The Nacon Revolution 5 Unlimited is a premium, highly customisable PS5 controller that replaces the DualSense touch pad with a built-in control screen, a first for an officially licensed PS5 controller. Priced at around £180, it earned a 4.5/5 verdict.
Design and key differences from DualSense
This weighty unit features a thick black Xbox-style design and feels worth its premium price. It ditches the touch pad entirely, which may feel odd to players accustomed to using it in PS5 gaming. However, beyond that adjustment, the R5U offers extensive customisation.
The controller includes a built-in control screen where the DualSense touch pad would be, allowing players to adjust audio mixing, joystick sensitivity, shortcut mapping, and controller system settings without leaving their game.
TMR joysticks and instant triggers
At the heart of the controller, TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) magnetic technology debuts on the joysticks. This uses contact-free magnetic sensors that measure resistance variations at the quantum scale, providing pinpoint accuracy and eliminating the risk of stick drift.
The main buttons offer an ultra-short, instant click similar to e-sports mice, aiming to give a millisecond edge in online multiplayer. Instant Triggers technology lets players reduce trigger travel with a flick at the back, switching between a long analog pull for racing games and an ultra-short click for FPS games.
Remappable shortcut buttons, labelled S1 to S6, are located across the top and back, allowing complex actions without releasing the joysticks.
Customisation and accessories
The box includes a variety of tweakables: different sized weights for the handles, alternative thumb stick heads, and an interchangeable D-pad between a classic 4-way design and a rollable one. A dedicated PC mode button reduces latency for eSports fans, and an R5U app on a phone allows fine-tuning of gameplay.
The controller comes with a dedicated charging dock equipped with magnetic Pogo Pins and a USB pass-through port for the wireless dongle, enabling charging and connecting in the same place. Battery life is not a concern, according to the review.
Overall, this is a well-built and highly customisable controller that offers PS5 fans a different shape and design from the DualSense norm. It is pricey at around £180, but pro gamers will appreciate its feel and adaptability.
