This wild new PC pro controller runs its own custom OS across a 2.79-inch color display slapped beneath the thumbsticks

Summary

As $70-$100 controllers become increasingly impressive, the pro controller market faces the challenge of justifying an extra $100 or so. The answer might be to strap a screen onto it. That's the approach of the Genki Manta, a new controller now live on Kickstarter. It runs Manta OS with a 2.79-inch color display placed beneath the thumbsticks, showing game info, custom button mappings, quick actions, and more. This launch pushes pro controller competition to a new dimension, as the screen enhances interaction efficiency and opens up possibilities for in-game data display and personalized setups. For players, it promises a richer control experience and deeper immersion; for the industry, it could set a new trend in controller design, encouraging other makers to explore screen-controller hybrids. Genki Manta's crowdfunding performance will indicate market acceptance of this innovative design, and its outcome may influence the future direction of premium peripherals.