| Price | 20XX |
| Release | Summer 2021 |
| Compatibility | WU / GC / N64 / PC |
| Dimensions | 16” x 8” x 1.4” |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs |
| Cable | ~2 m |
Introduction
Some may say that the B0XX pioneered the use of leverless controllers for Super Smash Bros. Eventually, 20XX rereleased this legendary controller with 20 buttons instead of 18 buttons.
The B0XX also comes in new editions that we’d love to talk to you about in a bit. Before that, here are some essential backstory details about this controller before you dive deeper into this review:
- Designed by Aziz “Hax$” Alyami for Melee
- Produced by Stephen “Streamlord” Kasmir
- Programmed by Kyle “simple” McDowell
- Legal at Melee tournaments like Genesis
Unboxing
Here are the contents that your B0XX should come with:
- Version 20XX memory card
- Black B0XX bag
- Screw Pak
- USB-C to A cable
- USB-C to GameCube cable
As for what you can expect from the Version 20XX memory card:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Input | Tech-polling drift fix |
| Controller | 14 hardware/software buffs |
| Stages | Frozen DL64, FD, FoD, PS, and YS |
| UI | Enhanced stage-select screen |
Performance
The 20 Sanwa OBSF-24 buttons are durable, responsive, trigger fast, and produce a satisfyingly crisp sound. Otherwise, consider the optional 20MX kit, which bolsters the B0XX’s Sanwa buttons with Gateron Clear switches.
Those switches can boost the buttons’ lifespan from 1 million to 50 million presses! Still, the B0XX’s switches remain smooth, linear, and with a similarly featherweight actuation force of 35 gf.
(It’s up to you if you’d like to order the optional 20MX kit preinstalled on your B0XX or in DIY format. In the latter case, set aside up to an hour to get the DIY job done.)
The B0XX is practically free of input delay—up to a frame faster than other box controllers—and allows you to perform the techniques below with more than just one finger:
- Wave dashes
- Piano aerials
- Multi-shines
Aside from that, the B0XX’s layout improves upon light shielding, and you can master angling recovery moves like Firefox within minutes.
Hardware
The B0XX is thin and comfortable for the wrists, yet its weight makes it on the heavier side. On a side note, there are actually three profiles you can choose from using a side toggle to simultaneously activate multiple layouts, and there’s also designer software to freely map buttons.
No Wii U adapter is necessary for the B0XX, by the way, and the included USB-C cables allow connectivity with:
- GameCube
- Nintendo 64
- PC
No finicky toggles are needed either. Functionality is automatically swapped based on which game you’re playing with the B0XX. Now, in case you’d like to disengage digital inputs and switch to analog control, you can plug in your own Wii Nunchuk. Ports can be found in the controller’s back.
You may prefer your own longer cables, though. Also, if you want to mod the B0XX’s internals, be aware that the wiring harness might feel tighter than average.
Appearance
First off, the B0XX’s chamfered edges are quite smooth. While the glossy black finish is decent, it can show temporary marks upon usage, such as fingerprints and sweat. This seems like a necessary evil.
In case you’re turned off by the glossy black edition’s unavoidable shortcomings, here are the available B0XX editions at the time of this writing:
- Glossy black
- Matte black
- Glossy white
- Matte white
- Hax$’s Nightclub
- Hax$ Limited Edition 20XX
That last B0XX edition can admittedly look a bit rough around the edges, but it pays homage to a revered mythical figure of the Smash community: the late Hax$.
At this point, you may have realized that the B0XX’s art is customizable. It’s printable directly onto the faceplate, which is rare. Coincidentally, our designer Carlos Martinez actually made art for this controller before:
Conclusion
When you own a B0XX, you own a piece of Smash legacy—as this controller is one of the pioneers of box controllers. Not just that, it’s got quality buttons in a proven layout to outperform your opponents in this day and age as well.
- 20 Sanwa buttons
- Optional 20MX kit
- Button remapping
- Three profiles
- Two cables
- Sleek bag
- Smooth edges
- Slim yet wide & weighty
- Seamless connectivity
- Memory card included
- Black, white, or custom
- Pioneer of box controllers
- Tighter wiring than most
- Cables could be longer
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐