The new Nacon Pro Compact controller is an officially licensed Xbox controller that is compatible with Xbox Series X|S consoles and Windows PCs.

Featuring a 3M cable, this should offer enough reach for most console setups and avoids you having to worry about batteries. The 3.5mm headphone jack is then also Dolby Atmos surround sound compatible.

Features

• Designed for Xbox – Officially licensed wired controller for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. PC compatible.
• Universal ergonomics – 15% smaller than classic game controller to fit a wide range of hand sizes. Textured grip ensured comfort and stability during long gaming sessions.
• Customisation at your fingertips – Pro Compact companion App available on Microsoft Store for Advanced game mode customisation – programmable buttons, stick settings and trigger sensitivity controls – like a true professional controller.
• Dolby Atmos for Headphones – Unleash the power of Dolby Atmos on your games with the included activation. Download the Dolby Atmos App, plug your headphone to your controller and make audio precision your competitive edge.
• Not Wireless: but has a long 3M cable

In Use

The big thing about this controller is that it is not wireless, which is obviously not ideal depending on your seating arrangement. In my living room, I’d prefer not to have a cable running across the room. However, the cable is 3M long so can still work well with couch/TV arrangements vs desktop gaming.

The wired cable obviously means you don’t have to worry about the battery life, which could be a big bonus for some people. The official Xbox controller is wireless but, for some maddening reason, uses AA batteries, forcing most people to then have to buy a play and charge kit, which adds another £35 to the price.

I predominantly game on the PC on a desktop; while wires are annoying, it is less annoying than dead batteries, and I have always used wired controllers on the PC. So, I am quite happy with it.

The controller itself feels good and fits nicely in my hand, as the compact name suggests, this is a bit smaller than the normal Xbox controller (though not considerably so). The compact nature of this will likely be one of the reasons why some people buy it, and others avoid it. I have average-sized hands, and it works well for me, I have not had any issues such as cramping or achiness from extending gaming on it.

PC gamers get additional functionality via the windows app, allowing them to customise various aspects of it. This including re-mapping your buttons which can be quite handy for things like emulators. You can then tweak the response curve of both the D-pads and the trigger sensitivity  

Price and Alternative Options

The Nacon Pro Compact costs €49.90/£44.99 either direct from Nacon or currently available via Smyths Toys in the UK.

The official Xbox Wireless Controller is currently £47 on Amazon, so at first, the Nacon seems quite expensive, but the Play and Charge Kit will set you back another £35, so the final cost of a wireless charger with rechargeable batteries is £82+

The well-reviewed PowerA FUSION Pro Wired Controller is £68.99, or the standard PowerA Wired is £49.99, so the Nacon is priced competitive vs official third party controllers.

Nacon Pro Compact Controller Review – Overall

The wired connectivity may seem like a negative point, but the high price of the additional plug and play kit for the normal controller and the general annoyingness of keeping controllers charged makes a wired controller quite appealing.

The RRP of €49.90/£44.99, feels a touch high, considering this is wired, but this feels and performs like a premium controller and is cheaper than other official third-party options.

Overall, if you are looking for a relatively affordable controller, and have a preference for either smaller controllers or wired connectivity, then the Nacon is an excellent choice.

Posted by Mighty Gadget Blog: UK Technology News and Reviews