full review!
Rematch Core Xbox Controller Specifications
The Turtle Beach Rematch Core Controller we reviewed has the following features and specifications:
- DUAL RUMBLE MOTORS & IMPULSE TRIGGERS: Feel every hit, crash, and explosion with responsive vibration that brings your gameplay to life.
- A VARIETY OF COLORS & DESIGNS: Five different looks, including a semi-transparent look on all camo designs, provide flexibility for gamers to pick the colour of their choice.
- ERGONOMIC SHAPE: Stay comfortable during long gaming sessions with a controller design that feels natural in your hands.
- AUDIO CONTROLS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Adjust game and chat audio without taking your hands off the action, thanks to built-in controls for volume adjustment and muting.
- CONTROL HUB APP: Download the Control Hub companion app available on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs for controller configuration.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED BY XBOX: Play in confidence knowing the Turtle Beach Rematch Core is officially licensed for gaming on Xbox consoles & Windows PC.
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Cable length | Detachable 8ft/2.5m cable with Type-C USB Connector (Type-A at the console) |
| Audio jack | 3.5mm audio port for audio and USB chat |
| Features | Rumble vibration, Audio controls, Firmware updatable |
| Software | PDP Control Hub app (Firmware updates, controller customization) |
| Colors | Ghost Black Camo Green, Ghost Black Camo Yellow, Ghost Black Camo Orange, White Green, Black Green |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Windows 10/11 PCs |
| Dimensions | 175 x 137 x 71.5 mm (6.9 x 5.4 x 2.8″) |
| Weight | 370g (0.77 lbs) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
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What’s in the box: Xbox/PC not included 😜
- Turtle Beach Rematch Core Controller
- 8’/2.5 m USB Type-C to USB-A cable
- Quick start guide
- Turtle Beach sticker
- 1-year limited warranty
Design: Five different funky colorways!
At a glance, the Turtle Beach Rematch Core Wired Game Controller is easily recognizable as an Xbox controller. While it shares a similar shape with the official Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S game controllers, it has a few key differences. First, the controller grips are a bit shorter. The top left and right of the controller, where the shoulder buttons are located, is more rounded as opposed to straight and flat. The shoulder buttons and triggers are smooth, with the Turtle Beach logo engraved on the back between the shoulder buttons above the USB-C port.
This line of wired Xbox/PC controllers from Turtle Beach is definitely colourful. Available in five different colorways, our review sample was the Ghost Black Camo Yellow variant. The front faceplate has a translucent black camouflage design. Coupled with the neon yellow backing, it has a slight yellow tint. The thumbsticks, D-pad, and audio control button are also neon yellow. The D-pad has a +, -, game controller, and person icon stamped into it—more on that in the next section. The Xbox button is flat and white, with an LED above it to indicate the controller’s power status. The A/B/X/Y buttons feature standard green, red, blue, and yellow lettering on a black background.
The most noticeable difference on the face of the controller is the addition of an audio/mode button. The triangular button is located near the bottom, positioned between the D-pad and the right thumbstick. Just below this, on the bottom edge, is a single 3.5mm audio port.
The underside of the controller is pretty basic. As it’s a wired controller, there is no battery compartment. On that note, the controller does come with an 8′ (2.5m) black braided USB-C to USB-A cable. While it’s a nice length, it’s still too short for my home theatre setup, which has me sitting about 12 feet from my screen. I’m sure that’s not an issue for most gamers, but it’d be nice to see longer cable options for those of us who do. Still, it’s nothing a USB extension cable doesn’t fix.
My main complaint with the design of the Rematch Core Wired Game Controller is that the grips are completely smooth, which I found caused my hands to sweat a bit more during extended gaming sessions than with other controllers that have dimpled grips.
Ease of Use: Simple plug & play
The Rematch Core Controller is super easy to use. Plug the USB-C end of the included USB cable into the controller and the other end into a USB-A port on your PC or Xbox One, Series X, or Series S console, hold the power button down until the LED light above the Xbox logo on the faceplate should glows white, and you’re done. Next, plug your wired headset into the 3.5mm jack on the bottom, and you’re good to go.
To control the onboard audio features, there are three main functions associated with the audio function button:
- Press the function button twice to mute your microphone
- While holding down the function button, press the D-pad up (+) or down (-) to adjust game volume
- While holding down the function button, press the D-pad left/right to adjust game/chat balance
While a simple addition, it’s nice to be able to adjust volume, mic mute, and game/chat balance without having to reach up to your headphones or pause the game to access your system’s audio settings.
Software: PDP Control Hub for added customization
The PDP Control Hub is available from the Microsoft Store. Wait, what‽ PDP? If you’re not aware, Turtle Beach bought PDP last year and is slowly phasing out the brand. As it currently stands, the PDP Control Hub will remain in place for a while before being converted into one of Turtle Beach’s other applications.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, plug your controller into your PC or Xbox, and select Rematch Core Controller from the main page—once the app loads, which takes a minute due to the loading screens. Upon initial connection, the app checks for and installs the latest firmware update if one is available. The main page displays the connected Turtle Beach controllers, along with an overview of the current audio volume, game/chat balance, microphone status, and vibration intensity.
Clicking on the Rematch Core Controller on the main page (or pressing the A button on the controller) allows you to customize additional options. It’s pretty straightforward with menu items for Diagnostics to test the controller functionality. The Configuration section allows you to adjust the dead zone on the analog sticks, adjust the audio settings, adjust the dead zone on the triggers, set the vibration intensity, and remap the buttons.
Rematch Core Controller Performance: Responsive, but smooth grips are not the greatest 😔
The Turtle Beach Rematch Core Controller works just fine, for the most part. While I had no issues with responsiveness on the controller, the D-pad does feel a bit spongy. As mentioned above, the smooth surface of the grips does cause some extra hand sweating during longer sessions. The audio function button worked as advertised for mic muting, game volume, and game/chat balance.
While playing everything from Forza Horizon 5 to Doom: The Dark Ages or Monster Train 2, I really had no issues with the responsiveness of the buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks.
Price/Value: Price that can’t be beat!
With an MSRP of $29.95 on retailers like Amazon, the Turtle Beach Rematch Core Controller provides pretty decent value. Yes, it has a few drawbacks, but at this price, it’s the perfect controller for kids or on-the-go gaming.
Should you buy it? The Verdict!
If you’re looking for an extra controller for your Xbox or PC and don’t mind going wired, and want to save a few bucks, the Turtle Beach Rematch Core Controller adds plenty of value with its audio controls.
Check back soon for our Turtle Beach Afterglow Wave Wired Xbox Controller review if you’re after something a bit fancier!
*We were sent a sample of the Turtle Beach Rematch Core Controller for this review.
