When it comes to my gaming peripherals, a good controller setup is the most important thing to me overall. Sure, headsets need to have good audio, a keyboard needs responsive keys, and a mouse, a great fit for my hand. But a controller has way more layers to it than any of those others do. Not only does it have to fit right in the hand, but its button layout and responsiveness also play a heavy factor in the entire experience.

Luckily for me, Nacon’s RIG Revolution X Pro Controller manages to do the impossible; nail every part of its controller design. While there’s a small missing feature that I would’ve liked to have seen, this is still my favorite controller to grab when I want that competitive edge.

What’s in the Box

For its $99.99 price tag, you actually get quite a bit included with this wired controller. You have the Revolution X itself, 3 sets of weights (10g, 14g, 16g), 2 sets of thumbstick heads (convex and concave), 2 sets of thumbstick shafts (stock 44 degrees plus adjustable 30 degrees and 38 degrees), 3M USB-C to USB-A cable, storage case, and cleaning cloth.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

Overall, I really like the way that this controller looks. The mostly blacked-out design with flourishes of silver along with its thumbstick bases and back buttons is great. That look coincides perfectly with the small touch of RGB lighting that can be customized via the Revolution X software, making the controller feel like it’s really yours. There are several lighting modes and you can choose different colors for the RGB quadrants (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right).

As for build quality, this controller is extremely sturdy. Like, crazy sturdy. It doesn’t creak in the slightest When I try to twist it, it maintains its shape fantastically. Without the included weights placed inside of it, this controller is very light which is a good thing. The weights though, make it feel very sturdy and almost as heavy as the Elite controllers that Xbox sells. They’re also extremely easy to install, just by sliding the two back panels off. This is similar to how the thumbstick heads and shafts can be swapped, all by removing the thumbstick heads.

Specs and Special Features

This controller has just about everything one would want from a true Pro controller, with some additional features that other controllers don’t include. The ability to adjust the thumbstick heads and shafts makes a world of difference when it comes down to how the controller operates. Marrying these features with the Revolution X software furthers that point by allowing users to fine-tune the thumbsticks, buttons, and triggers down to the exact responsiveness needed. With various presets already available in the app, this is easy even for beginners.

• Designed for Xbox: Officially licensed controller for use with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC, ensures total compatibility with all Xbox software.

• Revolution X Companion App: Unleash the incredible power of the controller via a free App allowing for custom game profiles, button mapping, shortcut programming and so much more.

• Controller Customization: Swap up your style and create the feel right for you. Adjust controller weight, thumb stick sensitivity, adaptable precision, etc.

• Engineering Excellence: Interchangeable components are built to last and designed to win. Wired connection for stable gaming during tournament play and premium materials for unrivaled reliability.

• Dolby Atmos for Headphones: Use your Revolution X controller and Dolby Atmos free App to deliver incredible spatial audio using a regular stereo headset. Further, enhance via the Revolution X controller companion App for a suite of audio adjustment options.

Gameplay

As I stated at the beginning of this review, this is my new go-to when I want to play a competitive game, specifically FPS titles. Being able to adjust my sensitivity or responsiveness to thumbsticks and triggers makes a world of difference as compared to a stock Xbox controller with some thumbstick grips.

I also felt that the thumbsticks were incredibly smooth. Due to the fact that they’re metal, they glide perfectly as you move around. The face buttons are also pretty big, making it easy to push them. It’s a pretty large controller but because everything is perfectly spaced and sized, you really don’t notice it once you get into the hang of things.

Going over the back of the controller; I actually really loved the back buttons. These are the first back-sided buttons that I’ve actually used more for personal use than just for a review. They’re perfectly placed and feel good beneath my fingers. They also don’t require too much pressure which makes using them very efficient in the long run.

Because this controller is wired, you can bet that there is zero lag which makes twitching left, right, and in a 180-degree motion extremely easy when you’re trying to get an edge over your enemies in games like Warzone. I’m a huge fan of wired controllers as they’re something I’ve grown up on and really think that this one makes having to be tethered to your console worth it.

What It Could Have Done Better

I have two nitpicks about this controller. The first is that the software can be a pain in the butt currently. At first, adjusting my thumbsticks was easy and I would notice a difference just as I would swap between the app and my game. After time though, I would actually have to unplug the controller and plug it back in to see a difference. This seems to either be an app issue or a controller issue, both of which can easily be updated and fixed.

My second gripe is that I wish that there was a physical adjustment that could be made to the triggers, similar to how Xbox has one for the Elite controller. This was the only feature that I think this controller was missing but it really isn’t that big of a deal since the software allows you to adjust these settings. It just would have been cool to feel that difference in my fingers as well.

Verdict

At the end of the day, the RIG Revolution X Pro Controller is by far my favorite controller to use, especially when I want to dominate in a good FPS match. Through its various physical customization options as well as the software, this controller can be anything that you possibly could want it to be. It’s also a very sturdy controller that makes it feel like your $100 isn’t going down the drain on a cheap third-party copout. If you want to take your gaming experience to the next level, here’s your ticket up.