I’m slowly becoming more and more of a fan of NYXI. This peripheral company has come out of nowhere with controllers that are clearly becoming favorites. I loved my time with the company’s Pro Controller last year. And now we’re at it yet again, as they’ve sent over a pair of their much improved NYXI Hyperion models. Calling them NYXI Hyperion 2, of course.
There are some changes that are worth noting. The direct charging USB ports are gone, and some features – like IR support and HD rumble – aren’t included. But these are minor compared to the improvements. They just feel better, and that’s a huge thing in itself.
Part of that is due to the near flawless build of the JoyCon-style controllers. The Hall effect sticks continue to be amazing, and the button feel is just about right. Not to mention the light-up features, the motion compatibility, and the removable magnetic face plates. (Though we have yet to see what future plates are on the way. Hopefully some licensed ones.)
If you’re awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2, you may not give these new controllers much consideration. (We don’t know about their compatibility yet.) However, if you need new JoyCons or just want one of the best third-party peripherals out there, the NYXI Hyperion 2 awaits. These are just awesome sauce.
Take Control With NYXI Hyperion 2
Opening the box, you’ll find the two-unit NYXI Hyperion 2 waiting in a nice case. These are JoyCon-style controllers, with functionality similar to Nintendo’s controllers. However, they’re built in a very large capacity, perfect for large and small hands alike. And they’re easy to come to grips with, thanks to sharp ergonomic design.
Like previous NYXI controllers, these come with Hall effect sticks. These do away with the problematic “stick drift” problems that plague most JoyCon controllers nowadays, continuing to deliver a distinct feel. The sticks are just right, allowing you to get the right amount of movement in each game. We tried them with the Zeldagames, along with the Ninja Gaiden trilogy (respect!) and even Balatro. And each time, NYXI came through in spades with the right level of feel.
Likewise, the buttons are cool as well. They are a bit “clicky” when it comes to functionality, as you can hear when you press them in. Still, they feel just about right, and operate without missing a beat. For good measure, there are also turbo buttons on each half of the controller, so you can set them up with ease.
As far as operating like a JoyCon – turning it sideways for multiplayer games – the NYXI Hyperion 2 doesn’t disappoint. Again, that’s due to each unit’s somewhat large size. They’re much easier to use than dinky little JoyCon units. And they work just fine. Plus you can also use them for motion-based games. We had a blast with Nintendo Switch Sports, as well as House of the Dead Remake.
Again, there are features missing. IR support is gone, so the Hyperion 2 doesn’t work with Amiibos for scanning. There’s also no HD rumble, but the general rumble features aren’t bad (and you can adjust as needed). Finally, there are no USB ports on these, so you’ll need to plug them into the Switch itself and let them charge. Once they do, however, you get ten hours of play out of them – five with the lights on.
It’s not bad at all, really. A little adjustment and you’ll find the Hyperion 2 controllers to your liking.
Let’s Talk Lighting and Other Functionality
There’s a back button on this controller! I know that isn’t too big a deal for some, but it makes it a bit easier to get around certain parts of the Switch menu. Figured I’d throw that out there.
Also, I do like the magnetic face plates. Again, NYXI has yet to introduce swappable ones that are compatible with this controller. But something tells me they will soon. And, hopefully, they’ll work with some indie teams to get good faceplates out there. Imagine a Shovel Knight set!
The real draw here, however, is the lighting. This team knows how to incorporate visual effects into its controllers, and that shows here with the Hyperion 2. You can change to different patterns with a simple press of a rear button and moving the analog stick. (Just don’t do it in-game – whoops.) There are different patterns available, which set your controllers aglow. I like the rainbow ones myself (shiny!), but feel free to pick whatever colors work for you.
The programmable features are top notch as well. You can utilize the rear buttons on the controller however you see fit, and even remap with ease. An instruction booklet comes with the controller, and makes it a cinch to set things up.
There’s also a clear carrying case included. It’s no-frills, really, and a more personable design would’ve been cool. But it keeps your NYXI Hyperion 2 safe while you travel. That’s fine by me.
NYXI did price this controller at $80, which is more than the typical JoyCon controller price. That might set some of you back a little bit. However, I assure you that it’s worth it, particularly for feel alone. But the fact you get rad glowing units with extra features is a huge plus. I can’t get enough of these controllers – and am even using them to explore older games. Hey, why not? Let’s see how the Neo-Geo classics handle!
The Best Switch Controllers On the Market?
Once again, NYXI comes through with yet another smart and must-have design. The NYXI Hyperion 2 will become instant favorites, no matter what kind of gamer you are. Even if it is missing some minor stuff, it just feels incredible to use across a number of titles. Plus its compatibility is razor sharp, and you can set up extra things with very little effort.
Kudos to NYXI for continuing to nail the aspect of design. I can’t wait to see what magnetic face plates they have to offer – not to mention what’s cooking with the Nintendo Switch 2 on the way. I can’t imagine what big design will come next.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to NYXI for providing a review unit of these controllers! You can buy them right now for Nintendo Switch on their official website.
Want more controller goodness? Check out our review of NYXI’s Wireless Pro Controller and NYXI’s Wizard Controller.
