Review: Turtle Beach Rematch Controller (Nintendo Switch)

Turtle Beach is coming out of the gates swinging with it’s 2025 device rollout, hitting the ground running with devices for Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox. Included in the Nintendo Switch lineup is the Rematch controller that comes in two flavors; Invincible Mario and Super Mario Star. We had a chance to get our hands on the Invincible Mario controller what we found is a quality product at a quality price.

The Rematch Invincible Mario Controller features bluetooth connectivity with a standard range of approximately 30 feet. In our tests, we found no issue with connections, even with many other bluetooth devices connected to other devices in the room. The controller’s best feature is that the battery is rechargable and offers 40 hours of playtime from a single charge through, or it can be used via the included USB-C cable. This superior battery life beats many of the competition, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and can handle several days of constant use before requiring a recharge.

A bonus is the glow-in-the-dark aspect. This gives it an extra whimsical, retro feel that will delight children and adults alike, making the controller a more desirable one to play under low-light conditions. The glow is subtle but striking, rendering the controller a unique collector’s item and a novelty item for light players.
In terms of build quality, the controller is sturdy and well-made, on par with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, albeit a bit lighter. The ergonomic grip is comfortable for hands of every size, with textured thumbstick grips being much more sturdy in-hand than one would think.

One minor thing we found to be someone frustrating at first was that the home and capture buttons are set at the top of the controller instead of that of the Pro controller, which could be a little confusing for established Nintendo Switch players.

A nice touch is where two mappable buttons have been positioned on the back of the controller, allowing for in-game action redefinition. They come in handy more so for players that want to reduce complicated inputs or gain some advantage in competitive titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Their application in Nintendo Switch games is somewhat limited, as most do not require thorough button re-mapping. For example, in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, one of the critics assigned a back button as a secondary item trigger but with minimal use other than that. The buttons tend to get triggered inadvertently owing to their position, which could frustrate some players.

A missing feature is vibration or rumble support, which is a feature present in the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and most other third-party controllers. This is particularly noticed while synchronizing the controller or starting the console, as no haptic feedback is there to confirm actions. While Turtle Beach probably left out rumble to maximize battery life, its lack is a disappointment for players who prefer rich feedback during games such as Super Mario Odyssey or Splatoon 3. The controller also doesn’t support NFC for Amiibo features, which might be a letdown for collectors or players of those who use Amiibo features.

Compared to Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, the Rematch Invincible Mario offers worse support for rumble and NFC, but improved battery life ($59.99 instead of $69.99–$79.99) and lower price. The Pro Controller’s HD rumble and advanced build quality make it better suited for gamers with an eye for immersion and build quality. However, the Rematch’s unique design and programmable buttons make it an excellent choice for casual players and fans of Mario.

When compared with other third-party solutions like the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller or the 8BitDo Pro 2, the Rematch holds its own on the strength of its excellent battery life and ergonomic design. The PowerA Enhanced has a non-rechargeable battery that runs on AA batteries, which is less convenient, while the 8BitDo Pro 2 has rumble capabilities but at a slightly more expensive price. The glow-in-the-dark capability of the Rematch and Nintendo’s official licensing of the product make it highly appealing to fans of Mario themes.

The controller is compatible with the entire line of Nintendo Switch consoles, including the original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED, as well as the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (release date June 5, 2025). The broad compatibility makes it a future-proof choice for players planning to switch to the next-gen console. However, Turtle Beach has not yet definitively stated that it will be fully compatible with the Switch 2, i.e., for any new functionality such as a rumored “C” button. Since Nintendo has officially stated that current Switch peripherals will be at least partially compatible with the Switch 2, the Rematch would likely be a good purchase for future use.

For hard-core players or those extremely reliant on rumble feedback, the lack of rumble will be disappointing. For the rest, however, families and casual gamers, or anyone looking for a style-conscious yet practical alternative to Nintendo‘s first-party controller, the Rematch controller is an appealing deal.

The Turtle Beach Rematch Invincible Mario Wireless Controller is an endearing blend of form and function, offering a unique look that’s one-of-a-kind in the third-party controller market. Its glow-in-the-dark design, extended battery life, and stable performance make it an excellent choice for Nintendo Switch players who value retro charm and prolonged play time.

At $59.99, the Turtle Beach has crafted a controller that is a fantastic value for the price. It features a stunning design, longer battery life, great connectivity, and convenient features like motion controls and customizable buttons. While the lack of rumble and NFC is a bit of an area of opportunity, it’s not a deal-breaker for most casual gamers or those who want great looks and battery life. The glow-in-the-dark feature and Mario design make it very appealing to Nintendo fans, collectors, and kids who enjoy the retro nostalgic looks. If you’re looking for a great value device for your Nintendo Switch, this is the one to have.