Nacon’s Revolution 5 Pro has made a significant impact as a high-end gamepad for the PlayStation 5. This multiplayer-focused controller offers on-board audio controls, customizable back buttons, and high-quality modules. The inclusion of swappable variants and Hall effect-ready modules, which rely on magnets and voltage control to prevent drift, further enhance its appeal. Additionally, the Revolution 5 Pro boasts a durable design that is resistant to scuffs and wear.
While the Revolution 5 Pro is one of the most feature-rich controllers available for the PS5, it does have some drawbacks that prevent it from making our best controllers list. The rear buttons, for instance, are easily pressed accidentally, and it lacks features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers found in the DualSense controller. However, it’s important to note that Sony only allows these features for its own peripherals. Another downside is that the Revolution 5 Pro does not have vibration functionality for PS5 games.
The Revolution 5 Pro is currently available for purchase on Nacon’s website for $199.99 / £199.99. However, be aware that buying outside of Europe may incur additional customs charges. The controller will become more widely available at US and UK retailers starting from December 1.
In terms of price, the Revolution 5 Pro’s closest competitor is Sony’s DualSense Edge, which is priced at $199.99 / £209.99 / AU$339.95. While the Revolution 5 Pro is not cheaper, the DualSense offers proprietary features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that third-party controllers lack.
The Revolution 5 Pro instantly impresses with its comfortable grip and sturdy build. Although it is made of plastic, it is of high quality. However, the material does attract fingerprints, which may affect the overall aesthetic. The controller comes with three sets of weights that can be added to the grips to provide a more secure feel. The swappable modules for the analog sticks and D-pad provide customization options. The controller’s textured grips ensure a firm hold, making it ideal for intense multiplayer gaming sessions.
The Revolution 5 Pro includes functional features such as an on-board battery indicator, which helps monitor battery life while playing wirelessly. Additionally, the central touchpad can be used to adjust headset and mic volume during multiplayer gaming.
When it comes to performance, the Revolution 5 Pro lacks haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and vibration for PS5 games due to Sony’s restrictions. However, vibration is enabled for PS4 and PC titles. The controller offers a low latency of 6m/s when used with the included 2.4GHz USB dongle on PS5 and 4m/s on PC, making it highly responsive. For games where frame data is crucial, it is still recommended to use a wired connection.
Playing with the Revolution 5 Pro is a satisfying experience. The analog sticks are smooth, and the buttons provide a satisfying level of responsiveness. The short travel time on the buttons allows for quick inputs in multiplayer games, and the hair trigger locks on the back provide a similar feeling to the R2/L2 buttons. However, the rear paddle buttons can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental activations. The battery life of the controller is approximately ten hours on a full charge, which is an improvement over the DualSense Edge.
The Revolution 5 Pro comes with the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro app, which can be downloaded on Windows, MacOS, and iOS devices. The app allows for customization of button layouts, assignment of alternative inputs for rear buttons, and adjustment of analog stick deadzones and trigger travel length. It also offers extras like the ability to change the color of the ring light around the analog stick and an equalizer to adjust headset audio balance.
In conclusion, despite some flaws, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a versatile and high-quality gamepad that is worth considering, especially for those who prioritize build quality, battery life, and swappable modules. While it may lack certain features found in Sony’s DualSense controller, it offers its own unique advantages as a premium controller.
