| Price | Amazon |
| Release | June 13, 2025 |
| Compatibility* | PS5 / NS2 / PC |
| Dimensions | 12.2″ × 8.3″ × 0.6″ |
| Weight | 2.31 lbs |
| Cable | ~2 m |
Introduction
This is not the DuelPad Zen. It’s the VSLAB VSNOVA N17SP, which has 17 main buttons as the N17SP name indicates. VSLAB is actually a subsidiary of TIKITAKA, which is one of the bestselling leverless brands.
Unboxing
Your N17SP should arrive in a snug box to avoid rattling. The box opens up like a laptop, and inside, you should find the controller housed in some elegantly black foam.
That said, the freebies that come with your N17SP should include:
- Couple of anti-slip strips
- White USB-C cable
- Little cushion
- Four screws
- Two stands
- Two keycaps
- Two switches
- Switch/keycap puller
- Instructional manual
Maybe you’re wondering about the stands mentioned above. These help you prop up the N17SP at an angle. Admittedly, this is not a popular strategy for fighting gamers, but it’s still nice to have that option, right? Read on for more about this controller’s performance…
Performance
The N17SP uses the fast Gateron Kasumi Axis switches that are quieter than average. These low profile switches allow you to execute tough combos with nearly zero input delay. You don’t want bad switches decreasing your chances of winning a match.
Moving on, the N17SP’s jump button is bigger than the 16 other main buttons. This way, your thumb can press the jump button more easily without the need for absolute accuracy.
With that being said, the most important performance element of the N17SP is its unique button layout that seems quite focused on your thumbs (or whichever finger you’re most comfortable using for the bottom row of buttons).
You can also make use of your left pinky when using the N17SP. Finally, you can use this controller like a split layout controller in which your hands are far apart from each other.
To wrap up this section, the N17SP has these square-shaped function buttons:
- Home
- Select
- Start
Hardware
The N17SP is made of acrylic that’s chamfered to comfort your skin. Held together by nine screws, the controller is light and slim—yet large enough for your wrists to rest on it.
With that, the N17SP is wide enough to set on your lap without having to squeeze them legs together—cutting off blood supply and whatnot. Not only that, lap play is further supplemented by the anti-slip strips.
But what does the N17SP run on?
The N17SP runs on the RP2040, and the little OLED screen you see shows these four primary tidbits:
- Live animation of button presses
- Current directional mode
- Current input mode
- Current SOCD mode
In case you’re not a Nintendo Switch player, you may be glad to know that the PlayStation 5 edition of the N17SP is compatible without needing to buy an adapter—helping you save money for a rainy day (or low-cost index fund).
Let’s say you do have an adapter somewhere in your drawer, though. You should be able insert that adapter into a USB-A port on the N17SP’s right to increase the controller’s compatibility options. And the two USB-C ports? You should be able to find those in the controller’s left and backsides.
In the N17SP’s back, you can also find toggles for:
- LED
- SOCD
- PS5 & PC
Appearance
In addition to enjoying its uncommon shape, you can buy the N17SP fully in black or with some white accents. The chamfered edges make the controller look nicer, and more ways you can make the controller nicer include:
- Cycling through the various RGB LED presets
- Displaying some custom art on the controller
The LED shines through the button and sides, but for custom art, feel free to try out our custom art service here at The Arcade Stick. We’ve been around for years, and we’d love to know your art instructions your brand new N17SP!
Conclusion
The N17SP is a rare 17 button controller with a unique layout that may win you more matches.
- 17 matte buttons
- Split layout
- Quieter switches
- Acrylic chamfers
- Light, slim, yet spacious
- PS5 or Switch edition
- Plain or accented
- Custom art
- LED presets
- OLED screen
- Three USB ports
- Three toggles as well
- Included accessories
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐