This new controller has a heart rate sensor so you can see how sweaty you're getting — it's also boasting 1000Hz polling rates and anti-drift sticks

Trailer screenshot for the ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart controller
Now you can see how stressed out you get when playing Soulslikes. (Image credit: Anbernic)

On January 23, 2026, the third-party gaming accessory manufacturer, Anbernic, revealed a new controller in the works for PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Linux, and Android called the ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller.

This controller aims to improve a player's experience with responsive controls, immersive feedback, and even keep track of their health through a built-in heart rate monitor.

ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller: Coming Soon! - YouTube ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller: Coming Soon! - YouTube
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The ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller is a wired and wireless controller built with Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4G wireless connectivity and 1,000Hz polling rates in both wired and wireless modes.

With this high polling rate, players won't have to worry about suffering from input delay or low-latency while playing competitive PC games like Call of Duty.

The ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller also includes anti-drift joysticks for improved joystick input accuracy and preventing the sticks from drifting, and Dual Mode Triggers so the triggers can work more efficiently for certain games (linear mode for racing games and micro-switch more for first-person shooters).

Plus, it has 6-axis Gyro motion controls with reprogrammable macro keys, dual asymmetric pendulum motors for enhanced immersion, and a Smart Control Screen where the player can remap the controls and macro settings.

The Smart Control Screen also houses the ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller's most unique feature, a built-in heart rate monitor that can track the player's heartbeat in real time during gameplay.

Lastly, the controller can be bought in one of three color schemes: Black, White, or Yellow.

Promotional image of the ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller's black, white, and yellow color schemes.

The ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller's black, white, and yellow color schemes. (Image credit: Anbernic)

No word has been given from Anbernic on when the ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller will be released, other than it's "coming soon."

In the meantime, we'll keep an eye out and let you folks at home know when this intriguing PC gaming accessory is available to the public for purchase.

A pink banner that says "What do you think?" and shows a dial pointing to a mid-range hue on a gradient.

Does the ANBERNIC RG G01 Smart Controller look interesting to you? How do you feel about the idea of a controller tracking your heart rate while playing a game?

If you have any thoughts on the matter, let us know in the comments below.


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Alexander Cope
Contributor — Gaming

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander's expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry's most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is!

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