Nacon REVOLUTION X Unlimited Xbox Controller Review

The Nacon REVOLUTION X Unlimited Xbox Controller is the latest in the company's REVOLUTION series and is designed as the premium and customizable controller for Xbox and PC. With an impressive lineup of hardware and software customization provided, there is a lot to be impressed by in Nacon’s latest offering. However, with a price tag of $200, is there enough here to justify its Elite pricing? Grab that coffee and let's find out in our review of the REVOLUTION X Unlimited Xbox Controller graciously provided by the good folks at Nacon.

Specifications

• Current Price: $199.99 (Amazon)
• Style: Xbox button layout
• Connection: Wireless (2.4Ghz), Bluetooth(Android), Wired
• Compatibility: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
• Joysticks: Hall Effect 
• Joystick Placement: Asymmetric
• Triggers: Hall Effect
• Headphone Jack: Yes
• Bluetooth Audio Support: Yes
• Programmable Buttons: Yes
• Profile Support: 4 Xbox, 4 PC
• Customization: Swappable Joysticks, Directional Pad, Weights
• Screen: Yes, LCD - 1.5” L x 1” W
• Dimensions: 6.46” L x 4.53” W x 2.21” T
• Weight: 327g (Default weights installed)
• Charger Stand: Yes

Revolution X Unlimited - Design and Highlights

The REVOLUTION X Unlimited’s design is, at its core, that of an Xbox controller. While not exactly a clone of the official Xbox controller, the dimensions still provide a very similar feeling. Using this design as its springboard, Nacon has found some subtle but impressive ways to improve on the overall build of this classic controller layout. 

For starters, the REVOLUTION X Unlimited adds some welcome rubberized grips that run along each side of the controller and wrap around to the back of each handgrip. It provides superior handling in that when gripped, the controller feels secure in the hand even after hours of play. This rubberized coating carries over to the thumbsticks as well, bringing the whole look together. The result is a controller that both looks aesthetically pleasing and provides an extra level of grip for the user.

I’ve found it to be exceptionally comfortable during testing and have come to prefer it over other controllers I have here at the office. While you could smell the rubberized coating when first unboxed, that quickly dissipated. On the note of adding texture, Nacon has also added a layer of texturing to both triggers as well as two of the six programmable buttons, which helps distinguish them from the buttons located directly beside them. It's a small touch, but it does supplement the already sleek-looking design of the REVOLUTION X Unlimited. 

Continuing the examination of the hardware, the REVOLUTION X Unlimited provides a small LCD screen that manages all of the onboard settings from shortcut key programming to wireless connections. It's a simple and effective way of adding control to the controller without the need for external software support, although that is also included with the REVOLUTION X Unlimited (more on this shortly). 

Navigating the screen is perhaps the best I’ve worked with on a controller. While other controllers provide small LCD screens for onboard settings, Nacon provides the smartest and easiest process for navigating said screen by far. This is thanks to the dedicated Multi-function button that shifts the controller from the console or PC to become the navigation tool for the LCD screen. It's simple and intuitive and gives incredible control over the settings and navigation. 

As to the aforementioned six programmable buttons, two are located beside the bumpers at the top of the controller, while the remaining four are located along the grips. Button placement is quite well designed, with one small critique. Two of the four underside buttons are located precisely where my middle fingers naturally rest and are quite sensitive. As a result, I found that when first starting to use the controller, I would often bump it by accident when gaming. I’ve since adjusted and find it to work quite well. It's simply a matter of getting used to how sensitive the buttons are. 

While on the subject of the controller underside, along with these programmable buttons are a series of customization controls. The first is the instant trigger toggle switch, which allows for easy swapping of each trigger between classic trigger and instant trigger mode. Additionally, a profile selector, connection mode switch and Classic or Advanced mode buttons are all easily accessible. This allows for full settings control of the REVOLUTION X Unlimited on a hardware level, something I appreciate greatly as a gamer who manages a lot of peripheral software.

As for the triggers and joysticks, Nacon has followed the trend of including Hall Effect Technology in these hardware components. Leveraging a magnetic sensor system, Hall Effect triggers provide impressive precision and longevity, reducing the long-term wear and tear and essentially eliminating ‘stick drift’ in joysticks. To further bolster the premium design of the REVOLUTION X Unlimited, Nacon has included mechanical micro-switches for the rest of the buttons, which provide lightning-fast and accurate response when engaged. 

As a wireless controller, the REVOLUTION X Unlimited comes with a rechargeable 1500mAh battery and docking station, making it exceptionally easy to charge the unit between play sessions. As for connections, along with the 2.4GHz wireless dongle, which can either be plugged directly into the Xbox or PC or slotted into the charger, which is then connected via the included 10ft USB cable, the REVOLUTION X Unlimited can be hardwired or connected to Android devices via Bluetooth. Pairing the device in its various modes is straightforward, and in every case, the device is immediately recognized as an Xbox controller.  

While almost every aspect of the REVOLUTION X Unlimited can be handled from the onboard controls, Nacon also provides Windows and Xbox software to manage Firmware updates and tweak several of the settings on the controller. The most notable aspect that can only be configured via the software is the latency response (PC only). Through this setting, users can reduce the latency even further than the stock settings, thus refining the play experience to cater to their needs. It's simple to use and works well. Profile management is also handled here and allows for four distinct profiles for both Xbox and PC, giving users an exceptional amount of freedom and customization. 

The overall performance of the REVOLUTION X Unlimited is stellar. The controller provides excellent feedback thanks to the customizable rumble hardware, the joysticks and triggers provide precision response, and the face and programmable buttons are incredibly responsive. This feels like a premium controller in every sense of the word. Battery life performs as advertised and clocks in at about 10 hours of active use, though thanks to the docking station, other than for testing, I’ve never had to actively plug it in to charge. The REVOLUTION X Unlimited is a premium controller that has quickly become one of my favorite controllers to use as my daily driver.   

REVOLUTION X Unlimited - Customize Everything

From design to construction to performance, everything about the REVOLUTION X Unlimited works to justify its $200 price point. However, Nacon has decided to raise the bar higher on what to expect from a premium-priced controller. This comes in the form of customizable hardware support for the REVOLUTION X Unlimited.

Along with the aforementioned instant trigger system, you can also adjust the joystick heads, joystick rings, D-Pad face and hand grip weights. The Joystick heads and D-Pad can simply be pulled off and swapped with additional provided hardware. It takes about thirty seconds and finishes with a satisfying click to let you know it's inserted and completed. As for the rings, once the joystick head is removed, the rings can simply be slid out and new ones inserted. Nacon has provided two sets of rings to choose from, each providing a distinct feel when used. Finally, the hand grip weight is managed by a removable panel on the underside of the grips that reveals a slot for the provided weights. There are three sets of weights to choose from, ranging from 10g to 16g. It works similarly to swapping batteries in a remote.  

All of this additional hardware is included with the REVOLUTION X Unlimited along with the charging dock, 10ft cable, a carry case and microfibre cloth. While many of the specs I’ve discussed can be found on other controllers, the amount of extras, along with the customizable nature of the REVOLUTION X Unlimited, make it stand out in the crowd. 

Final Thoughts

The REVOLUTION X Unlimited from Nacon is an excellent controller. It feels premium with excellent construction, performance and customization all playing to its favor. The addition of a smart LCD that is easy to control and navigate, as well as some impressive onboard features, easily justifies its premium price point of $200. Available now on Amazon or the official store, the REVOLUTION X Unlimited truly feels unlimited.  

The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links and purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.