Nacon Revolution X Unlimited Review
There is no question that Nacon’s Revolution X Unlimited (RXU) arrives with lofty expectations as it aims to be the go-to controller for competitive Xbox and PC gamers. With a $199.90 (USD) price tag, it’s certainly professionally priced, but you could also argue the price point is on par with other pro controllers on the market. Regardless, it offers a dense package of high-end features meant to justify every penny. But do casual gamers need to invest in such a controller? Probably not, as you likely won’t take advantage of all the bells and whistles. Yet, if you are looking for a competitive edge and want a versatile controller that’ll last, the RXU is a fantastic option.
Out of the box, the RXU makes a strong impression. Xbox controllers already have a fantastic reputation, so it’s no surprise the RXU maintains that Xbox aesthetic. Its asymmetrical stick layout stays true to the Xbox brand. The swappable components like the joystick caps, D-pads, and grip weights cater to a wide range of play styles. Included extras like a rock-solid storage case (one of the best controller cases I have used), slick charging dock, and cleaning cloth are all things I look for in a pricey professional controller. So I am happy Nacon didn’t skimp out and avoid including them.
Downloading the app was a bit of an issue – possibly because I’m located in Canada. Nacon’s controller app, which is needed for the initial update, wouldn’t launch for me. The QR code directed me to a French Microsoft store link, but it didn’t load the app. No big deal though – I just downloaded the update directly from the Nacon website, and it only took a few minutes. Aside from that minor hiccup, connecting to my Xbox was a breeze.
Shine Bright Like a Diamond
The biggest stand-out feature is unquestionably the built-in LCD display. It’s a bold addition, but one that works surprisingly well. Unlike so many other gimmicky controller screens, the RXU’s is clean, crisp, intuitive, and doesn’t bog you down with an array of clunky menus. Quick changes to button mappings or sensitivity settings are painless and practical. With other controllers, you can spend ages navigating horrible apps, adjusting these settings, but this in’t the case with the RXU. Being able to adjust on the fly during a long gaming marathon or even during a competitive tourney is brilliant. There is certainly a learning curve as there is a lot to manage with this controller, but once you’ve fully figured out how to navigate the screen, you are cooking with cheese..
Much like other pro controllers, the RXU does just about everything you need it to do. It’s clear it was engineered for precision and responsiveness. I liked how the hall effect sensors in the sticks and triggers eliminate that dreaded joystick drift, which is a huge win for longevity and accuracy. I have been a victim of stick drift so many times, so I absolutely love this. Paired with those Omron mechanical switches and instant triggers, every input feels super responsive and deliberate. The controller just feels perfect in my hands.
For those who just don’t trust wireless controllers, there is a wire you can plug in. The RXU offers a specialized low-latency wired mode that brings input delay down. With the ability to remap buttons to keyboard shortcuts, this controller is a dream for FPS and strategy players. There is also a Shooter Pro Mode that disables deadzones, which offers a precise input ideal for competitive shooters.
You’ve Got Options
Where the RXU really separates itself is in customization. Between the LCD screen and Nacon’s robust desktop software, players can store up to 8 profiles (4 for Xbox, 4 for PC) with individualized button setups, joystick ranges, vibration intensity, and even audio mixer settings. Need different configurations for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Fortnite, and Forza Horizon 5? No problem. You can switch profiles in seconds and even fine-tune things like gyroscopic aiming and weight balance to suit your preferences. It’s impressive, and it’s clear they really listened to gamers.
It’s been all unicorns and rainbows for the RXU thus far. If there’s a chink in the RXU’s otherwise bulletproof armor, it’s the battery life. Nacon promises 10+ hours per charge, which is serviceable, but feels a bit lean compared to some of the other pro controllers on the market. Granted, the included charging dock is slick and makes daily top-ups easy. Of course, the USB-C wired mode is always an option too. That said, 10-hours feels short for a controller’s battery life in 2025.
Many pro controllers often feel like a ripoff of Xbox’ Elite controller. That isn’t the case with Nacon’s Revolution X Unlimited. It’s a thoughtfully crafted piece of hardware that merges premium materials, practicality, and elite-level customization. With features like the drift-resistant sticks, near-zero latency (especially on PC), and a surprisingly useful LCD screen, it’s tailor-made for serious players who demand flexibility and performance. For casual players, it might be overkill. But for competitive gamers or those seeking a high-end controller that can be precisely dialed in for any genre, the RXU is worth every penny.
***Controller was provided to COGconnected by the publisher***
The Good
- Feels great
- Fantastic extras like the storage case
- Responsive and deep customization
- Wireless and wired mode
- Charging dock
The Bad
- Battery life isn’t the best
- A tad pricey
- App issues