Skydio Controller 2 ships with brighter screen and 5G
Skydio's new Controller 2, now shipping, features a 7-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen, 5 hours and 45 minutes of battery life, and supports swappable 5G SIM cards for flexible connectivity.
Skydio has launched the Controller 2, a field-ready handheld controller for its X10, X10D, and R10 drones. The unit is now shipping to customers, delivering critical upgrades for mission reliability and visibility in demanding conditions.
The Controller 2 includes a 7-inch touchscreen with 1920 x 1200 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits of sustained brightness. It offers approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes of operating time and carries an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. The controller provides the same Skydio Flight Deck experience across the X10, X10D, and R10 platforms for consistent workflows.
Integrated design features include a kickstand, protected control sticks, routed ports for cable management, and HDMI and USB-C outputs. For security, it has 128GB of internal storage, an AES-256 encrypted data link, and secure boot features. It connects with Skydio Command software for asset inspections, ISR, security, and DFR workflows. The controller ships with new X10 and R10 purchases and is available for separate purchase by existing owners.
Key upgrades from previous model
The Controller 2 represents a substantial upgrade over the original X10 controller. The improvements focus on screen visibility, durability, and operational endurance.
| Feature | Controller 2 | Original X10 Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size & Brightness | 7-inch, 2,000 nits sustained | 6.6-inch AMOLED, 1,750 nits peak |
| Weight | 1,530 grams | 1,135 grams |
| Battery Life | ~5 hours 45 minutes (9,600 mAh) | ~5 hours (9,600 mAh) |
| Ingress Protection | IP55 | IP54 |
Additional new features are a built-in kickstand, protected control sticks, customizable physical buttons, and wireless screencasting. Skydio said the design incorporates feedback from operators who need reliable controls and better visibility during long missions.
Connectivity and security features
Connectivity is a central focus of the new controller. It uses a swappable 5G SIM card system, allowing users to choose approved carriers for a bring-your-own-plan approach. Skydio's specifications rate the range over this 5G Connect link as unlimited wherever there is cellular coverage. For radio-based operations, the controller maintains a range of up to 7.5 miles over its Connect SL radio.
A dedicated Microhard radio version is available for X10D operators, supporting an External Radio Kit and pitched for ISR Command applications. The controller also supports HDMI-out screen mirroring and wireless screencasting for sharing live views.
Availability and deployment
Skydio announced the Controller 2 on October 27 and began shipping to customers on November 8. Owners of aircraft already in the field can order the Controller 2 separately. As of the shipping date, none of Skydio's official Controller 2 pages listed a price for the unit.
