PS5 players finally have a “pro” controller thanks to the DualSense Edge, a highly competent offering from Sony. Options aren’t plentiful, but with third-party companies leading the charge, players can choose from different styles and features rather than settling for the default controller.

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is one such controller that players can look into, offering extreme customizability at the cost of some features that seem like a missed opportunity to create a complete package.

What’s in the Box

Here’s what you get with the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro Review:

• Nacon Revolution 5 Pro Controller
• Storage Case
• Accessory Storage Box
• 2 D-Pads
• 6 Weights (2x 10g, 2x 14g, 2x 16g)
• 1 External Microphone
• 3m USB-C Cable
• 6 Joystick Heads (2 concave, 4 convex)
• USB Dongle

It’s a pretty complete package, all things considered. The controller storage case could use a design overhaul, but anything and everything you’ll need to use and customize your newly purchased controller is within reach.

Compared to the DualSense Edge, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro has weights that can be placed to adjust its weight, which some players may appreciate. Additionally, the ability to change the d-pad face is also very welcome. Both features are missing from the DualSense Edge, which already gives it a slight advantage depending on your priorities.

Design and Feel

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is its offset analog layout, replicating an “Xbox” feel over the typical PlayStation symmetrical form factor. While this won’t probably bother most people, some prefer one over the other, so this is one consideration. Speaking of analog sticks, the controller is equipped with hall-effect technology, removing the risk of stick drift, which the DualSense Edge may have partly solved due to its replaceable analog sticks.

Because it features an asymmetrical layout, games that use the D-Pad for whatever purpose will face a bit of trouble using it because they cannot reach it using their pointer finger easily. I had trouble moving and switching items simultaneously in Stellar Blade, where I’d need to use my right hand to reach over quickly. The rounded D-Pad attachment meant that I had a number of accidental presses along the way and wasn’t as responsive compared to its normal form factor, so I switched over and didn’t look back.

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is well-built and feels good in hand, and despite it looking a bit bulkier, it mimics the DualSense shape almost to a tee. There are side grooves that feel grippier than the DualSense Edge, and the overall texture feels smooth and slick to the touch but also very prone to smudge marks. The face buttons are also larger and feel good to press, but the default analog caps are quite slippery, so it would be advisable to change them right away.

One of the more noticeable differences between the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro and the DualSense Edge is its raised L2 and R2 triggers, which I surprisingly fell in love with upon first press. Its raised form factor helped me “find” the triggers faster coming from L1/R1, and its default resistance felt good and smooth. Both triggers are also filled with small dots that provide a nice feel.

Taking one step backward, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro has 4 clicky back buttons that, while positioned surprisingly where your fingers can comfortably reach, cannot be customized. Unlike the DualSense Edge, where you can choose between lever or half-dome configurations, you’ll have no luxury of choice here. They feel flat and don’t stand out too much, especially the S3 and S4 buttons, which are prone to accidental presses due to their placement right at the bottom.

On the top, you’ll notice a grooved USB-C connection, which could spell trouble for players using a wider USB-C charging cable than the one provided. At the front are the usual PlayStation suspects, like the touchpad and share button, while a bevy of controls like volume and profile can be found at the back.

Features

For all of its customization options, it’s a misstep that the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is lacking a few very basic features, most of which are software-related.

It sounds like a very minor nitpick, but the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro cannot turn on the PS5. I can’t tell you the number of times I pressed the PS button and waited, only to find out 5 minutes later that I hadn’t turned it on. In a nutshell, it doesn’t have software integration with the PS5, which basically means you cannot switch settings during gameplay, unlike the DualSense Edge.

Adding to this is that both haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are not present at all, despite the controller having a PS5 mode. Mileage may vary for both features, especially for adaptive triggers, but when implemented well (Returnal, Horizon Forbidden West, and more), these can add to and elevate the overall experience.

To top it off, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro doesn’t come with a built-in mic, but it does come with an external microphone as an attachment. The controller pairs to the PS5 via a USB-A dongle or a USB-C wired cable, and its Bluetooth feature is exclusively used for connecting a capable headset.

Due to the lack of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it does run longer than the DualSense Edge, giving me around 9–10 hours of playtime with Stellar Blade and other titles on a single charge. Compared to the 4-6 hours of the Edge, the Nacon passes this particular test swimmingly.

Customizability

As mentioned earlier, you can choose to customize the D-Pad, analog sticks, and how heavy it is with the included weights. I personally liked the standard D-Pad over the rounded one because I felt more in control of my direction presses, and for the analog caps, which can be used in any combination with each other, I preferred the raised and rounded ones as they felt more accurate.

As for the weights, this feature is certainly something not everybody will appreciate. The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is solid enough for me, so adding weights was unnecessary. When I tried adding them, it felt nice, but I also had to pause for a bit after a long session due to the added weight and pressure it had. I can understand how a much more weighty and solid-feeling product feels and how some players may like it that way, but I preferred using it without them.

Without direct integration with the PS5, unlike the DualSense Edge, further customizing the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro will require hooking the controller up to your PC and downloading the software from the website. There’s no way to remap the buttons wirelessly, so grab your cable and connect away.

The app has a ton of features, allowing players to change key bindings, adjust profiles, dead zones, triggers, and even the LED light colors. It’s pretty exhaustive, which is a sign of good software, and players who like tinkering around with settings will have a field day with the app.

There are some features of the controller you can fiddle around with using the multifunction button located on the top, but finding out what this button actually does might take a bit because the included paperwork doesn’t explain it at all except to show a quick start guide that’s very basic and almost of no use.

Thankfully, Nacon themselves have put out a tutorial video about it, but even so, this won’t answer all your customization needs, and it is still better to tinker with it via the PC software, which is obviously something the DualSense Edge will have as an advantage because of its direct integration into the PS5 software.

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro Review Verdict: Wait for it…

The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a solid offering for players who are looking for a premium piece of hardware with a ton of customization. It has better battery life, a solid build, and most importantly, hall effect technology, which could save you repair money in the long run.

Sadly, clocking in at almost the same price as Sony’s own DualSense Edge at $199, the lack of direct software integration with the PS5 felt like it was missing a key piece of the puzzle. It can’t turn the PS5 on, and you can’t tinker around with settings directly on the PS5, which the DualSense Edge can, so tweaking the controller will require a PC to unlock its full potential.

Despite that, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro can stand toe to toe in the performance department, and for players looking outside of Sony’s own products to elevate their gaming experience, this controller is a good option to consider.

*The Nacon Revolution 5 Pro was provided for review by the distributor. You can get your own Nacon Revolution 5 Pro now for ₱12,495.00 or