5.0 out of 5 stars The Hype Is Well Deserved

M.A. · June 22, 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } After using the controller for approximately 30 days, here are my initial impressions.As a seasoned gamer with a passion that spans decades, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect controller to elevate my gaming experience. That's why I was determined to avoid the usual suspects: the pricey DualSense Edge and the hassle of Xbox controllers with their notorious stick drift issues. After exploring the market, I discovered a range of innovative brands, including 8Bitdo and GameSir, but I'm excited to share that I've found a game-changing alternative that's exceeded my expectations.If you've landed on this review and come across this controller on Bolo, it's likely because you're searching for a high-quality "pro controller" at an affordable price. Something that offers premium features without the hefty price tag of a more expensive controller. Look no further.The Vader 4 Pro by Flydigi boasts an impressive array of features typically found in high-end pro controllers. This includes a 1000Hz polling rate for lightning-fast response, whether connected via wireless or hardwired connections. It's compatible with PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, or a provided dongle for wireless connectivity. The controller supports both Xinput and Dinput protocols.The Vader 4 Pro features clickable triggers with hair-trigger switches, ideal for fast-paced games like Call of Duty. The digital face buttons offer a tactile experience, unlike the mushy feel of membrane-based buttons. Two additional face buttons on the front allow for easy customization, while the digital D-pad provides accurate input with a satisfying click. This is particularly beneficial for fighting games like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, where diagonal inputs are crucial.The controller also features four mappable back buttons, accessible with your ring or middle fingers, and removable thumbsticks that can be replaced if worn out. The thumbstick kit (sold separately) includes two sets of thumbsticks: standard and taller lengths. Additionally, the tension rings around the sticks are manually adjustable, allowing for precise control without relying on software. The Hall Effect thumbsticks help prevent stick drift over time, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.The Flydigi Space Station app offers a comprehensive range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the controller to your preferences. Key features include the ability to create multiple profiles for different games, as well as the option to create macros that combine multiple button presses or sequences into a single button command.Advanced users can take advantage of features like gyro controls, adjustable vibration strength, and RGB lighting customization. The app also allows for granular adjustments to settings such as dead zones, polling rate, sleep mode, and joystick sensitivity. Whether you prefer a basic or advanced setup, the Space Station app provides the flexibility to create a customized gaming experience.The app is complemented by the controller's battery life, which can be charged via USB-C. This convenient charging method ensures that you can keep playing without interruption.While this controller excels in numerous areas, I did encounter a minor issue. After extended play sessions, the tension rings may require readjustment as they can shift slightly from their initial settings. This is the only drawback I've experienced with the controller. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with its performance and features, and I'm hard-pressed to think of anything else it could offer.At the price point of $80, this controller represents an exceptional value. It's no surprise that it has been so well-received, given the impressive features and performance it offers.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

T.A.C. · May 30, 2025

I was a little skeptical and bit worried, since the last time I bought 3rd party controllers they were the kind of thing you'd give your little brother to use while you kept the good one for yourself. My last two Microsoft-made Xbox Series X controllers were fine at first, but one developed stick drift after a few months of use and another that I bought fairly recently has a problem when playing No Rest For the Wicked where holding the A button to run results in double-taps instead of registering as being held sometimes. Irritating little quality control issues that aren't game breaking, but are annoying enough that you shouldn't have them happening for the price those things sell for.So I bought the Vader Pro 4. I haven't had it for months to know the longevity of it, but after a couple of days of heavy use I can say that it's definitely a better controller than the 1st party ones, and that's amazing enough in its own right. Likely because of the higher polling rate, the sticks are more precise, so walking the little tightrope ledges in-game is much easier just because I changed controllers. No more A-button double taps on running, and even what I thought was a game issue where the controls were a little unresponsive at times turned out to be my old controllers and not the game at all.The software was easy enough to use, although what I was supposed to download was a bit unclear since the documentation is a bit lacking (it's the FlyDigi Space Station software, fyi). Turning on the controller wasn't in the instructions, either, which was just holding down the little Home button by the right thumbstick. It worked immediately with no downloads and no setup, right out of the box on Windows 11. The main thing I wanted the software for was the turn down the obnoxious LED lighting on the controller, which was thankfully easy (and it offers quite a few customization options, for those who want that). It also lets you bind the paddle buttons on the back of the controller easily, although I don't use them much.The only complaint I have is that I don't like the positioning of the Start and Select buttons. It doesn't take too long to get used to them, but they're a bit awkwardly placed compared to the 1st party controller and they're not very tactile so they never feel quite right. To make it a little worse, there doesn't seem to be any real reason to have moved them; there's nothing on the controller blocking them from being positioned the same as the 1st party controller. Everything else is great; the sticks feel perfect, the buttons feel good, the D-pad is actually way better than the 1st party controller, the battery life seems to be very good... all around, I'm really impressed.I'm a little surprised to say so, but this thing was actually worth the money. It's just an outright better controller than Microsoft's. It has the feel and features of Microsoft's Pro controller, while being way less expensive. I'll probably buy another one in the near future.