| Price | Orca Analog Controllers |
| Release | December 20, 2024 |
| Compatibility | NS2 / PC |
| Dimensions | 13.0″ × 7.3″ × 1.5″ |
| Weight | 2.20 lbs |
| Cable | 2 m |
Introduction
The Orca Analog is a fighting game controller for Super Smash Bros. Some of its star features include:
- True neutral additive SOCD
- Variable-press analog switches
- Micromanaging angled inputs without modifiers
Let’s dissect these one by one before we jump into the bulk of the review. First, true neutral additive SOCD is not just a fancy way to describe your run-of-the-mill SOCD cleaning. It means that the Orca Analog actively calculates and returns to a true neutral state when simultaneously pressing opposite inputs—instead of simply canceling them out (or favoring one over the other).
As for the variable-press analog switches, these are pressure-sensitive and mimic an analog stick’s range. In other words, the Orca Analog gives you precise control over your movement speed, such as walking versus dashing. Another benefit is more nuanced shielding and tilt attacks.
Finally in this introduction, micromanaging angled inputs without modifiers means the Orca Analog grants you direct access to angled directions without the need for holding any additional buttons. How does this further benefit you? At least two ways:
- Faster execution of angled recoveries, angled F-tilts, and tilted aerials
- Reduced brainpower needed in the middle of a high stakes match
That’s said, let’s dive into the nitty gritty!
Performance
With the Orca Analog, you also get access to these bad boys:
- One-button tilt angles
- Two-button wavedash angles
- Two-stage spring system for physical notch emulation
Tilt attacks, whether we’re talking forward tilts or up tilts—which often need delicate stick movements— benefit from the Orca Analog’s one-button tilt angles, which mean that the controller maps specific tilt directions to individual buttons. This way, you are relieved from being a wizard with an analog stick, making your tilt execution more consistent and speeding up your playstyle as a result.
In a game of Smash, time is of the essence.
About the two-button wavedash angles though, you want to jump or air dodge at a specific angle, right? So, the Orca Analog lets you press a couple of buttons to instantly do a wavedash at a preset angle. This is faster, and this is more reliable.
Now, you know how GameCube controllers have physical notches that help you hit certain angles? The Orca Analog simulates this with its two-stage spring system that provides you tactile feedback whenever you reach a key directional threshold. This increases your consistency with input angles for:
- Recoveries
- Aerials
- Techs
With that being said, pill shaped buttons have been picking up in popularity, and the Orca Analog has capitalized on this. Specifically, it has five pill shaped buttons, and the pill shape allows you to press the buttons with more ease due to the increased surface area. By the way, the rightmost pill shaped button serves as a light shield.
Hardware
The Orca Analog is an acrylic controller with an aluminum switch-plate. It features a mixture of low profile Kailh Choc V2 switches, digital Kailh Speed Silver switches, and analog Lekker Linear45 V2 switches.
We talked about the analog switches already, so let’s just briefly say that the Kailh Choc V2s provide you fast face-button inputs, and the Kailh Speed Silvers are pretty much ideal for speedy movement.
That said, you can enjoy a native USB adapter mode, and included with your order is a USB-C to GCC adapter as well. Also, the USB port is located roughly in the Orca Analog’s center back (to the right a little bit).
For compatibility purposes, the Orca Analog runs on an RP2040 processor. The controller also allows for easy software updates, simplifying your life and letting you focus on upping your Smash game—analog style.
Appearance
There’s not much going on in the black and white Orca Analog’s appearance department other than its octagonal shape, which may remind you of a UFC ring… 🤣
Well, there is a white accent along the midsection of the Orca Analog. Also, the controller’s slimness not only makes it easier to slide into a tablet sleeve you already have—but also makes it look more appealing than a lemon peeling. 🍋
(By the time you read this, maybe there are case and button color options to customize your Orca Analog’s look.)
Conclusion
Consider grabbing this controller to approach Smash from a different perspective! Be an early adopter, and grab a unit.
- Variable-press analog switches
- Three switch types in total
- True neutral additive SOCD
- Physical notch emulation
- Without modifiers
- One-button tilt angles
- Two-button wavedash angles
- Pill shaped buttons
- Slim octagonal case
- Acrylic plus aluminum
- Native USB adapter mode
- Included GCC adapter
- RP2040 processor
- Easy software updates
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐