Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

$200 at Amazon

Pros

• Extremely customizable for fine-tuned performance
• LCD screen for software customization
• 1ms wired latency

Cons

• Expensive
• Only comes in Black
• Back buttons take a bit to get used to

When Microsoft dropped the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller almost exactly a decade ago, it set a new standard for professional-style controllers, and more importantly, it made them much more accessible to all gamers. 

The best part for us is that the popularity of the Elite Series controller, and others like it, has spawned a whole range of excellent, pro-grade Xbox controllers like the $200 Revolution X Unlimited from Nacon.

Designed for play

I really dig the look of the Revolution X Unlimited. I wish there were more color options, but the matte black with subtle green trim looks quite nice. I don’t like controllers that try too hard to stand out with their designs, so the understated yet quality look of the Revolution X is great.

It’s a bit flatter and more squared off than most other Xbox controllers, including the Elite, and I was worried that it would feel too big in my small hands. But it doesn’t: It sits comfortably in my grip, and I don’t need any crazy finger gymnastics to reach the buttons. I was even surprised that I could easily reach the two additional middle bumpers without having to switch to a claw grip.

The face buttons are pretty flat, which makes them much easier for me to press, and the larger surface area makes them a bigger (and easier to hit) target. The XYAB buttons, eight-way D-pad, trigger stops and four back buttons are all microswitches, and they feel very solid. The Hall Effect triggers and joysticks have a bit more tension than I’m used to, but they are extremely responsive andquite solid.

I only have a couple issues with the hardware. For one, there are only two stages to the trigger stops, but at least it’s a full stop instead of halfway like on the Revolution X Ulimited’s PlayStation sibling, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, and you can customize it more in the software.

My other frustration is with the back buttons. They’re nice, but if you tend to tightly clutch the grip, like during an intense match or boss fight, it’s quite easy to accidentaly press the bottom ones with your pinky.  Thankfully, you can disable them if it becomes a problem. I prefer paddles to buttons, anyway.

Nacon claims 10-plus hours of battery life on its website, which initially disappointed me — that’s pretty bad. But during my testing, I was extremely impressed. It lasted well over 10 hours without needing a charge and is honestly some of the best battery life I’ve seen in a controller.

Neither of these gripes would keep me from recommending the controller; they’re just things to note if you’re going to spend $200 on a controller.

Fine-tuned feel

Customization is Revolution X’s biggest strength: It gives you the most granular hardware and software options I’ve ever seen. You can insert a set of 10-, 14- or 16-gram weights (included in the box) for the exact in-hand feel that you want. You also get extra joystick caps and little metal rings intended to increase the physical thickness of the joystick. Nacon also gives you a traditional four-way D-pad for games where you need it.

Nacon has a free PC app for all the standard software modifications you’d expect, like button remapping, multiple profiles, joystick dead zones and trigger response. You might not expect that the joysticks and triggers can be adjusted via a linear graph for extremely fine-tuned responsiveness. Other controllers I’ve used let you choose from a few pre-selected ranges, but Nacon lets you set it precisely for split-second response.

It comes with four built-in profiles, but you can create as many as you want (only four active at a time), and Nacon makes it easy to export and import them across your Nacon controllers, or switch among them. An LCD screen on the controller helps streamline the selection process and to remind you want the current settings are.

I was also impressed by the bundled accessories. In addition to all the stuff I already mentioned, you also get a charging base (that also houses the wireless dongle), and the carrying case is top-notch (including the zipper). It’s nice to see a company pay attention to details.

No matter how you look at it, $200 is a lot of money for a game controller. Especially when you can get great controllers like the Elite Wireless 2 or the Victrix Pro BFG for as low as $140-$150. But if you want solid hardware with granular customization for tuned performance, the Revolution X Unlimited is one of the best.