| Price | Vertibox |
| Release | December 24, 2024 |
| Compatibility | NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 12.9″ x 7.2″ x 5.2″ |
| Weight | 1.90 lbs |
| Cable | 3 m |
Introduction
The Vertibox is an ergonomic all-button controller made of PLA. So, instead of putting your wrists flatly on a controller’s top panel—and potentially pressuring your wrists—this controller allows you to eliminate pronation by placing your hands in a vertical position that is more natural.
That can also help with finger/forearm strain as well as carpal tunnel. Other uses of the Vertibox include pianoing and sliding techniques using the directional inputs.
Performance
The Vertibox uses Qanba buttons and Punk Workshop buttons plus Cherry MX RGB Speed Silver switches. These switches are linear, smooth, and fast. Also, they are hot swappable—so if you have another favorite brand—you can try installing that instead.
In a match, the Vertibox lets you use either thumb to jump. In general, you can find the directional buttons on the left and attack buttons on the right—quite standard since the traditional arcade stick’s heyday.
Oh, the nostalgia…
Anyhow! The function buttons on top of the Vertibox are for share, options, home, turbo, and touchpad. You should be able to reorder these function buttons’ roles as you please.
In fact, remapping the Vertibox’s buttons may solve the potential problem of simultaneous button presses being difficult. That said, near the function buttons are L3 and R3 buttons.
As for the wrist pads, you may be glad to know that they are removable. At this point, it is important to note that it seems the Vertibox was designed with the average hand size in mind—which is probably a good choice. It can also fit on the average lap just fine.
Hardware
While ABS or PETG may have been better plastic options, the PLA of the Vertibox is of sufficient quality—thanks to the smooth 3D print.
Don’t like the airy sound of the Vertibox during play? No problem! The spacious interior allows you to place in there whatever you think would muffle the sound. For your information, it takes eight screws to open the controller up.
Compatibility-wise, the Vertibox comes with a Pico board—meaning the firmware is the upgradeable, low latency, open source, and critically acclaimed GP2040-CE. By the way, a few SOCD cleaning modes are supported.
The Vertibox has a USB-A port for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X dongles. As for the cable, it is USB-B to A. To begin configuration & customization on PC: plug in the controller, access the web configuration, and voila! You are ready.
Appearance
There is not much to talk about the alien-looking Vertibox’s appearance other than that it comes in colors that include black, blue, and purple—often with black buttons. Of course, not every controller has to look super flashy.
To wrap up, if you are looking for an entry point into ergonomic controllers: the Vertibox provides you ergonomics, an ample size, and upgradeable compatibility with a variety of consoles.
Conclusion
The main setback of the great Vertibox is the potential difficulty of simultaneous button presses—which may get fixed!
- Ergonomic design
- Lap-playable
- Removable wrist pads
- Remapping possibility
- Extendable compatibility
- Excellent firmware
- Smooth print
- Color options
- SOCD cleaning
- Simultaneous button presses
- Questionable material choice
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐