Zwift Play Controller Review: Surprisingly Useful!

A complete in-depth review of the Zwift Play controllers, diving into what works well, what it does, and what needs a bit of work.
Zwift has just released their Zwift Play controller, which lets you do everything from steering in-game, to quickly accessing settings while riding, all while also hurling burritos at other racers. It’s Zwift’s second piece of cycling hardware they’ve announced in the last year, following the Zwift Hub trainer last fall. And not to spoil too much of this review, Zwift seems to have once again nailed the hardware execution with a product that’s largely affordable and functional.
#Zwift #ZwiftPlay #IndoorCycling

[@KdM_BigRingBubba]

Totally agree with the commentary on price point. I suspect they will sell a decent number of them at $99, but at $150 this is a complete non-starter for this Canadian Zwifter, especially when you factor in the CAD/USD exchange. That's getting very close to $200 CAD for something that adds marginal functionality to the Companion app (never mind not being able to actually buy it in Canada - thanks Zwift!!).

[@markalison2073]

Got my 17 year old daughter into cycling and she had just started doing Zwift. I told her to watch this guy Ray! She might learn a thing or two 👍 I know I did and continue to do. Thanks Ray. Love your work!

[@mvortkamp]

Yes, your daughter is now busy watching Ray's videos. But this silence comes with a price tag...

[@RutgherPruijm]

The part where you said 'oh nee' when you failed a couple of time bonuses made me remember that you are a Dutch person and laugh a bit. Good review :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

haha...thanks!

[@Schweigardt]

Always need to be thoughtful when thumbing up someone. This could be a gamechanger peripheral for me. I wanted these features ever since I rode the original Expresso bikes many years ago

[@milwsaw1]

Cool...steering that works with the kickr climb😊

[@jimpeyton1459]

First thing I thought too. I had sketched out a few bidges to use Sterzo...nope. Looked onto a programmable button box...no connection to steering.

[@paulmorrison30]

I bought a set of these and it’s really useful and improves the Zwift experience in many ways 👍🏾. My 11 year old also loves them as enjoys Zwifting when the weather isn’t great.

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

Their new action bar menus make a lot more sense now. I am quite impressed and looking forward to a broader steering implementation. Also figners crossed ita a generic controller that can be used on other platforms too.

[@michaelhaney1357]

The 2 features I use the most are virtual shifting and Ride On bombs. The shifting is great since I use an older bike hooked to my Zwift and I just keep the chain on the big ring and in the center of the cassette and don’t have to worry about the mechanical bits much.

[@Jeff.Slavich]

I totally agree on the impulse at $100 and probably not at $150. Unless the $150 comes with a few months of free riding. Maybe that's how they eventually sell it at $150.00

[@shepshape2585]

I have to admit that these are pretty cool. Zwift is all about gamifying the indoor training experience, and what better way to gamify it than to provide you with basically video game controllers. You don't have to reach for keys on your laptop, or have your phone in your hand, you just press the button on the controller. And the price isn't too ridiculous either.

[@peterhart3898]

Great review. Unfortunately for us in Australia/NZ/Asia, we can't order these at the $99. They are not even available to us. Why is it only available to US/Europe/UK, in this beta phase?

[@theanalogkid4171]

I love it, ordered. I can’t imagine life without Zwift. I haven’t ridden outside in three years due to insane city drivers and losing two friends on the streets in five years. It’s just not worth it to me anymore. I miss riding outside somewhat but I really love riding Zwift. Zwift is better than riding outside in so many ways. Thanks for the video Ray.

[@joshuadrewlow]

Dude that is insane. Have you tried riding in the night? I have seen many IG videos of Japanese riders going for rides in the nights. Probably due to less traffic.

[@SerPurple51]

I got into zwift this year after buying my kickr for the holidays. I was hit by a car 2yrs ago and suffered a TBI. Last year I still rode outdoors a lot, 5k miles in a year (albeit with a lot of anxiety every time) but I much prefer zwift to riding outdoors. My HR is a lot lower and I don't have to constantly be on high alert someone will pull out and hit me again.

[@theanalogkid4171]

@@joshuadrewlow Yah, when I worked 2nd shift for about 5 years I'd get home at 11:30 pm then ride after midnight, I really loved it but now I'm on an early schedule, in bed by 8pm! :)

[@rjoly8029]

Join a ride group and get back to riding in fresh air.

[@theanalogkid4171]

@@rjoly8029 Riding in groups doesn't make it any safer. I led Sunday morning group rides with up to 30 people for many years. Google this: "2 killed, 19 injured in Goodyear bicycle crash" From the story: "A pickup plowed through a bicycling group on Feb. 25 in Goodyear, killing a man and woman and injuring many others."

[@hmwelch99]

Not a impulse buyer most days, but today I am! A good addition for my setup.

[@kimwarner6050]

This was my impulse buy of the week. At 150 this looses it shine.

[@chrissinclair6086]

Likewise, they will be handy in a few months when indoor will take over for me again .

[@SamuelLudden]

The USB-C-A comment killed me 😂 USB is such a hot mess of naming conventions... 😭

[@n.heroep2786]

Yep, definitely an impulse purchase for me too. I considered it a birthday gift to myself. B/c I'm tired of using my keyboard. I even use Commander, but now I lost it .. oh well. It's very convenient being able to brake (finally), So I don't keep shooting out the group ride or robo-pacer, then have to soft pedal, then chase back. Now I can just brake. And yeah the ride-on bomb in one button! ✊.No need to scramble my phone again to give a ride-on.

[@jimpeyton1459]

Thanks Ray, good review. Zwift has right idea to attract early adopters with the reduced price. If the protocol is available to 3rd parties then we may see either less expensive models or more functional models....maybe permutations of both. I can see someone programming view buttons that could cycle through the options and select automatically. More 💵 for my Zwift bike...

[@johanpostma3069]

When Zwifting on PC I simply use the companion app and unified remote (free) on my mobile. This will enable the keyboard/mouse features you need in the game, you can even customize additional hot keys if you like. These Zwift controllers would be a nice upgrade to add steering but not at this price point.

[@gregbrown3764]

F-Zero. Man, what a call back.

[@clairebrook2339]

Grrrr, you & Shane & my inability to resist toys. Love the vids

[@jimpeyton1459]

😂😂😂

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sorry...not sorry! 😂

[@a_kasatkin]

Coffee break has been available for a few days already. You just need to be in a group ride mode. Thanks Ray for the review as always.

[@rasherdk]

It is only available in the first 5 minutes (for 30 seconds) or after having ridden for 30 minutes. Ray was outside those windows.

[@theanalogkid4171]

@@rasherdk And currently broken in group events as of 1.42 PC. All you get is the 30 second break. There's a thread on the zwift forums.

[@mrcycling7007]

Great video Ray. I wish they were available in Australia 😢

[@astroross]

Can't wait for this to arrive. Perfect for those that can't reach the keyboard while riding.

[@kovie9162]

After doing a bunch of research, watching this and other videos and deliberating, I decided to go for it and spend the $99 to get a pair. What convinced me was the recent addition of virtual steering to the Core, which is what I have. The other features are nice, but it's what I most got these for as I'm finding that physical shifting on the Core is noisy and annoying plus I'd prefer to use an old cassette and save my new cassette for the road. When riding outside ambient noises and the sound of the wind rushing by mostly mask the noise of shifting, but indoors it just annoys me and I'm sure anyone who's around. But it should be nice to be able to do all those other things like steer, brake, ride on, change pov and direction, etc. I haven't gotten them yet and have yet to see how well they'll work with my Campy Ergo shifters though.

[@andized4044]

I would have liked to see steering assistance for the TACX Blacktrack, which is much more intuitive than steering the bike via buttons. All other functions could have been solved via voice recognition in the companion app.

[@nedt]

kegland and then the yeast ones. thanks enjoying it

[@Roy-ud1db]

Impulse buy. Can't wait to test with ATV. Thanks Ray.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Enjoy!

[@scottvessey915]

Interoperability the other way around would be great - e.g. Zwift Play buttons working with the Wahoo RGT platform.

[@Accounting4Cycling]

I just want Zwift to bring back the ability to pay for a year at a time. I'm okay with the potentially diminished value during the summer months knowing that I have the yearly rate locked in. I just see the "monthly only" option as a way to raise rates without having to worry about some subscribers being locked in at a lower amount. I will still probably buy these. $99 is a buy, $149 is a pass. Maybe they'll open up the ability to use an XBOX controller, since it's basically that cut in two and without the joy sticks!

[@junhaogan189]

Thanks for nice and clear video. May I know whether they would affect your holding on shifters when you pushing a hard session?

[@noisufnoc]

I have a KICKR Bike V1, these are a big improvement compared to what's built into my bike.

[@meclucas]

Zwift is still missing a single button to turn ERG mode on and off, this should be something simple to implement, but still you have to go in the menu and search for this option, which is dumb. The ERG mode toggle button would be extremely useful for some trainings that include short sprints (where you always have turn ERG off, and then on again afterwards), and also to avoid the ERG spiral of death (where if you slow down on a red zone you cannot spin up again, so you it would be easy to turn ERG off, spin to right cadence, and then turn ERG on again).

[@eraven1]

I could imagine Zwiftetris tourneys in the future. Win the race by either completing a course or beating your oponent on tetris. Like Chess Boxing, but with biking and tetris

[@leo.apollaro]

Why did they not put accelerometer for steering…

[@chad206]

I guess I'm on an island with this opinion, but I think $99 is already steep for this. Maybe I'm more broke than the average cyclist but $100 items, especially ancillary items that aren't the core value, are never an impulse buy.

[@rwenger567]

I agree. I would consider it at the $50-60 price point. $100 what is essentially an 8 button ANT+ or BTLE device is steep. How long until we see knock offs at 1/2 the price?

[@chad206]

@@rwenger567 hopefully, not long at all!

[@Ian.Does.Fitness]

Great review thanks 🙏 and I agree, £150 is too dear. Tempted at £99 though.

[@rothaicc]

so cool - about time though

[@richardresendesjr3335]

Will it work pre game as in the workout page scrolling and such that’s still horrible with the Apple ATV remote ?

[@ErickMoreno]

Yes, they work before you start riding.

[@jbbell6903]

Great review! How would you attach this to a mountain bike with the T-style handlebar?? Thanks

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@JimEatsPlants]

Would this work using Apple TV? I've read there is a 2 device limit for BT, so if you've got HR and power connected, then this would not be able to connect, right?

[@jackvssharks]

4:09 “press the blue purple button” 😅

[@Benus128]

Can we also move into the menu, select worlds and workouts ?

[@warwickzwifts]

I tend to do my punchy efforts on the hoods and out of the saddle so I need a good grip at that point. Do these need to be installed lower to do that and would they then be too low to easily reach them when I am sat down again?

[@ridwaanio]

I want this just for the sticker to stick on a small child 😂

[@Dcrainmaker]

I agree!

[@jimpeyton1459]

😂😵‍💫🤣

[@al_kru]

Can you zoom & rotate the camera view with the D pad, like you can with the arrow keys on PC? 🤷‍♂️🤔

[@ThreeB_Do]

A xbox controller is 65 USD, is capable of a lot more and can be connected to any device with Bluetooth. Implementing something like that would be cheaper and better for the environment, since a lot of people already has a controller for gaming etc.

[@bopsap.gammazape]

Would love to see you review the Avotro controller :) at a similar price of $150 AUD, it's a fully functional general purpose bike handlebar game controller - but it's very low on reviews at the moment (see: 0) - If you're able to find out if it's any good, would be happy to purchase through an affiliate link :)

[@TrickyTree84]

Ray I simply need to know what that stem is please? With the Garmin mount built in. It's super clean

[@ZwiftInsider]

(Typo in video title, sir!)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Extra YT comment engagement unlocked! 🤣 Thanks!!!!

[@peterthe46er]

Ordered

[@KaiSteinbach]

Any idea how to mount this to MTB handle bars, please? I already have Zwift steering, so I’d want this purely for the 8 buttons. Thanks!

[@JavierRodriguez-qd8cm]

Thanks

[@Le_Guigster]

any idea on campagnolo mechanical thumb shifters? would that be in the way you reckon?

[@Chader9]

Per Zwift Plays Tech section, the Campy with thumbies are NOT compatible.

[@JB-ji9up]

Is there a way to keybind the actions on a keyboard or mouse?

[@user-cpettigrew]

These look cool. Do the controllers, when they're attached to the handlebars of a Kickr Bike, infringe on the Bike's steer buttons? Is there enough finger room between the Zwift orange steering keys and the Kickr Bike's shifters? And does choosing Zwift controllers render the Kickr Bike's brakes unusable?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No blockage there, it sits about 2-3cm below the KICKR Buttons. And no finger clearance issue either. I haven't tried dual-pairing them yet, but I'll check and circle back.

[@user-cpettigrew]

@@Dcrainmaker Thank you. Going to order them today.

[@scottintexas]

How about these with the Tacx Neo Plus Smart Bike? Is there enough added value since they already have steering buttons?

[@carikeschoeman]

Would love one of these but will probably never get my hands on them in South Africa 😔

[@BrianJohnstonTrombone]

Were those dolphins having a seizure @ 6:32 ?

[@williamwilcock4326]

As an ATV user my Bluetooth connections are already used up so this will push me down the Companion App connection route. Question though, will my Kickr and HR monitor have to go through Companion app too? Reason I ask is that prior to getting my Kickr two years ago I used to have to connect via the Companion app and I found it pretty unstable back then. Has it improved?

[@nomabodc]

With Apple tv... You either do all your Bluetooth connections directly to it, or through the zwift companion app. You can't do both.

[@Hoolio1967]

Thank you for this in-depth video. So far I've seen several articles that just say "Zwift released this" with no real information. From your video, I can see that for me at least, it really is an impulse and something I really don't need.

[@hrplbg]

I notice your hands are not placed on the drops when you are using the controller. How do the controllers work when you are actually on the hoods? I did a 5-second test at lunch and I didn't think I could reach the buttons if I had my hands fully on the hoods.

[@davethegayguy420]

I have a Steerzo that does not work with the Tacx Neo Rockers, so enough peripherals sitting around not being used, maybe at $99 but no to $150. With $150.00 I would buy something for my road bike.

[@nicksmith5608]

Tempted by the impulse buy but is this another Sterzo ? Or will any glitches be ironed out by firmware updates ?

[@hbmedia4381]

Can it do virtual gear shift on a cassette. Or do I need both click button and this

[@lee-cycling]

I have two questions about these. Firstly, and this is subjective, I wonder if these will get in the way for my hands when sprinting in the drops. Secondly, navigating through submenus looks irritating to do during a race. It would be great to have assignable 'hotkeys' to carry out common functions, like switching to the rear view with a single press. I wonder if that's coming.

[@ErickMoreno]

1 they won't 2 most common actions are already mapped to single press buttons. Including the rear view that you mentioned.

[@AndrewWilliamsMusic]

are these standard game controllers? meaning can you use the buttons and controls with other games?

[@matthiaswolf8525]

Can one use this AND sterzo same time? Steering with sterzo seems more intuitive to me….

[@mtd87]

Would love an answer on this also...

[@ndoren]

Kickr bike has built-in steering, but you have to choose to pair either the bike steering or this device. I suspect that means this device or the sterzo but not both. Just a guess.

[@gerbryf]

I also have a Sterzo and like it and would prefer to be able to continue to use it. I wonder if it would just behave like a computer does with two mice connected, either works. If you dont touch the orange paddles then I'd hope it would just use the Sterzo input.. it would be nice to know how it works in this respect.

[@CyclingDad]

I use an iPad Pro (for the display) and iPhone (for companion app) on my Stages SB20. Doesn’t seem like these controllers really add any value over the companion app. Am I missing something?

[@1972andyb]

Hi, great video. These look great. So much easier to navigate than with apple tv remote. Do you know if these would fit onto a Wattbike atom ng?? Without interfering with the atom gear change buttons?? Looks like they would as seen on your bike and brake/gear leavers. Any info greatly appreciated 👍

[@Cmeniol]

Not compatible with Wattbike Atom unfortunately. Says so on the Zwift official release 😢

[@1972andyb]

@@Cmeniol bit pricey just to use as a remote. Wonder why it’s not compatible, fitting onto bars or something more technical??

[@Cmeniol]

@@1972andyb yep. I wondered if it might fit on the aero bars but who knows. I'm not paying £99 to find out.

[@1972andyb]

Aero bars are quite narrow compared with bars, might not tighten up. I’ve also asked GPLAMA if he knows anymore

[@joshuadrewlow]

If someone doesn't need it anymore I will give it a try. Otherwise 100$ (discount) is a lot. Thanks for the information though!

[@GroteGeer]

This is just sport gaming. Helpful to make swift biking more joyfull / less hard. It looks a bit like the Xbox Kinect.

[@eloyzwift]

There is only one thing as an eRacer... You want to sprint in the handlebar and not on the hoods. Missed change. Besides that it looks nice

[@virtualZ161]

I received mine yesterday and did notice there is limited space when sprinting from the hoods. Moving the controllers downwards slightly does correct and able to sprint from the hoods. I also was able to steer comfortably from the hoods but may not work if your have small hands.

[@rapidfiredesign]

Small hands and narrow bars - these really don’t work for me. Bummed but returning them.

[@TnFruit]

You can use this with any Smart Rainer, But what about the new shifting mode?

[@michaelkennedy9064]

When is the TT version coming?

[@Demon09-_-]

anyone with stages sb20 bike try them out? would you just need to relocate the sprint shift buttons or does it block the shifter buttons them self?

[@federicovinciguerra2160]

Would like to understand what happen if I use with another steering device like Elite Rizer...

[@sushiljacob7065]

How does it affect your grip on the hoods?

[@manny2987-pv5jn]

Is it possible to connect this with other indoor cycling apps, like Rouvy?

[@oliva737orac]

Not compatible with Campy shifting or have someone experience with controller on bars with Campy shifting?

[@midshiptom]

Would be disappointing if Zwift no longer works with my Elite smart steering block. Sometimes actual steering helps break up the monotony of multiple hours ride and provides some real positional movement. Pulling levers seems silly. Also, what's the point to brake?

[@janneforsell7716]

Hmm.. I'm zwifting on a MTB? Is it possible to mount them in some way on a flat bar?

[@flo_i]

Is there actually a way to brake on Zwift without the Zwift PLAY controllers? And what would you use it for, apart from not having to wait a few seconds before being able to change your bike setup?

[@AndrewEbling]

You can use it to avoid going off the front of a group.

[@nicksmith5608]

Also wheel / bike change mid ride

[@pantster9855]

Picked up a set of these but question regarding using with Apple TV I use kickr bike, and HR monitor and tv only lets me connect 1 of the controllers as it reaches max connections. So have to use Zwift companion app? Pity Zwift couldn’t have the two controllers talk to each other and need only 1 connection

[@ErickMoreno]

They need one connection each. The main solution is connect them not to your apple tv, but to your phone using the Zwift Companion App. You can also do this to any other sensors... Quite clever solution.

[@pantster9855]

@@ErickMoreno tried that but seems to keep dropping

[@ricardo_marmotti]

Did you just say "o nee"? 😎👊🏻

[@JakeSteen00]

Curious if there’s a mounting method for TT bars

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nothing at this point, hopefully people figure out some creative solutions. I did some poking on the two TT bikes we have, and couldn't think of anything all that great in a steering-kinda-way. For general button access you can mount it on something nearby, which is still better than the companion app.

[@dewidavies7995]

Do I need this for stage sb20.

[@markmitchenall5948]

If you use steering to zig-zag on steeper gradients, does it take some of the gradient out? Asking for a friend ;-)

[@JasonDIYbuilds]

It seems like they need to add games to make these truly useful and a big seller. Repack rush is a good start. Hard to understand why they have never added multi user competitive games like repack rush that combine exercise with skill based gamification..

[@Dcrainmaker]

It sounds like they've got plans for expanion there (in terms of quantity).

[@ErickMoreno]

They didn't before because the controllers only arrived now.

[@JasonDIYbuilds]

I had hoped they would go that direction years ago when they added turning. The controller is not necessary for that development though it could improve the experience

[@AB-fh9zh]

Yes. They do have some way to go. The input lag is huge and binary controls for steering are a pain; you need something akin analog sticks. I do hope they keep developing this.

[@ErickMoreno]

The steering input is "analog". It responds to the amount of pressure, or how far you press them to steer or break. I think you talk about them without never being near one.

[@stephenprice4739]

If you buy the controllers in beta will they upgrade to the final firmware?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes

[@discreetknight]

Hmm 🤔 when’s the tron trainer coming

[@kryst5062]

Did I miss this? Does this take up 2 bluetooth spots? I use Apple TV for Zwift right now.

[@Dcrainmaker]

With Apple TV, you'll use the companion app to pair it instead.

[@dewidavies7995]

Can you turn erg mode off or on .

[@iGp0wn3d]

was virtual shifting not available when yo udid this demo?

[@rolighed1277]

If one orders them from within EU - will it then be shipped from within the EU? Or would I have to expect further import expenses?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Zwift has a shipping/distribution warehouse in the EU (mine came from their Netherlands warehouse). So nothing extra.

[@rolighed1277]

@@Dcrainmaker Awesome! Cheers mate!

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@rolighed1277 Fun update: Specifically, it departs from Zwift's EU partner warehouse in Vijfhuizen, which is basically a very very very small town right next to one of the runways at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.

[@sitarkhani]

So, is this steering really any better than the kickr bike? Seems pretty much the same.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not really much different than that. But I'd argue the best part of this isn't actually steering - it's access to the menus.

[@amilcaresada7778]

I’ve bought them. using them with an android device (Samsung galaxy tab S6) paired with Favero and with the Kikr is having a lot of issue and crashing the zwift app. Really annoyed. any views?

[@thorbenpre5176]

What will be the difference between Beta and final version? Smaller Hardware?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hardware will be identical/same, that's not changing. Only the software side of things (the Zwift Game, and unit firmware). For example, the current app doesn't have vibrations enable. It was in previous test versions, but was pulled for release, and will be added back in on the next software update (likely in a few weeks).

[@sitarkhani]

So I tried with kickr bike and it would work well but I have no idea why they also have auto steer you have to constantly fight or try to compensate for….not sure why.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, the auto-steer is annoying with Repack Rush.

[@sitarkhani]

@@Dcrainmaker well. Maybe they will listen to you. I have sent feedback.

[@zp7026]

Stages SB20 smartbike has many buttons waiting there to be implemented with functions… is Zwift not willing to cooperate with Stages?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Discussed in the last 2 minutes of the video. :)

[@3T0EDSL0TH]

Hopefully soon!