With the gaming peripheral market becoming increasingly saturated with “pro” controllers that offer little more than a few extra paddles, it takes something truly unique to stand out. The Genki Manta, currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, might just be that device. We previously reported on the launch of the Manta, highlighting its high-end specifications and ambitious feature set. Now, after getting significant hands-on time with a functional prototype at Gamescom in Cologne (Hall 10.1, Booth A037), we can confirm that the hardware lives up to the hype—even if it is still a work in progress.
For those considering taking the plunge, the financial risk for backers appears relatively low, with the current buy-in standing at roughly $200. For a controller boasting this level of technology, that price point is aggressive. However, with shipping not slated until February, manufacturer Human Things still has time to refine the hardware and software into a polished final product.
For those in Germany, the Gamescom booth likely represents the only chance to get hands-on time before purchasing, as the next stops on the tour are PAX West and the Tokyo Game Show. If you are interested in the specifics of the campaign or the full spec sheet, you can find more details on the Genki Manta campaign page here. While the unit on display remains a work in progress, it was fully functional during our hands-on test, suggesting the team is further along than typical hardware crowdfunding campaigns at this stage.
Ergonomics and Hardware Feel
The Genki Manta looks relatively bulky in product photos, projecting an image of a heavy, unwieldy brick. Reality paints a different picture. Despite its substantial look, it fits comfortably in the hands and offers good overall ergonomics. The weight distribution feels balanced, ensuring that long gaming sessions don't lead to immediate fatigue.
It is under the hood—and around the edges—where the Manta truly separates itself from the competition. It uses modern technology, specifically TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks. Unlike traditional Hall Effect sticks, these TMR sticks offer lower power consumption and higher precision, but the real party trick here is adjustability. The resistance of the sticks can be easily adjusted by turning them, allowing users to dial in the exact tension they prefer for shooters versus racing sims. Additionally, the triggers feature adjustable travel, and the action buttons are not limited to simple "on/off" states; they register analog input. This at least makes precise throttle and brake control in racing games conceivable, blurring the line between a standard gamepad and a racing wheel setup.
Next-Gen Feedback and Repairability
Where the Manta truly shines is its feedback system. It is advertised as providing particularly precise and configurable feedback through Maglev linear motors. While "HD Rumble" has become a buzzword in the industry, the Genki Manta’s implementation felt genuinely convincing during testing. The vibrations are tight, localized, and capable of producing distinct textures rather than a generic buzz.
While the controller itself is not fully modular in the way something like the Victrix Pro BFG is (you can’t swap the stick layout), the internal design suggests a focus on longevity. The battery should be replaceable, which is a rarity in modern controllers. Because the front and back are connected by plugs rather than cables, the internal layout is clean. According to the manufacturer, the controller is easy to open by removing the screws, making user maintenance a viable possibility rather than a warranty-voiding nightmare.
You can even adjust the frequency of the Rumble feature
MantaOS: A Screen That Actually Matters
We were unable to test the controller across different game genres at the trade show due to the controlled environment, but we did manage to take a very detailed look at the integrated display and the MantaOS operating system. Whereas most controller screens are gimmicks, MantaOS feels like a legitimate piece of software.
Powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2350, the operating system offers a surprisingly wide range of possibilities. The controller can be configured entirely via the display, for example, eliminating the need to install additional software on a PC. This is a massive quality-of-life win for users who hate managing peripheral apps. Macro programming is supported natively, including a "prerecording" feature: much like a dashcam, it allows recently executed button combinations to be captured retroactively. If you just pulled off a complex combo but forgot to hit record, you can still save it.
The display allows for extensive configuration options
Settings can be saved in eight distinct profiles, and the UI is snappy and intuitive. The team has even managed to get small games running directly on the controller, turning the device into a mini handheld console when you are away from your desk. If an ecosystem develops around MantaOS, this could potentially provide significant added value. According to Human Things, conceivable and not entirely unrealistic possibilities include controlling streaming software and OBS Studio, as well as integrating an IR transmitter for controlling TVs.
Compatibility and Final Impressions
The Genki Manta is aiming for universal compatibility. It is compatible not only with PCs but also with the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, making it a potential single-controller solution for multi-platform households.
In a world where gamers are often asked to pay $180 for a controller with stick drift, the Genki Manta stands out as a bold, engineering-forward alternative. The hardware feels premium, the software is surprisingly mature, and the analog face buttons offer a level of control we rarely see outside of specialized fight pads. If Human Things can deliver on the February timeline and maintain this level of polish, the Manta might just be the sleeper hit of 2026.
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| The battery is supposed to be replaceable, but to do so, the controller must be unscrewed. |
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| There are also additional buttons on the top |