We tested the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro

Finding the perfect controller for our games can be as difficult as finding pants that fit us well; new Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, priced at 229.90 dollarsaims to be the solution, combining quality components with a great capacity for customization.

Originally, the controller that came with the console was the best option, sometimes the only one, to enjoy our games; Although there has always been a third-party aftermarket, they have always been considered the cheapest and least desirable option. With few exceptions, it was preferable to have a formal command.

In other words, we had to adapt to the official command, otherwise we were going to have a bad time. It doesn’t matter if it’s too small for your hands, isn’t ergonomic, or doesn’t have the features you need. Fortunately, the market has evolved a lot since then, and today the situation is the opposite; controllers created by third parties are generally better than those supplied by default with the console.

High quality

The Revolution 5 Pro launched by Nacon this year is a good example of the evolution of the market. This device was designed to provide the best experience, whatever type of player we are and what our tastes are; The amount of things we can change is overwhelming, and in fact, it may be too much for the casual player. The word “casual” is the last thing on my mind when using this controller. From the design to the built-in features, the word “hardcore” oozes.

In fact, I thought that before I even had the controller in my hands. As soon as you open the box you don’t find the device, but a superb carrying case which allows you to take everywhere not only the controller itself, but also all the accessories that come with it; and bring some. When you finally take orders, you realize the high quality of manufacturing and the materials chosen. It’s a device that feels very solid, something that will be more surprising when we reveal everything we can change about it.

Let’s start with the most basic controller, the controls. Nacon jumped on the bandwagon Hall effect levers, a relatively new technology that solves one of the big problems that controls suffer from after a period of use: the so-called “drift”, when the control sends movement signals that we did not emit. This is a rather annoying failure that appeared on official Sony and Nintendo controllers, so this Nacon model is already more recommended just for this reason.

Button feel is also very good, with just the response you’d expect; The top buttons produce a very satisfying “click” and the analog triggers provide good positional control. Another aspect that differentiates this command from other officers is the handling.

Almost half of the controller’s surface is covered in rubber, which prevents unnecessary slipping even if our hands sweat. A curious detail regarding ergonomics is that, although this command is certified for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, and features Sony logos and buttons, the position of the levers is that of the Xbox controller and cannot be changed. This will appeal to many players, but perhaps not others and is something to keep in mind before taking the plunge.

Continuing with the controls, we have many more buttons here than are available on an official controller. In addition to the classic PlayStation face buttons, shoulder buttons and triggers, we have four additional buttons on the back of the controller, two on the back cover and two others integrated into the handles. Although these may be too easy to press if you’re not careful, they are welcome additions for creating our own configurations suited to our games. Another appreciated detail is that you can vary the length of the triggers, to shorten the stroke; In some games this may be preferable. However, what I’m missing here is the ability to convert the triggers to regular buttons like controls from other brands allow.

Therefore, just taking it out of the box, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is already superior to the official controllers and would be highly recommended, although nothing more interests us than a controller compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC with Hall effect levers. But that’s not all this controller offers.

Great customization

This controller offers a huge number of customization options, starting with something as simple as connectivity. In addition to the USB-C cable to connect the controller directly by cable to the console or PC, we have a low latency wireless receiver; So far, nothing surprising but it has already become the industry standard. What is really interesting is a small box that looks like a toolbox but includes a large number of accessories and elements that can be exchanged.

For example, we can change the joystick heads, with three options: one concave design and two convex designs are included. Changing the heads is as simple as pulling them out and placing them in the space left; and this also implies that we can use a different head for the left lever and another for the right leverfor example, to have different sensations for moving the character and for moving the camera.

The direction of the crosshair can also be changed. By default, a designed by professional gamer Mister Crimson, with a very striking design and feel that will likely be superior in fighting games like Street Fighter 6; although we also have the option of using a traditional sleeper.

The other vital aspect that we can change as we wish is the weight. By default, the Revolution 5 Pro already weighs more than other controllers, which gives an impression of quality, but if you prefer you can open the handles and put weights of 10, 14 or 16 grams to get the exact level for our long gaming sessions.

While the customizability of the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is far superior to most current controllers, it’s not the best we’ve seen. Perhaps more options are missing to modify the commands as we wish. For example, we cannot vary the length of the levers and the housing cannot be removed beyond the handle covers to attach the weights; even if thanks to that, the command gives a more robust and solid feel in the hand.

But the customization offered by Nacon goes beyond the hardware; This also extends to software. By connecting the Revolution 5 Pro to a computer we can install the official program and change virtually every aspect of the controller. We can even vary the response of the levers and triggers, defining the “dead zone” in which they will not react to our movements.

We can also map the buttons to perform certain actions or adapt them to the configuration of each game. A curious “gaming” detail is that this controller has integrated RGB lighting, although strangely only around the right stick; At the very least, we can use various effects and choose the exact colors we want in each quadrant.

I buy it?

Nacon has managed to create one of the most advanced controls on the market, and above all, one of the best quality. In fact, when I pick up the rest of the orders I have at home now, they make me feel “cheap” even though they’re not. Hall effect on levers and customization options are compelling reasons to opt for this model.

If I had to say something negative about the Revolution 5 Pro, it’s that it has no flaws, but it does have some flaws; We have already commented on some in terms of customization, but if we use a PlayStation 5 it may bother us more that it does not have the haptic sensation that this console allows and that it only has vibration for PlayStation 4 and PC (even if it is of quality like the rest of the order).

The Revolution 5 Pro has no shortage of alternatives, yes. The market has grown considerably in recent years, although Nacon’s commitment stands out. One of the most obvious alternatives is the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, which although more expensive, is also more complete. The SCUF Instinct Pro, although based on the Xbox controller, is better if one is looking for greater hardware customization.

Overall, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a highly recommended controller for PlayStation or PC due to its build quality and the options it offers. It is now available in Europe, priced at 229.90 dollars.

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