While the Nacon Evol-X Pro controller for Xbox may initially attract buyers with its budget-friendly price, a closer look reveals significant drawbacks. In contrast, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate offers a more compelling option within the same price range.
Pros:
- The pleasant feel of face and shoulder buttons.
- Multiple design options are available.
Cons:
- The overall sensation of cheapness.
- Mushy triggers and slippery analog sticks.
- Uncomfortably bright lighting in the LED model.
Comparison and Recommendation:
Despite the Nacon controller’s attractive aspects, its substantial drawbacks, particularly the poor quality of sticks and triggers, lead us to recommend the HyperX Clutch Gladiate instead.
In summary, for those seeking a reliable and ergonomic Xbox controller within the same price range, the HyperX Clutch Gladiate stands out as a superior choice, providing a more satisfying gaming experience.
Critical Evaluation: Nacon Evol-X Pro Xbox Controller
The Nacon Evol-X Pro for Xbox marks a departure from the brand’s usual quality-affordability balance, causing disappointment.
Size and Comfort Issues:
Upon initial contact, the controller’s larger size becomes evident, demanding larger-than-average hands for comfortable extended play sessions.
Performance Flaws:
During gameplay, issues arise with sensitive analog sticks and slippery triggers due to their large, sloped design. Despite sturdy face and shoulder buttons, these problems mar the overall gaming experience.
| Aspect | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Size | Relatively large |
| Comfort | Challenging for smaller hands |
| Analog Sticks | Overly sensitive |
| Triggers | Slippery due to large, sloped design |
| Face/Shoulder Buttons | Sturdy, providing some redeeming quality |
The Nacon Evol-X Pro disappoints, deviating from the brand’s usual standards. With size and performance issues, it falls short of delivering a satisfactory gaming experience.
Evaluation of Nacon Evol-X Pro Controller: Price and Recommendations
Price and Availability:
The Nacon Evol-X Pro controller is priced at £27.99 and is currently exclusive to Nacon’s UK and Europe stores. Unfortunately, it’s not yet available in the US or Australia.
Affordability and Color Options:
At first glance, the £27.99 price tag seems budget-friendly, making it one of the most inexpensive officially licensed Xbox controllers. It comes in three color options: standard black, carbon black, and LED Pro.
Recommendation:
Despite its tempting price, we advise exploring other Xbox controllers in the same range. The HyperX Clutch Gladiate, priced at $34.99 / £29.99, offers a superior gaming experience, as highlighted in our best Xbox controllers guide.
Analysis of Nacon Evol-X Pro Design and Features
Initial Impressions:
Upon unboxing the Evol-X Pro, its larger size raises eyebrows, posing challenges for average-sized hands. The grips and triggers feel uncomfortably massive, creating an awkward space between thumbs and analog sticks.
Controller Elements:
While the chassis and triggers present size concerns, the face and shoulder buttons, along with the d-pad, offer a satisfactory feel. Essential buttons like Home, Menu, and Share are conveniently placed, requiring minimal thumb extension.
Additional Features:
The controller includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and programmable back buttons. However, opting for the LED Pro model reveals a lackluster design, with LEDs placed haphazardly, conveying a cheap and hastily assembled appearance.
Comparison with GameSir T4 Kaleid:
Contrastingly, the GameSir T4 Kaleid impresses with a gold-on-black circuit board and tasteful RGB strips. Unlike the overly bright LEDs on the Evol-X Pro, the GameSir T4 Kaleid achieves a visually pleasing aesthetic without sacrificing brightness.
In conclusion, while the Evol-X Pro excels in certain design aspects, its flaws, especially in the LED model, suggest exploring alternatives for a more satisfying gaming experience.
Evaluation of Evol-X Pro Performance
Overall Feel:
Despite forgiving design flaws for good gameplay, the Evol-X Pro disappoints, as its cheap-feeling design extends to performance.
Analog Sticks:
The analog sticks, though free from drift, feel overly sensitive and slippery, posing challenges in precise movements essential for games like Lies of P and A Hat in Time.
Triggers:
Triggers are notably mushy, affecting gameplay in shooters like PUBG: Battlegrounds and Remnant 2. The absence of trigger stops leads to unresponsiveness, particularly in games requiring single-shot or semi-auto fire.
Recommendation:
Considering its performance limitations, the Evol-X Pro may not be suitable for games demanding precise inputs, such as Street Fighter 6 and Guilty Gear Strive. Exploring alternative controllers is advised for a more responsive gaming experience.
| Aspect | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Analog Sticks | Sensitive, slippery, but free from drift |
| Triggers | Mushy, lack of trigger stops affects responsiveness |
| Recommended Use | Not suitable for games requiring precise inputs |
Decision Guide: Nacon Evol-X Pro Controller
Evaluation Summary:
While the Evol-X Pro excels in face buttons, shoulder buttons, and d-pad quality, its overall recommendation is hindered by affordability being its primary advantage. Comparable options, such as the HyperX Clutch Gladiate and 8BitDo Pro 2, surpass it in various aspects.
Consider Buying If:
You’re on a tight budget: The Evol-X Pro is impressively affordable, albeit at the expense of overall quality. It remains among the cheapest officially-licensed Xbox controllers available.
Think Twice If:
You seek precise controls: The Evol-X Pro’s modules lack the immediacy and responsiveness crucial for optimal gaming, making alternatives a better choice.
| Aspect | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Face Buttons, Shoulder Buttons, D-pad | High quality |
| Affordability | Impressive, among the cheapest |
| Competitors | HyperX Clutch Gladiate, 8BitDo Pro 2 outclass it |
| Precision Controls | Lacks immediacy and responsiveness |