Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips: One-minute review
I’ve fallen in love with the Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips since outfitting my Meta Quest 3’s controllers with them (they’re also compatible with the identical Meta Quest 3S handsets). They offer a thorough improvement over the naked controllers – especially for fitness apps and more active VR games like Beat Saber – and I don’t think I could ever go back to standard controllers.
The textured silicone surface is easier to grip than the bare plastic, the side strap more securely attaches the controllers to my hands, and the battery hatch ensures it’s easy to replace the controller’s battery as and when needed.
That said, for all my praise I’m well aware that these grips fall into that luxury add-on category. Not because they’re particularly pricey – they’re just $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$65 – but because I don’t think these grips are something everyone with a VR headset needs to own.
If you use your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S fairly regularly and have already upgraded it with a silicone facial interface (and maybe a battery head strap too), then the G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips are a solid next step. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a gift that isn’t just Meta Quest Store credit for someone you know who loves their Meta Quest 3, then these grips are an ideal purchase.
Otherwise, while the grips are great, people who use their headset infrequently would be better served spending their money on great Quest 3 software instead.
Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips: Price
- Normally cost $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$65 for a pair
- Often discounted during sale events like Prime Day
The Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips are available in the US, UK and Australia for $39.99 / £29.99 / AU$65 from Amazon or Kiwi’s own store, although they’re regularly available for less with discounts and limited-time vouchers. It’s worth checking both sites as you might find one has the accessory for a lot cheaper than the other.
This means they’re not overly pricey, but are in the same ballpark as an AA VR game – or a couple of indie titles. I’ll get into why the G4 Pro Performance grips are fantastic in a minute but at this price, I believe people who are complete newcomers to VR or only wear their Meta Quest 3 every so often would generally be better off buying software instead of these grips.
Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips: Design
- Effective Meta Quets 3 or 3S controller grips
- Perfect for active games like Just Dance VR or Supernatural
The main design advantage of Kiwi’s G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips is that they make it much easier to, well, grip your controller securely during a VR session. The silicone covering provides more friction between your hand and the controller, so you’re less likely to accidentally let go when swinging your arms around compared to the naked plastic. The adjustable side strap replaces the flimsy cord you get in the Meta Quest box to more securely attach the handsets to your hands.
I’ve found this is especially useful for active fitness games and apps with a lot of movement like Just Dance VR or Supernatural.
What I particularly like is that you can completely let go of the controller and the strap will still keep it pressed against your palm. So if you’ve ever found it awkward or slightly strange immersion-wise to let go of a virtual object without completely letting go of your controller, this grip’s design could help you out a lot.
An issue I was anticipating with the grips is that the silicone would make it significantly harder to access the Quest controllers’ batteries whenever they need replacing. Thankfully, Kiwi design thought ahead with a built-in battery hatch. A custom plastic battery cover replaces the default Quest controllers’ covers to add a window and pull cord – if you run this cord under the battery you can later tug it to easily free the cell from its cage – then a hatch built into the silicone can be peeled back to reveal the battery without removing the grip.
These simple yet effective design features make the grips a delight to use and a complete upgrade on the base Meta Quest controllers.
Should you buy the Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips?
|
Attribute |
Comment |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Value |
These grips aren’t pricey, and work great, but I think they’re only really necessary for VR power users, and their cost would be better spent on software by many Quest 3 owners. |
3 |
|
Design |
The design is faultless, with the grips being easy to hold, they’re attached to your hands securely by straps, and the battery hatch somehow makes it easier to change the battery than with naked controllers. |
5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
How I tested the Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
To test these Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips I put them onto my Quest 3 controllers and used them for a few weeks in a wide variety of different VR games. I’d also make sure to swap between my Quest 3 and Quest 3S – which still uses naked controllers – to compare the experience.
Read more about how we test.
- First reviewed March 2025
Read the full article here
