Hexgaming Ultra X Xbox Controller Review – Blister in the Sun

Hexgaming Ultra X Xbox Controller Review 

This past Summer, Erin reviewed a Hexgaming controller for the PS5 and walked away impressed. While the price gave her some pause, Hexgaming’s Rival Pro’s performance is stellar and it’s absolutely ideal for those who take their online shooters seriously. For the past couple of weeks, I have been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to review Hexgaming’s Ultra X controller for the Xbox One. Much like the Rival Pro, the Ultra X delivers when it comes to performance and overall aesthetic. While I do have some gripes, it’s quite clear Hexgaming knows how to deliver top-quality competitive gaming controllers.

Out of the box, this controller looks sharp. I absolutely love the design. The colors pop and when you pick it up, it screams high-end controller. You can customize your controller by choosing a variety of designs from the Hexgaming website, but the controller design that was provided for the purpose of the review called ‘Orange Star Universe’ looks absolutely fantastic. I attached the image below but that doesn’t quite give it justice. Right off the hop, the Ultra X made a positive impression.

Granted, there isn’t much inside the box. Even the outside packaging is pretty basic. For $179.99 USD, you get the controller, 8-in-1 interchangeable thumbsticks, and a user manual. That is it. It doesn’t come with a case, cables, batteries, or any other accessories. For the price, I expected a little more but alas, that is all you get. Yet, what you do get is rock solid.

For starters, it has that familiar Xbox controller look and feel. Xbox users will feel right at home with this bad boy. In fact, it’s more comparable to the Xbox Elite controller in terms of design, and shape. It’s well-made and doesn’t feel cheap at all. Not to mention, it appears durable as well, so this controller should last you quite some time.

It’s designed with eSports gamers in mind, so you can customize your experience. For instance, you can save up to six different paddle remapping profiles and you don’t need to install any software. Everything is accomplished on the controller itself. You can also switch between them while gaming, which is brilliant. I am not a pro gamer or a hardcore shooter, so I tend to stick with default settings but having the ability to set various profiles while on the go seems like a giant plus to me.

The included instructions make re-mapping your controller a breeze. Each profile is assigned a different color located on the back of the controller. By simply double-clicking the setting button, you can switch profiles. It’s really that easy and I just loved that aspect.

The extra thumbsticks are a nice touch as there are 2 different heights, and 3 different ergonomic thumb grip designs (domed, concave, and concave widened). Swapping the sticks on and off is accomplished with ease. They won’t fall off mid-game either as it takes a bit of force to pop them off.

The triggers are adjustable as well, just as they are with the Elite controller. You can go for a short clicky trigger (yes it actually clicks like a mouse) or a traditional full-press trigger. For shooters, having that option to use a short clicky trigger is wonderful. The Ultra X also features rubber textured grips on the back of the handles. If you are the type that gets sweaty mitts like me, you’ll love that additional grip. I sure did.

Gameplay-wise, the controller delivered. It performed just as I hoped. It’s an incredibly responsive controller and being able to shorten the trigger where it’s like a simple click of the mouse is fantastic. Playing Modern Warfare 2, a minimal press of the triggers is terrific, and feels like I am quicker on the triggers.

While it is unquestionably an ergonomic controller, it has a slight design flaw. With the way I place my hands on the controller, I found the inside of my middle finger started to blister because of the way my fingers rest on the trigger control mechanism. Granted, I recognize this could be an issue with the way I hold the controller but it’s got to the point where I’ve had to set the Ultra X aside while my sensitive hands heal up. I love the control mechanism, but its placement is not ideal. That being said, I recognize this could just be a ‘me problem’.

There is no question, Hexgaming’s Ultra X is a rock-solid Xbox controller with all the customizable options that’ll satisfy any esports pro or hardcore shooter fan. If you’re looking for an edge online, this controller will certainly help. That said, it’s a pricey sucker and still falls a little short compared to the Xbox Elite controller. Not to mention, the trigger control mechanisms may give you blisters. Regardless of my gripes, the Ultra X is gorgeous, and its performance is exceptional.

***The product was provided by the manufacturer***