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Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great Concept, but needs some tweaking
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I really had high hopes for this controller, because feature wise it sounds great and hardware wise it has addressed the biggest problem with the OEM PS5 controllers - stick drift.
I'm not saying it's a bad controller, just not what I was expecting.
Out of the box it's approximately 1 ounce heavier than the OEM PS5 controller and it's shaped more like an Xbox controller than a Playstation one. One ounce might not seem like a lot, because most of the time it's not. However the displacement of the weight is different. The PS5 controller holds most of the weight at the front, where the charging port is. The Nacon controller is heavier in the center and the handles. For some reason this weight distribution makes the controller feel heavier than it actually is or that there is more of an effort to hold it (if that makes any sense to you)This comparison is without the optional handle weights that come with the Nacon. For people that actually like the heavier controller feel, there are additional weights in the case that can easily be popped in and out of the handles in less than a minute. I usually game for a long time, so I opted for the lighter feel of no added weights. For people that absolutely love the design and feel of the OEM controller, this might take some adjusting to get used to. For people that love their PS5 but have been dying to use an Xbox controller, this is probably as close as you are going to get. There are some differences, the Nacon controller is a little broader around the trigger area and handles, and generally feels a little bulkier than the OEM Xbox controller and PS5 controller.
In comparison to the OEM PS5 controller this is a bit of a jump in the general feel of the two controllers. Even though it's not much bigger than the PS5 controller it feels awkward the first time you try to use it. especially with any game that uses the triggers. After just an hour of playing a FPS game the rigid triggers started to make my fingers hurt. The curve and design of the triggers is not as fluid as the PS5 ones. You can switch the buttons on the triggers for shorter quicker responses. That feature works good, ,just as described and is better for FPSs. The D-Pad like the thumb sticks can be swapped out for the 4 directional pad or the full round D-Pad. Both feel a bit odd, because the D-Pad itself sinks into the controller like an L3 click. The full round pad feels too clumsy to get accurate movements. The 4 directional D-Pad is slightly better but still hits that clumsy feel as it sinks when trying to run your finger across it from one direction to the next.
I play a variety of games, but currently I have been playing a lot of Call of Duty Mw3.In its "classic" setting the controller handles well for most things and is at its closest to the OEM controller, except for the thumbsticks. The thumbsticks use a different type of technology vs the traditional potentiometer thumbstick. The Nacon uses Hall Effect thumbsticks. They use magnets and electrical conductors as opposed to the traditional electrical resistance. The magnets have the advantage of no actual friction across the sensors. This idea may lead most people to believe this will last forever, but that is not the case as the bails and gimbal mechanisms do move and can wear over time. A good Hall Effect controller could easily last 2 to 3 times longer than a traditional controller in regards to stick drift.
The idea behind what they were trying to do with the thumbsticks was great ! However, it doesn't work that great for all games. The controller has a "Classic" mode and an "Advanced" mode. The classic mode is as close to the standard controller as possible. Even though the thumbsticks are more precise and fluid feeling, they lack that quick snap back feeling of an OEM controller. You can getused to it, but after playing MW3 all week, I still couldn't get my aiming and moving as quick and accurate as I could with the OEM controller. The Thumbsticks just feel spongy when trying to run and quickly aim at different targets. The Nacon controller also has 4 built-in thumbstick profiles designed for specific types of games (Driving, FPS, Arcade, and Infiltration). I tried the FPS mode on MW3 and it was okay for sniper rifles, and worked okay for single shot weapons but for quicker weapons like the SMGs and Assault Rifles, it was okay. for one or two close targets, but for more targets or targets of greater distances it would fail to reach them in time.
I tried the other 3 modes and there is a real noticeable difference in how the thumbsticks
react. I tried the Arcade mode and for some reason, my character kept turning indifferent directions than what I was pressing, so I was not sure what was going on there.The thumbsticks are very precise in their direction and responsiveness based on the profile. The having different levels of precision and responsiveness really help out in certain situations and games. The classic profile worked great on "For Honor".The Driving one worked good on Need For Speed, the 4th profile seemed way too slow for anything I would play. In addition to the 4 preset modes, you can create your own profile, but you would have to plug the controller into a PC and download the Nacon app. The App gives you a lot more options the way the controller can be used. I still wasn't happy with the results, so I thought I would try to add the metal rings to the thumbstick bases. The rings basically shorten the distance the thumbsticks travel, cancelling out dramatic moves in any direction. This did not help me as I was trying to get a closer feel to the OEM controller. I guess I could have used the rings and gone into the app and changed the dead zone areas. Maybe that would have been more effective. So , I will add that to my try list. I so much wanted this controller to have the feel of thePS5 controller without the stick issues.
The controller does not have a built-in mic. But does have a clip on mic that fits into the audio port, so you can use it just like a PS5 controller during chats. It also has built in bluetooth, so you can use virtually any headset you want with it. You can also use a combination of audio devices as long as they don't overlap features, ie,. a non mic bluetooth headset and the included mic adapter. But not a wired headset and a bluetooth headset. There are also built-in audio EQ presets that can easily be swapped to from the touchpad. You can even adjust the volume from the touchpad as well.
The charging port and cable seem to be of high quality, but again there is a give and take here. The charging port sits so deep into the controller that only the included cable will fit in thereto charge the controller, so make sure to carry this cable with the controller always. The deeper well for the charging port actually holds the cable into place so there is less sideways pull from the cable on the port, so this is a benefit to the longevity of the charging port and cable.( After some searching I was able to find another cable that would work to charge the controller)
Nacon was established by BigBen in 2019 and wants to be the leader in gaming
accessories and AA games. They have acquired several other gaming companies
to help them in their venture. With all their combined efforts they are coming up
with some good ideas, it's just the execution that needs some more work.
The controller is definitely usable, and offers a ton of different ways to alter the look,
feel and control of most everything and possibly with some more tinkering, or updates
I might be able to find that sweet spot in the settings that works the best for me.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Not for a casual gamer but great if you learn how to use it properly. This controller will do anything you need from a regular controller and much more.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
--- SETUP ---
The Nacon - Revolution 5 Pro Wireless Controller is quick to set up. A dongle is included that must be plugged into the front USB port of the PS5 (recommended) or a USB hub on your PC. After plugging it in, pair it with Bluetooth and you may begin to use it right away.
--- FEATURES ---
Rechargeable battery, USB-C port, wireless or wired, different weight options, rumble features (only for PS4 and PC)
--- PERFORMANCE AND EXPECTATIONS ---
As far as comfort goes, this controller’s girth feels good in your hands. If you need it to be heavier, you can add 3 sets of weights to each side of the handles to make it heavier. By default, the weights are not installed, so you can tell the difference in weight. I like mine weighty, so I added all small weights included.
I first connected my controller to my gaming PC. There, I have been playing Alan Wake and Cyberpunk 2077. On PC, Cyberpunk launched from Steam and played well without any issues. For Alan Wake, I had to trick my PC into thinking I was running Steam before I could get it to work properly. Once done, though, I was able to enjoy, and even beat Alan Wake with this controller.
I then took the controller over to my PS5. The controller itself has a switch that you need to change to when you are going to use it on a PS5. Sony doesn’t allow third party controllers to use the vibration or haptic feedback on PS5, so once you plug it in, be aware that these features won’t work. Though the controller performed well playing with the PS5, the lack of haptic feedback and rumble is very noticeable during gameplay, especially if you’ve been playing with these features for several years.
As far as mapping buttons, the controller has a multi-function button. Pressing and holding it allows you to access some additional features. Here is where, for me, things feel unnecessarily complicated. The controller has extra buttons on the bottom. This doesn’t mean you have access to more buttons, it just means that you can map traditional buttons (like X, square, O, triangle) to the bottom so that you don’t have to lift your thumb off the joysticks. To do this, you need to hold the multi-function button for 3 seconds. Once you have done so, press a button from the bottom of the controller once. Then, press the button that you want to double up on once. 3 blinking lights will confirm that you have mapped the button correctly. Repeat the process until you have mapped all buttons that you want. The problem is, if you forget what button you mapped where, it is hard to easily see that. An app on PS5 that showed you what you have mapped where would have been preferable. The same procedure can be followed for choosing various profile setups and even for audio customization. The instructions for how to map the buttons were found in a YouTube video from Nacon itself. I couldn’t find any way to do this out of the box in any of the documentation.
--- APPROVAL ---
Though this is a great controller for PC, the confusing customization and the lack of haptic feedback and rumble support for the PS5 make this a product recommendable only for PC gaming.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Worst controller I’ve ever owned. Buttons smear off after a few weeks, battery life is less than 4 hours. Trigger stops stop working and need to be removed after 3 months. Profiles on the controller start to malfunction and change by itself. Also the software to bind the paddles was horrible. Terrible controller
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro controller is a neat and versatile controller for your PS5, PS4, and PC. As someone who enjoys gaming on PC and PS5, this controller provides the customization, versatility, and comfort to be able to use on both systems. While the controller works well with both systems, there are some caveats that I will cover in this review.
*TLDR at the bottom
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IN THE BOX:
First, I will list what is in the box. You will get the Revolution 5 Pro controller, a storage case, accessory storage box, cleaning cloth, and within the accessory box, 2 D-pads, 6 weights, 1 external microphone, 10ft USB-A to USB-C cable, 6 joystick heads, and a USB dongle for wireless connectivity.
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND FEEL:
I would like to first acknowledge the build quality of the items included. The case feels nice and is hard covered, although, a handle or “loop” to attach the case onto something with a carabiner would’ve been neat to have. The accessories feel great too. The controller is comfortable to hold for a prolonged period but I did think the left and right triggers stuck out too much and felt awkward to press at times. The rubber grip is a nice touch too but the downside to this is that my hands did feel sweatier after a while.
Throughout my testing, I played around with the various accessories included with both the PS5 and PC. The accessories are easily interchangeable. I’m no professional gamer so I’m not sure about the use case for some of these accessories but I was eventually able to build out an “all-around” controller for whatever game I was playing. I do recommend doing this as I found the controller more comfortable to use compared to when I first started using it.
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PC GAMING:
For PC, I did find it a bit cumbersome to set up some games if the game is not on Steam. I played some games out of the Epic Games launcher and I did have to go through various hoops to get the controller to function with some games within the launcher. In short, I had to launch the x360 controller emulator, then Steam’s Big Picture mode, from there, open Epic Games launcher, and finally, launch the game I wanted to play. Now, if your main game launcher is Steam, you likely won’t need to do all this, but I did want to point this out. Luckily, after everything is set up, it is all smooth going from there. I played various games from FPS games like Destiny 2 to adventure games like Tomb Raider, and racing games like Forza Horizon 5. I did not experience any issues related to controller performance; everything ran smoothly.
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PS5 GAMING:
For PS5, setting the controller up was certainly easier. I do want to note that the USB-A dongle that is included is needed to use the controller on the PS5 wirelessly. Simply pair the dongle and controller and you are ready to go. The PS5 by default does not allow any wireless headphones to be used with the console unless they are Sony’s line of PULSE wireless headphones. One neat feature that the controller provides is Bluetooth to connect your true wireless headphones. The microphone dongle is needed if you want to enable microphone functionality while using a wireless headset. I used my Galaxy Buds Pro with the controller and did not experience any latency or any issues in general! The games felt fine but I did dislike that there was no vibration or haptic feedback which is a major con with this controller. I enjoy having the haptic feedback on the triggers, especially with FPS games. I find that games are more immersive, and the lack of those features makes games on the PS5 feel bland. Another downside is that the controller cannot be used to turn on the PS5. On the other side, the controller functioned extremely well with the PS5. I did not run into any issues.
==========
CONCLUSION/TLDR:
Overall, this is a solid PC and PlayStation controller. The versatility, build quality, and customization are some of the pros of this controller. On the other hand, the long setup on PC and the lack of vibration and haptic feedback on the PS5 are some of the reasons why I took off one star for this review. Also, as I was researching for a more in-depth manual on how to use this controller, the only one I found was in French. I do hope that an English version gets released since I did not know what some of the buttons on the controller did. In conclusion, If you are in need of a professional and versatile controller, I recommend you give this one a shot!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
In terms of controller build, quality, comfort, design, you won’t find one better. This is especially the case if you are one that prefers the offset joystick design (like Xbox). I mean, the weight is perfect, the hall joysticks are incredibly smooth and accurate, the buttons are clicky and responsive, and you can - quickly - switch to short pull triggers. But at the end of the day, this controller - designed primarily for the PS5 - has too many limitations to be able to recommend to anyone but the most picky and selective serious - pro - gamer.
IN THE BOX
For the money, you can’t complain with everything in the box. Inside the packaging is the hardshell case which contains the controller and all the accessories. The case contains the controller, a 10 foot long braided USB-C to USB-A cable, a microfiber cloth, and a small plastic case containing the extra sticks, D-pad, and weights.
DESIGN
The controller design is pretty self-explanatory, but there’s a few things that need to be noted that might not be obvious. Obviously it’s designed with the offset joysticks similar to the Xbox controller. It’s extremely comfortable, it’s mostly plastic, but it feels premium. There are plastic covers on the handles of the controller that slide off where you can insert weights into the controller. I didn’t measure it, but the touchpad seems a little smaller than the standard PS5 controller, but whether it is or isn’t, there was no difference in use. On the back is where the pro action is. There are a lot of slider toggles. One switches between PS4, PS5 and PC. There’s also a slider for advanced controls or basic controls. Basically, turning it on advanced opens up the ability to use the buttons on the back of the handles and to use personal profiles. There’s also sliders that adjust the throw of the triggers. Default is the standard throw, but you can switch it to short throw. To me, for FPS games you might want to short pull for quicker trigger pulls, where driving games work better with the full range of the trigger.
I like the placement of the rear buttons, of which there are four on the inside of the grips. Some back buttons are too sensitive and too easy to hit accidentally, but I didn’t find that to be a problem. They were easy to feel and to push, but they weren’t so sensitive so that I was hitting them accidentally.
The battery life is pretty good, in fact much better than the standard PS5 controller. Probably attributable to the lack of vibration features.
REAL TIME USE
Before getting to gaming with the controller, first, a few things on its limitations. I’ll give Nacon props, they don’t try to fool you, in all the marketing materials I’ve seen, they make it known there are some general quirks to using this controller. I’ll start with PC, because that’s where you go to adjust the controller settings or remap buttons.
You simply plug it into your computer’s USB port. You have to make sure the switch on the back of the controller is set to PC, otherwise your computer will recognize it but it won’t work. You have to download the Nacon software from their website. The software prompted me to upgrade the firmware, which didn’t take too long. Here you’ll find that there are four profiles for each the PS4, PC and PS5. You can go in and remap buttons, adjust the joystick sensitivity and/or delays. Note that there are 4 presets to begin with: Racing, FPS, infiltrator and arcade fighting games. After I went through these settings, I tested Xbox Game Pass on PC, and games downloaded through Epic. The controller worked flawlessly with both.
To change profiles, you simply hit the profile button and it cycles through them. There’s no display screen, but you’ll know which profile you’re on based on the color of the light ring around the right joystick. For example, the red light ring tells you you’re on FPS settings - the default, it would be whatever you want it to be if you change it within the PC app.
If you’re new to changing the macro settings in a controller, you’ll find, like me, that it requires some tweaking. So it will take some patience and trial and error to find the settings that will work best for you. When I played Tomb Raider with the “infiltrator” profile, I didn’t like the built in delays when looking around. During my game, I opted to go back to the general settings - intending to tweak the settings afterwards.
Now, I didn’t use this controller with PS4, which is packed away. So next up is the PS5. I think how you play games, and whether you play by yourself (or whether you chat online) makes a big difference with looking at this controller. The big missing feature is no rumble with the PS5. And it doesn’t have adaptive triggers. Having that is obviously personal preference, but there are some games, like Spider-Man, that really benefit with the advanced PS5 rumble features.
The controller has Bluetooth, but that’s not how it communicates with the PS5. In order to use it with the PS5, you have to use one of the USB-A slots. You can either plug it in with the included USB cable, or you can use it wirelessly with the included USB dongle (which is stored inside the plastic case within the protective case. This can be a big problem if you use your USB port - like - me, for your gaming headset. Of course, there are workarounds. As I said, this controller has Bluetooth, but you have to connect your headset via Bluetooth to the controller itself. This doesn’t sound terrible, but my gaming headset doesn’t have Bluetooth. And it brings more complexity to just turning on your standard PS5 controller and just gaming. I like that Nacon has developed a workaround (to what I can assume was a limitation created by Sony) but it’s just too complicated for me. I typically play co-op games online with my friends, and it just became too much of a hurdle.
CONCLUSION
I really want to love this controller. The design is fantastic, I love the customization, especially the different height of the sticks and weights, but the limitations with the PS5 is too much to be able to recommend it - especially at thai price point. One of the defining features of the PS% is the haptic feedback, which is entirely missing. But besides that, using this controller on the PS5 necessarily requires you to use up a USB port that you may be using for other things. (my USB ports on the back of my original PS5 are all used, but if you have an open one, it may be less of a problem). The fact that the controller can’t connect to the PS5 without a wireless dongle, requiring me to connect a different Bluetooth headset other than my gaming headset I already own and love, is a dealbreaker for me. But if you can look past that, or don’t mind the workaround, I can easily recommend this controller - just not to the average gamer.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As a Playstation family here, we were excited to test this controller! After using it for several days, we’re still excited but it does have some quirks. Our gaming setup consists of a PS4, a PS4 Pro, and a PS5. After charging it up, we connected it by it’s included cable to a PC, downloaded the Nacon app, and used the app to configure our personal presets. There are four preset slots for PS5, four for PS4, and four for PC.
Couple things to note- the included cable is about 9.5 feet long, feels sturdy with a woven outer jacket.
The app triggered a warning on Windows, probably because it didn’t come through the Microsoft Store? Just click to run it anyway.
You have to use the app to configure the personal presets, it does come with four already loaded with the A-C switch set to A, there’s also a plain vanilla preset with the switch in the C position. I did not see a way to bind controls on the fly without using the PC app.
Many, many settings you can tweak in the app to get your controller dialed to suit you, I screenshot a few.
You can configure the d pad as a four position or eight position pad.
I read other comments about there not being much of a quick start guide in the box. There’s a small guide in the box and everything else you need is on Nacon’s website. I’m ok with that, an online manual is always up to date with any firmware changes and I don’t need more papers to throw away.
So I guess we should talk about the elephant in the room? Yes, I’m talking about the XBox stick layout. It does take some getting used to, having the left stick above the d pad. Not sure why they chose to go that route on a dedicated Playstation controller? That said, I’m adapting to it and I like the Hall Effect sticks. I’m able to set the dead zones down small and not see any drift.
It comes in a nice case with a box of accessories. It comes with short dished knobs installed, there are short domed and tall domed knobs included. Just pull straight up to pop them off. When you put the new one on, set it in place and rotate it until you feel it drop down then push down to click it in place. There’s also a cross shaped d pad if you prefer that over the round one. There’s a plug in microphone but the controller has no speaker. There are two choices of travel limiting rings to go on the sticks and several weights to go inside the grips. The weights are fixed in place and as far as I can tell they just adjust the balance in your hands. The heaviest ones felt best to me so I left those in. Just slide the grip covers down and lift them off to swap weights.
I also really like the shape and texture of the grips. I think it’s easier to hang on to than the factory controller. They’re a little larger too, I thought the factory controller was a little skinny there and needed some texture so this is an improvement for me.
Build feels sturdy, it weighs about 2 oz more than a PS dual sense.
We ran this thing until it was nearly dead several times, the ten hour battery life seems correct. It’s about two hours less than a stock PS5 controller in our experience.
I like the placement and size of the two uppermost rear paddles, those are great. I’m not as keen on the two lower paddles built into the grips, they’re right where I hold the controller and I accidentally hit them often. I ended up turning those off.
On the triggers, you can leave them as long travel as you might like to modulate throttle and brakes in a racing sim or by sliding a switch under each you can shorten the travel for FPS games. Just swap settings in the app as well to take full advantage of the shorter travel. For a FPS, I would have liked an even shorter travel option, I don’t feel that I need really any travel at all for a FPS game. Just a click would be fine.
As noted in the product description, there are no haptics when used on a PS5, I turn them off on our PS4s for most games anyway.
This controller has three connectivity modes- wired, wireless using the included 2.4 gHz dongle, and it has Bluetooth but just to connect with headphones or earbuds. We had no problems connecting to the PS5 using the dongle and the connection was good. Didn’t have the same experience with the PS4 Pro. It will drop connection every minute or so. Our PS4 Pro is positioned behind the television so I did try moving the dongle to line of sight in a usb hub. Still lost connection. The instructions do say to only plug the dongle directly into the front port of the console but I tried it in the hub anyway. Tried connecting it with the included cable and flipped the switch from wireless to wired, never lost connection.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
SUMMARY: With lack of support for PS5 haptic feedback and the underside buttons that are unreachable for all of those without the longest of fingers, this is a no-go for me.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
The Nacon controller has a heavy and robust feel to it. Heavier than my “Elite” controller from a different supplier. In addition to the premium feel, Nacon has put in great effort to make the Revolution appealing. It has optional D-Pads, ballast weights, fully customizable buttons and mappings, onboard memory to save profiles, 3 connection options (wired, Bluetooth, wireless with the included 2.4GHz dongle), micophone input and volume controls. One of the biggest advantages of the Revolution, is Nacon’s use of the Hall effect switches in its joysticks. This nearly all but eliminates the dreaded joystick drift some controllers get as they age. With no mechanical switches to wear out (Hall effect switches use magnets and magnetic pickups), the Nacon promises years of hopefully trouble-free use. If you are looking for a full-featured controller this thing checks nearly all boxes you can think of.
SET-UP
I used the Revolution on a couple of different PC’s, which it is fully compatible with, as I don’t play on a PS5 or PS4, often playing “on the other team” if you will. After downloading the software for Windows 11, I was surprised. I didn’t think anyone still made software look and feel like Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. Time to invest a few bucks on your app Nacon. To make matters even more difficult, the controller cannot be plugged directly into a PC and used, configured, or upgraded. There is a VERY specific sequence you must perform to get the PC and the Nacon software to recognize the controller. Follow them to the letter and it works, try to take a shortcut and the software fails to recognize the controller whether it is hardwired, Bluetoothed, or wirelessly connected through the dongle. Unacceptable in today’s day and age. On a positive note, once configured and the firmware updated, you can connect the controller to a PC without the software, but any changes that need to be made, will require reconnecting it to a PC via the USB cable and following the software to the letter each time. Frustrating and unnecessary.
USE
Having little time with controllers modelled after the PlayStation, I thought I would have trouble adapting to the Nacon set-up. While it is different than the controllers I normally play with, I had little trouble adapting to the shape of the Revolution. Most switches, triggers, and pads were in easy reach and it didn’t take long to feel comfortable with the new-to-me design.
One thing that I absolutely despise about the Revolution is the horribly placed buttons on the underside of the controller. They are very difficult to reach and awkwardly placed, making them nearly impossible to intuitively use. This is not something I have experienced with my current “Elite” controller. Everything fits and feels right at home. Thinking it was just a personal preference on my behalf, I gave the controller to my teenage gamer to try, not telling him any of my experiences with it. After about an hour, he brought the controller back out and said: “No Thanks. I don’t know who designed those buttons on the underside, but they stink.” Little did he know, my thoughts exactly.
Lastly, while the controller is supposed to be fully configurable. Owners can use the Nacon software, or Windows to configure the controller. Using it on some Game Pass games yielded mixed results. Even though games would detect the controller and all its configurable buttons and triggers, a few games failed to save the configuration information rendering custom mappings unusable. A good example of this is Forza Motorsport. Forza uses the Left and Right triggers, by default, for throttle and brake. They were mapped incorrectly with the Nacon. Using the Forza menu, I remapped the controller to use the left and right triggers, but no matter what I tried, the game would not save the configuration of the device. This behavior was not just limited to Forza but happened during other games at times as well. A behavior I have not experienced with ANY other manufacturers’ products. So, I am hoping this is something Nacon can iron out with a firmware update.
CONCLUSION
Having used controllers from other manufacturers, the Nacon Revolution is one of my least favorite controllers to date. Configuration glitches and a poor design that renders bottom buttons and triggers nearly unusable doesn’t cut it for me. I could excuse the configuration issues, as one can always find some sort of workaround, if the controller had a nearly perfect fit and feel, but I cannot overlook the poor ergonomics. Add to the that, the lack of vibration support with the Playstation and the Nacon does not have enough going for it to give it a positive recommendation.
NOT RECOMMENDED
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Revolution 5 pro from Nacon is a great upgrade from all others for many reasons. There are two different colors to choose from, white or black and I like the black for my setup.
I like that it works with Playstation 4, 5 and PC.
First it comes nicely packaged with plenty of options to personalize it.
It arrived with the controller that right out of the box looks great, I like the black matte finish, and it feels good on my hands.
The case looks nice; it is of good construction to keep the controller and its accessories all in one place and organized.
It comes with six different weights, 2 of 16g, 2 of 10g and lastly 2 of 14g and the controller can hold any combination of these on each side for that perfect feel and it is easy to replace them.
It comes with an optional external microphone with a 3.5 mm that can be connected right on the controller.
There are also 2 extra D pads and 6 joystick heads 4 convex and 2 concave to personalize the controller.
The 3 meter USB C cable is long enough to charge and or use.
Lastly it comes with a USB dongle and an accessory storage box for some of the accessories.
Setting up was easy and I really like that I can customize the controls any way I want. It gives a great battery life to keep gaming wirelessly. Once it runs out of battery I can still play via wired if needed. It also performs well, probably because its Hall effect technology.
Overall, it performs great, I like that it can be personalized via software or the controller itself. It feels great, well made and all its features makes this controller a top of the line controller.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Nacon Revolution 5 pro is a top contender for your gaming sessions. When I first unboxed it, I loved the presentation of the carrying case, the included accessories case and charging cable. Although, it took a bit getting used to the "pro" layout when comparing to a PS5 dual sense controller, Nacon allows for great customization of your controller. First, I added some weight for a more solid feels. Then, I changed out the rubber joysticks for a better grip. I even changed the pad to the included and more traditional + pad. Setup took a little digging since there was no full manual, just a quick start guide that did not go above just connecting and mentioning a quick snippet about Bluetooth. After playing a few FPS games on the PS5, I was at first annoyed that there was no vibration feedback. This alone would make me opt for Sony's pro controller which retails at around the same price as this one. But you get used to it and you forget after a while that there is no vibration for PS5. The true selling point for me are the magnetic hall effect joysticks and triggers. I can game confidently knowing these are a true pro grade system. Battery life has been great also, boasting 10hrs of game play.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Nacon is another brand that has chosen to give the public what we all want: elite controllers with customization and flexibility. That's what we want and what the companies are giving us. This controller attempts to replace my current PC controller, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, which is an excellent controller in every way shape and form. Opening up the box reveals a really nice case, just like the Microsoft Elite controller case, if you have seen those. Inside you'll find the controller, a very long braided cable, a small kit of weights and joystick adapters and last but not least your USB stick to use for wireless. Yes this one is wireless, which my Razer Wolverine is not, so that is a leg up for the Nacon.
The setup in Windows on a PC is not as straightforward as it should be, so remove that leg up. Unlike the Wolverine the Nacon Revolution does not just work when you plug it into a PC and start gaming. I tried several games including Fortnight, Call of Duty, etc and nothing worked to recognize the controller. Madden 24 did recognize it without doing anything. So off to Nacon's site where I got the driver for my joystick, unfortunately I got the wrong driver called Revolution or such. It simply failed to recognize the controller. Once I got the correct driver package, entitled "Revolution 5 Pro", and followed the instructions, to strangely ensure I switched the button on the back of the controller to PS5, then my PC recognized and updated the firmware. Then I could program it. Once I did this, it has been utilized without any issues in all games that I have tried.
Switching out the components on the joystick is magnetic, ie you grab and pull gently, but persistently, to replace the part in question and it will come off and you can just take the other part and put it on very easily with a light push. The weights that come with it, of which there are several, let you add on weight to make it have a feel to match whatever other controller that you like. Some folks like a light controller to game for a long time, while others, including myself, prefer a weightier controller that feels more solid in hand.
There is not much lighting here to speak of, just around the right analog ring and the pad at the top, so if you want lighting then go with another stick like the Razer Wolverine v2 Chroma, which has a good bit of RGB. The feel of the controller though is the star of the show here, and has what led me to replace the Razer Wolverine Chroma v2 with this stick. It's just got a feel of etched lazered heavy plastic that is unmatched. It is cool to the touch and I have yet to sweat using it, but it just feels so satin like, if that's a word, that it is great. It's definitely the best, most ergonomic controller that I've ever used.
Now for the big downfall for PS5 users. This has no rumble. Btw the rumble works on the PC, until you install the driver though it does not. So if you have no rumble then the driver needs to be updated. But yes it does work on PC, not the PS5 though. It's not a technical thing, it's the fact that Sony will not allow it.
So I'm going to say that whether or not you should purchase this controller boils down to this. If you only have a PS5 I'd go with the Sony Dualsense Edge, a near perfect controller in every way shape and form that also has dualsense (something that this does lack on PC as well). Do not buy this controller if you only intend to ever use it on the PS5.
However, if you are like me and play and own both a good gaming PC and a PS5, and you can live without the rumble/dualsense on the PS5, and you game a bit more on the PC, then this is definitely the controller for you and I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Nacon has done the impossible, pried my hands from the all mighty Razer Wolverine v2 Chroma. It's a major feat of technical engineering, in both the shell texture, as well as the placement of all buttons and sticks. Well done Nacon, well done!
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently bought this controller for myself as mostly due to the mappable buttons on the back. But overall, I didn’t like them as much as some other did. The reason I gave it a 4 because it’s not necessarily a bad controller and some people obviously really like it. It just wasn’t for me or what I like in a controller personally.
Pros:
1. Additional mappable buttons
2. Placement of the back buttons
3. Overall comfort
4. Battery life compared to DualSense / DualSense edge
Cons:
1. Connectivity issues (sometimes disconnects from my PS5 while playing games, even at full charge)
2. Lack of haptic feedback or any vibration at all (they just didn’t add the basic feature of vibration for PS5…but vibration does work on PS4 and PC…yea idk either)
3. The plastic it’s made from it’s weird do not really make it feel like a premium controller, even though if not on sale, it’s $200.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve been using the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro Wireless Controller for a few weeks now, and overall, I’m impressed with its performance and build quality. Here’s my breakdown:
What I Loved:
• Ergonomics: The controller feels great in my hands. The shape is comfortable, and the materials feel premium, especially during long gaming sessions.
• Customization: I really appreciate the ability to tweak settings via the software, from button mapping to sensitivity. It makes this controller feel tailored to my needs.
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PS5, PS4, and PC without any noticeable issues. Switching between devices is straightforward.
• Wireless Performance: The wireless connection is reliable, with no noticeable input lag during gameplay.
What Could Be Better:
• Price Point: While it delivers on features, it’s a bit on the pricier side compared to other controllers.
• Battery Life: Decent but not groundbreaking. It would be great to see a longer-lasting battery, especially for those marathon gaming sessions.
• Weight: It’s slightly heavier than I expected. While it adds a premium feel, it might not suit everyone.
Final Thoughts:
This is a great controller for serious gamers who value customization and performance. While there’s room for improvement in a few areas, it’s a solid option for anyone looking to elevate their gaming experience. If you’re okay with the price, it’s definitely worth considering!
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Im originally a Xbox player that switched to PS5 in November. I had been using the Elite Series 2 controller since its release so I had a learning curve using the PlayStation configuration. I have bought 3 PS5 pro controllers of which i still have 2. Bought the Dualsense Edge first and its decent but battery life is terrible. Tried the Victrix Pro BFG since its modular and can be used in Xbox configuration but returned it. Paid $174.99 for it and got the Revolution 5 for only $179.99. Honestly the Revolution 5 makes the Victrix feel like a toy. The Victrix is small inhand and just feels cheap. The Revolution 5 honestly reminds me alot of the Elite Series 2. It has soft touch rubber on it and is just super comfortable inhand. The added runner grips feel perfect fof long gaming sessions. The 8 way d-pad works incredibly good which kind of surprised me. I typically change out but didn't this time. The Hall Effect sticks just work great for me. I play shooters 95% of the time woth Apex Legends being myain game. I tried out the controllers in the firing range and i was just much more accurate with the Revolution 5. That translated over to the actual game as I was easily getting more kills and damage output than i did last season when I used the Dualsense Edge mainly. Battery life seems fo be abput 10hrs which is about 2-4 more than the Edge. Yes it doesn't have haptics or vibration on PS5 games but I honestly dont miss it. I typically turn it off for shooters anyhow. So if you are coming from Xbox I honestly cannot recommend the Revolution 5 enough. Iike it so much that o can honestly see buying amother whenever i need a replacement.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This premium controller feels great in hand the asymmetric sticks are a great touch. Paddle breaks and adjustable weight ad premium options along with concave and convex joystick swaps. Keep in mind this contoller has no vibration or ps5 trigger functions. Great pver controller and has HAL effect macking stick drift not a thing.