After reviewing the HEX Gaming Phantom controller, which was based on a PS5 controller, I’m now reviewing the Ultra X Controller, which is based on an Xbox Series X/S controller. Again, the controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch (via an 8Bitdo adapter, which I’m using) and a number of other systems. It is a great controller to use for emulation on a phone, as it’s compatible with Android. This particular controller is the Galaxy Purple version. The controller retails for $189.99. This is considerably cheaper than the Phantom controller, which was $229.99. worthy of note is that the Ultra X controller doesn’t have hall-effect sticks. Read on for a short review of the HEX Gaming Ultra X controller.
Batteries
The Ultra X controller, as a controller designed based around the official Xbox Series X controller, has a few differences compared to the Phantom controller (which is designed around the PS5 controller). This includes how it is powered. The Ultra X controller uses two AA batteries that last up to 30 hours. This results in about a week of on/off play. No batteries are included, and the AA batteries can’t be charged. You can buy an optional rechargeable battery pack, but it’s not as easy as simply charging with a USB-C cable, like with PS5 controllers. Overall, I was disappointed with this setup and find using rechargeable battery packs much more convenient. The fact that Xbox controllers still use disposable batteries in 2025 is surprising to me. However, you can power the controller directly with a plugged-in USB (connected to the console). This bypasses the need for batteries and is a nice alternative.
Grip and Buttons
The controller is very comfortable. It uses textured grips, similarly to the Phantom controller. However, this time the handles of the controller are contoured to fit your hand. The controller is a lot more comfortable than the Phantom controller. This could be due to the fact that it is designed based on the Xbox Series X/S controller, which could be argued is a more ergonomic design. The controller sits nicely in your hands. The design rivals the official Gamecube controller in terms of how comfortable it is to hard. It really is a marvel to get hands-on with.
In terms of buttons, the four face buttons are labelled A,B,X,Y in the configuration of Xbox controllers as opposed to Nintendo controllers. This is irritating to those who are used to the Nintendo controller layout. However, the buttons are incredibly responsive and feel great. The d-pad is clicky and probably the nicest d-pad I’ve felt on an Xbox-style controller. Similarly to the Phantom controller, the analogue sticks are adjustable with interchangeable heads. There are spare heads that come with the controller. This offers high levels of customization. The triggers (both sets) are things of beauty on this Galaxy Purple version of the Ultra X controller. Overall, the buttons are some of the nicest that I’ve used on any controller, ever.
Form Factor
Whether you prefer the Xbox or Playstation style of modern controller, the origins of the two different styles of layout and ergonomics can be traced back to the Playstation 2, Xbox, and Gamecube era. At the beginning of this era, around 2002, the ‘duke’ Xbox controller, a large controller that generally adhered to the modern formula, was replaced with a smaller, more compact version. The official Gamecube controller was also similar to modern controllers. This was a departure from the three-pronged controller of the N64. The grips of the GameCube controller were comfortable and felt like they melted into your hand (in a good way). The PS2 controller was an ancestor of the current PS5 controller and was quite similar to the PS1 controller. Since the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube generations, controllers have slowly evolved. With the addition of motion controls being a huge addition. The Ultra X wears this ancestry on its sleeve, and for comfort, exceeds the controllers of that generation and the Phantom that I reviewed a few weeks ago. Whether the analogue sticks are as good as the Phantom is yet to be seen. The Ultra X does not have hall-effect sticks, unlike the Phantom.
Conclusion
Overall, the HEX Gaming Ultra X controller is a great, premium, Xbox-style controller. While Hall-effect sticks are not a feature, the controller has some of the nicest buttons that I’ve ever tested, both in terms of aesthetics and function. The shoulder buttons are comfortable, the controller is quite small, and it feels like it melts into your hand, similar to the GameCube controller. This makes it super comfortable. I tested it with Street Fighter 2, Smash Ultimate, and FIFA, and it was a great gameplay experience. While I wouldn’t rate the Ultra X controller as highly as the Phantom in terms of function, in terms of comfort, it ranks even higher than the Phantom. I think what your choice should come down to is if you prefer the Playstation or Xbox style of controller. For comfort, I would always go for the Ultra X. Remember, this controller is compatible with Android, PC, and Xbox SeriesX/S (also compatible with PS5 and Switch via an 8bitdo adapter).
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.