Precision Gaming: The $245 PS5 Controller’s Solution to Stick Drift

French gaming accessory distributor Nacon has recently opened preorders for its Revolution 5 Pro controller, compatible with PS5, PS4, and PC. This officially licensed gaming accessory boasts a sleek design and is priced at €229 or approximately $245, which is about half the cost of a new PlayStation 5. While the price might seem steep for a controller, it aims to address a common issue that has plagued many modern controllers: stick drift.

Stick drift, characterized by unintended and phantom joystick movements that impact in-game actions, has been a persistent problem. Nintendo has offered free repairs for Joy-Con drift issues, and Sony has similarly covered drifting DualSense controllers under warranty. However, there have been limited permanent fixes for this problem.

Nacon has taken a different approach to tackle stick drift by using contactless magnet technology, powered by the Hall effect phenomenon, to track the movement of its analog joysticks and triggers. This sets it apart from the typical Joy-Con or DualSense controllers, which rely on degradable potentiometers and springs.

According to Nacon, the Revolution 5 Pro controller offers revolutionary features to enhance precision and gaming performance, particularly optimized for the PS5. It boasts an enriched configuration interface, an improved ergonomic modular design, and premium materials for exceptional comfort.

In addition to using magnetic Hall effect technology for its sticks, this controller also employs magnets for its trigger stops. The unique-looking d-pad is said to have been developed in collaboration with a sponsored fighting game player, promising exceptional control and precision. The controller offers approximately 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is comparable to the DualSense controller’s performance (around 12 hours).

Like many high-end “pro” or “elite” controllers, the Revolution 5 Pro is modular and customizable. It offers various components that users can swap in and out to suit their preferences, including “four profiles saved per platform, three sets of weights, three stick sizes, three sets of stick heads, one external microphone jack, and no less than 60 customization options,” according to Nacon. This level of customization allows gamers to tailor the controller to their exact preferences.