- Extremely customizable for fine-tuned performance
- LCD screen for software customization
- 1ms wired latency
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.
You can adjust the feel of the controller by changing the set of weights in the grips.
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.
