Nacon REVOLUTION X Unlimited Anniversary Edition Review

The Nacon REVOLUTION X Unlimited Anniversary Edition takes a controller that already felt aimed at the enthusiast crowd and gives it a proper nostalgic coat of paint. The retro colour scheme is clearly inspired by the Xbox 360 era, and it does a great job of standing out. It’s a simple idea, but it’s an effective one, especially for a controller that’s trying to feel a bit more special than the usual premium black slab. As a big fan of the Xbox 360 who put many hours into Gears of War at launch, I was very excited to get this in my hands. Here is my review.

It’s for Xbox

This is an officially licensed “Designed for Xbox” wireless controller, and Nacon leans hard on durability and precision. The sticks use Hall Effect technology, which is now one of the most sought-after features in this category, largely because it helps prevent drift and should improve lifespan. If you’re buying a high-end pad, you want to feel like it’ll hold up, not slowly develop quirks that ruin the experience.

Wireless is handled through a dongle-based connection, with the promise being minimal latency. For competitive play, that matters. However, Bluetooth and wired connections are also available.

An elite solution

The other big upgrade over stock is the micro-switches used for the action buttons, triggers, and directional pad. They give the controller that clicky, ultra-responsive character. They feel much better than the standard, mushy variety. In shooters, that faster, more responsive feel gives a real confidence boost.

The integrated LCD screen allows quick access to settings and profiles. The Anniversary Edition pays homage to the Xbox 360 dashboard with its theming, which is an excellent touch. A dedicated PC app lets users fine-tune options further and store multiple profiles for different games.

The triggers deserve a mention as well, especially with the way the controller is clearly tuned for quick activation.

It’s big

The main drawback is still the controller’s size. It looks close enough to the standard Xbox pad, but it’s thicker, and that extra bulk can be uncomfortable depending on your hand size. If you have larger hands, you may prefer it. If you have small-to-average hands, it can start to feel like a lot over longer sessions.

When I first reviewed the standard REVOLUTION X Unlimited, battery life was notably poor. However, with this Anniversary Edition, I’m finding it less of an issue. Perhaps it was a problem with my review unit, or maybe Nacon has done something behind the scenes. Either way, this Anniversary Edition lasts longer, and the included dock makes charging a non-issue.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Nacon.