Genki, known for its Switch accessories, has launched a highly ambitious controller called the Manta, which has successfully surpassed its Kickstarter funding goal. The controller features a comprehensive suite of advanced functionalities, including TMR sticks, adjustable triggers, and sophisticated haptics, complemented by a built-in operating system and a digital display.
The Manta is designed for versatility, supporting PC via USB-C wired and 2.4 GHz wireless connections, alongside Switch 1 and 2, mobile devices, and other platforms through Bluetooth. It adopts a standard Xbox-style layout with offset analog sticks. A user-replaceable 2,400 mAh battery powers the device, and it includes the capability to remotely wake a paired Switch 2 console.
Key to the Manta's design are its "Analog Pulse Buttons" for the face buttons, which track input throughout their full travel, allowing for adjustable actuation points ideal for rapid inputs or deliberate presses. Similarly, the Hall effect triggers offer three distinct modes: Digital for a short, tactile click; Rapid for quick, fully analog input; and Analog for full-range proportional control. The controller also incorporates "maglev haptics" for enhanced rumble feedback, a nine-axis IMU for motion controls, and six additional input buttons, including integrated back buttons and removable paddles. The D-pad is also customizable, offering both a traditional layout and an eight-point satellite dish design.
Perhaps the most notable feature is MantaOS, the controller's onboard operating system. This allows users to manage all configuration settings, such as profile switching, macro setup, input adjustments, and RGB customization, directly through the controller's integrated color display. This eliminates the need for separate driver software or companion applications.
Beyond configuration, MantaOS introduces a "On-the-Fly KBM" feature, accessible via a dedicated button, which transforms the screen into a QWERTY keyboard or a compass for quick typing. Holding this button also allows the entire controller to function as a gyro-controlled mouse, a feature that could greatly enhance usability for tasks like navigating PC desktops or game launchers. The system also supports advanced macro recording, capable of capturing analog stick movements and trigger pressure for complex sequences.
The Manta's capabilities extend further with a programmable layer powered by a dual-core Raspberry Pi RP2350 processor. This layer allows for the loading of external applications onto the controller's 16MB of internal storage, with demonstrations showing a side-scrolling shooter running on the built-in screen. Genki plans to foster a community with a "Genki Forge" for users to develop and share custom apps for MantaOS.
The Kickstarter campaign has seen significant success, attracting approximately 1,800 backers and raising over $400,000 against its $100,000 goal. The final retail price is set at $279, but early backers could secure the controller for $189. Genki anticipates shipping to commence between January and April 2027.