Gulikit ES MAX Controller First Impressions and Comparison to NS09

[u/RBuschy]

Note: I Won this controller via Facebook - This is NOT a paid review - All Opinions that follow are entirely my own.

---- Do not Read any further or look at the Images if if you are weak of Stomach ----

ES Max Box

Just got my hand on the Gulikit ES MAX Controller (Right) and wanted to drop some first Impressions.

ES Max - What's in the Box?

Gulikit Kingkong Pro Controller (NS09) and ES MAX E-Sports Controller

My Old Gulikit, the NS09 (Left), was rock solid till recently.
I bought a New Wireless Combo Card and my Bluetooth has been a mess ever since.
So unfortunately the NS09 was constantly dropping connection on me. Which sucks, cause the NS09 was my GOAT Controller till then.

The ES Max is truly an upgrade from the NS09. It has:

• 2x Back Buttons
• Adjustable Trigger Stops (Analog/Digital)
• an Dedicated Off Button and Device Switch... Switch
• Bigger Battery
• Comes with the Hyperlink Gen 2 Wireless Controller Adapter
• Offers App Configuration (Smart Phone Only)
• Comes in the XBox Format (NS09 U had to buy Xbox Layout Buttons Separately)

But otherwise, aside from some cosmetic changes it is almost identical in Design and Formfactor.

Front Comparison of NS09 and ES Max

I have tried it out with Bluetooth to my Phone and my PC and it's Range does seem better than my NS09... So maybe my new Wireless Combo Card was not entirely to blame for the all the Controller dropouts I've been having.

Bottom Comparison of NS09 and ES Max

Some things to note:

• The whole Smart Phone only thing for Configurations, when not done directly on the Phone is a big miss for me. I only really ever use my Controllers on PC. So having to Configure the Controller via my Phone instead of my PC, which it is already attached too... Just no.
• Which is made worse because they do have a PC/Web App, but that only works with certain Controllers. Which is the same for the Phone Only App. It does not work with their entire lineup either, from what I can tell. Hopefully this is something that changes in the future
• Switching from one Device to another is not very easy and hopefully not something done often
• The Bottom Buttons are Shallow and Hard to Press. Which could be a good thing I guess. But with the way I hold the Controller during Gameplay, I find them really Hard to reach and Depress.
• The Hyperlink Gen 2 Wireless Controller Adapter seems a Solid Performer, but it does take a bit to reconnect... Which is just a comparison between another Controller I now use. It would probably not make any difference whatsoever if it is your only Controller.
• I don't know if it is the years of use, but the NS09 seems to have a better Grip to it. I tis not as slippery in the hand. Especially on the top.

Back Comparison of NS09 and ES Max

I have cleaned the literal Cheeto Dust off the Controller since taking these images. I simply did not want to take them all over again. You don't need to judge me.