Astro Gaming - C40 TR Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 and Windows PC

The C40 is a great controller but its not perfect. A majority of the complaints for this controller is that it can not turn on the PS4 via wireless. It's because Sony doesn't allow that access to 3rd party manufacturers. The only reason SCUF can do this is because it uses genuine DS4 motherboards on their controllers. Some people need to research before complaining. I've had a drift issue with my right module even after the firmware update. I took apart my controller and cleaned the conductors with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol and it worked flawlessly afterwards. It's been a month since that occurred with no issues even up until now. My main issue with this controller is the outer rubberized layer of coating. After using it everyday the top layer is peeling. Its a shame because the build quality is amazing. This shouldn't be happening so soon. My previous SCUF controller with the rubberized shell of 3 years shows no signs of wear or tear. For those of you familiar with Plasti Dip it's of the same quality. Maybe the next updated controller will be better but overall I'm satisfied with my purchase.

This controller was tested on a PS4 Pro and PC by a multi-console owner. ---SETUP--- The ASTRO C40 controller works out of the box with the PS4 without the need to update anything, though it is recommended that you connect it to a PC or Mac and update the firmware. If you want to customize your controller, you do need a PC to download the free software. ---FEATURES--- The key feature of this controller is that you can swap the D-PAD and left thumbstick with each other, making the left and right thumbsticks be offset, similar to an Xbox One controller. Additionally, you can customize two extra buttons that are below the controller (UL and UR) to function as any of the face buttons or triggers. Each trigger has a switch that allows you to shorten the distance required before a full press. Another switch allows you to change between 2 pre-programmed profiles on the fly. It features wired or wireless use and there is no light bar, like all original PS4 controllers have. ---PERFORMANCE--- I currently own well over 10 controllers for various platforms. The most common problem with third party controllers is that the D-PAD and face buttons always feels unresponsive. I’m happy to say that this is the first third party controller that feels as good as the original. Arguably, the gaming community prefers the weight and offset thumbsticks of the Xbox One controller. Though it doesn’t come out of the box like that, I was able to swap the D-PAD and left thumbstick in under 1 minute. After that, I played Apex Legends on PS4 and PC using the controller, and I was more comfortable with the Astro controller than the original PS4 controller. To test the D-PAD, I popped in Mortal Kombat X, and it was just as responsive as I wanted it to be. There is a touchpad, a menu, and a share button on the Astro that all work as they should. If you are worried about this controller not feeling as good as the original PS4 controller, then you can rest assured that this will feel great in your hands and on your gaming sessions. ---EXPECTATIONS--- The product meets my expectations but a few hiccups prevent it from achieving the coveted 5 stars. To start with, if you are using this with your PS4, there is no app on the PS4 to customize the controller. As a multi-console owner, the Xbox One Elite Controller (XOEC) can be customized from the Xbox itself without needing a PC. Next, this controller only has 2 giant extra customizable buttons where the XOEC has 4 paddles. I prefer the paddles from the XOEC because the can be removed and won’t interfere when unneeded. The Astro C40’s under-buttons can’t be removed and are located where most gamers rest their middle fingers, so you might accidentally press them. Another thing I noted was that the Astro C40 controller can’t turn on your PS4 wirelessly, even from standby mode. I had to use my older controller then switch to the Astro after the USB dongle was recognized by the PS4. Every time you want to switch the D-PAD and thumbstick back, or if you want to swap out types of thumbsticks (convex vs concave), you need to use the included hexagonal screw removal tool, unlike the XOEC which doesn’t require a tool because everything on that is magnetic and can be swapped in seconds. Also, though the Astro C40 controller charges with a micro-USB cable, the entrance of the cable was made in such a way that if it needs replacing you will probably have to buy another cable directly from Astro because of a tunnel entrance to the connection. ---SOFTWARE--- The software on PC is easy to use and understand. After connecting your Astro C40s to a PC, the drivers are automatically installed and the software recognizes your controller. Customizing profile 1 and 2 is a breeze and helps tremendously with remapping face buttons to the under-buttons. In games like Apex or Call of Duty, you can now reload without losing sight of your target. Other games, like Bulletstorm, don’t have customization of buttons within their menus. I created a profile specifically for this game and I was able to change running to UL (under left) and made my experience of that game much more enjoyable. ---VALUE--- The price for the Astro C40 controller is 50 dollars more than the XOEC. It is definitely a steep investment, but one that is well worth it if you game often and like having a competitive edge. ---APPROVAL--- I highly recommend this controller for gamers who want to train for competitive gaming and get that edge needed to come out on top. This controller has a great feel in terms of weight, has amazing customization options, and has a response time that’s just as good as the original. Despite a few flaws, it’s worth getting it.

I bought this controller about 3 months ago and it is hands down my least favorite controller I've ever used. I love my Astros headset, but the controller was a flop. Does it have great features? Yes it does with the whole computer thing and customizations but there is one major issue that makes me want to throw the controller at a wall or sell it for a double double at in-n-out. Stick Drift. Astros software has a "fix" for stick drift but it does not work! I take great care of my controller, it is never dropped or abused and I play maybe 10-15 hrs a week fortnite mainly. When I am done, it goes right back in it's nice little shell case. Being a first person shooter player, I need analog sticks that are not going to move if I dont want them to. I have had a scuf fps pro for 2 years and it was amazing. I've had a scuf impact controller and that was amazing. I decided to give astro a shot with their new controller and in less than three months, I cant even shoot straight because my screen is being moved when I'm not even touching the controller. I never write reviews at all, not once in my life, but if I can save 215 bucks after tax for someone then I'll be happy. Much love peace out.

I have used this controller in first person shooters as well as a remote for Netflix, you can use it to give you the advantage over people with scufs, you don’t need to replace padddles as there are buttons

One of the main differences between a typical PlayStation controller and an Xbox controller is the thumbstick layout. Some people prefer them one way or another. With the Astro C40 Tournament Ready (TR), you can swap them out to whatever position you prefer. Now you can have the Xbox layout on a PS4 or the PlayStation layout on a PC. They are easy to swap with the included hex tool and four screws that can’t get lost, as they remain attached to the faceplate. Similar to some other high end gaming controllers, you can swap out the thumbstick for concave or convex, short or tall. It comes with two of each short style, but only one of each tall concave or domed. More can be purchased on their site as well as the D-Pad replacement. All of the included parts are easily stored in the included hardshell case as well. Along with the customization there are paddles under the controller that can be mapped to any other button, except R2/L2. They can be remapped on the controller with the press of a button, or through the PC software. There are also physical trigger stops that stop R2/L2 at about 50% trigger pull, which can affect some games if you need 100% and don’t adjust it in the software. The software offers the majority of the customization features. This includes remapping all of the buttons on the controller, which can really mess with someone if you save it as the switchable second profile on the controller. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the thumbsticks and triggers. This is necessary if you want to use the trigger stops and still attain 100% effectiveness. It also has some audio settings for the 3.5mm connection that allows for 2 way audio that is saved to the controller so you don’t have to tweak every game. It even allows for you to reduce the rumble which can in turn help save battery life if playing wireless. You can create multiple profiles through the application, but only two of them can be synced to the controller to be switched to. The Astro C40 TR can be used wired with the included 3 meter USB cable or wirelessly with the included 2.4 Ghz USB adapter. The controller has a deep well to it for the micro USB connection, which will help prevent wear on the connection. However, it means you can’t use just any other random USB cable. It also feels pretty thick and sturdy, so it should endure the constant moving of playing video games. For PC I understood the need for the dongle, but felt it was kind of odd not to connect to the PS4 like the DualShock controllers. However, for the PS4, it was simple plug and play. This also allowed me to keep it wired to my PC and wireless to the PS4 and switch between them with the switch on the controller. As for playing with the controller, the first thing I noticed is that it is noticeably heavier than my Xbox and PS4 controller. However, only by a couple ounces and most of the time my arms are resting when I play anyway, so it's not like it made a difference. The grip style on the controller felt more like an Xbox controller. However, you have the button layout, speaker, internal positions sensors and touchpad of a PS4 controller. There is no light for the PS Move camera to notice though. While playing on my Windows 10 computer, most games recognize the controller as a standard Microsoft controller, with the A/X/B/Y buttons. Although, a true gamer doesn’t look at the button, they just know the button. I did have a problem with one game that did not recognize the controller. With a little Google research I found that by putting the games loader in Steam as a non-Steam game, then launching it from Steam, it worked like a normal controller. Apparently a common issue with other non-Microsoft controllers. I really do like the customization on this controller. However, for the price point I feel they left a few things out just so they can get more with the purchase of the accessories, like the interchangeable D-Pad. It also comes with a 6 month warranty and if you play a lot of games, you know how controllers can get worn. The good thing is, most of the time it is thumbstick that goes out first and for $20 you can get a new thumbstick module to easily replace it. Just hope that in 9 months it’s not the trigger that becomes the issue. I also found it a bit odd with the very sharp edges on the triggers and buttons. The trigger edges can really catch you off guard and give it a bit of cheap feel. Overall, solid controller with plenty of customization for the serious gamer.

I game a lot. It’s a passion. It’s one of my favorite forms of escapism. That passion has allowed me to own my fair share of pro game controllers. Some good. Some bad. And some REALLY bad. When Astro revealed their C40 TR controller, I was curious. I’m here to say that my curiosity is satisfied. The Astro C40 is a streamlined design while being durable. I know that I’m not the only one that has partially stepped on a controller that I haphazardly set on the floor. The C40 can endure those moments. Everything about the C40 seems like it had a lot of input from gamers. But allow me to get to what matters… The performance of the Astro C40. The range of movement is satin smooth even compared to a standard PS4 controller. There’s none of that ‘resistance’ and at the same time, it’s not weak like a wet noodle where the analog sticks are floppy. The metal stick shafts prevent that grind deterioration and dust that you’d normally get from plastic stick shafts. Anyone who games for long periods over the course of months will appreciate this design. The face buttons respond sharply when used. This means that when you press any of the buttons, they have a click, signaling that you’ve pressed & connected. There’s not a mushy feel that normally comes with default controllers. The same responsiveness is also found with the triggers and shoulder buttons. Responsiveness defines a moment in a game like Sekiro, Nioh other games that require precision response time. Sensitivity is also important in shooters like Call of Duty, Fornite, Apex Legends, etc. The trigger stops on the C40 allow for an even faster response for as long as the game allows the trigger stop mechanic. I discovered that the trigger stops didn’t make a difference in The Division 2 however, this can be remedied via configuration software (I’ll circle back to this later). If you’re into fighting games and don’t have a fight stick then the C40 will prove itself useful because the analog sticks are as responsive as they are in other genres. If you prefer to use the default D-pad is raised just enough to let you know which way you’re maneuvering to pull off a move that results in a fireball or a reversal kick. The rear buttons (under the backside) provide an advantage for those jump shots that sometimes confuse your target. Let me admit that it’s nice being on the giving end of those moments. What I really enjoy about the rear buttons is that they are simple. There are no paddles to accidentally press or fall out their designated slots. Having customization is a very welcomed feature. Through the easy configuration software, not only can you remap buttons but you can also calibrate the trigger sensitivity for those games like The Division 2 where the trigger stops aren’t applicable. With the slide of a switch, you can go back to the default settings of the C40 if needed for those times where your custom layout doesn’t meld well with a particular game. On the physical customization front, the C40 allows you to change out to different styles of sticks that are included. You can also create a parallel or offset analog stick modules. Personally, this is a welcomed feature because I had nerve surgery done on my hands which subjects them to cramping. But when I switched the D-pad with the left analog stick, creating an offset layout, the cramping has decreased. This option wasn’t afforded with my other controllers. The wireless option has proven itself solid. I haven’t experienced any lag or interference. I have to mention that you cannot power on the PS4 with the C40 whether it’s wireless or plugged in. It is my understanding that third party controllers aren’t allowed to power on or off the PS4. If I could change anything about the Astro C40, it would be with the design of the port where the power/charge cord plugs into. It sometimes requires some maneuvering for it to fully fit. It also would’ve been nice to have the alternate D-pad included. I honestly believe that gamers will embrace this controller and will discover many advantages with it. The Astro C40 is responsive, ergonomic and feels firm. The plethora of customization options offers something for every type of gamer. For Astro, the C40 is an impressive debut.

The Astro C40 TR controller is the first Pro controller I have ever bought and I'll never go back to dual shocks. This controller immediately feels like a massive step up from dual shocks the second you pick it up. It has a nice weight without being heavy. I can use it for 12 straight hours no problem. At first it seemed a little too wide to me but after a couple play sessions I got used to it and now dual shocks feel too small. FEATURES Modular, customizable and repairable. This thing is modular. It is similar to the dual shock in that it comes as a parallel sticks controller, but if you prefer offset you can just swap the dpad and left stick around. It has two under buttons that are programmable. You can use the app to create any number of presets for different games and store two of them in the controller for quick swapping via a switch on the front left of the controller. However you do have to tether to your computer to load a new preset that isn't one of those two. That said it also has the ability to remap any of the buttons on the fly thanks to a reprogram button on the bottom of the controller. I use this for most of my needs. You can also program buttons to do nothing if you want. It also has trigger stops that you can combine with custom sensitivity settings to create hair triggers which are great for shooters. You can fix issues that arise. After heavy use any controller will start to have some issues. All gamers know the plight of stick drift. This controller is essentially immune to stick drift. I don't mean that it will never happen, but a quick double press of the programming button fixes the drift. Another problem that controllers run into is losing sensitivity on triggers and sticks. This will happen after heavy use with this controller, but again you can fix it. In the app you can see the input the controller reads when you move the sticks or press the triggers and make adjustments to keep the sensitivity accurate. Again, this thing is modular! When you're sticks eventually wear out to the point where sensitivity adjustments aren't enough, you can just replace them. I literally have 8 unusable dual shock controllers in my closet. Most of them were retired because of the sticks. CON I wrote con because I only have one complaint about this controller and it's why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. This is a PlayStation controller that isn't well integrated with the system. You cannot turn the system on with this controller even though it does have a ps button. I also would like to see the app on the PlayStation itself so I don't have to tether to my computer to make some of the more detailed adjustments. It also doesn't have an LED light so that could be a problem for psvr play (I haven't tried it yet). SUMMARY The Astro CR 40 TR is a well built, heavily customizable controller that is a massive step up from the standard dual shock. At $200 it's pretty pricey but if I don't have to buy 3 dual shocks every year anymore then I say it's worth it.

Great controller fits well in the hands if you have big hands.