Can Brother Zhou’s “heart rate measuring” controller replace the Switch 2 Pro? The answer from foreign media is very is gaining traction fast, and early community reaction suggests this one has real momentum.
As with major stories across retro and modern gaming, the key details are in how players are responding, how the platform owners move next, and whether this remains a short spike or a longer trend.
Anbernic, which has always specialized in analog handheld consoles, has launched a rare cross-border controller RG G01 this time. It mainly supports Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. The price is USD $39.99 (approximately RM188/HKD $315/TWD $1,260). It seems that it is obviously aiming to “replace the Pro Controller”. However, the conclusion after the actual test by foreign media can actually be summed up in one sentence: it has many functions, but it is not interesting.
The specs are packed, but the feel doesn’t keep up.
From a functional point of view, RG G01 has almost everything that can be added. Small IPS screen, heart rate sensor, Hall Effect trigger, six-axis gyroscope, micro buttons, capacitive joystick, and even back keys and macro settings. It is indeed sincere to see such a configuration at this price, but the problem is the feel.
Foreign media pointed out that although the joystick responds normally, there will be a “grinding” feeling of metal and plastic friction when pushed to the bottom. This experience is now considered lagging behind. In addition, ABXY adopts the Xbox arrangement and the button size is small, and the overall operating comfort is obviously not as good as the official Pro Controller, and even some third parties are better.
Heart rate sensor? More like a gimmick
The biggest “feature” of RG G01 is also the most confusing part. There is a built-in heart rate sensor on the right handgrip, which can display your heartbeat in real time and even vibrate to remind you when it is too high. However, foreign media bluntly stated that this function has almost no practical use. It neither looks like a health device nor affects the gaming experience. It is more like a gimmick shoehorned in.
Switch 2 should have it, but it doesn’t.
Although advertised as supporting Switch 2, the RG G01 lacks many core features, including the GameChat button, the ability to wake the console, NFC, and HD Rumble. Although there is vibration, it is a basic model and the feedback level is limited.
Foreign media also directly pointed out that this controller is actually designed for PC or Android, and the integration of the Switch 2 ecosystem is incomplete.
Foreign media evaluation: It can be used, but I would not recommend it (for Switch 2)
The RG G01 is indeed “usable” at this price and has quite a few functions. However, the problem is that there are already too many more mature options on the market, which are obviously more complete in terms of feel, design and function integration.
Coupled with the cheap feeling brought by the transparent panel and the overall unclear positioning, this handle looks a bit awkward.
Can it be replaced? Not yet
If you’re just looking for a cheap, functional controller that you can use occasionally, there’s nothing wrong with the RG G01. But if you are serious about playing Switch or Switch 2 and want to find an alternative to Pro Controller, then foreign media reviews believe that this one is still far behind.
Speaking of alternative Switch 2 controllers, the editor recommends the “Red Rabbit 2” mechanical button controller, and I will introduce it to you if I have the opportunity.