Vitals
Connection: Integrated USB cable
Wireless: No
Cable Length: 3 meters
Headset jack: Yes
Surround Sound: Dolby Atmos for Headphones
The NACON Pro Compact controller has been on the market since 2021, providing an excellent budget option over on the Xbox brand. After adding two camo designs in 2022, we now have another redesign to look at.
The Pro Compact Colourlight’s main difference is that it is housed in a see-through shell, which allows you to see the inner workings of the controller. It also has six LEDs, which give the pad a nice glow and unique look. There are various pre-set colour designs that you can cycle through via a small button at the back, allowing you to mix up the aesthetic of the controller.
However, if you want to get crazy and customise the look to fit your specific taste, you can download the app on either the Xbox or Windows store and choose between any of the 25 available colours for each of the six sections. This allows you to be more creative and really make it your own. This is especially cool if you are like myself and prefer to game in dark spaces.
The other change from the original design is that the plastic finish is more glossy than the matte you will be accustomed to. This isn’t a negative per se, but it was something that I noted during my playtime as it was noticeably different from both the official Xbox controller and the original version of the Pro Compact. I still found it maintained a premium feel, much like the original version.
In terms of the design, the most impressive part to me was the analog sticks. They are very sturdy and the grips have a real premium feel to them. Back on PlayStation 4, I used a really expensive Scuf controller and having used both, I’d take these sticks all day. The D-pad is no slouch either, although its slightly diminished size may prove a bit of an issue for those with big hands.
Something that struck me as a little odd was the size of the face buttons. They always performed well while carrying out our review, but at an immediate glance, they do feel a little oversized when everything else is so neat. In keeping with the controller’s compact design, the triggers feel very unique, being smaller in size, but also functioning well.
This is a hard-wired controller and comes with a 3m USB lead which should be ample enough in length for most gaming setups. The cable itself is durable and well-made. It also comes with a velcro cable tie allowing you to neatly store it when not in use.
Another aspect of the controller I was impressed with during our testing was the vibration. Often, third-party controllers lack a decent rumble motor, but that is not the case here. An audio jack is also present at the bottom of the controller, in a similar position to the official Xbox controller should you wish to plug in a gaming headset.
Where the Nacon Pro Compact controller sets itself apart from the official Xbox pad is in its customisation options through Nacon’s own software. Here you can not only customise dead zones on the analog sticks but change the sensitivity of the sticks. Presets include settings designed for FPS games and more. You can even turn off vibration altogether should you want a more calm experience.
Pricing is also on point. The RRP is £39.99, which given the excellent built quality, ample cable length and customisation options feels like a steal against other premium third-party controllers. Many of you will have that nice blue, green or red Xbox pad that you love, but with the Pro Compact Colourlight you can switch the design up yourself, and as long as you don’t mind the cable you never need to worry about running out of charge.
-Craig
