Anyone who plays FPS or TPS games with a controller has surely experienced that moment of "I almost got the kill..." While controller players often feel at a disadvantage compared to mouse players in terms of aim precision, their operational accuracy can drastically improve by simply re-evaluating their devices and settings.

This article explains key devices and settings that controller players can adopt to improve their aim precision, based on actual product specifications and mechanisms.

Why is aiming difficult for controller players?

While a mouse allows for broad movements using the entire arm, a controller's analog stick is operated solely with the thumb, physically limiting the range of motion. Furthermore, the degree to which the stick is tilted directly translates to camera rotation speed, making precise adjustments like "moving slightly to the right" inherently difficult.

To overcome this structural handicap, physical auxiliary devices for stick operation are effective.

Preventing over-aim with Control Rings (Assist Rings)

A control ring is a ring-shaped part that fits around the base of the analog stick. When the stick is tilted, it provides appropriate resistance, physically suppressing "over-aiming"—unintentionally pushing the stick too far.

A5 OnlineStore's PRIGMA Control Rings are Japanese-made products manufactured after over a year of testing and research at a top-level sponge factory in Japan. Their biggest feature is the use of silicone as the raw material. Most common control ring products are based on urethane or natural rubber, but these materials are susceptible to degradation from UV light, leading to crumbling after extended use or a premature change in operational feel.

Silicone is a material that is highly resistant to UV degradation. Furthermore, our control rings are designed to be durable, meaning the initial operational feel remains consistent over a long period. In FPS games, subtle stick movements can determine victory or defeat, so "the feel not changing with each use" is a significant advantage.

In reality, making sponges out of silicone is very difficult, and the hardness of our control rings is at a level that most companies would not commercialize. The yield rate is so poor that only 1 out of 10 manufactured items meets quality standards, demonstrating the precision with which they are made.

They are available in three hardness levels: mid, hard, and very hard. Hard is the most popular, praised for its balance of firm resistance without sacrificing freedom of movement. They are compatible with PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, and Xbox controllers. They are also officially adopted by professional esports teams, including a team that achieved 1st place in Japan and 3rd place in Asia in a popular online shooting game.

Improve fine-tuning with Freaks (Stick Covers)

A Freak is a cover that fits over the analog stick of a controller to increase its height. It is generally recognized as a device that "expands the stick's range of motion by increasing its height, making precise operations easier."

However, recent controllers tend to be larger overall, as they are designed primarily for the overseas market. As a result, adding too much height with a Freak can, paradoxically, make the stick more difficult to move in some cases.

Also, when observing various players, many are seen moving the stick with the tip of their thumb. With this operating style, an unnecessarily high stick can strain the thumb, leading to fatigue during long play sessions and aim instability.

Tomari's Freak was designed with these current circumstances in mind. With a world-class low height difference of only 5.74mm, it prioritizes "making it easier to operate by comfortably moving the finger" rather than "gaining range of motion through height." It uses a special urethane-based material for the stick top's shape and material, providing a grip that allows for easy finger release. Since it's easy to switch between the stick and buttons, it doesn't interfere with gameplay in titles that require frequent jump shots or skill switching.

Supervised by VTuber Tomari Mari. The standard version is ¥2,680, and with an acrylic stand, it's ¥3,980. The product page also features user reviews posted on X, so please check them out if you're interested in the actual user experience.

Grip Solution: Gryfix for direct hand grip

Common grip stickers, often used to prevent slipping from sweaty hands, have several drawbacks. These include an uncomfortable feeling due to the thickness of the sheet, grime from skin oils, and replacement costs every 3-4 weeks.

Gryfix is a liquid grip lotion developed with the concept of "giving grip to the hand itself" rather than "attaching something to the device." It's based on carnauba wax, which prevents the stickiness and powdering common with rosin or aluminum powder-based liquid grip products, making it suitable for operating precision devices.

It dries to a smooth finish, but its grip activates when the hand becomes sweaty or moist. You might think, "What's the point if it dries out?" However, even if you don't consciously realize it, your hands produce tiny amounts of sweat when you hold a mouse or controller, so it conveniently grips only when you're using it or playing. It's manufactured in a Japanese cosmetics factory and can be removed simply by washing your hands with soap. Currently on sale for ¥1,280.

Sensitivity Settings Basics: Building the Foundation to Utilize Devices

Even with device assistance for stick operation, the effect will be halved if in-game sensitivity settings are not appropriate. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

First, the basic rule for sensitivity is "don't lower it too much, don't raise it too much." While extremely low sensitivity stabilizes aiming, it slows down turnarounds, making it difficult to react to close-quarters combat. Conversely, raising it too high prevents fine adjustments. When control rings or freaks are introduced, the stick's behavior changes, so slightly increasing sensitivity again can help maximize the benefits.

Deadzone is the setting that ignores minor stick play. A smaller deadzone results in better responsiveness, but it also increases the likelihood of drift (unintended input) due to stick wear. If you are using control rings, the rings absorb stick wobbles, so setting a slightly smaller deadzone may still be stable.

The strength of aim assist varies by game, but it's important to balance it with your own aiming feel without over-relying on the assist.

Summary: Improving Aim Precision for Controller Players

Controller aim precision can definitely be improved not just by talent or natural ability, but by optimizing the physical environment. Suppressing over-aim with control rings, achieving comfortable finger operation with freaks, and stabilizing control with grip solutions. Building on these three pillars, and then fine-tuning in-game sensitivity settings, is the shortcut for controller players to improve their aim.

A5 OnlineStore carries all the devices introduced in this article. Please check them out if you're interested.