GuliKit Kingkong 3 NS38 Pro specifications and in-depth review

GuliKit Kingkong 3 NS38 Pro

Manufacturer: GuliKit

The GuliKit Kingkong 3 NS38 Pro is a full-featured game controller built around an asymmetrical layout, targeting players who want precise input hardware with broad platform support. Tipping the scales at 440 g and measuring 158 × 150 × 72 mm, it has a solid, substantial build. One of its defining characteristics is its Hall effect thumbstick technology, which uses magnetic sensors rather than physical contact to register movement, reducing wear over time.

The NS38 Pro packs 16 buttons in total and adds paddle buttons for expanded input options, along with full button mapping and four onboard memory profiles for storing custom configurations. Hall effect triggers complement the thumbsticks by applying the same magnetic sensing principle to analog trigger inputs. The controller connects via Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, or USB, and is compatible with PC and Nintendo Switch. Additional features include gyroscopic aiming, dual force feedback rumble, and a 1000 Hz polling rate, while power comes from an internal rechargeable battery.

Pros
  • Hall effect sensors on both thumbsticks and triggers reduce mechanical wear over time, contributing to longer-lasting input accuracy
  • Supports three connection methods — Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB — offering flexibility across different setups
  • Paddle buttons and full button mapping allow for expanded and customizable control configurations
  • Four onboard memory profiles let users store multiple custom layouts directly on the controller
  • Gyroscopic aiming provides an additional input method for supported games
  • A 1000 Hz polling rate ensures frequent input updates, which benefits precise control
Cons
  • No 3.5 mm headset jack means wired audio cannot be connected directly to the controller
  • Thumbsticks are not interchangeable, limiting physical customization options
  • No adaptive triggers, which restricts certain context-sensitive haptic feedback experiences
  • Neither a charging dock nor a travel bag is included, requiring separate accessories for storage or desk charging
  • The absence of a built-in microphone and speaker means the controller cannot handle voice or audio independently
  • At 440 g, the controller is on the heavier side, which may affect comfort during extended sessions
Who is this for?

This controller is well-suited to players who prioritize input longevity and precision, as the Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers avoid the contact-based wear that affects conventional analog inputs over time. The three connection modes — Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB — make it a practical choice for users who switch between setups or prefer a cable-free experience. Those who enjoy customizing their controls will also benefit from the paddle buttons, full button mapping, and four onboard memory profiles, which together support a high degree of personalization without relying on external software each session. It is specifically compatible with PC and Nintendo Switch, making it a relevant option for players active on either or both of those platforms.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on direct audio output from their controller will find this device lacking, as it has no 3.5 mm headset jack, no built-in microphone, and no speaker, requiring all audio to be handled through separate means. Players who value adaptive trigger feedback — where trigger resistance changes dynamically based on in-game context — will not find that functionality here. At 440 g, the controller may also prove tiring for those sensitive to heavier peripherals during long sessions, and the fixed, non-interchangeable thumbsticks mean users who prefer swapping stick caps for different heights or shapes will need to look elsewhere.

Design:

Joystick positioning Asymmetrical
has textured triggers/bumpers
controller weight 440 g
width 158 mm
height 150 mm
thickness 72 mm

The GuliKit Kingkong 3 NS38 Pro follows an asymmetrical joystick layout, placing the thumbsticks in an offset configuration. It weighs 440 g and measures 158 mm wide, 150 mm tall, and 72 mm thick, giving it a relatively substantial physical presence. The triggers and bumpers do not feature a textured surface finish.

Buttons:

number of buttons 16
has paddle buttons
has button mapping
Thumbstick type Hall effect
has hall effect triggers
has interchangeable thumbsticks
has adaptive triggers
has an integrated touchpad

The controller offers 16 buttons in total, including paddle buttons for additional input options, and supports full button mapping so users can reassign controls to suit their preferences. Both the thumbsticks and triggers use Hall effect sensor technology, relying on magnetic fields rather than physical contact to register input. Thumbsticks are not interchangeable, and the controller lacks both adaptive triggers and an integrated touchpad.

Power & Connectivity:

Power type Internal rechargeable battery
connection type Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB
compatibility PC, Nintendo Switch

The controller is powered by an internal rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for disposable cells. For connectivity, it supports three options — Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB — giving users flexibility depending on their setup. Platform compatibility covers PC and Nintendo Switch.

Features:

polling rate 1000 Hz
has gyroscopic aiming
includes a charging dock
travel bag is included
Has dual force feedback
onboard memory profiles 4
has a built-in speaker
has a built-in microphone
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack

The controller runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate and includes gyroscopic aiming alongside dual force feedback rumble for tactile response during play. It stores up to four onboard memory profiles, allowing different button configurations to be saved directly on the device. On the audio side, there is no built-in speaker, microphone, or 3.5 mm headset jack. The package does not include a charging dock or a travel bag.

Final Verdict

The GuliKit Kingkong 3 NS38 Pro is a well-specified controller that makes a clear case for users who want durable, customizable input hardware on PC or Nintendo Switch. Its most compelling attribute is the Hall effect sensing across both thumbsticks and triggers, which addresses one of the most common long-term reliability concerns with conventional analog controllers. Layered on top of that are paddle buttons, remappable controls, four onboard profiles, and a flexible three-mode connectivity setup — a combination that gives it genuine appeal for players who want more control over how their hardware behaves. Those looking for audio passthrough, adaptive triggers, or a lighter build will find it falls short in those areas. Overall, the NS38 Pro is a focused, feature-conscious controller that suits its intended audience well, provided that audience's priorities align with input precision and customization over audio integration or platform breadth.