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!!).

[markalison]

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!

[michaelhaney]

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.

[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

[paulmorrison]

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.

[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 :)

[peterhart]

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?

[milwsaw]

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

[theanalogkid]

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.

[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

[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.

[shepshape]

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.

[clairebrook]

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

[junhaogan]

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

[johanpostma]

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.

[kimwarner]

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

[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.

[richardresendesjr]

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

[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?

[n.h]

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.