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| GameSir's new Tarantula controller series has three models. |
If you’ve been waiting for a PlayStation‑style symmetrical thumbstick layout without switching away from your Xbox or PC, GameSir has just made your month. Actually, make that three months.
The company quietly unveiled not one, not two, but three new controllers under its Tarantula series: the Tarantula Pro for Xbox, the Tarantula 8K PC, and the Tarantula Ultra 8K PC. All three feature symmetrical analog sticks like a PlayStation controller, but each targets a slightly different kind of player.
Two of them are available to pre‑order right now. The third? You’ll have to wait a little longer.
Let’s break down what each one brings to the table – because there’s a lot more here than just a familiar stick layout.
GameSir Tarantula Pro for Xbox: The Wired Workhorse
The Tarantula Pro for Xbox is exactly what it sounds like: a wired controller built for Xbox consoles (including the last‑gen Xbox One), but it also works with PCs and Steam. That’s a wide net, and GameSir is clearly aiming for players who split their time between a couch and a desk.
Key specs at a glance:
- GameSir’s Mag‑Res TMR sticks (hall‑effect style, no drift)
- Micro switch ABXY buttons – clicky, tactile, fast
- Mechanical D‑pad
- 1,000Hz polling rate (PC only)
- 6‑axis gyroscope (PC only)
- Dual‑mode triggers – swap between micro switch and Hall Effect analog
- Two back buttons with lockable switches
- Seven additional customizable buttons (yes, seven)
- RGB lighting, audio jack, 235g weight
- $69.99 – pre‑order now, ships June 2026
If you’re an Xbox player who also dabbles in competitive PC shooters, the 1,000Hz polling rate and gyro aim (both PC‑only) make this a surprisingly versatile pick. The laser‑engraved textured grips and trigger vibration motors are nice touches for immersion, too.
You can check the full specs and pre‑order the GameSir Tarantula Pro for Xbox directly from GameSir’s website.
The only catch? It’s wired. But at 235 grams with a detachable USB‑C cable, that’s a reasonable trade‑off for zero input lag.
GameSir Tarantula 8K PC: Orange, Light, and Stupidly Fast
Now things get interesting. The Tarantula 8K PC drops Xbox compatibility entirely – this one is PC only – and cranks the performance dial to eleven.
The bright orange shell makes it impossible to lose on a cluttered desk. But the real story is under the hood.
What makes it different:
- Gen 2 Mag‑Res TMR sticks – even more precise than the Pro
- 8,000Hz polling rate (adjustable: 250Hz, 1000Hz, 4000Hz, 8000Hz)
- Macro support – up to 32 steps
- Three‑level turbo (10Hz, 20Hz, 30Hz)
- Nine customizable buttons (including two lockable back buttons)
- No vibration motors – that’s why it’s only 180 grams
- 6‑axis gyro, RGB, audio jack
- $69.99 – same price as the Xbox Pro
At 180 grams, this is one of the lightest pro‑oriented wired controllers you’ll find. GameSir clearly stripped out everything non‑essential (rumble motors) to prioritize speed and comfort for long sessions.
The 8,000Hz polling rate is overkill for most games, but for competitive fighting games or arena shooters on a high‑refresh‑rate monitor, you’ll actually feel the difference. It works with GameSir Connect Software (not the Nexus software), so make a note if you switch between multiple GameSir peripherals.
Pre‑orders are open now for the GameSir Tarantula 8K PC, also shipping in June 2026.
GameSir Tarantula Ultra 8K PC: Wireless, Ridiculous, and Not Fully Here Yet
At the top of the stack sits the Tarantula Ultra 8K PC. This one is for players who want flagship performance without a cable – but still need that 8,000Hz polling rate.
Yes, you read that right. 8,000Hz polling over 2.4GHz wireless. That’s unusual. Most wireless controllers top out at 1,000Hz.
Highlights:
- USB‑C wired + 2.4GHz wireless
- Gen 2 Mag‑Res TMR sticks
- Micro switch ABXY and tactile D‑pad
- Capacitive touch sensors on ABXY buttons and right stick (GameSir hasn’t fully explained this yet)
- 0.5ms response time – wired or wireless
- Macro support (32 steps)
- Dual asymmetric motors in textured grips
- Nine customizable buttons
- Dual 6‑axis gyroscopes (one for the controller, one for… something else? Unclear)
- No audio jack (surprising omission)
- Battery capacity not specified – charging station sold separately
The Ultra is clearly designed for esports players who hate cables but refuse to compromise on latency. The lack of an audio jack is a bummer for anyone who wants to plug in wired headphones, but GameSir seems to be betting that most buyers will use wireless headsets anyway.
More details are promised “this summer,” so if you’re interested, you’ll need to be patient. No price or pre‑order date has been announced yet.
Wait – What About Nintendo Switch and Mobile?
None of these three new Tarantula controllers work with Nintendo Switch, Android, or iOS. That’s a clear segmentation choice by GameSir.
If you need cross‑platform support for those devices, you’re looking for the original Tarantula Pro (no “for Xbox” or “8K” in the name). That one is wireless and has a clever gear mechanism that physically changes the face button layout from Nintendo’s (A on the right) to Xbox’s (A on the bottom).
So don’t confuse the names. The Tarantula Pro for Xbox is wired and PC/Xbox only. The original Tarantula Pro is wireless and works with Switch, Android, iOS, and PC.
Which One Should You Pre‑Order?
That depends entirely on your setup.
- Xbox + PC player? Get the Tarantula Pro for Xbox ($69.99). It’s the only one that works on both.
- Pure PC player who wants the lightest possible wired controller? The Tarantula 8K PC ($69.99) is a no‑brainer. 180 grams is featherweight.
- PC player who hates cables but needs 8K polling? Wait for the Tarantula Ultra 8K PC. Just know you’ll need a separate charging station and you won’t have an audio jack.
All three share that PlayStation‑style symmetrical stick layout, which is still surprisingly rare outside of Sony’s own controllers. If you’ve been holding out for a high‑performance controller with sticks at the bottom, GameSir just gave you three very good reasons to open your wallet.
Pre‑order links:
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| The GameSir Tarantula Ultra 8K PC connects via USB-C and 2.4GHz wireless. |
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| The GameSir Tarantula Pro for Xbox is compatible with Xbox consoles and PCs. |
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| The GameSir Tarantula 8K PC doesn't have a vibration motor. |