Nacon Revolution 5 Pro gamepad review: a precision weapon

 Every console gamer will tell you: a controller makes all the difference. Indeed, whatever your favorite discipline: shooting games, sports, racing or single-player open-world epics, this tool proves crucial. If the majority of gamers are satisfied with the hardware provided by console manufacturers, you can sometimes find better from third-party equipment manufacturers. Nacon, well known for these gaming accessories for PC and consoles, offers an alternative to Sony's DualSense which equips the PS5. It's called the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro and can be adapted to PlayStation 4 and 5 as well as PCs, via the USB dongle provided. Its many features promise a significant impact in games.

A premium setting and customization galore

Opening the packaging, you discover the hallmark of high-end products: a sturdy travel case. Inside this case, apart from the controller itself, we note the presence of a braided charging cable (3 m). There is also a Bluetooth dongle for PC, a microfiber cleaning cloth and customization tools. It contains three pairs of different weights to place inside the controller and a piece to change the circular d-pad into a cross d-pad. It contains two pairs of rods and stick caps to replace those installed on the controller. Finally, it offers a wireless adapter equipped with a microphone to use the Bluetooth headset of your choice.

The controller comes in a quality carrying case.

A lack of information

Such a plethora of customization deserves a manual explaining precisely how to take advantage of it. We then experiment, hoping not to destroy the controller. Changing the d-pad and adding weights is fairly easy, but replacing the stick heads is tricky. To do this, you have to pull on the stick cap, which seems really counterintuitive. In the end, nothing was broken. However, a small manual might indicate the correct way to do this.

Use of the Nacon application is mandatory

To complete the customization, you need to connect the controller to your PC and save these changes in the Nacon app. For example, if you adjust the trigger travel length using the slider, you need to change it in your profile in the app. Otherwise, the controller will interpret that you are not fully pressing the trigger. Clearly, you cannot really try other settings on the fly and connection to a PC remains mandatory. In the end, this turns out to be quite restrictive.

However, the proprietary application has some good points. Indeed, it offers the possibility of completely reassigning the buttons of the controller. So the four different back buttons can receive different actions. In Souls-Like, you can easily sprint and turn the camera at the same time. For PS5, PS4 and PC, you can store four active profiles at the same time. You simply switch from one to the other using the profile button located on the back of the controller.

Getting to grips with the new design

If customization remains pleasant, the crux of the matter lies in the sensations that this Pro controller provides. Any long-time PlayStation aficionado will immediately notice that the sticks are placed asynchronously. Conversely, on the official DualSense, they are placed face to face. However, this should not be a problem. If you are used to the layout of the official controller, you will need to allow time for adaptation. Overall, gaming with the Revolution 5 Pro is very enjoyable. The buttons are slightly larger, therefore very easy to press, and the addition of weight to the controller gives it a little more presence, once in the hands. It gives an impression of robustness. In addition, the material used is pleasant to the touch.

For legal reasons, Nacon has opted for a different stick layout.

Missing features

Logically, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro does not contain haptic feedback or adaptive triggers. Indeed, Sony does not authorize Nacon to use the systems it has developed. Consequently, the absence of these elements makes the controller a little "dead" in titles supposed to offer more sensations. For PS4 and PC games, however, the vibrations are present. Another problem is the bottom two rear buttons. These are located near the bottom of the handles. In times of stress, one may accidentally press these buttons. Fortunately, they can be disabled.

Record autonomy

The battery of the Revolution 5 Pro is exceptional. Nacon claims you can play for around ten hours on a single charge. During our test, we exceeded this duration. It seems that you can play a full day while still having some charge left in the controller. With a DualSense, you would need a charge and a half to play for that long. But the Revolution 5 Pro's battery benefits from the absence of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Indeed, these features consume energy.

Weights, stems and stick caps… this controller is highly customizable.

A high price

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro asserts itself as a high-end controller. However, it remains quite expensive. If you appreciate the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, paying 230 euros for a controller lacking these features is an expense that requires reflection. If you really want a Pro controller and can spend more than $200, you're better off paying the $240 for the DualSense Edge.

Our opinion on the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a decent Pro controller that shines with its battery life and customization. Its premium case and buttons make the controller very pleasant to use. However, the lack of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers and the awkward placement of the two rear buttons make its price difficult to justify.

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a highly customizable game controller, compatible with PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles as well as PC, offering a variety of customization options like adjustable weights and interchangeable stick caps. It stands out with its unique design and a premium carrying case, although it requires the use of a dedicated app for some features.