M-Lite Gold 2024
This drop dead gorgeous metal controller is almost worth getting for looks alone, but a high price and lack of a backup USB-C port hold it back.
At A Glance
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Portable form-factor
- Slick texture and gold finish
- Great heft and premium feel
- LED Strip is gorgeous
Cons:
- Only one USB-C port
- Expensive compared to other portable options.
- Less value compared to full-sized controllers.
- Can’t put artwork on it (by design)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
Dimensions |
21.2cm X 15.2cm |
Buttons |
16 ( 23.5 mm x 15, 25.8mm x 1 ) |
USB-Ports |
1 x USB-C, 1x USB-A (Passthrough) |
Artwork Friendly |
No (Vinyl/Sticker Only) |
Material |
Full Body Aluminium |
Switches |
Crystals |
Price |
₹6500 (Approx.) |
Variations:
S-Series, now in Slick Metal
Haute42 has a group of controllers called the M-Series, and the naming can get confusing fast. There is the original M-Series, the M-Lite, the M-Plus, and the M-Ultra. What matters here is that the original M-Series dates back to Haute42’s earliest days and sat in an awkward middle ground. It was not small enough to be as portable as the S or G series, but it also did not feel as full-bodied as the T or R series. Some early units even suffered from grounding issues and could brick due to static electricity discharge.
To their credit, Haute42 addressed this quickly and refreshed the lineup. The first revision was the M-Plus, which was essentially a T-Series controller rebuilt entirely in metal, with no branding printed on the surface.
Later came the M-Lite and the M-Ultra, released around the same time. The M-Lite shrank the original M-Series down to something much closer to the S-Series in size. It dropped the universal 25.6mm buttons of the original M-Series in favor of the S-Series layout, using a mix of 23.5mm and 25.6mm buttons. It also added a few standout features, including printed branding that makes it look more official, a body LED strip controlled through Haute42’s custom GP2040-CE firmware fork, and a genuinely beautiful gold color option.
Small Controller, Serious Heft
Metal controllers never really clicked for me in the past. I did not dislike the feel, but one of the main reasons I moved from arcade sticks to leverless was portability. Arcade sticks are heavy, awkward to move, and annoying to reposition.
The M-Lite surprised me. It is heavier than it looks, which makes it feel expensive in the hand, even if it technically is not. To be fair, it is pricey compared to other Haute42 controllers in terms of value, but still far cheaper than most metal controllers on the market.
I never fully understood what people meant when they said a controller feels “premium” until I used the M-Lite. The weight plays a big role in that, and the smooth gold finish pushes it even further. Despite the higher price, the M-Lite became my daily driver over the S16 simply because the added heft made it more satisfying to use. I would not be shocked if it is heavier than some larger plastic controllers like the R or U series.
Style Is the Selling Point
The LED strip built into the M-Lite is more than just a gimmick. It adds a lot of visual flair and pairs nicely with the gold finish, especially in darker setups. Combined with the unique button caps, it is easily one of the most eye-catching controllers Haute42 has ever released.
That said, this is where practicality starts to take a hit. The M-Lite only has a single USB-C port, and I have to knock points off for that. I was paranoid enough about port wear that I attached a cable clip to a right-angle USB-C cable just to reduce lateral stress and extend its lifespan.
There is also a gray version of the M-Lite, which I personally do not recommend. It keeps all the same drawbacks but loses the unique button caps and gold finish that I love so much in the gold version.
M-Lite Gray with the LED strip in action. Image by Haute42.
Great to Own, Hard to Recommend
Even though I genuinely love my M-Lite Gold and understand why it is priced the way it is, I do not recommend it as a first leverless controller. Other models simply offer far better value for the money.
If you have the budget and want something that feels premium and turns heads, the M-Lite delivers on that front. However, for a bit more money you can get more feature-complete full-body controllers like the C16. For significantly less, you can get similarly sized controllers like the S16 that are more practical and easier to recommend.
The M-Lite is a luxury pick. It is satisfying to own, great to play on, and beautiful to look at. It just does not make much sense unless you already know exactly what you want.