| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | Q1/Q2 2025 |
| Compatibility* | NS / PC / RPi / Android |
| Dimensions | 11.7″ x 7.7″ x 0.5″ |
| Weight | 1.52 lbs |
| Cable | 1.5 m |
Overview
Haute42 is a bestselling brand for a reason: it often combines excellent performance with an affordable price. With the V16, you get the same value that Haute42 is so consistently good at offering.
Whether you own a Haute42 controller already or are looking to buy one for the first time, you should consider the V16—because it gives previous Haute42 controller owners something new, and it is also a good starting point for newcomers or even as a gift to your beginner friend. Here are three reasons why:
- Large yet light controller
- Excellent switches
- Quiet keycaps
In other words, you can slide your fingers across the V16’s buttons without any issues, especially because they are not freakishly tall.
That said, the V16 has 16 buttons—meaning you can use it with modern fighting games. Another benefit is that it is a dual layout controller. So, you can use it like a standard leverless controller or like a WASD controller.
Before we dive into the performance, you may be glad to know that the V16 comes with a bunch of freebies:
- Manual
- USB-C cable
- Switch puller
- Extra switch
- Couple of extra keycaps
- 30th anniversary stickers
(The PlayStation anniversary—that is.)
With that being said, the V16’s matte keycaps are 25.8 mm, so you can say goodbye to smaller buttons that require more precision to press. That is because all the main buttons are big. They also have soundproof foam.
As for the V16’s function buttons, they are labeled as follows (from left to right):
- Turbo
- –
- Home
- Back
- Start
You see, the V16 utilizes the popular Shadow Hunting switches that are quite fast—and should last you more than a whopping 50 million presses. Still, these switches are hot swappable if you have another preference.
You even get a mini screen on the V16’s top panel. It shows you valuable information like which input, direction, and SOCD mode you are in. It also shows your button presses live—giving you extra confirmation. You can never be sure enough, right?
The V16 has less than a millisecond of input lag (so, almost zero delay). That is because it runs on the RP2040 chip we at The Arcade Stick have grown to love—and has firmware you can update online.
Regarding stability, the V16 is wide enough to place on your lap (and desk). What helps even more is that it has six silicone feet at the bottom for anti-slipping purposes.
Moving on, the V16 is thin. It is mainly comprised of acrylic—yet it is lighter than an all-nighter. There is plenty of space for your palms to rest. Nine screws hold the controller together.
The V16 uses the community favorite USB-C connection, and the port can be conveniently found in the center back. Next to it is an awesome USB-A port where you can insert a compatibility extending adapter like the BOOTER 5.
It is no secret that the V16’s color scheme is based on the PlayStation 1. If you were born after the 90’s, no problem—the color scheme looks elegant regardless of whether or not it is based on an older console.
Truth be told, it is disappointing that the V16 does not support custom art, which we at The Arcade Stick usually provide our valued site visitors through our service. However, the controller redeems itself through LED that shines through the buttons in an eye catching way. We are talking about colors like blue, green, pink, red, yellow—you name it.
Of course, you can beautify the controller further with the free stickers!
If you are still hesitant about ordering a V16, just imagine yourself at a fighting game tournament with this controller that is light enough to carry around without getting tired.
At that same tournament, you can perform with the V16 at the highest level because of its generous size and great switches. Its USB-A port allows you to use it with a modern console—without having to borrow someone else’s controller. Oh, and your opponent should not be able to hear your button presses, especially with the added crowd noise. 😉