Winter has arrived, and as any South African knows, there are only two ways to survive the cold.
The first is to wrap yourself in enough blankets to become indistinguishable from a burrito.
The second is to keep your hands busy.
Fortunately, gaming has been helping us achieve exactly that for decades. Whether you’re grinding through a new RPG, getting overly competitive with friends, or simply looking for an excuse to avoid going outside, a good controller can make all the difference.
So this week, I’ve gone looking for three controller deals currently on special that will help keep your hands warm while your electricity bill keeps the heater firmly switched off.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
Price: R999, marked down from R1.099
Buy it Here
8BitDo has quietly become one of the most respected names in third-party controllers, and the Ultimate 2 is a great example of why. The company has built a reputation for delivering premium features without the premium price tag, and this controller feels far more expensive than it actually is.
The Ultimate 2 features Hall Effect thumbsticks, wireless connectivity for both Windows and Android devices, programmable rear buttons, and a charging dock that keeps everything neat and ready to play. It’s the sort of controller that makes you wonder why some first-party manufacturers still charge so much.
If you’ve been looking for a controller that can jump between PC gaming and mobile gaming without missing a beat, this is an incredibly tempting option.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Price: R1724,99, marked d own from R2299
Buy it Here
Nintendo has always known how to make comfortable controllers, and the Switch 2 Pro Controller continues that tradition. While the Joy-Cons are fantastic for portability, the Pro Controller is what you’ll want in your hands when it’s time to settle in for a proper gaming session.
With improved ergonomics, responsive triggers, motion controls, and excellent battery life, it’s designed for players who spend hours exploring Hyrule, racing around Mario Kart tracks, or arguing with friends over who actually cheated in Mario Party.
It’s not the cheapest controller on this list, but if you’re invested in Nintendo’s ecosystem, it’s one of those upgrades you’ll appreciate every single time you play.
Xbox Wireless Controller – Heart Breaker Edition
Price: R1,499 marked down from R1,999
Buy it Here
Sometimes a controller is just a controller. And sometimes it comes covered in enough pink attitude to make your entire setup look cooler.
The Heart Breaker Edition takes Microsoft’s already excellent Xbox Wireless Controller and wraps it in a design that’s impossible to ignore. Underneath the styling, you’re still getting everything that has made the Xbox controller one of the most popular gamepads on the planet: comfortable ergonomics, reliable wireless connectivity, textured grips, and compatibility across Xbox consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
Let’s be honest, though. Nobody is buying this because they need another controller. They’re buying it because it looks awesome, and that’s a perfectly valid reason.
Three controllers, countless hours of gaming, and just enough warmth to convince yourself you don’t need to turn the heater on.
Look, I can’t promise these will improve your skills. If you’re getting destroyed online, that’s still very much a you problem.
What I can promise is that they’ll make losing significantly warmer.
