I bought electronics for PLN 60 from AliExpress. It's amazing (test)

Are you looking for a good gamepad to play on your computer or mobile device? You don't have to spend several hundred zlotys on good, but expensive models from Microsoft or Sony. Just PLN 60-100 and you will be satisfied. I did it myself.

In recent years, I have been using Xbox pads when playing on my computer. I have always thought they were the best. I haven't changed my mind, but not everyone wants to spend PLN 250 on a new controller. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem. I bought a new pad myself from AliExpress. I spent less than PLN 60 on it and I am extremely satisfied. You may have already heard about it. This is the GameSir Nova Lite model, which I decided to write a few words about.

Specification

Let's start with the specifications of the new pad, because although it is not expensive, it has a lot to offer. First of all, GameSir Nova Lite is compatible with a wide range of devices. You can use it to play on your computer, mobile devices with Android and iOS, as well as Nintendo Switch. It offers both wired and wireless connectivity via a USB-C cable. In the latter case, we can choose between a radio connection (the set includes a USB receiver) and Bluetooth.

GameSir Nova Lite

The biggest advantage of the tested pad are the analog sticks. They are based on Hall effect sensors, which should guarantee very good durability. What does it mean? Instead of traditional potentiometers, which require a physical connection and have easily wearing parts, the controller uses a magnet. Thanks to this, it measures voltage changes in the electromagnetic field and, on this basis, knows in which direction and with what intensity we moved the knob. What is very important is that there are no physical elements that rub against each other, so there is a risk of wear and so-called drifting is incomparably smaller. The technology itself is nothing new and is successfully used in many controllers, but usually very expensive ones. Here we have it in a device that, given the right opportunity, can be purchased for several dozen zlotys.

GameSir Nova Lite

In addition, GameSir Nova Lite offers membrane buttons and a 600 mAh battery. Its dimensions are 155 × 104 × 61 mm and the total weight is 205 grams. The specification is complemented by two motors responsible for vibration. The standard price is about PLN 150, but there are many opportunities on AliExpress that make it more than twice cheaper. I bought it myself for PLN 57.45, proof of which is below. The pad is available in white and midnight blue versions. I see that you can currently buy it for about PLN 75-100.

Check out the promotion for the pad:

👉 GameSir Nova Lite

Construction and quality of workmanship

GameSir Nova Lite surprises with its build quality. This is really well-made equipment. Both its appearance and the materials used are reminiscent of Xbox Series X/S pads and this is a huge distinction for it. I can't fault the plastics in any way. Maybe they are slightly worse than Microsoft's proposals, but the difference is really minimal and in my opinion there is no reason to worry. If you don't throw it around, it should last for many years, or at least that's what I'm counting on.

What surprised me was the weight of the controller. The manufacturer mentions 205 grams. My kitchen scale even showed 211 grams, but you couldn't feel it at all. GameSir Nova Lite seems very light and fits well in your hands. Additionally, it has slightly rough handles on both sides, which further improves the comfort of use.

Keys and additional functions

The key layout is standard for Xbox controllers. This means that the left analog stick is placed higher. Below it, at a slight angle, there are directional buttons and next to them the right knob. The latter has ABXY keys. Total standard. And there are also plenty of bumpers and triggers.

GameSir Nova Lite

Additionally, there are five additional buttons in the middle. The largest one, called home, with the manufacturer's logo, is mainly used to turn on and pair the device, but it also has a few additional functions, which I will write about in a moment. In addition, there are: menu (start), view (options) and a special “M” key to manage further additional functions. It allows, among other things, to adjust the dead zone of the analog knobs, change the assignment of individual keys, which may prove useful, for example, on Switch, which has a different layout, or adjust the vibration intensity. This is important because at the moment the manufacturer does not provide any software in which we can change the settings. Everything is done from the controller itself.

The most important combinations are:

• Home + B (blue) – DS4 mode for Windows 7/10/11 and iOS 13 (or newer)
• Home + X (green) – mode for Windows 7/10/11 and Android 8 (or newer)
• Home + Y (red – Nintendo Switch mode
• Home + A (yellow) – mode for Android 8 (or newer)
• M + up or down arrow – change the vibration intensity
• M + right or left knob (for 2 seconds) – enable or disable zero dead zone mode
• M + A (for 2 seconds) – swap A/B and X/Y buttons

What's more, triggers and analog sticks can be calibrated. To do this, press the menu, view and home buttons simultaneously until the home light turns white. Then press LT and RT three times to their maximum level and turn each knob three times. After everything, press the A button, which ends the calibration. Afterwards, the backlight should turn white for a moment. The full user manual can be found on the manufacturer's website at THIS LINK. Everything is explained there. However, it is a pity that there is no software for Windows that would make the whole process much easier. Interestingly, there are versions for Android and iOS.

Battery

The controller is equipped with a 600 mAh battery. It allows for approximately 10-12 hours of play in radio mode and approximately 14-15 hours in Bluetooth mode. These may not be great results, but many controllers perform much worse in this area. The controller does not inform us about its current charge status. Only when the level drops below 10% will the home button start flashing orange (twice per second). This is a sign that it needs to be charged.

GameSir Nova Lite

Then we need to look at the colors:

• red – from 0 to 25 percent. charging
• orange – from 25 to 50 percent.
• yellow – from 50 to 75 percent.
• green – from 75 to 90 percent.
• blinking green – from 90 to 100 percent. charging

How to use the pad?

Surprisingly good. I won't beat around the bush here. This is an absolutely basic model that offers nothing extraordinary. It is simply used for gaming and it works perfectly for this purpose. This was to be expected considering the reasonable price. What surprised me were the very noticeable vibrations. At the highest intensity level they are a bit too strong for me and I had to go down 2 levels. If you like this type of feedback, you will be pleased.

GameSir Nova Lite

GameSir Nova Lite is simply good equipment with a great value for money. It is distinguished primarily by the use of analog sticks with the Hall effect, thanks to which the phenomenon of drifting should be alien to it. Additionally, it offers wide compatibility and simply works. And that's it. It is simple, solid and cheap equipment. If you are looking for something better, with more functions, this is not the device for you. However, if it is just a controller for playing on a phone or computer, you will be satisfied. Just like your wallet. GameSir Nova Lite receives a high recommendation from me. This is what I was looking for and this is what I got.