Zwift Play Controllers Review: Is It Worth It?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
- #zwift #zwiftplay
Zwift announced the release of Zwift Play, a set of game controllers designed specifically for the Zwift platform. Join me as I unpack, review, and test out the new Zwift Play controllers. I'll dive into features, setup, functionality, and discuss whether this hardware upgrade can truly transform your Zwifting experience."
- Buy The Zwift Play Controllers: zwiftinc.sjv.io/6eq7oQ
-- Chapters --
00:00 Intro
00:38 Features
05:48 Final thoughts
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Been using for about a week. Overall I am impressed with the responsiveness. There have been a few occasions where one or both controllers unpair from the game. Wish list: programmable buttons for Discord PTT, ability to cycle through the game views, God's eye view (view Zero on keypad).
Great video. I bought zwift play last week but left for vacation the day after I got it. I am looking forward to hooking it up. Your video shows how it can take zwift to the a higher level of engagement while riding!
It definitely makes navigation a little easier. Hope you enjoy them.
Really nice to have the controls so close. The steering control is a bit difficult for me but the only real negative is they disconnected (sometimes one, sometimes both) a few times.
Just got them and now starting to use during my training. Not convinced yet but need to give it more time.
Great addition. Love having the controls so close so you can focus on riding rather than fumbling with your keyboard or touch screens with wet hands. Although these are compatible with the kickr bike, the kb has enough buttons for the navigation to be native without these new controllers.
My set up is Tacx NEO 2T with iPad and companion app. I installed Zwift Play about a week ago and so far I'm really liking it. I like to give Ride Ons, and the Z button is very convenient for that. I use steering sometimes in events to place myself in a better position for draft (especially useful when I end up in a group that's a little too strong for me). I also use the down arrow to glance back and get a visual on things like how well the group is staying together on a climb. It's taking me a minute to get used to using the device to navigate the menu, but I'll get it. I don't need the menu a lot while riding, but sometimes getting to the garage for a quick bike change is useful. The brakes are quite useful for that as well. I've only accidentally braked once during an event, but that was just me getting used to the device -- I don't expect that to be a problem going forward. I use the buttons for quickly increasing and decreasing bias in workouts, and I like them a lot. I also like the recently-added haptic feedback. When I bought my Zwift Play, hubby said he didn't need it (his set up is Tacx NEO 2T with PC and companion app), but now that he's seen me enjoying the device for a week, we've ordered one for him as well. I think the current price is okay, and I don't think it should go up to $150. Thanks for the video -- I really enjoy your channel.
It sounds like you're really making the most out of your Tacx NEO 2T and the Zwift Play. Thanks so much for your detailed feedback and kind words about my channel! Happy Zwifting to both of you.
I’ve left commenting until I’d been using these controllers for a while. I have to say the ease of use (e.g., accessibility when riding) is a real boon to Zwifters! Interested to see how these evolve, but I think Zwift have pulled off a very good move here.
Good review, I would love to buy a pair but alas I live in Australia; just one of the many countries Zwift does not ship to.
Australia/NZ/Asia/Japan/Canada, the list goes on, we all can't buy directly from Zwift. That is a big group of regular Zwift users missing out!
Definitely needs a flat bar version
Yes. I won't be buying it since I have flat bars and they don't even mention something is "in the works" for flat bar bikes, so I guess we're in the minority.
I really like the concept of the controllers and steering is definitely a lot of fun, but when you use Zwift on the AppleTV -like I do- you need to connect your devices via the Companion App. Unfortunately I was experiencing major connection issues with that setup and the connection between the AppleTV and my ZwiftHub (via the app) broke about 10 times in just one 90-minute-ride. That's clearly not how it's supposed to work. Getting dropped on a group ride or in a race, because of connection issues sucks. So after these experiences I went back to connecting my devices via bluetooth to the AppleTV again, which doesn't leave me any possibility to connect the ZwiftPlay- controllers, but at least offers me a stable connection to my ZwiftHub. Is anyone experiencing similar issues?
So far so good. I’m enjoying it on those summer rainy days with my AppleTV. Not using the Apple Remote makes life much easier when Zwifting.
Great to hear!
Does the Zwift controller works also under other platforms with steering, like wahoo/rgt?
I'm curious about how long the Zwift Play controls last because of the sweaty hands on the buttons.
Agree 100% on the price comments. I’d love to get my hands on a pair, but regrettably Zwift has chosen to not sell them (or anything for that matter) to those of us who are in Canada.
What market would cycle more indoors than one where it’s winter 9 months of the year!!! 😅
Right, Canada isn’t that far off so hopefully soon they will open that market 🤞🏼
@@SmartBikeTrainers They used to have a Canadian store but closed it a while back.
Just bought these for virtual gear shifting which I found works a treat but / odd thing is the ride on bomb button only gives a voice and no thumbs up to riders on screen it tells me on screen which says "ride on bomb" but shows no thumbs up or the new circle that shows on screen around rider as on the companion app does. Is this how it should be. Seems I get the voice but see no thumbs up dropped on other riders from me.
Can you use these on a Keiser M3i trainer? Does anyone know? Thank you!!!
Been using Zwift play for a week and so far it’s been great but software and functionality needs tweaking. During a TT the steering function allows you to take the shortest path through the corners which could add up for longer TT events. I also did a race with mix steer and auto-steering riders and appeared that the auto steering was somewhat entirely disabled while using the ZP controls. Without using the steering buttons the avatar gets pushed off the side outside the rider draft. To get the best draft you need to use the steering buttons and lightly adjust your line to the center of the rider in front of you to get the best draft. The steering appears to be affective when riding in single file but unable to use the steering buttons in the sprint finish sprinting from the hoods. I had to move down the ZP controls down slightly for enough clearance for my fingers to allow me to sprint from the hoods. I did accidentally applied the brakes at times during the race while steering but I guess its something I’ll get used to. Disabling the brake function would be nice. The auto-steering might be still an advantage if you are sprinting since the only thing you need to do is go full gas and shift. Adding the steering makes it more difficult especially trying to keep the line with your fingers. Maybe others riders will able to..
Overall the ZP controls is pretty good and well constructed.
Thanks for sharing your detailed experience with Zwift Play! It's interesting to hear about the nuances in steering and drafting - definitely seems like there are some tweaks to be made. And yeah, getting used to the brake function and where that goes might take a little time. But, all in all, glad to hear that you're finding the ZP controls well constructed and good. Thanks for your feedback!
Really appreciate your reviews. I find them helpful & not too 'techie'- TY!
Glad you enjoy them 🙏🏼
As I said in my response to Shane Miller's review of this product, "I suspect I'm not necessarily the target demographic, these devices will be a boon to myself and others who have movement disorders. My disability prevents me from using a touchscreen or keyboard interface. Perhaps these will work better and make for a more immersive experience." I received mine a few days ago, but have yet to try them. I'm looking forward to it.
Will these work with a Watt bike Atom 2?
Does the Bluetooth instruction that goes to the Companion app then get forwarded to ATV through the internet connection, or does it go through Bluetooth to the ATV?
The Zwift Play will connect to the phone via Bluetooth. The companion app uses Wifi to connect with Zwift.
It's an interesting product, aimed to increase user engagement in game. I run Zwift on a PC with the Companion app and keyboard/mouse right next to me when I ride. With the exception of in game steering/braking, these controllers from Zwift don't seem to do anything different or better than what I can already do on the Companion App or keyboard/mouse. I usually drape my towel over the entire handlebar area and these buttons would be covered. Some people will love them, but right now these aren't for me.
I agree on the towel thing. I noticed myself having to move the towel around to access them. Otherwise they will be fully covered. I agree, the companion app, keyboard shortcuts and mouse will give you a lot more functionality. Particularly when in workout mode.
they need flat bar adapters for mountain bikes & hybrid bikes
Not shipping worldwide is just wrong, way to isolate a large user base.
Especially as I hear it affects races and ability to draft.
I've already got the Elite Sterzo smart, will these work while using the Sterzo? Not bothered by the steering using the buttons (prefer the use of the Sterzo) but like the other functions of the controller
You should be able to use the controller. They operate independently from the Sterzo
@@SmartBikeTrainers so can I use the Sterzo for steering and the controllers for in game functions?
sorry I was thinking of the Kickr Climb when I answered your question 🤷🏻♂️.
I just tested this out. I was able to select all three devices on my Windows Pc and steer using the Sterzo and also use the controllers to navigate and steer at the same time 👍
@@SmartBikeTrainers awesome I appreciate that. Might convince me to take the leap so, looks like a solid product and getting well supported
Can you still connect the Apple Watch HR to Zwift when using ATV if you connect Zwift play using the companion app to ATV?
I didn’t try this but I would think it should connect since ATV connection goes through the companion app.
@@SmartBikeTrainers Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I will give it a go 👍
Can we use this for virtual shifting on hub classic or we need buy and zwift cog?
You can use it with the Zwift classic and virtual shifting enabled without the Cog.
Interesting but too expensive. Should cost at least half of that price.
I will wait until the chinese replica for 20 box
Just got mine today, and it certainly is a improvement over what I had to work with using AppleTV. The steering (well, it is more like a „line choice“) is… good. Not perfect, certainly, and I had a few dropouts and unwanted braking/slowdowns, and a bit of a slow steering sometimes. But that may have to do with the placement of my iPad (I still have my Garmin lamp attached, that can not be good on signal quality with all that metal in the way between left control and pad).
Menu control (main and in-game) is so much easier and faster.
Is it worth the 99€ (later, 149)?
Not sure yet, but the controls are… well, not exactly intuitive, but easy to learn. After about 40 min of riding, I certainly did not have to look to hit most buttons and steering correctly.
But why is it better than just using the companion app on your phone mounted to your handlebars? What feature does it give that you don't have in the companion app. Seems useless to me.
@@TimEckel I don‘t mount my phone on the handlebars. I don‘t like it do get sweaty (and I sweat a lot), and most protective pouches like on a sweat catcher do not work for my slightly bigger phone (and it is not even one of those oversized monsters they sell these days…). I also don‘t like riding one-handed as a heavier rider, this puts some feelable extra strain on my wrists.
I do use a small iPad in a gooseneck holder for the Companion App, so I can pull it towards me and type messages when seated upright, and push it away when not needed. The controllers give me fast accurate access to the on-screen menues without having to sit up (and the Apple remote is atrocious…), steering, and some more.
@@markusmencke8059 My cell phone mount is in front of the handlebars, so I don't get sweat on my phone, and I sweat a lot (puddles). I also have a strong fan, which blows sweat away from the front. The trick for the cell phone mount is to not get something designed for a bike at all. You want a mount more designed for a music stand or pipe. As you don't need to worry about road bumps or weight, you can simply clamp one of these cell phone mounts with long sturdy arms in front of your handlebars.
Does zwift play enable virtual shifting when using a wahoo kickr smart trainer?
No it doesn’t support virtual shifting at the moment.
Only on v6 I think
For $150, I would expect it to act as bridge between my sensors (BLE&ANT+) and Apple TV and I wouldn’t need to use my phone.
Nice and fun, but there are too many variables to make any significant difference. I used the Elite Sterzo and the Play controllers for tests.
I love them and their on my tt bike its a little funky with the buttons but the steering is finenon the tt bars
Yeah they are a little funky on the TT bike. Glad to hear you are enjoying them.
How did you fit them? With the orange button on top? Love to see a picture
So in a race can you move left or right and take someone out of your draft?
Correct
Kickr v5 doesn't support virtual shifting. Has anyone make if work? Or we waiting for update from wahoo?
Currently virtual shifting is only available on Core, Kickr v6 and kickr move. Per Wahoo, they are working on pushing this to previous versions.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thank you
Would like to understand what happen if I use with another steering device like Elite Rizer...
You should be able to pair both and use both simultaneously.
@@SmartBikeTrainers uhm…and if they send opposite order? I would like to be sure before buying…
I have tested it with the Sterzo and both works. However I would recommend pairing one of them for steering to avoid issues. You should still be able to use the climb functionality from the Rizer because that’s a different type of pairing.
@@SmartBikeTrainers would like to be sure beore buying controllers...
Worth adding to a Kickr bike?
The kickr bike already has some shortcuts for accessing steering, and power ups. If you need to have more accessibility, the ZA fits the kickr bike fine.
Probably not worth it. I already use the kickr bikes steering which I think is actually more intuitive than the way these work. Also the up/down on the right hood is power-up/U-turn respectively, so there's not much else these can provide, especially if you use the companion app. Shame as I would like more control over the route choice at junctions but at that price it's not worth it.id probably consider if I didn't have the kickr bike though.
I've already bought and installed them. Have not used them yet because it is summertime and can ride outside even when it rains.
I don't see how this is more useful than just using the companion app. I have a bike mount for my phone so it's right on my handlebars. I also use it for a visual top map (which is lacking from the controllers). I seriously don't see the point.
Man, level 57. Nice.
Thanks. It gets slower and slower to go up levels as you climb up. Hopefully I will hit level 60 before end of the year 🤞🏼
Sold out 😢😢😢
Tried to order today
Oh no… sorry to hear. I would keep an eye on it and hopefully they will have it back in stock soon
@@SmartBikeTrainers they have a section where you can put notify me when available, which I filled out my email address. Hope they notify me soon. Being it’s Beta, maybe they only made so many for testing.
I love it. Given that I run Zwift on a Mac that is on a table that's out of reach when I ride, this is exactly what I need. Keeps me from buying an iPad and a stand.
Why not just use your phone and the companion app?
I'm still going to have my keyboard next to me since I can just press a single keypad key as opposed to scrolling buttons on the controllers. Also, it is still awkward for myself to hit the Power up button on the hoods and then jump to the drops in a sprint.
Really not clear how this provides a unique set of functions that people can't already do via Companion app and/or a mini keyboard. In fact, if you want to text people, you still need Companion app or mini keyboard. At the current price point, it's not worth it to save me stretching an extra few cm to give someone a Ride On. ;-) (Oh, and I don't have drop bars so it won't work for me anyway ....)
They don't. They are just a better/simpler/handy/comfortable way to do them. Also, they are supposed to resist to your sweat drops.
Steering and breaking is the main goal of this device. The rest is just bonus and it works really nice. Coming from a guy who always used wireless mouse and keyboard with no issues. It's really convenient to just keep your hands on a handlebar.
@@michwozI have never needed to steer in Zwift. And why would you need to brake? So confused as to why anyone would want these.
@@TimEckel I'm pretty sure those features are in development as we speak. And I'm all for it. I want Zwfit experience, especially racing, to have more depth and skill factor included (steering, braking). I believe that by purchasing this device I'm making it more likely to happen.
@@michwoz I could see if steering and braking was actually useful in Zwift racing. But honestly, they should focus on controlling cheating first so skill would be a factor at all.
Not compatible with Campy shifting or have someone experience with controller on bars with Campy shifting?
The disconnection rate is absurd. Would not recommend people purchase until they sort the issues
Connectivity still a major problem. zwift still seemingly oblivious. Firmware updates of no use.
*Promo sm* 💘
£100 yeah no thanks Zwift
Definitely not. Zwift is starting to look more to me like a video game than a serious training app. Sorry.
It changes nothing in ability to use Zwift as a serious training app. You use app as you wish.
Would a small amount of foam tube around a tt brake lever work for the controller to wrap around?
You can play around with it to make it fit around the brake lever but it will be at weird angle and not easily accessible.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks, better than nothing I guess