The style of the computer game controller as we’ve understood it has actually mainly stayed the exact same for the last 20 years: a d-pad, 2 analog sticks, 4 face buttons, and 4 shoulder buttons. It continues from the very first PlayStation’s DualShock, all the method through to the modern-day PS5’s DualSense, along with different Xbox and Nintendo controllers.
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Current years have actually seen an increase of “Elite” and “Pro” controllers that promise to use included efficiency, frequently in competitive video games where keeping your thumbs on the analog sticks as frequently as possible affords you an edge over your challengers. The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro controller for PS5, PS4, and PC is a reasonably brand-new opposition in this market, and it assures 4 rear-positioned buttons and, maybe most alluringly, thumbsticks that will never ever wander.
As a hybrid PlayStation and PC gamepad, the Revolution 5 Pro is flanked by offerings from both Sony and Microsoft. Can be found in at $200, it straight takes on Sony’s pro-level controller, the DualSense Edge (which is at the exact same cost point). On the PC front, the Xbox Elite Controller damages it by about $30 dollars. Neither of the Revolution 5’s first-party challengers provide the drift-free analog sticks, nevertheless (though you can acquire third-party driftless analog sticks for the DualSense Edge which slot right in).
While its driftless tech makes a strong argument for its addition in your video gaming toolbox, in my experience, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a bit too unpleasant to utilize.
Fantastic on paper however agonizing in the hands
The Revolution 5 Pro boasts a lots of excellent specifications: 4 completely positioned rear buttons assignable on-device with a fast button combination and 4 various profiles; 2 swappable d-pads (a standard T-shaped one and a “dish antenna” alternative typical on Xbox controllers); 3 sets of weights you can slot into the controller to alter its heft; swappable joystick rings of 2 various densities, and 6 adjustable joystick heads; cordless assistance for both PC and PlayStation (you require to compromise a USB port if you wish to utilize it wirelessly on PlayStation), and 2 degrees of adjustable trigger toss variety for both very little and complete depth in addition to complete gyro assistance for PlayStation.
What triggers drift?
A modern-day gremlin of video gaming tech, controller drift is the outcome of wear and tear or particles structure up inside your typical analog stick’s potentiometer techPractically all controllers that utilize potentiometers will catch this eventually. Like the Sega Saturn and Dreamcast controllers before it, the Revolution 5 Pro functions”hall resultanalog sticks, which utilize magnets for contactless signal interaction. The outcome? There are no physical parts inside rubbing up versus each other, hence these thumbsticks will not catch the very same wear and tear as potentiometers do.
The Revolution 5 functions an unbalanced thumbstick design which may rub you the incorrect method if you’re a PlayStation perfectionist– I choose in proportion designs, however I was thrilled to attempt this out. Regardless of its fantastic list of functions, this controller and I simply never ever got along.
The Revolution 5’s ergonomic issues depend on 2 locations: the shoulder buttons and the curve under L2/R2 where your middle or ring finger will rest. On that 2nd point, the controller appears to either wish to sit forward in my hands, or tilt in reverse, so I typically fidget with it while playing. This, I believe, is what offered me a viewed decline in gameplay efficiency in shooters like Halo Infinite on PC– I was too sidetracked attempting to get the controller to sit well in my hands. The majority of concerningly, long sessions would numb or constrain my hands in manner ins which other, more ergonomic controllers, just do not.
For the record, I am an enthusiastic fan of the standard Xbox “Duke” controller and frequently play wide-necked, baritone-scale 8-string guitars when I’m not video gaming. Hand size and big things are not an issue for me.
And the shoulder button shape and placing makes the Revolution 5 seem like it isn’t sure if it wishes to be a PlayStation or Xbox controller. When the Xbox 360 gotten here in 2005, it rearranged the OG Xbox’s “black and white” buttons to the shoulders. It did so as “bumpers,” distinguishing it from the PlayStation controller in a method that motivates you to utilize the sides of your index fingers to activate them. This has the advantage of letting you keep your index or “trigger” fingers on the … well, activates. That makes it an excellent style for shooters.
Xbox controllers, particularly contemporary ones, have a mild concave notch in the bumpers that accommodates the upper shape of the suggestion of your forefinger, or the”distal phalanx” PlayStation controllers, nevertheless, have actually more traditionally needed a forked, two-finger grip from players, though modern-day DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers have simply enough of a curved shape on the L1/R1 that you can get away with a grip comparable to what you ‘d utilize on an Xbox.
The Revolution 5, nevertheless, does not include the concave curve of the Xbox’s bumpers nor the mild slope inwards of the DualSense. The L1/R1 buttons end with a stiff 90-degree angle that simply does not accommodate a basic Xbox grip. As it’s formed more like an Xbox controller in the shoulder location, it does not feel comfy to do PlayStation’s two-finger forked grip either.
This distinction implied that throughout gameplay I kept switching up my grip. This, I presume, was another factor my efficiency in Halo worsened: I was too sidetracked by searching for a method to easily and dependably hold this otherwise quite feature-rich controller.
At the end of the day, nevertheless, the onboard hall result thumbsticks are not to be undervalued. Nowadays it looks like controller drift worsens with every brand-new generation, so paying a piece of money for a controller that will outlive a purchase of 2 or 3 of them is certainly appealing
An option for aging consoles?
That the Revolution 5 utilizes driftless hall impact innovation does make me consider its energy as a method to extend the durability of a PS4, which with time will see its DualShock fours more difficult to protect. The very same can be stated for the PS5 as it ages. Yes, there are other manner ins which controllers can establish issues and stop working (my wonderfully chartreuse Xbox cordless controller has actually recently seen the d-pad arbitrarily press itself), however drift stays among the most perilous and difficult-to-fix issues.
In spite of the problems I had with convenience (or do not have thereof), I do believe there’s worth in the Revolution 5 Pro as a long-lasting, purchase– however at $200, that’s still kinda steep. Sure you can change the thumbsticks on the identically priced DualSense Edge, therefore lengthening its life, however that contributes to its expense.
The Revolution 5 Pro impresses on paper and has an exceptional feel to it– one that’s unfortunately misshaped by some uneasy style options. There’s excellent factor to think about getting one for its included personalization, 4 rear buttons, and amazing thumbsticks, however you might wish to hold one before purchasing to see if it’s a great fit– actually.