A lot has changed in the world of controllers since I discovered leverless controllers. In fact, I’ve found myself sticking to leverless or all button controllers instead of using traditional fight sticks for 2D games. I use my Razer Kitsune multiple times a week for playing on Steam Deck or PS5. Haute42, AKA COSMOX, a new entrant to arcade controllers, basically changed the landscape for most folks with very low price points, and multiple options. I covered the Haute42 T16 a few months ago as a fantastic leverless controller and also the Haute Board Mini which is a keyboard style arcade controller.
What is a leverless controller and why do people like them?
Before going further, if you aren’t sure what a leverless controller is or why people prefer it, it is a stickless controller that replaces the traditional arcade lever with four buttons to represent the four directions. The placement and sizes of these buttons varies by controller and style, but it basically is designed like how you’d use the following keyboard keys A (left) S (down) D (right) and space bar (jump/up) for movement. The remaining eight action buttons are A B X Y LB RB LT and RT. This covers the main buttons you’d need during gameplay in a fighter, shmup, or even retro games.
As for why some folks prefer leverless to traditional arcade controllers, I really think it is down to preference, but also makes certain inputs a lot easier. I find myself playing better and feeling a lot more comfortable playing games like Street Fighter 6 with a leverless controller, but I’ve noticed I gravitate towards my Hori stick for games like Tekken 8. As for what is better, it depends on what you’re more comfortable with above anything else. Just having the best controller isn’t enough if it isn’t comfortable or causes you additional wrist strain.
Haute42 P12 controller features
Ever since I bought something from Haute42’s store on Amazon, I’ve ended up buying a few more of their budget controllers, but the one that impressed me the most despite its flaws, is the Haute42 P12 controller I bought. Not only is this the company’s first ABS mold injection version of a stickless or leverless controller, but it also is the first controller it has released that feels like one that’s ready for general consumers, rather than having elements of DIY ones. I say this because it has properly labeled extra buttons, a tournament lock, better button placement above the main controller action and directional buttons, and even has a much better non-slip solution.
The out of the box experience for the Haute42 P12 is a lot better than the company’s other controllers so far. The others have more flexibility and customization options, but I will cover that a bit later in this feature. For the low asking price of $59.99 (usually) on Amazon, you can’t go wrong with the Haute42 P12 right now, assuming you know what platforms you want to use it on.
One thing to note is that the P12, as the name suggests, has 12 buttons unlike the T16 that has 16 buttons letting you do a lot more, and making things like Drive Impact or Parry in Street Fighter 6 easier given the position options. The P12 is a more traditional layout, and this allows for a more compact size and price point.
The P12 also has a small screen like the other Haute42 controllers that shows the mode it is in, inputs, and more. This one in particular fits into the body better to give this whole controller a more polished feel, rather than how it looks in the T16 controller.
Haute42 P12 controller compatibility
The Haute42 P12 officially supports Windows, Steam Deck, Android, PS3, PS4 (with a dongle), Nintendo Switch, MiSTer, iPadOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi as indicated on the official website. Not supporting the PS5 natively is definitely the biggest negative if you own a PS5, but this can be fixed by a dongle like Haute42’s own Booter 5 or the Brooks Wingman FGC that I use.
Haute42 P12 controller – what’s in the box
Before getting into what’s included in the box, the box itself feels a lot better, and more like a product that you’d buy in a store rather than a blank box with a sticker on top. The Haute42 P16 ships with the controller itself, a USB cable, an instruction manual, and accessories (an extra switch and a switch puller). The controller is housed within the box with correctly cut foam to protect it. I wasn’t happy with the stock USB-C cable, so I used one of these.
Haute42 P12 controller performance, buttons, and feel
In the three or so months I’ve had the Haute42 P12 controller, it has worked perfectly. I didn’t initially realize what a difference the smaller-sized buttons would make. I still don’t know what size I prefer, but I can see why some folks were annoyed at the large buttons in the T16 controller. The P12 uses smaller sized buttons for everything but jump, which is the larger button as you can see in the photos. The button caps are the same premium-feeling matte finish ones, and you can replace them easily.
The Haute42 P12 controller ships with the Crystal switches as opposed to the stock Kailh Low Profile Red Switches. The crystal ones allow for better light transmission, but otherwise feel pretty similar to the red ones. I’ve ordered the Wind Engine switches they sell to see how they feel, and will likely cover those in a dedicated modding article in the future.
For recent testing, I spent a majority of time playing Guilty Gear Strive following its newest update with the new Season Pass 4 skins, and also revisiting the game after the last DLC. I used it on my Steam Deck and also on my PS5 in Strive with the Brook dongle. After Guilty Gear Strive, I played some more Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes and Melty Blood. Everything worked perfectly.
Haute42 P12 controller – modding, artwork, switches, and keycaps
Speaking of replacing button caps, you can also remove the switches it ships with to use the Wind Engine ones or any others that are compatible. I recommend checking the official Haute42 Discord or Reddit for what is compatible as I’ve not changed mine yet aside from one or two to test. I will be replacing all of the T16 ones soon though.
Haute42 P12 controller issues
Aside from the controller being louder than the others I have which I expected given the plastic body, my only real complaint is that it isn’t comfortable for lap play. It feels great for desk or table play though. If you want to play with this on your lap, I recommend something like the IKEA OEJULF. I use this when I work on my MacBook Air as well, and it has been a nice complement for using smaller leverless controllers on my lap.
How to use the Haute42 P12 controller on PS5
To use the Haute42 P12 controller on PS5, you need a dongle. I use the Brook Wingman FGC, but I will be testing Haute42’s own Booter 5 dongle when my order arrives. This dongle is inserted into the extension USB A slot on the right of the P12 and needs to be plugged in while you play on PS5. Note that this only lets you play PS5 games with legacy stick support and not all PS5 games. I used the P12 on my desk to play the 2XKO alpha test from Riot Games on PS5 where it worked using my Brook dongle flawlessly. I ended up sticking to my Razer Kitsune for lap play, but thought this was great for desk play. I’m also looking forward to playing more 2XKO when I can.
If you’re wondering why I haven’t covered how to use this on Xbox Series X, I gave up on using these controllers there after Microsoft has repeatedly pushed out firmware updates to block them making my Brook Xbox dongle a paperweight.
If you do plan to get a Haute42 controller for PS5, make sure you factor the dongle price into the equation as well.
The Haute42 P12 controller is the best budget leverless controller for Switch and Steam Deck
At under $60, there isn’t much that comes close to the Haute42 P12. It isn’t perfect of course, and the few issues aside, this is going to be the controller I recommend to folks who want a small sized leverless. There’s always the T16 for a larger size or even the R16 that I want to use, but the P12 is excellent right now, and one to consider if you’re curious about the world of leverless, and want a budget entry point.
If you’d like to grab it, the Haute42 T16 controller is usually available for under $60 (or so) on Amazon at the official sellers here, here, or here. If you do end up buying it or already own one, I’d love to know what you think about it. Let us know in the comments below, and also if you’d like to see any specific controller reviewed.
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