Any console gamer will tell you: a controller makes all the difference. Regardless of your favorite discipline: shooting games, sports, racing or single-player open-world epics, this tool proves to be crucial. If the majority of gamers are happy with the hardware provided by the console manufacturers, you can sometimes find better from third-party manufacturers. Nacon, known for these gaming accessories for PC and consoles, offers an alternative to Sony's DualSense, which the PS5 is equipped with. It's called the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro and can be adapted to PlayStation 4 and 5 as well as PCs via the included USB dongle. Its many features promise a significant impact in games.
A first-class environment and tons of customization options
If you open the packaging, you will discover the hallmark of high-end products: a robust travel case. Inside this case there is a braided charging cable (3 m) in addition to the controller itself. There is also a Bluetooth dongle for the PC, a microfiber cleaning cloth and customization tools. It includes three pairs of different weights that can be placed in the controller and a part to convert the circular D-pad into a cross D-pad. It includes two pairs of rods and pin caps to replace those installed on the controller. Finally, it offers a wireless adapter with a microphone to use the Bluetooth headset of your choice.
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
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Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
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The controller comes in a high-quality carrying case.
A lack of information
Such a wealth of customization options deserves a manual that explains exactly how to take advantage of it. Then we experiment and hope not to destroy the controller. Changing the control pad and adding weights is fairly easy, but replacing the control stick heads is difficult. To do this you have to put the stock cap on, which actually seems counterintuitive. In the end nothing was broken. However, a small manual could provide guidance on the correct procedure.
The use of the Nacon application is mandatory
To complete the customization, you need to connect the controller to your PC and save these changes to the Nacon app. For example, if you adjust the trigger travel length using the slider, you must change it in your profile in the app. Otherwise, the controller will interpret that you haven't fully pressed the shutter button. Obviously you can't really try out other settings on the fly and the connection to a PC remains mandatory. Ultimately, this turns out to be quite restrictive.
However, the proprietary application has some good points. In fact, it offers the ability to completely remap the controller's buttons. So the four different back buttons can have different actions. In Souls-Like you can easily sprint and rotate the camera at the same time. For PS5, PS4 and PC, you can save four active profiles at the same time. You simply switch from one to the other using the profile button on the back of the controller.
Familiarize yourself with the new design
Even if the adjustment remains pleasant, the crux of the matter lies in the sensations that this pro controller offers. Any long-time PlayStation fan will immediately notice that the sticks are placed asynchronously. In contrast, on the official DualSense they are arranged directly opposite each other. However, this shouldn't be a problem. If you're used to the official controller's layout, you'll need to allow time for customization. Overall, playing with the Revolution 5 Pro is a lot of fun. The buttons are slightly larger and therefore very easy to press, and the added weight of the controller gives it a bit more presence once it's in your hands. It gives an impression of robustness. In addition, the material used feels pleasant.
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
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Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
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For legal reasons, Nacon has decided on a different stick arrangement.
Missing features
Logically, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro does not contain any haptic feedback or adaptive triggers. In fact, Sony does not authorize Nacon to use the systems it develops. The absence of these elements therefore makes the controller somewhat “dead” in titles that are intended to offer more sensations. However, the vibrations are present in PS4 and PC games. Another problem is the two bottom rear buttons. These are located near the bottom of the handles. During stressful times, you may accidentally press these buttons. Fortunately, they can be disabled.
Record autonomy
The Revolution 5 Pro's battery is exceptional. Nacon claims that you can play for around ten hours on a single charge. We exceeded this duration in our test. It seems that you can play for a whole day with the controller still charged. With a DualSense you would need a charge and a half to be able to play for that long. However, the Revolution 5 Pro's battery benefits from the lack of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. In fact, these functions consume energy.
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
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Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
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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 we appreciate the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, paying 230 euros for a controller without these features represents a thought-provoking expense. If you really want a pro controller and have more than $200 to spend, 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 options. The high-quality housing and buttons make using the controller very pleasant. However, the lack of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, as well as the awkward placement of the two rear buttons, make the price difficult to justify.
Nacon Revolution 5 Pro: Read the review
The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a highly customizable game controller that is compatible with the PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles as well as PC and offers a variety of customization options such as adjustable weights and interchangeable stick caps. It features a unique design and a high-quality carrying case, although some features require the use of a dedicated app.