The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro gaming controller takes many cues from the Microsoft Elite Series 2 in both appearance and key features. There are a few key differences between the two; it is important to consider that Nacon is affiliated with PlayStation as opposed to Xbox, so it is not the most direct comparison with its Sony proprietary features, but the two are fierce combatants vying for the title of best PC controller remains the same.

I use the term combatant ironically because the Nacon was specifically designed with fighting games in mind. That does not mean that it is suitable for all types of games, although there are a few things that prevent the deadly combos of the Nacon R5P. My main question is what can the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro do for that extra $20?

That Nacon is fighting Sony's corner is evident by the PlayStation logo in the center of the home button, the distinctive face buttons and touchpad. On the back, alongside more switches than the Millennium Falcon's control panel, is an option to physically switch between PC, PS4, and PS5 modes. This is convenient for those who switch platforms frequently, but despite this easy switching and compatibility with Sony consoles, something is missing here.

Even with Sony's backing, software limitations regarding PS5 game coding prevent the company from delivering one of the key features PlayStation 5 users expect from the controller: vibration. Yes, the Nacon R5P does not vibrate when playing PS5 games on the PlayStation 5, which is fine for PC and PS4 users, or PS5 users who only play PS4 games (why not?), but for a console that made a big deal about haptics, haptics Not having it is a major drawback.

Aside from its minor vibration violation, the Nacon R5P also refuses to pair with the console via Bluetooth. The controller's Bluetooth 5.2 card can only be used to connect a wireless gaming headset to the controller. This means that either a wired connection must be made or the included dongle must be plugged into the front of the console. The wireless dongle is a bit long, which may cause problems if you are constantly passing each other, but it gets the job done with little visible delay when playing wirelessly.

Like the Elite Series 2, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro also comes with interchangeable weights, thumbsticks, and another D-pad. And while there are no hot-swap paddle switches, Nacon has gone above and beyond by adding Hall Effect sensors to the trigger and stick.

Perhaps the most exciting feature, the Hall sensor is a big draw. Not only does this sensor make the sticks and triggers fairly accurate, but it also provides a clever non-contact mechanism that avoids the stick drift problem that seems inevitable with DualShock and DualSense controllers. Once you get into the software and start calibrating, the accuracy is obvious, with satisfactory resistance from both the sticks and triggers, and without the odd scratching sensation that some controllers have.

That said, the Xbox Elite Series 2 also features both Hall Effect triggers and sticks, so the Nacon is still a step behind the Xbox alternative.

Comparing the Nacon R5P to the Sony DualSense, it is clearly physically similar to its Xbox brethren. Sure, it's chunky from top to bottom, but it's a bit more compact, so your hands are closer together when using it and your elbows are not at obtuse angles. Add to that the asymmetrical stick layout that seems to dominate the list of best PC controllers, and you have a super-comfortable controller.

I personally prefer the symmetry of the DualSense. This is because when I push the left stick forward, it feels less like it's escaping. That said, Nacon has done a good job of keeping the controller grippy, with soft textures on each arm. Also, the pre-installed thumbstick will not slip out from under the fingers, thanks to the indentation and swirly side pattern. However, the large thumbstick that comes with the device is for those who use the side of the thumbstick, as the top of the thumbstick is very slippery.

The Nacon R5P weighs 315 g more than the DualSense. This weight is not for everyone, but for me it adds to the luxury feel. With the use of weights, the weight can be increased up to 32g, and depending on one's mood, one side can be made heavier than the other. The weights have small indentations on both ends for easy replacement.

The PlayStation signature trackpad, which Nacon has managed to cram into the middle, is a feature that is useful for some games but rarely used for most games. That doesn't mean that the trackpad is absolutely unattractive if your favorite game is Elite Dangerous, for example. Its dimpled facade and gentle clicks are satisfying to press, but unnecessary for most gamers.

Importantly, it's not an unattractive controller. The gorgeous rounded but standard black and white coloring is sleek and not overtly sci-fi like the DualSense, but a controller in this class could have had an exciting color scheme like the Scuf Instinct Pro in the same price range The volume is set to min/max. Also, the indicator lights that let you know when the volume is turned to minimum/maximum and which profile is selected are nice and useful, especially if you often switch profiles by mistake.

Unlike the trigger lock, the profile button has no failsafe. As a result, the sensitivity is completely overhauled, often resulting in the gun swinging wildly instead of shooting in the right direction. The back paddle is also really easy to hit, and I often see it jump around unexpectedly. It would be easy to remap the controller in software, but that would require a PC until the mobile app comes out (2024).

If you have a PC, the software itself is not as horrible as the title of this site suggests. You have to go through a lot of steps to connect, and you can't remap wirelessly, but once you connect and switch to either PS5/PS4 mode (depending on why), all the remapping and calibration tools are there and easy to decipher. Four profiles per platform can be saved onboard, and there is the option to enhance things with an advanced mode switch like Logitech's G-Shift feature.

The Nacon R5P comes with a carrying case, but as you'd expect from a $200 controller, it's not a USB Type-C charging station like the Elite Series 2. Still, it is sturdier than most out there, has a handle, is not bulky, and is stored in a neat mesh pocket to prevent the cable from hitting the thumbstick.

The cable itself is braided at 10 feet, making it durable and long enough for a large gaming space, but not too long to take your eyes off of it. The USB Type-C connection on the back is recessed, so if you try to connect a slightly thicker wire, it will not fit. In addition to the potential loss, there is a small jack dongle to add microphone functionality. And while most of this is built in, it is nice to have something to lean on when moving the controller. Is this a compliment?

Unlike the Scuf Instinct Pro, this controller has a rechargeable battery. However, the 10 hours that Nacon touts, and just over 7 hours of actual use, does not compare to the 40+ hours that the less expensive Elite Series 2 achieves.

Durable, comfortable, and stylish, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is certainly comparable to Sony's DualSense Edge. Sure, it has a touchpad, satisfying button clicks, and ultra-low latency wireless connectivity, but nothing outweighs the other glaring issues. Even with great Hall Effect technology, easy switching for indecisive PC and Sony console owners, quick profile switching, and other issues that the R5P addresses are not worth the $200 price tag, considering all the downsides.

Unless you really want a controller with a touchpad, you may want to consider the Xbox Elite Series 2 instead. It has trigger lock controls, PS5 haptics, and even the adaptive trigger technology that Nacon is skipping. Oh well.