Genki, the company known for its crowdfunded accessories, has launched its first self-designed game controller, the Manta, via a Kickstarter campaign that opened today. Targeting gamers who want to tailor their hardware to specific games, the Manta features a large 2.9-inch LCD screen positioned above the thumbsticks and buttons, making it noticeably bulkier than many competing controllers. Early backers can reserve the device for $189, while the expected full retail price is set at $279. This marks the company鈥檚 ninth crowdfunded product, a track record that suggests a history of delivering on its campaigns despite the inherent risks of backing projects on the platform.
The Manta鈥檚 defining feature is its deep customization, driven by a dedicated Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller that powers the on-screen settings interface. Through this system, players can create and switch between multiple profiles for different consoles, games, or users, and adjust a wide range of parameters. These include tweaking thumbstick response and dead zones, altering the intensity of haptic feedback, remapping buttons, and recording or combining button presses into custom macros. This level of control is aimed at letting each player fine-tune the controller to match their specific preferences for how a game feels and responds.
Among its standout features, the Manta is described as one of the first controllers to offer what Genki calls "tristage triggers." While many high-end controllers offer two switchable trigger modes for racing or first-person shooter games, the Manta adds a third in-between option that the company says is optimized for rapid repeated presses. The face buttons are also analog, allowing users to set exactly how much travel is required before a button press registers, effectively controlling each button鈥檚 sensitivity. This addresses a common need for players who want different touch responses for different actions.
The controller also includes several other hardware features that cater to performance and comfort. It has linear magnetic ram motors in its grips that direct haptic feedback directly into the hands, and it uses drift-resistant tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) thumbsticks with adjustable tension. A 2,600mAh user-replaceable battery powers the device, and there are six extra remappable buttons located on the back and shoulders. For connectivity, the Manta supports Bluetooth wireless, but users who are sensitive to input latency can switch to a bundled 2.4GHz dongle or plug in directly via a USB-C cable.
Beyond standard gamepad functions, the Manta includes a dedicated button to switch into a keyboard and mouse mode, allowing users to navigate a browser or other software without reaching for a separate device. This feature broadens the controller鈥檚 utility beyond gaming into general computer use, a practical angle for US consumers who may use their setups for both work and play. The device is being offered first through its Kickstarter, and while the crowdfunding model carries some risk, Genki鈥檚 history with previous campaigns provides some measure of confidence for potential backers. For US gamers looking for a highly adjustable controller, the Manta presents a new option that prioritizes personalization over the standard one-size-fits-all approach.
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