Gaming controllers come in various forms, and arguably the greatest design is the one for current platforms. The coalescence of that form has been refined over multiple console generations. In terms of emulation, retro controllers like the N64 pad, PS2 pad, and the Gamecube pad are often preferred by many people who play retro games. However, can modern controllers do just as good a job as retro pads? The increased number of buttons, comfortable grips, and precision analogue sticks are just some of the advantages of modern controllers. What about if we went further, and used premium modern controllers to play retro games via emulation or other means? In this review, I test out the HEX Gaming Rival Pro controller.
Features
The controller is compatible with PS5, PS4, Mobile, and also the 8Bitdo controller adapter (which means it can be used with the Nintendo Switch). I’ve been testing it with the Switch, playing Smash Bros Ultimate and Street Fighter 2 Turbo: The Final Challengers, as well as using it with emulators on Android to play a wide variety of games from the N64, Genesis, and Game Boy Advance libraries. The controller has numerous features that make it special.
Firstly, the controller comes with interchangeable thumbsticks. Some are larger, others smaller, some are concave and others convex. This means that you can customize your controller to the way you prefer the analogue sticks. The concave stick has a slight depression, whereas the convex stick has a small protrusion. Both are comfortable, and it is up to you which one you choose. The controller uses USB-C charging, which is a huge improvement over micro-USB. You won’t need many chargers for your devices if most use USB-C, like mine. Now, my Switch, phone, Computer, and controller all use the same charger which is convenient. You don’t need batteries with this controller, unlike some Xbox Series X/S HEX Gaming controllers. The controllers have a nice rubberized and textured finish on the grips. These are comfortable and feel super nice. Your hands won’t slip off them even if you are sweating. The shoulder buttons are also customizable. They come set with a shorter pull distance than the official PS5 controllers. This means that you will fire (if your playing a shooter) with a shorter pull distance. It can be a benefit for you, but it depends on your preference. The customization is a major asset of the controller.
Presentation
In terms of looks, there are a few options available with the Rival Pro. I went for the blue fire version. The finish is shiny, and you can see the flames on the grips. It’s an impressive look and looks high-quality. The buttons look like blue gems and have a shiny finish. I’m impressed with the look, and it is probably my best-looking controller. The triggers have a purple rainbow-like finish and look super cool. The back of the grips are textured and black, and melt into your hands are you hold them. Overall, a great-looking controller. The paddle buttons on the back of the controller have the same shiny rainbow finish and look great. The different options of colors and patterns make the Rival Pro one of the best-looking controllers that you could have in your collection. The fact that the face buttons don’t use symbols is good in my opinion since controllers that use X,Y, A,B often switch the letters in comparison with the Nintendo letters, which can confuse players. The PlayStation symbols are a solution to this, but no symbols at all is also a clever solution.
Performance
In terms of performance, I have tested the Rival Pro with sports, fighting, and role-playing games. The pad performs well with the precision and timing requirements of Smash Bros Ultimate. The analogue sticks and button press combinations lacked any lag, and I was well able to dominate opponents, both virtual and human, when playing Smash mode in Smash Bros Ultimate. My new main character, Ganondorf, was well able to pull off smash attacks. The next game I played was Street Fighter 2: The Final Challengers. It was easy to pull off special moves with the controller and movements flowed well. I played Super Mario World via an emulator. The d-pad is PlayStation style and worked well.
Conclusion
The HEX Gaming PS5 Rival Pro controller is a great PlayStation-style controller and comes with loads of customization options. Playable on Switch (via an adapter), PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, as well as emulators on Android, the controller has a vast array of games that you can use it for. If you want a premium controller, the Rival Pro should be high on your list. Unfortunately, unlike the HEX Gaming Phantom, the controller does not have a Hall Effect stick, however, it is still a high-performing option to use in competitive fighting games, racers, and shooters. I really enjoyed and respect its performance in Smash Bros Ultimate and am using it as my first choice pad for Smash Bros Ultimate. The art and options of finish on the controller are great additions. The controller looks the part of a premium controller, and its performance won’t let you down. Whether you use it as a pad for playing emulated games or a pad for competitive play on original hardware, the Rival Pro is a great choice.
BongoBongo123 is an avid Zelda fan who also likes the odd game of Smash. His interests in gaming are broad but he loves a good Metroidvania or action RPGs.
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