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SteelSeries Stratus Duo controller has Wi-Fi for Windows, Bluetooth for Android

Unlike most dual-personality game controllers, you're not forced to use Bluetooth with Windows.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
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SteelSeries

Most wireless game controllers designed to handle both mobile and PC gaming connect via Bluetooth . It's convenient, but Bluetooth isn't always optimal for desktop play due to latency and occasional pairing glitchiness. SteelSeries' Stratus Duo attacks that problem by incorporating 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth and wired.

At $60 (approximately £45 or AU$85), the Stratus Duo is essentially an updated Stratus XL. In addition to adding Wi-Fi, SteelSeries streamlined the design a bit and addressed one of the biggest complaints -- unreliable trigger buttons -- by switching to Magnetic Hall Effect switches, the type used by some of the Xbox One Wireless Controllers. 

To make it a well-rounded mobile option, SteelSeries will also be releasing a $10 phone mount for it in mid-February, the SmartGrip.

It does take a hit on battery life: the Stratus XL is rated for 40-plus hours, while the Duo drops to 20-plus. Wi-Fi takes more power than Bluetooth, after all. But the Duo also has a rechargeable battery built in, unlike the XL. Like previous models, it's Steam-compatible.

Sorry iOS gamers -- it only works with Windows and Android. 

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