QRD Maestro S3 Review in Progress

QRD Maestro S3 All in One Wireless Arcade Stick
PriceQRD
ReleaseJanuary 2024
CompatibilityNS / PS4 / PS3 / X360 / PC / Android
Dimensions11.8″ x 7.9″ x 1.2″
Weight1.76 lbs
Cable2.5 m

Performance

The QRD Maestro S3 is a slim all-button controller with buttons that are quieter and feel good to touch. The main buttons are 24 mm with the jump button being 30 mm, which is the industry standard.

While the layout may not be 100% like other leverless controllers, it should still be familiar to those who have prior leverless experience.

Moving on, there is a touchpad, and the secondary button lineup is comprised of:

  • Share
  • Option
  • Turbo
  • Power
  • L3
  • R3

D-pad, LS, and RS modes are available too. There are also two standard SOCD cleaning modes. There are five programmable latency modes, and there is even an EZ mode for cleaner execution & easier combos.

Hardware

This is a lightweight controller that can be described as between medium and small in size. Connection can be wired or wireless. Regarding the wireless option, the battery is 1,200 mAh, and the maximum Bluetooth range is eight meters. There is XInput and DInput support on PC as well as onboard audio.

The Maestro S3 was designed to connect and get automatically recognized on multiple platforms, lasting up to a maximum of eight hours with the LED on after three hours of charging (plus charge retention for one month).

The S3 comes with a USB-C cable, instructional manual, and phone holder. The holder is for simulating an arcade cabinet of sorts.

Appearance

The S3 has an elegant look that is primarily black, and the logo of the company is blended in nicely with the design. The icing on the cake here is the colorful LED that will likely turn some heads at your next tournament. The LED is RGB LED with programmable patterns and nine colors.

Conclusion

The S3 is an interestingly sized controller that can work wirelessly with LED on and comes with a phone holder.

  • Convenient size
  • Slim build
  • Lightweight hardware
  • Intuitive layout
  • Wireless option
  • Phone holder
  • RGB LED

See Also

Haute42 T16

Haute42 T16