Every so often, a new term sneaks into controller specs that makes even controller collectors like me pause and squint. The latest buzzword is TMR, short for Tunneling Magnetoresistance. It might sound like something salvaged from the Roswell crash, but it’s actually a new magnetic sensing technology used in controller sticks, and many brands are starting to use it.
You’ve probably only just gotten familiar with Hall Effect joysticks and their promise of ending stick drift, now along comes TMR, touted as the next step forward in precision. So what exactly is it, how does it differ from Hall Effect, and do you really need it in your controller?
What are TMR sticks?
TMR stands for Tunneling Magnetoresistance, and that's the last time I'm going to type that in full. TMR is another form of contactless magnetic sensing, so it operates just like Hall Effect, but it works a little differently under the hood.
Instead of detecting magnetic fields through voltage changes (as Hall Effect does), TMR sensors measure changes in electrical resistance caused by magnetic fields. This difference allows TMR sensors to pick up even tinier movements and deliver more precise readings.
TMR technology itself isn’t actually all that new. It dates back to the good old 1990s, when it was used for magnetic hard drives, and it’s been in industrial sensors and the automotive industry for years, but it’s only recently made its way into gaming controllers thanks to falling costs and smaller components. Basically, scientists figured out how to miniaturize these sensors, and now every Call of Duty sweat can benefit.
How are TMR sticks different from Hall Effect?
You could think of Hall Effect as the first major leap forward from analog, and TMR as the next evolution. Both eliminate physical contact, which means no stick drift and a much longer lifespan. But TMR takes it up a notch in a few ways. TMR has higher sensitivity because it detects smaller stick movements, so it's great for racing games or shooters where precision matters.
There's also a lower power draw to consider, as TMR sticks are more energy-efficient, which is particularly important for wireless controllers and gaming handhelds.
There are 3 stick types you'll find in a controller, listed in order of precision (aka most fancy):
- Analog which relies on physical friction and wears down
- The Hall Effect, which uses magnets and voltage changes
- TMR which measures resistance instead of voltage
TMR sticks are also more stable over time. They tend to stay perfectly centered with virtually no dead zone, even after heavy use. Of course, all of that comes at a price. TMR sensors cost more to produce, which is why most mainstream controllers still stick (no pun intended) with Hall Effect or traditional analog parts.
Which controllers actually use TMR sticks?
As of now, only a handful of controllers have adopted TMR technology, with no Xbox wireless console-compatible models yet, but there are a few options if you play on a Windows PC or Nintendo Switch (or dock your gaming handheld to the TV).
First off, though, if you don't mind playing with a wire, there's the GameSir G7 Pro that is compatible with Xbox. It's pricier than GameSir's other options but comes with rubber grips, swappable faceplates, micro switch buttons, and a charging stand for playing wirelessly (on other platforms).
If you game primarily on PC, and you have money to burn, the Razer Wolverine V3 8K is even better.
The most affordable I can recommend would be the GameSir Cyclone 2, and bonus points if you can pick it up as a bundle with the magnetic charging stand. It's a standout that leans into the ultra-smooth motion you'd expect from TMR sticks, and battery life is fantastic. It's only around $55 with the charging stand, but it often gets put on sale, so keep an eye out if you want to shave another $10 off.
Another option for those who want a multi-use controller for Switch and PC is the GameSir Tarantula Pro, which also includes a nifty feature that lets you change the order of the ABXY buttons.
Whichever you choose, a good TMR controller should feel buttery smooth and frictionless when using the sticks. While I've used more luxury options like the PB Tails range, the implementation of the tech in both the high-end controllers and these GameSir options is great.
What gaming handhelds have TMR sticks?
To date, there aren't any gaming handhelds that have implemented TMR technology, which is disappointing given the opportunity to save on battery life in comparison to Hall Effect. Still, many manufacturers are yet to even jump on the Hall Effect train.
There are still only a handful of gaming handhelds that use Hall Effect, namely the Lenovo Legion Go, the Lenovo Legion Go 2, and the Lenovo Legion Go S. I'm sensing a theme...
Can I install TMR sticks myself?
There aren't as many kits available for controllers and handhelds, but Gulikit does sell a kit to swap out the Xbox Series S|X and Elite controllers in favor of TMR. It's not a straightforward repair, however, and soldering is required, so approach with caution.
Do I really need a controller with TMR sticks?
In short, not necessarily. You’ll absolutely benefit from the durability and precision, but Hall Effect is already a massive leap over analog and perfectly fine for most players.
If you don't play a lot of competitive shooters or racing games, then shelling out for a TMR controller is likely completely unnecessary for you. However, if you’ve ever replaced a controller because of drift, or if you’re sensitive to dead zones and fine aim adjustments, TMR tech is worth paying attention to.
TMR is the kind of upgrade that makes sense if you’re already into premium controllers and want the latest tech edge, but it’s not something you need to enjoy gaming. If you are paying for a controller advertised as 'pro', it’s fair to expect cutting-edge internals that actually last, so it's certainly something to be looking for on a spec list, but that's it.
Right now, TMR sits where Hall Effect was a few years ago. It's niche and a little expensive, but it's gaining traction. As manufacturing costs drop, it’s likely we’ll see more mid-range controllers adopting it, and hopefully more so in the handheld market, where power efficiency is crucial. If we’re lucky, one day the big brands will make it standard (but I can predict that Xbox will be last to the table!)
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