Pro controllers are a luxury for most players since their price points are well above the normal asking price of a first-party default controller. Despite their higher-than-usual price point, pro controllers are literally built different, containing better-quality parts and having additional features for more specialized gaming needs. If you’re afraid of the omnipresent concern of stick drift that plagues each and every controller these days, Pro controllers are a great idea to own because they most likely utilize magnets.
But again, that price…oof.
The Nacon Revolution X Pro Controller Camo (Revolution X Camo) is a wired pro controller for the XBOX Series X|S and PC and it’s available right this minute. Even better – it’s $99.99, almost half the price of the XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (depending on where you buy it). It’s an appealing price point for a pro experience, but the fact remains that those seeking a pro controller are probably less likely to be dissuaded by price alone. This now begs the question:
How does the Nacon Revolution X Pro Controller Camo hold up as a competitive controller? How well does it offer a “pro” experience?
I’ve been using this controller for the past few weeks while reviewing and replaying several games on my PC, including but not limited to The Last Faith, Starfield, and Astral Ascent. I’ve tested its prowess in a multitude of settings to gauge how it feels when players of multiple genres need it most. Sufficed to say, I’m pretty impressed with how it feels in hand, but I’m not the most convinced it’s a premium-level pro experience you might expect from a higher-tier controller.
Upon taking it out of the box, I was presented with the controller in its nifty carrying case, a set of weights, two replacement joystick caps, a microfiber cloth, and a detachable corded USB-C cable. It feels eerily similar to unboxing the DualSense Edge and setting it up. The zipper case feels study and is made of nylon canvas, similar in width to my Nintendo Switch carrying case. The controller fits snugly along with its accessories. I’m confident that I could take this in a carry-on bag or my backpack without fear of it being crushed or anything becoming loose while in transit.
Let’s get this out of the way now: Yes, the controller is wired, meaning that it needs to be plugged into your console or PC when and if you want to use it. The included USB cable is around 9ft, which is pretty far and great for a smaller gaming room; I wouldn’t expect to connect this to my XB and sit back on my couch. However, the included length is great for PC gaming. The benefit of a wired controller is a miniscule level of latency compared to most wireless counterparts, especially third-party controllers. I know Bluetooth controllers have improved over the past few years, but I would greatly prefer this controller for the mechanically intensive gaming experience I would expect from the likes of the fighting genre, racing, some souls-likes, and rhythm.
The controller feels great in-hand. The forest green camouflage skin has a satiny silky feel that makes the controller feel less plasticky and more premium. It’s not slick by any means, but it’s not uncomfortably textured, either. The back of the controller has a similar grainy texture on a base DualSense, meaning that that it’s incredibly difficult for the controller to slip out of my grip. The joysticks’ default caps are rubbery but firm, with the left cap having a textured contour that aligns well with my thumb and keeps it in place. The plastic input buttons feel the least premium on the controller. I would have preferred the buttons to have a more satisfying feel and click ala the DualSense Edge, but my complaint is such a minor one that isn’t worth discussing further.
The backside of the controller has four additional buttons that can be customized for any input string you desire using Nacon’s software. Two of the buttons (S1 and S3) are directly on the back of the controller and positioned in such a way where my middle fingers naturally rest. The other two buttons (S2 and S4) are on the inner portions of the handles where my ring and pinky fingers rest. S1 and S3 are easily reached and are satisfying when clicked, making it difficult to accidentally tap. The S2 and S4 buttons are much less subtle because of how they’re quite flush with the controller unit. I struggled to click with my back two fingers, but repositioning my hands so that my middle fingers rested on those made things much easier. The S2 and S4 buttons need more give, but that’s for the best to ensure that accidental inputs aren’t made.
The additional buttons were deactivated until I configured them. That said, they were just as responsive as the regular inputs. I preferred using the S1 and S3 buttons simply because I could click them easier, but your mileage will vary depending on the size of your hands and how you prefer to hold the controller.
I had very little issue with the controller when playing multiple games. Inputs were instantaneous, so I couldn’t blame input lag when I died time after time while playing The Last Faith. The analog sticks felt quite precise and on par with first party controllers. The analog sticks’ “Hall Effect” made them feel smoother than the joysticks I’ve used for a while. It was all quite pleasant.
By default, the controller lacks weights and is quite light. At the edges of the handles are two small backplates that can be removed to add additional weight to the controller. With the heaviest weights inserted, it felt similar to my DualSense controller. The one caveat is that the weight isn’t evenly distributed, so the top of the controller may feel far lighter than the two handles. Another slot to add weight to the top of the controller would have evened out some of that imbalance. Regardless, I loved being able to customize my controller’s weight and am quite glad that I was able to do so with the Revolution X Pro.
On the topic of customization, Nacon’s software suite allowed me to enable the additional buttons, change EVERY single input, adjust joystick deadzones, modify trigger button sensitivity, adjust vibration strength, and even control the lights around the right joystick. I quickly enabled a custom flashing multicolor light for the controller, but the Revolution X Windows app needs some refinement. The UI occasionally wouldn’t respond to my mouse clicks but would respond to my controller inputs, and sometimes vice versa. It was really strange.
Other than the software quirks, I was able to freely and quickly set up four different controller profiles that could be switched to on the fly. The default settings has profiles made for four different game genres with Nacon’s optimal settings, so if you’re wanting a guide they’re there for you.
I was able to customize quite a lot with my controller, and it worked quite well once I was able to configure it to my liking. The quirky UI, potentially uneven weight distribution, and less-than-optimal placement of two of the buttons are less of a knock of its quality and more of a sign that I’m literally holding the controller in a less-than-optimal fashion.
I am left feeling like the Nacon Revolution X Camo offers a pseudo-pro experience for a far-less-than-pro pricetag. This makes it a viable entry into the pro marketplace for those who might be on the fence about the value of a pro controller without wanting to commit to the high pricetag and additional accoutrements that come with owning a more specialized controller. Pro controllers have their perks, don’t get me wrong, but they’re definitely not for the average player’s gaming needs.
Nacon’s Revolution X Pro Controller Camo was a delight to use and a great entry point into the pro controller space for those on the fence. The controller’s wide range of customization, smooth yet precise joysticks, and additional buttons can meet multiple needs that can only be solved by a pro controller. That said, it’s wired, so if you’re hoping for a wireless setup, you’re most likely gonna’ have to pay more for that luxury.
