Gulikit TT Max Review
A Strong Upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2, With One Catch
The Gulikit KK2T was one of my favourite third-party controllers for the original Nintendo Switch, so when the Nintendo Switch 2 arrived, I was naturally looking for a proper upgrade. Gulikit was kind enough to send over the Gulikit TT Max, and after more than a month of hands-on use, the big question was simple: could Gulikit strike gold once again?
The answer is mostly yes, with a few important caveats.
Comfort and Layout: PlayStation-Inspired, Switch-Friendly
Right out of the box, the Gulikit TT Max adopts a more PlayStation-style layout, placing the analog sticks symmetrically toward the bottom with the D-Pad positioned on the upper left. In hand, the controller feels immediately comfortable, with a shape that supports long play sessions without fatigue.
One of the most eye-catching design choices is the large circular D-Pad. It may look intimidating at first glance, but in practice, it hugs the thumb exceptionally well and delivers impressive accuracy, especially for platformers and fighting games. For players who prefer tradition, Gulikit includes the option to swap it out for a classic floating cross D-Pad, which is a welcome touch.
Triggers, Paddles, and Customization
Flip the controller over, and the customization options really begin to shine. Physical switches allow you to toggle the triggers between full analog and quick press, making it easy to switch between racing games and shooters. The triggers themselves use 256-level Hall Effect technology, offering smooth input with excellent precision.
On the back, you will find support for four metal rear paddles. They are detachable, swappable, and fully remappable, adding serious flexibility for competitive or accessibility-focused setups.
Hall Effect Sticks and Zero Drift Concerns
The analog sticks are extremely smooth and make use of anti-drift magnetic Hall Effect technology. After weeks of use, there is no sign of stick drift, which is a major selling point for any modern controller, especially one intended for long-term use.
Auto Pilot Gaming Function: Surprisingly Useful
One of the standout features is Gulikit’s Auto Pilot Gaming Function. This allows you to record up to 10 minutes of gameplay, including joystick movements, and replay it either once or on an infinite loop. It is particularly useful for repetitive grinding, farming, or hunting scenarios where the same actions are required over and over again.
Platform Support and Extra Features
The Gulikit TT Max is not limited to Nintendo Switch 2. It also supports PC, Android, and iOS, with interchangeable buttons that let you swap layouts to match Xbox-style inputs if needed.
Additional features include:
- Adjustable star-ring RGB lighting with multiple visual effects
- Built-in gyro for motion controls in Switch games
- Three vibration modes: HD Rumble, Super Haptic, and Rotor Vibration
- 4000-level, 720-degree tension-adjustable TMR joysticks for fine-tuning stick resistance
Battery Life
The controller is powered by a 950mAh lithium polymer battery. With RGB lighting turned off, you can expect up to 26 hours of use. With lighting enabled at lower brightness, battery life drops to around 14 hours, which is still respectable given the feature set.
The Downsides
There are two notable drawbacks worth mentioning.
First, there is no dedicated Game Chat button for Nintendo Switch 2. This is a small but noticeable omission, especially for players who frequently use system-level communication features.
Second, and more importantly, the controller currently cannot wake the Nintendo Switch 2 from sleep. Even after following Gulikit’s official instructions and video guide, waking the console via the controller did not work in my testing. The good news is that once the console is awake, pressing the power button on the controller connects instantly. This feels like a firmware-level issue that could be addressed in a future update, but it is something buyers should be aware of right now.
Final Verdict
The Gulikit TT Max is a feature-rich, highly customizable controller that feels like a true premium upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2 players. Its Hall Effect sticks and triggers, rear paddles, deep customization, and multi-platform support make it one of the most versatile third-party controllers available today.
While the inability to wake the Switch 2 and the missing Game Chat button hold it back slightly, these issues do not overshadow how strong the overall package is, especially if Gulikit delivers a firmware fix.
For players looking to move beyond first-party controllers without sacrificing quality, Gulikit once again proves why it is one of the most trusted names in the space.
Grab yours here: https://amzn.to/3LIKYQ6