Nacon's Revolution 5 Unlimited controller is an officially licensed PlayStation 5 gamepad that works with PCs

A new challenger has emerged in the world of gaming controllers, aiming to take on Sony's DualSense Edge. Nacon's Revolution 5 Unlimited controller is an officially licensed PlayStation 5 gamepad that also works seamlessly with PCs.

This premium controller is packed with features that will delight competitive gamers, including a staggering number of customizable shortcut buttons and control profiles. The interactive control screen allows users to easily navigate through the plethora of options available, making it easier than ever to tailor their gaming experience.

The Revolution 5 Unlimited is priced at $230, placing it firmly in the high-end category of gaming controllers. Its impressive specs include TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) technology for its joysticks, which uses less power while reducing physical wear and tear.

One notable design change on this controller is the asymmetric stick layout, swapping the traditional placement of the joystick and D-pad on the left side. This unconventional design may take some getting used to, but it offers a more comfortable gaming experience for those who adapt to it.

The R5U also features trigger blockers, which can be toggled to reduce trigger travel. This is particularly useful in games that require quick actions, such as racing or fighting games. Additionally, there are four custom shortcut buttons below the trigger toggles and two more between the L and R trigger pairs.

The Revolution 5 Unlimited's design may take some time to get accustomed to, especially for those familiar with traditional controller layouts. However, its innovative features and high-end specs make it an intriguing option for competitive gamers looking to upgrade their gaming experience.

The Nacon Revolution 5 Unlimited controller offers a high level of customization that may be overwhelming for some users. The controller's D-pad can be swapped out for one with an 8-way layout, ideal for fighting game enthusiasts who need precise control over their characters' movements.

In addition to the D-pad swap, the joystick heads are also interchangeable, providing three different profiles to suit various hand shapes and sizes. These profiles range from a concave shape that fits snugly in the palm to a high concave design for those with larger hands.

The controller's weight can be customized as well, with adjustable weights ranging from 10 to 16 grams that can be embedded into each grip. This feature allows users to tailor the feel of the controller to their liking and may appeal to gamers who prefer a more substantial build in their hands.

A dedicated charging dock is included with the R5U, which features a pogo pin connection for easy charging and a USB pass-through port that connects to both the console and wireless dongle. However, this controller lacks one feature found on some other gaming controllers: remote-start capabilities.

The wireless connection requires a USB dongle that can be plugged into either the console or the companion dock, although it uses USB-A ports rather than the newer USB-C standard used by the PS5. This means users will need to use an additional cable if they want to connect their controller via wire.

The Nacon Revolution 5 Unlimited (R5U) controller offers a range of customization options that can be accessed through its built-in screen or the companion mobile app. The app allows users to apply complex button setups and key bindings to the controller's numerous buttons, as well as display the pad's battery level and current connectivity status.

In addition to these features, the R5U also includes a "Shooter Pro" mode that can be activated through the app. This mode removes the dead zone on the joystick, allowing for even more precise control when shooting. Users can adjust the dead zone or invert the joysticks in the companion app.

The built-in screen of the R5U provides a convenient way to customize settings locally without needing to use the app. I found it useful to remap the shortcut buttons on the rear of the pad to avoid accidentally triggering them, and also mapped L3 and R3 inputs for quicker triggering.

Users can switch between the controller's various modes, including PC mode, which offers 1000Hz polling rates on a wired connection and up to 500Hz wirelessly.

The Nacon Revolution 5 Unlimited controller offers an unprecedented level of customization through its companion app, available on both iOS and Android devices. This app allows users to fine-tune various aspects of their gaming experience, including response curves, audio equalizers, and even the RGB light ring's color scheme.

However, it appears that this extensive customization capability comes with some trade-offs. The controller's interactive screen is not touch-sensitive, forcing users to navigate through menus using the D-pad instead. This design choice has a notable impact on compatibility, as certain PS5 games that rely heavily on touchpad controls are no longer accessible.

One such game is Ghost of Yotei, which utilizes advanced touchpad motions beyond simple tapping as core gameplay mechanics. Reviewing the controller with this game was particularly frustrating due to its limited compatibility. Additionally, the Nacon Revolution 5 Unlimited lacks another key feature found in some PS5 controllers: adaptive triggers.

In comparison to other premium gaming pads on the market, the DualSense Edge from Sony stands out as a major competitor to the Nacon Revolution 5 Unlimited. With features like replaceable sticks, customizable button profiles, and adjustable stick sensitivity, it offers an impressive level of versatility that is unmatched by most other controllers.

Ultimately, the Nacon Revolution 5 Unlimited's unique blend of customization options and PC compatibility makes it an attractive choice for gamers seeking a highly adaptable controller experience.