Astro C40 TR Review – A PS4 Pro Controller That Leaves The DualShock 4 In the Dust

If you're looking to up your PS4 gaming setup, the Astro C40 is the perfect fit.

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As primarily a PC player, I’m usually on the fence when it comes to high-end controllers. They’re stunning and mechanically, amazing – but usually my interest dies there. I’ve been spending more time on my PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems lately. With PS4’s amazing exclusives and the Xbox Game Pass, it’s getting easier and easier to straddle the lines between platforms. That being said, the Astro C40 TR controller blends the best of both worlds with both PS4 and PC capabilities while still staying true to the PlayStation design, and honestly? I’m floored by how amazing this is. 

Astro in itself is a high quality name that gamers trust. They know what they’re doing when it comes to their amazing line of controllers, headsets, and other gaming peripherals. The Logitech name absolutely knew what they were doing with their line of luxery controllers, and the C40 definitely rivals that of the well-received Xbox Elite line.

As soon as I unpacked the controller, I immediately could feel the weight of it. It’s not clunky, but it is heavily weighted – in a good way! The C40 feels very balanced, physically, and the triggers, gamepad, and buttons felt very sturdy and not likely to fall victim to inconsequential and circumstantial damage. 

A problem I’ve had with other controllers in the same caliber is connectivity issues. That, and I’ll admit – I’m a rage gamer. I’ve broken a few controllers and keyboards in my day (hey, I was in my 20s, don’t judge), but I didn’t run into any issues with the C40. Well, connective issues. Angry gaming, eh. I also did a few controlled drop tests as well, and it held up impressively well! 

The C40 also is very easy to take apart in order to customize, and it includes everything you need to get started. Want the gamepad on the exterior side of the controller? Swap it out! Remapping is incredibly easy, something that the Scuf Vantage line is also well-known for. It’s easy, efficient, and made in a way that you don’t have to worry about accidently breaking the controller. 

For those that are more into the tech side of the pro controller scene, the dedicated USB wireless transmitter is included, which makes it work phenomenally well. Unlike other similar controllers, it uses a USB thumbstick that goes directly into the PlayStation 4. While not revolutionary, it was a technical decision made by the team that should have a functionality that all gamers can appreciate. 

As far as how long a charge holds up, it’s pretty accurate to what the company claims: 12 hours. 

I absolutely love the build of the C40, the customizable modules, the connectivity stability, and the overall design. It’s stunning, it’s crisp, it’s a phenomenal high-end piece. The only thing that I wish could be just a little different is that it doesn’t turn on the PlayStation 4 due to the dongle. Is that a deal-breaker? Well, no – but for $200, it would be a nice functional feature. 

I also wish that they would have gone a separate route as far as their Micro USB decision. The C40 uses a specific cable that is connected to a very specific port hole that is at the top of the controller in order to charge it. This move was to prevent damage – which is good – but it also means other Micro USB cables won’t work with it, which can be a stickler. 

Overall, I’m a little bit in love. Though the $200 price point might be a breaking point for some, for those looking to upgrade to professional levels, the C40 is absolutely a perfect pick. 

Also, bonus image because I’m a total collectibles nerd and wanted to show off all of the adventures this controller will see me through: 


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Author
Liana Ruppert
With an arguably unhealthy obsession with Dragon Age and Mass Effect, Liana is wildly passionate about all things in the gaming community. From shooters, to RPGs, if it's out - she's playing it. A medically retired US Sailor and now full-time hoarder of gaming collectibles, Liana's passion for everything in the gaming industry is palpable. Also, if you lose her in a crowd, just casually mention any BioWare game and the crazy pterodactyl screech will without a doubt follow. You can follow her on Twitter @DirtyEffinHippy or email her for editorial inquiries at [email protected]!