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I have been using Zwift Play for a few weeks and will share my experience in this review.
KEY TO REMEMBER
Zwift Play is a useful accessory that makes using Zwift much more convenient. This is particularly useful when racing. However, for $149, I think it’s too expensive. It’s also a shame that Zwift Play is incompatible with third-party apps. This is understandable, as Zwift aims to lock users into their ecosystem.
You can purchase Zwift Play here or continue reading for more information.
Zwift game summary
Below is my summary of the pros and cons of Zwift Play.
Benefits of Zwift Play
- Makes the Zwift experience more convenient
- Easy to pair and configure
- Allowing full control of Zwift
Disadvantages of Zwift gaming
- Dear
- Not as ergonomic as bicycle shifters
- Not compatible with third-party applications
- Only compatible with lowered handlebars
- It is not possible to remap the buttons
My experience with Zwift Play
I used Zwift Play for a few weeks for occasional riding and running with Zwift. Thanks to Zwift Play, I can easily control the menu and avatar movement, but more on that later.
In terms of build quality, Zwift Play is perfectly designed for its purpose. It can also be easily attached to road handlebars and paired with Zwift. However, the controllers are only compatible with the handlebars down and the buttons will not be in the ideal position.
Once paired with Zwift, the app will guide you through the button functionality:
In my experience, Zwift Play is mainly useful for races because I don’t need to use the keyboard to trigger power-ups. I find the braking and steering useless. Instead of braking, I can simply reduce the power or stop pedaling.
It’s also a shame that the buttons can’t be remapped. For example, changing the camera view requires multiple clicks, so you might miss important moments during a race.
I completely understand why Zwift opted for this accessory. After all, they want to diversify their income and also make money through accessories. They created a “problem” and proposed a “solution”. Unfortunately, for me, the price of $149 is unacceptable. I don’t run at a level where milliseconds make a difference.
Additionally, you can purchase Bluetooth programmable buttons for your PC that you can attach to the handlebars and perform power-ups. They just require a little more effort to map out which buttons should perform which action. With macOS, it’s a little more complicated than with a PC, but it’s still possible.
Conclusion
After using Zwift Play for a few weeks, I’ll have a hard time getting back to clicking on my keyboard and mouse (yes, I have to return the borrowed Zwift Play buttons). It’s a useful gadget, especially for running. At this point, I’m not willing to spend $149 on this. There are alternatives like programmable buttons. They have their limitations, but they cost a fraction of the price.
However, if you don’t mind the price and use Zwift often, Zwift Play will make your experience more convenient.