New Hardware from Zwift // Zwift PLAY Controller

Zwift PLAY launches today giving riders complete command over their gaming adventure right from their handlebars. The twin-controller setup is designed for drop-bar bikes and pairs directly to the game via Bluetooth Smart. The buttons on the Zwift Play serve dual purposes. While in menus, riders can utilize them to make selections. Then, during a ride, these buttons transform into powerful shortcuts, enabling riders to give Ride Ons, activate PowerUps, bypass workout blocks, teleport to Pacer Groups, and more.
Zwift PLAY Details:
● Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth.
● USB-C Rechargeable battery with ~20 hours of ride time.
● PLAY usable while charging.
● LED status lights.
● Haptic feedback.
● Initial Pricing: £99 $99 €99 (moving to £149 $149 €149 after beta period).
Links:
Zwift PLAY Official: bit.ly/42BpYx3
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[@editdroid99]

I really like this method for a steering solution. Also, I think the break feature is going to be great for trying to catch someone's draft without overshooting.

[@williamwilcock4326]

Does the brake feature just slow you down in game or does the resistance on your trainer increase too if you pedal and brake?

[@konigsegg_1to1]

@@williamwilcock4326both

[@repmortskcab8483]

I run on PC and BT keyboard, still these controllers complement my setup in an awesome way. They give me access to new features as well as alternative methods of accessing existing features. Works perfectly!

[@m2jn16]

Fantastic...ordered. The perfect device to complete my Zwift setup. Cheers Shane!

[@JeffSeaIndustries]

Nice! I was so happy to see the camera button has been relocated in the companion app, no need to scroll anymore.

[@bighammer3464]

Great to see that clean water doesn’t affect them. Now long term testing with sweat and not cleaning them because that’s what everyone will be doing.

[@gregbrown3764]

Fascinating that they do this, but still don't offer a route customizer. That said, these look pretty amazing.

[@robw2145]

Ordered it while I was watching your video!! Thanks for the updates!

[@saintuk70]

Bang goes the need for the overly expensive laptop tables :) I really like the look of these and, given I've got a PC setup, will work much better then having additional wireless kb/m etc..

[@Demon09-_-]

same this looks great as then all I really need is a mouse to click start on the zwift application.

[@CodyMH]

You answered my only concern at 4:10. Thanks! I think I'm going to give these a go.

[@johanpostma3069]

Zwifting on PC I simply use the companion app together with unified remote (free) on my mobile to enable the keyboard/mouse functions in game. These Zwift remotes would be a nice upgrade to add steering but only at this price point, €150 would be a bit to pricey.

[@paceline]

1 step closer to Zwift Mario Kart! Haptic feedback is a bonus. Now I can force my way into the paceline and peel myself out to breakaway (or supertuck or swap bikes).

[@Pratalax]

Man, Titan's grove gives me such grizzly hills vibes....ah what I'd give to ride from feralas to darkshore and back...

[@mikebrooks215]

People with Apple TV were asking Zwift for a better remote option and here it is! Still avg graphics but a huge improvement

[@jefferyanderson5266]

just ordered a set, was exactly what I was looking for, no need to sweat over my gaming PC to change anything or throw a water bottle at my space bar to use a powerup. Plus steering might be pretty cool. I dont have a permanent zwift set up so this is a perfect solution

[@Edgar-uj9fh]

While I suspect I'm not necessarily the target demographic, these devices will be a boon to myself and others with 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.

[@WonderSausage]

1) It desperately needs a way to disable braking. In the heat of a race with steering enabled, you're going to have both hands on the paddles trying to stay on a wheel or get someone off your wheel. That makes it too easy to accidentally brake, and if you hit that for even a fraction of a second in a sprint you're going to lose. At least this can be added in the UI, fingers crossed. 2) They are thinking "inside the box" by not including a voice chat button. They should have a button to generate an obscure keycode that you could map to press-to-talk in your voice chat of choice (Discord, Teams, Teamspeak, etc.) We've all had that one guy on the team with an open mic who sounds like he's dying during the race, which is demoralizing to the rest of the team.

[@bronnerx5991]

Thanks for the review on these! The comment on Apple use was very helpful. I was on the fence about getting these, but because of the limited BT these would take up I’ll stick with the companion app for now & see if there is more added to these to make them more worth while in the future. They look pretty great for users who may not have their pain cave setup already sorted with other peripheries, as you said.

[@lehtjug]

Enthusiastic Zwifters are probably excited about this gadget as well so good for them but personally companion app do the job well enough for me.

[@KJ7JHN]

glad to see you've made it through the Trademark battle. Keep up the good work.

[@Xalies]

Will for sure grab these. if your TV has HDMI-CEC(most decent tv's probably do) you should be able to use your tv remote with the Apple TV, works fine with my LG tv remote also a 6 year old sony tv

[@dazza678]

Fantastic, cheers, ordered 👍🏻👊🏻🎮

[@coryandcarissa]

Purchased the Sterzo a while back and then added the Tacx Neo Motion Plates to my setup. Good bye Sterzo! Missed the steering but love the feel of the motion plates. With the addition of the controllers, I will back to steering when they arrive. Another plus is that I use Apple TV for Zwift and can now kiss that devil remote goodbye! As always Shane, thank you so much for all your insight and wisdom.

[@desbrug]

I've the sterzo and some powerup keyboard buttons. But this is the way forward. Been waiting for something like this for 4 years. It feels finally like an upgrade as the wifi connection on the kickr bikes are. Tooo long the only hardware upgrades werent game changing, I feel like this one will.

[@Roy-ud1db]

Bought a set. Can't wait to test them out. Thanks Shane!

[@jornkinast8867]

Great new stuff. Thx Shane for the first hands on. How about attaching them to Tacx Neo Bike (I one the older version). Will it fit?

[@bikes-cardanostakepool6171]

Microsoft and Sony need to come out with these to play their consoles and I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[@DaveVoyles]

As a Microsoft employee working in gaming and avid Zwifter, I agree!

[@garethbutton]

Yeah get it in PS5 I would love that for sure!!!! I use Apple TV but I could get better graphics……

[@ChewyWahid]

PSVR2! :)

[@sonivex]

"zee" button? I thought you were one of us! 😂 I'm shattered that I can't buy one here in Australia atm. No point paying more for a redirection service at this point. Do you know if they'll have a beta/cheaper period here as well? Thanks Lama.

[@mrcycling7007]

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

[@gplama]

They kind of are… we just have to take a long haul flight to two to get them. 😂

[@phillipminers9799]

Yes very disappointed I can’t purchase in New Zealand??? Been supporting Zwift for 8years and they can’t ship to New Zealand or Australia? Come on Zwift get with it!!!

[@thebluebell89]

Agreed. Tossing up if I use my forwarding address for them. But that will erase most of the "intro pricing"

[@regnismada4936]

@@phillipminers9799did you end up ordering them ?

[@tomcosgrove7240]

Great video, and you answer most of the questions I had left in the description :) except: how long do they take to charge so a useable level?

[@Stephan.Martin]

Thats great, im using a android phone in DEX mode and this will make "playing" much easier 🙂

[@ReganFreeman]

Zwift needs to do a casual Mario Kart style mode. Let me race others and throw banana peels. This is a great idea

[@paceline]

Sprint to avoid the Red Turtle. Aim with steering to fire a green turtle!

[@rongurney48]

I have it mounted on a Kickr bike with thick Lizard Skin tape on the handlebars. With considerable force and an implement, I managed to attached the straps, which are too short. Once mounted, the controls don't move at all. It easily pairs to Zwift on log-in on a PC. I leave the charging cord attached all the time for convenience. On the Kickr bike, I use both the Kickr steering and the Play steering. It's nice to have the option to pick depending on the circumstances during the ride. It's nice to have a quick and easy connection to the Action Bar on the Companion App without having to take your hands off the handlebars to reach your cell. The braking ability is a nice touch as well, if you like to stop quickly to change bikes. Highly recommended. I understand the price is going up in the not too distant future.....

[@andreasolsson2336]

so this is why some post-ride Zwift surveys have asked about what bar shape I was using =)

[@keithfromchute8885]

Hi Shane, really informative video as always. I watch this the first time but Im rewatching as Im going to chuck my Sterzo in the bin as I get 5 dropouts per ride from it. However, Ithere is an area not covered in the video which I hope that you can clarify. In the video, you make menu selections when entering the game using the controllers but youdidnt enter the Nenu when you were actually in game; also your button diagram is not labelled with a Menu button. For the example of an in game bike swap I would really like to know if this can be done from the Play Controllers or will I still have to use my Apple TV remote. It would be great if you could add this test into any future videos that you might be doing on the subject. Keep up the brilliant work.

[@rivierareefer5318]

Great idea. Wish the control part could rotate to allow you to clip these to straight bars as I use my mountain bike on the trainer…

[@dontoni8041]

I have the same problem. Im getting curved bar ends (long ones) to see if that solves the problem

[@alexmckenzie8186]

Are u guys still riding Repack Ridge ? I’m trying to find out if it’s still on Zwift as I’ve ordered a Sterzo for steering my mtb on Zwift

[@michaelcleveland98]

Great video.... super informative. I've bought a set of these for my wife and myself.... after a couple of rides, I'm a fan. A question.... where did I miss that fantastic Play mapping graphic? I'd love to have that for both our Zwift stations. Thanks.

[@hrpzwift945]

Really nice 🙂 but normally I have a towel on my handlebar.... I might have to consider alternatives 😉

[@NathanLipkeEvilN8]

I’m happy to be able to steer with the Kickr climb.

[@Javi_C]

Interesting, thanks Shane.

[@clairebrook2339]

Darn you & Ray, my credit card hates my lack of restraint! 😂 Love the vids

[@gplama]

Just comment with the card numbers, expiry, and the three numbers on the back and we'll take care of your credit card worries. You can't buy anything more when it's maxed out! 🤣

[@clairebrook2339]

@@gplama Hahahaha! Kinda surprised it’s arriving tomorrow. Looking forward to testing it out.

[@MrLeovdmeer]

This wil be on my list to get for the next autum and winter training

[@paceline]

It'll cost $50 more by then!

[@MrLeovdmeer]

@@paceline don`t care.

[@fwschnaar3179]

Thank You Lama… Just Bought 👍🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️

[@_joshharris]

Nice video. Sprinting and out of the saddle on the hoods have enough room to really grab the bars and not hit buttons, or bit of a hand size, bike setup specific answer?

[@knutbk]

Ordered, eager to try these out with the Stages SB20.

[@ivodam2]

On SB20 brake levers can cross these on movement. Now I will use these from Play.

[@darinsteele7091]

great idea, reaching for the mouse/keyboard is annoying for sure, i often have to get off the bike if i don't have a reachable setup for desktop.

[@michaelkennedy9064]

Nice. Will wait for the TT version

[@davidmulligan42]

I bought a pair today. I use Apple TV, and have been using the remote on my phone for Zwift, but I never use it while riding because the phone stops responding when the screen gets wet, and I can't see a damn thing without my reading glasses. For $99, this seems worth it to me.

[@AlexStar030]

Not sure how you got on with these but the gap between levers and controller is tiny. It will take a while to remember which is brake and turn as I seem to brake accidentally. Also caused 2 events to crash and they keep loosing connection and flashing. Only half a meter from laptop. 😮

[@dewidavies7995]

Thanks 😊

[@franky12]

This seems to be a very useful gadget for Zwift, i immediately ordered, because i don't like to fiddle around on the laptop keyboard or in the companion app while riding, in my opinion the buttons are way to small to use while on a ride...

[@wilbobaggins7129]

Hopefully there will be some button mapping options. I want to be able to quickly change my view while racing!

[@richardgate1571]

I read somewhere one of the buttons gives you a brief look behind you which is really useful

[@wilbobaggins7129]

@@richardgate1571 that’s exactly what I want! Mine is being delivered today so I’ll be able to test it later. It’s almost a shame the weather is so nice and I’m riding outside haha

[@thomascounsell4948]

Would definitely be interested in these but my one big issue is Bluetooth connections. I have a kickr, kickr headwind, HRM, phone with companion app, headphones/speaker and that maxes me out of connections.

[@jangudiksen]

I use them, and there are ups and downs. Ups: I usually use an iPad, and just being able to control and look behind during a race is great. In workouts, it's also quick to change resistance in ERG mode. Overall, they provide everything you need right at your hands. Downs: I hope they change the brake function so that you have to brake with both hands to prevent accidental braking during a race. But the biggest downside for me is their placement. I often have my hands on the shifting grip, and you can't grip "hard" or even normally, because then you turn or have an awkward grip. So I ended up setting "them too low" so that I have my hands free both up and down, and then conversely, I have to move my hands down to turn or press the buttons. That's fine for me, as both ergonomics and game controls are within reach.

[@hamilton237]

I finally got around to buying a sterzo smart this week, oh well.

[@AG17_1]

Great review Shane, I didn't see you sprinting with these fitted. Is there any interference with your normal hand position on the hoods when sprinting?

[@gplama]

No issues when in the drops going all-out on the bars.

[@imarnkeba7474]

It looks good, but I’m not happy that they have not implemented the same turn at intersection feature for the kickr bike that’s been out for a few years.

[@dontoni8041]

Its a takeover

[@MattSwain1]

Not a bad idea especially if you’re someone who has to wrestle with the awful Apple TV remote… but then again they’ve made things worse by having these things take up 2 extra bluetooth channels 🤦‍♂️ I can’t help thinking that maybe these could have included a bluetooth hub and made everyone’s life easier

[@gplama]

I'd have liked to see them on WiFi. It works very well for Direct Connect supported trainers. I suspect WiFi would require more battery capacity.

[@mickelkobeck7376]

Just ordered them

[@ovning]

no hindering to get a velodrom now on Zwift. where you can make your velodrom as you like it. banking length and where the finishline is

[@ornoth]

It's a pity, but I presume there's no way for the arrow keys to control the drone view camera angle, since in free ride the up key is already assigned to opening the action bar, yes?

[@ericgaisser1668]

This will be great for getting 10 year olds into Zwift. For the way I use Zwift there is no need for this but I am sure others will like it. Price looks expensive to me.

[@jimpeyton1459]

Hi Shane...you and Ray costing me money 😂. Great intro to the new hardware. How did you find shifting with the controllers installed? My dedicated Zwift bike has mechanical shifting so I'm hoping there's no interference. Functions seem spot on for what I fumble around for with my phone and keyboard. Added plus is that a setup with a Kickr Climb will now have a steering option. Pricing drives early adoption. If Zwift is serious about 3rd party access then we might see competitive controllers. Hope all is well. Thanks again.

[@gplama]

G'day Jim. No issues with the Di2 shifting although this is a little different to mechanical. They should be a great addition to a setup with the Climb too. One thing I found with the steering and going really hard through Repack Rush was how busy things were for me. Lots of quick gear changes and steering all at the same time felt like I was playing the piano. 🎹🤣

[@jimpeyton1459]

@@gplama 🤣🤣🤣

[@crankgreenwatts]

Looks really good but am wondering how well the silicone straps will last if switching between multiple bikes; wife and I both use the trainer so would need to transfer between each use🤔

[@dontoni8041]

They are very strong. But i need to get 2 type c chargers right next to my bike instead of unstrappin it every time for charge.

[@neilbuckley5796]

The people who are comparing these to XBox or PS controllers need to realise that Zwift isn't Sony nor Microsoft, so isn't going to sell millions of these, they are never going to be 75 (affix your own currency) or less a pop.

[@mikeburton8426]

Zwift getting more into the hardware game. I expect, like their trainer, this will not be available in Canada in the foreseeable future. The way Zwift is differentiating I imagine I will be moving away from that platform soon to something else but I’ll admit I’ve struggled to find anything that works so reliably.

[@theanalogkid4171]

Hmm, not sure about this.. I'd be happy to see Coffee Stop fixed in group events! It was working great then 1.41 broke it for group rides. EDIT: OK the more I checked out the Zwift Play toy the more I liked it. It has been ordered.

[@lechprotean]

looks like they've found a customer in me - I have a pain cave setup with no extra companion app, a bike that I hook up for the whole winter, but really no room for a keyboard or a laptop table... I really like the execution on these devices, but I wish they both shared a single BLE channel.

[@ivodam2]

I ordered, but BLE connection can be a problem. I have SB20 where booth powermeters have BLE, than mobile with Companion again with BLE to PC. And now this with two BLE`s. Wristwatch with BLE. Will see.😮 Only bike self with ANT+.

[@jolaca01]

Hi, I've also ordered it and own a SB 20, hope it works well. We'll see.

[@buzzman4860]

Really would have liked a camera toggle so that I could look around

[@jmb6g]

When can we start shooting stuff?

[@gplama]

Calm down there America. There's GTA Bike if you need your true-to-life simulation. Zwift is just a game. 😉

[@jonathanzappala]

great idea

[@hmwelch99]

Just ordered, a good addition for my setup in the home office. Been on Zwift now about 4 years, level 43, so not a newbie.

[@Mike_in_Thailand]

your steering was a lot quicker than DC Rainmaker was getting with his controllers on repack rush !

[@nicksmith5608]

@GPLama - is this a now purchase (whilst discounted) or wait slightly further down the line purchase ? I fell foul of the Sterzo and don't want to find an upgraded product coming shortly. For Apple TV only this will be a godsend

[@1972andyb]

Hi Shane, great vid. These look great. Like you say a better option than Appletv remote. Do you think they would fit on the Wattbike atom bars with the wattbije hoods fitted?? Thanks

[@ZwiftInsider]

Zwift says it doesn't fit the Wattbike Atom.

[@1972andyb]

@@ZwiftInsider shame

[@KJ7JHN]

This would be even more awesome if Zwift paired up with Pokémon Go.

[@Barrygee]

Just got my Zwift play controllers and i have to say i’m not entirely sold on them…i find that the orange steering/braking buttons are too close to my gear shifter paddles so i can’t really get my fingers on to the buttons. It could be that i use quite thick bar tape i suppose.

[@__marshie]

Please show how they navigate through training plans, ftp adjustment, route selection screen and bike frame colour change. Basically all the things ATV remote sucks at.

[@Bigjuergo]

i want to change view with only one button (not dorp down menu) to look quickly behind in races

[@jeancycling]

Are the Zwift Controllers also working with WiFi together with the Kickr Bike V2 ? They are talking only about Bluetooth And that is not stable enough in my opinion

[@gplama]

BLE only.

[@grobbosixtyone]

Shame Australia is never included in these deals

[@RichardWait]

For Apple TV - could / would a NPE Cable / WYÛR not work for combining the signals for this and other devices to get around the 2 BT limit?

[@gplama]

This is BLE only, CABLE is ANT+ to BLE.... not sure what the new NPE devices do... but it's unlikely they have a profile/mapping for the Play. Worth asking them I guess.

[@olivierdecoen5396]

Would you advise this to buy in combination with a Wahoo Kickr Bike? I’m in doubt because, on the kickr bike you have already a couple of buttons, on the shifters, for some shortcuts (like activate a powerup). Also you can use steering with the kickr bike shifters. The biggest advantage would be the arrows to access the menu or change course without i need to stretch my arm to touch my IPad. But is no longer having to stretch my arm worth 99/150 euros… Anyway this is better then Wahoo’s steering wheel.

[@richardvaughn168]

Yes, the question for the KICKR bike owners remains what's the plan with the buttons we have now?

[@OliverScheffer-Photography]

I've tried it today. I'm not happy with the paddles. I'd prefer the one on the left for just steering and the right one for braking (or vice versa). Also, I find the distance between the paddles and the small STI levers too small. Sprinting/climbing in the hoods position needs some getting used to because you can't grip with all fingers anymore. And I wish the buttons/paddles could be mapped (but that should be easy to implement in an update).

[@itsianwood]

I use ANT+ for the smart trainer ...will these be OK with just one dongle in my PC?

[@gasgano8255]

Not compatible with my tacx neo bike it seems, as it obstructs the gear shift buttons

[@federicovinciguerra2160]

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

[@donwinston]

I'll take these over my Apple TV remote any day.

[@XX-is7ps]

The more “stuff” you hook up to your bike for turbo use, the less easy it is to quickly switch a bike between indoor and outdoor use - if you had these and a Kickr climb for instance, you might as well just buy a dedicated all-in-one solution such as wattbike. Seems really odd of Zwift to abandon their all-in-one Zwift bike given that they’ve now released the hub and now these shifters.

[@mitchleblanc]

Switching bikes is way too much of a pain. We went out and bought a couple of old used bikes for our permanent Zwift setups, after just a couple months.

[@VirgilOvid]

How many cyclists have just one bike?

[@ZwiftInsider]

Or maybe Zwift will bring back their bike now that they have the hardware to make it happen?

[@mitchleblanc]

@@ZwiftInsider I honestly wish they'd just focus on software. The main product is still pretty weak, and I'm confused why it doesn't seem to be their primary focus.

[@lechprotean]

@@mitchleblanc weak compared to what? and weak in what way? IMO it is the best cycling app on the market already...

[@chrisjboyce]

I wonder if these will fit a Wattbike Atom without blocking the gear shifters..?

[@blakelarue3542]

I have a Stages SB20 bike, any testing of these with that bike specifically? My shifters on the Stages are right about in that location…

[@gplama]

The sprint shifters on the lower drops on the SB20 need to be moved. This can be done so the Play can be installed where indented.

[@andyshepherd5067]

ive got the elite steerer i dont see whats wrong with turning the handle bars

[@Zzyyxx22]

A possible problem that I may have is that I have a towel over my bars might need a bit of more careful placement over the bars and under the controllers. What happens if you press up, down, left, right A B C then start?

[@ivodam2]

Always can cut towels in shape with scissors if needed. I have towels as wel, even two of them, buttons will be memorized quickly even through towels.

[@gplama]

That key combination is the finishing move for Jarvis the bear on Titans Grove. Sh*t gets messy.

[@marcus_velo_9970]

thank you interesting and yep, yep, nuuuup ... , I'd rather a small touch display screen with this kind of functionality on it (dedicated icons) that could be mounted like a garmin, then again I got the laptop to the left, the phone floating for hitting power ups/ride ons, just don't have steering but at this point its as useful as steering in a tunnel.

[@adammillsindustries.]

I can’t wait to get mine & swerve away from wheel suckers without controls 😂

[@bopsap.gammazape]

Would love to see you review the Avotro controller (esp as i think they ship from Australia?) :) 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 :)

[@higgi13425]

Time to make a Zwift-co-branded (orange) version of Apple TV with an M2 chip (default UHD) and 5-7 BT connections?

[@higgi13425]

Could bundle it with Zwift Play +/- Zwift Hub

[@Le_Guigster]

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

[@gplama]

Unlikely to work. Time to upgrade to the new 12spd wireless Campy that dropped the thumb shifter! :)

[@mortigard]

I have a Wahoo Kickr Bike, which has steering. It sounds like these buttons might work better on Repack. I found it almost unrideable and very annoying trying to line myself up for the bonuses. It was entertaining for a single try, but I doubt I'll try it again.

[@joakim4243]

How many bluetooth connections are possible on the iPad (I would need 5 connections for my setup if using these contollers for example)?

[@simoneaglestone9159]

It’s a real shame that there isn’t a clear guide to the limits and pathway to connecting/bridging multiple devices via Bluetooth. Like a couple of other posts, I found myself maxd with a Kickr, Tickr, headwind and cadence meter. Having rushed to buy this great looking add on, I have found it terribly frustrating to connect the Play without messing up all my previously seem less setup 😢

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

I think I’ll probably get these. Handy for when I lead online turbo sessions for the club.

[@rasherdk]

Braking. Interesting. Wonder how long until braking comes to the KICKR Bike then.