If you’re into gaming and tired of playing with just keyboard and mouse, then it’s time to switch to a gamepad. A controller gives you a console-like experience, and today we’re reviewing one of the best budget-friendly wireless controllers in India – the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad.
Let’s break it down and see if it’s really worth the hype and whether it can be a budget alternative to the PS4 controller.
Table of Contents
Overview – What is Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon?
The Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon is a wireless multi-platform controller that offers wide compatibility and premium features similar to the official PS4 controller – all at a much lower price. As of now, it’s priced at around ₹2,600, compared to the Sony DualShock 4, which costs around ₹4,500.
Compatibility:
- PC (Wired & Wireless)
- Android and iOS
- PS4 and PS5 (Limited)
- Emulators (PSP, PS1, PS2)
- ❌ Not compatible with Xbox
What’s in the Box?
- Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Gamepad (Matte finish)
- Micro USB to USB-A Cable
- Thick user manual (Useful, so don’t skip it!)
Design & Build Quality
The gamepad looks stunning with a matte finish, which feels premium in hand. The button layout is almost identical to the PS4 controller, with:
- Two analog sticks
- D-pad (arrow keys)
- PS-style central button
- Share, Start, and Turbo buttons
- Trackpad (yes, even that!)
- Light bar with 3D lighting (adds a cool touch)
It also comes with two programmable rear buttons, allowing you to customize controls easily – especially helpful in FPS or racing games.
The build quality is comparable to PS4 controllers, solid and durable.
Audio & Mic Support
Just like the original PS4 controller, this one comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack and mic support, including mic mute/unmute buttons. You can plug in your headphones directly and communicate while gaming.
Features That Stand Out
Programmable Rear Buttons
You get 2 extra rear buttons that can be mapped using the guide in the user manual. Great for customizing actions like jump, shoot, reload, etc.
Turbo Button
Want a button to press repeatedly without actually pressing it? That’s what Turbo mode is for. Perfect for games requiring rapid fire.
Gyro Sensor
Yes, the controller supports motion sensing. Works well in compatible games, especially racing or flying ones.
Haptic Feedback & Pressure-Sensitive Triggers
The vibrations are on-point and add to the immersion. The triggers respond based on pressure, giving you better control in racing or shooting games.
Battery Life
It comes with a 1300 mAh battery and the brand claims up to 12 hours of gaming. In real usage, you can expect around 10+ hours, depending on vibration intensity and usage.
Charging is done via the micro USB cable (just like the PS4 controller). A minor drawback is that it’s not USB-C, but understandable at this price.
Connectivity – How to Pair?
For Mobile (Android/iOS):
- Long-press center + share buttons to enter pairing mode.
- Connect from your phone’s Bluetooth.
- Works with most games and emulators (PPSSPP, Dolphin, etc.)
For PC (Wired & Wireless):
- You can connect using USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
- For best experience, install DS4Windows software. It enables advanced features like:
- Vibration customization
- LED color changes
- Profile saving
- Steam support is seamless. Just go to:
- Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings
- It’ll detect the gamepad as a PS4 controller
For PS4:
- First-time connection via USB.
- After that, you can use it wirelessly.
- All features work including motion, vibration, and touchpad.
PS5 Note:
- Works only for PS4 games and UI navigation.
- For actual PS5 games, you’ll still need a DualSense controller.
Performance & Gaming Experience
- Input lag? Almost none. The response time is fast and accurate.
- Vibration & Feedback? Feels just like the original PS4 controller.
- Triggers? Responsive and pressure-sensitive, perfect for racing games like NFS or GTA.
- Overall? Smooth, responsive, and enjoyable.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly PS4-style gamepad that works across devices, the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad is a solid choice.
For just ₹2,600, you get:
✅ Console-like experience
✅ PS4-like features
✅ Mobile & PC support
✅ Excellent design & build
✅ No input lag
✅ Long battery life
Is it better than the original PS4 controller? In terms of value for money — YES!
Unless you absolutely need the Sony branding or PS5 native support, this one does the job just as well.
Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad FAQ
Is the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad compatible with laptops or PCs?
Yes, it is compatible, but it requires DS4Windows software for full functionality, including the trackpad and gyroscope. Without it, some features may not work, and anti-cheat systems in certain games might flag DS4Windows as cheating software. It lacks a dedicated dongle and relies on your device’s Bluetooth, which may cause lag if other Bluetooth devices (e.g., headphones) are also connected.
Does the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad work with PS4 or PS5?
It works well with PS4, offering features like a touchpad, gyro sensor, and programmable buttons. However, it’s not fully compatible with PS5, especially for PS5-specific features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
Is the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad compatible with Android devices or smart TVs?
Yes, it connects via Bluetooth to Android devices. However, touch vibration may not work, and games like Free Fire may experience latency or connectivity issues. Compatibility with smart TVs (e.g., Realme) depends on the TV’s Bluetooth support, but detailed compatibility is unclear.
Does the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad have a rechargeable battery or require separate batteries?
It has a built-in rechargeable battery with good battery life—up to one week per charge. The 2024 version includes a Type-C charging port for convenience.
Does the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad support wireless connectivity and vibration?
Yes, it supports wireless (Bluetooth) connectivity and has vibration features in both wired and wireless modes. On Android, touch vibration may not work in some cases.
How does the joystick accuracy of the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad compare to the PS4 controller?
While it offers good build quality, its joystick accuracy may not fully match that of the original PS4 DualShock, especially in shooting games. The 2024 version improves this with Hall Effect joysticks and a low error rate (0.5–1%).
Is the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad worth its price?
Yes, it’s considered a great value at ₹1900–₹3000. It offers premium features (touchpad, gyro, programmable buttons) at half the cost of a PS4 controller. Downsides include lack of dongle and potential Bluetooth lag.
How does the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon Wireless Gamepad compare to other controllers like the Ares or EvoFox Elite?
Compared to the Cosmic Byte Ares, the Stratos Xenon has more features (gyro, touchpad) but is more expensive. It’s also more advanced than the EvoFox Elite, which is more budget-friendly (~₹1500) but lacks premium features.
What are the main drawbacks of the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon?
Main drawbacks include: No dedicated Bluetooth dongle (can cause lag), DS4Windows required for full PC support, poor customer service (warranty delays), and loose buttons with heavy use.
Where can I buy the Cosmic Byte Stratos Xenon, and are there any discounts?
Available on Amazon and Flipkart. Discounts are often seen during sales like Diwali, with prices around ₹2000–₹2100.