Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Not one for the PS5 owners, that's for sure
THE NACON REVOLUTION 5 Pro gaming controller takes a lot of cues from the Microsoft Elite Series 2, both aesthetically and in terms of its key features. But among the two main console combatants, it's important to consider Nacon's alignment with PlayStation, as opposed to Xbox, what with its Sony-exclusive features.
We use the word 'combatants' unironically, since Nacon specifically designed it with fighting games in mind. That doesn't stop it acing all kinds of games, though there are a few things that stand in the way of a deadly combo for the Nacon R5P.
The fact the Nacon is fighting Sony's corner is made clear with the central PlayStation logo on the home button, as well as the signature face buttons and touchpad. On the back, alongside more switches than the Millennium Falcon's control panel, sits the option to physically switch between PC, PS4, and PS5 modes. It's helpful if you swap between platforms a lot, but despite this easy switch and compatibility with Sony consoles, there's something missing here.
Even with Sony backing it, software limitations around how PS5 games are coded mean the company has been unable to deliver one of the major features PlayStation 5 users expect from their controllers: vibration. Yep, the Nacon R5P simply doesn't vibrate when playing PS5 games on the PlayStation 5. It's a non-issue for PC and PS4 users, or PS5 users who only play PS4 games on their shiny new console (why?), but the lack of haptics for a console that made a big deal about haptics is a big drawback.
The Nacon R5P also refuses to pair to consoles via Bluetooth. The controller's Bluetooth 5.2 card can only be used to connect a wireless gaming headset to the controller, which means you have to go wired or plug the included dongle into the front of your console.
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro also comes with interchangeable weights, thumbsticks, and another d-pad, just as the Elite Series 2 does. While it's missing the hot-swap paddle switches, Nacon has gone above and beyond by adding Hall effect sensors to both the triggers and sticks.
STANDOUT FEATURE
Arguably the most exciting feature, Hall sensors are a big draw. They provide a clever, contactless mechanism that not only makes the sticks and triggers pretty darn precise, but also circumvents the problem of stick drift that seems sadly inevitable with DualShock and DualSense controllers. It's clear to see the precision when you get into the software and start calibrating, and there's a satisfying resistance from both stick and trigger that doesn't come with the odd scratchy sensation that some do. That said, the Xbox Elite Series 2 also features both Hall effect triggers and sticks, so the Nacon still hasn't oneupped its Xbox alternative.
The Nacon R5P is also a lot heavier than the DualSense at 315g, even before you mess around with the included weights. The PlayStation signature trackpad Nacon has managed to jam in the middle, meanwhile, can come in handy for some games. Its sunken facade and gentle click make pressing it a satisfying experience, but it's an unnecessary feature for most gamers.
Importantly, it's not an unattractive controller. Gorgeously rounded, the RGB ring around the right thumbstick gives it a nice flair, and Nacon's use of indicator lights to let you know when you're at min/ max volume, as well as what profile you have selected is great, and especially useful when accidentally switching profiles is a thing that happens a lot.
While the Nacon R5P does come with a carrying case, as expected from a controller that costs $200, it doesn't double as a portable USB Type-C powered charging station like the Elite Series 2's case. As for battery life, Nacon claims 10 hours, but the just over seven hours it puts out in real-world terms are nothing compared to the 40-plus hours that the cheaper Elite Series 2 achieves. Long story short? The durable, comfortable, and stylish Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is appealing but not actually all that well placed as a contender to the Sony DualSense Edge.