It wasn't that long ago that Xbox Series X|S owners could only use official Microsoft controllers for wireless play. Outside of modded options from brands like Scuf, the Xbox Wireless Controller and Elite Series 2 Controllers were the only choices. And while Microsoft's official controllers are quite good, it's always nice to have different models to choose from. So it was a great development when Microsoft opened its wireless protocol to licensed manufacturers. Over the past two years, the market for wireless third-party Xbox controllers has actually become a bit crowded. The latest notable Elite Series 2 challenger to enter the pro-style controller ring is the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited.
Nacon previously released a PS5 pro-style controller in 2023 called the Revolution 5 Pro. Though the latest member of the Revolution lineup has some familiar features--the interchangeable weights, for instance--the Revolution X Unlimited does have components not found on Revolution 5 Pro. Most notably, the Xbox edition adds a built-in LCD display and has two swappable D-pads--the Revolution 5 Pro has a custom fighting game-centric D-pad.
The built-in customization screen is a handy feature that we've seen in a few other controllers, including Turtle Beach's Stealth Ultra. It works well, allowing you to remap inputs and create custom profiles. If you plug a wired headset into the 3.5mm audio jack, you can tinker with the EQ settings and game/chat balance directly on the controller. I found the onboard controls helpful since the Revolution X Unlimited software app for Xbox and PC is a bit buggy at the moment, especially on Xbox, where the app crashed while trying to adjust settings. On the flip side, I didn't run into any problems while using the built-in screen.
In terms of feel, the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited accomplishes the task of feeling like a high-end controller. The Hall Effect sticks have a smooth, precise range of motion, and the microswitch face buttons are quick and deliver satisfying feedback. The weighting system is one of the coolest features, especially since part of the reason why Microsoft's Elite Series 2 feels so good is because of its weight distribution. The Revolution X Unlimited's textured grips on the back of the handles can be popped off to switch between the three different weight sets, allowing users to find their preferred "heftiness."
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited Controller for Xbox/PC/Android
The only aspect of the Revolution X Unlimited that I've found very difficult to get accustomed to is the unique shape and placement of the remappable back buttons. The lower pair of back buttons are shaped like right triangles and positioned near the bottom of the handles. The upper pair of buttons are quadrilateral with irregular sides.
The shapes are peculiar, but the low placement is what makes them feel quite different compared to many pro-style controllers with back buttons. Typically, my middle and ring fingers naturally rest on the back buttons of similar controllers, including the Elite Series 2 and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro for Xbox/PC. With the Revolution X Unlimited, my normal hand placement set my ring and pinky fingers on the back buttons, which felt awkward. As such, I had to shift my grip downward slightly. If you're used to other pro-style controllers with four back buttons, the Revolution X Unlimited likely won't be easy to use at first. Even after testing it for a few weeks, I still find the layout to be disorienting.
Outside of the back button placement--which could maybe be more comfortable for players with larger hands--the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited's feature set and components are solid. Along with the adjustable weights, it comes with six rubberized stick caps, two pairs of resistance rings for the sticks, two metal D-pads, a charging stand, and a nice hardshell carrying case to hold everything. It also benefits from adjustable trigger locks, two extra shoulder buttons, and immersive rumble thanks to motors located in both the handles and triggers.
If the back buttons were more conventional, the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited might have eclipsed the Wolverine V3 Pro as my favorite Elite Series 2 alternative. If you think the back buttons on the Elite Series 2 and other controllers are too close together or located too high, the Revolution X Unlimited might work out well for you. That said, if you're anything like me, you may wind up viewing it as a controller with only two back buttons--I have abandoned the bottom two buttons and only sparingly use the other two. Considering back buttons are arguably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about pro-style controllers, this potential concession is a big one.
The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited is available now for $200, the same MSRP as the Wolverine V3 Pro and the Elite Series 2 following Microsoft's recent price increase. That said, you can get the Elite Series 2 for $159 at Amazon right now.
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Nacon previously released a PS5 pro-style controller in 2023 called the Revolution 5 Pro. Though the latest member of the Revolution lineup has some familiar features--the interchangeable weights, for instance--the Revolution X Unlimited does have components not found on Revolution 5 Pro. Most notably, the Xbox edition adds a built-in LCD display and has two swappable D-pads--the Revolution 5 Pro has a custom fighting game-centric D-pad.
The built-in customization screen is a handy feature that we've seen in a few other controllers, including Turtle Beach's Stealth Ultra. It works well, allowing you to remap inputs and create custom profiles. If you plug a wired headset into the 3.5mm audio jack, you can tinker with the EQ settings and game/chat balance directly on the controller. I found the onboard controls helpful since the Revolution X Unlimited software app for Xbox and PC is a bit buggy at the moment, especially on Xbox, where the app crashed while trying to adjust settings. On the flip side, I didn't run into any problems while using the built-in screen.
In terms of feel, the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited accomplishes the task of feeling like a high-end controller. The Hall Effect sticks have a smooth, precise range of motion, and the microswitch face buttons are quick and deliver satisfying feedback. The weighting system is one of the coolest features, especially since part of the reason why Microsoft's Elite Series 2 feels so good is because of its weight distribution. The Revolution X Unlimited's textured grips on the back of the handles can be popped off to switch between the three different weight sets, allowing users to find their preferred "heftiness."
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited Controller for Xbox/PC/Android
The only aspect of the Revolution X Unlimited that I've found very difficult to get accustomed to is the unique shape and placement of the remappable back buttons. The lower pair of back buttons are shaped like right triangles and positioned near the bottom of the handles. The upper pair of buttons are quadrilateral with irregular sides.
The shapes are peculiar, but the low placement is what makes them feel quite different compared to many pro-style controllers with back buttons. Typically, my middle and ring fingers naturally rest on the back buttons of similar controllers, including the Elite Series 2 and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro for Xbox/PC. With the Revolution X Unlimited, my normal hand placement set my ring and pinky fingers on the back buttons, which felt awkward. As such, I had to shift my grip downward slightly. If you're used to other pro-style controllers with four back buttons, the Revolution X Unlimited likely won't be easy to use at first. Even after testing it for a few weeks, I still find the layout to be disorienting.
Outside of the back button placement--which could maybe be more comfortable for players with larger hands--the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited's feature set and components are solid. Along with the adjustable weights, it comes with six rubberized stick caps, two pairs of resistance rings for the sticks, two metal D-pads, a charging stand, and a nice hardshell carrying case to hold everything. It also benefits from adjustable trigger locks, two extra shoulder buttons, and immersive rumble thanks to motors located in both the handles and triggers.
If the back buttons were more conventional, the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited might have eclipsed the Wolverine V3 Pro as my favorite Elite Series 2 alternative. If you think the back buttons on the Elite Series 2 and other controllers are too close together or located too high, the Revolution X Unlimited might work out well for you. That said, if you're anything like me, you may wind up viewing it as a controller with only two back buttons--I have abandoned the bottom two buttons and only sparingly use the other two. Considering back buttons are arguably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about pro-style controllers, this potential concession is a big one.
The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited is available now for $200, the same MSRP as the Wolverine V3 Pro and the Elite Series 2 following Microsoft's recent price increase. That said, you can get the Elite Series 2 for $159 at Amazon right now.
Source