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HexGaming Rival Pro PS5 Controller Review

Back in the day, you know… in early 2010, customizing controllers for both new and old consoles was all the rage. Even though the PlayStation 5 has been out for nearly two full years, I’ve yet to see this same level of accessory customization readily available on the market. Fortunately, HexGaming is trying to bridge this gap. I’ve been able to spend the last few weeks with the Hex Rival Pro PS5 controller and let me tell you, it’s great. What makes it so special? You’re about to find out.

It’s worth noting that the Rival Pro controller is exactly the same as the typical DualSense controller. It just has extra bells and whistles. It has the same shape, design, etc. HexGaming uses the original DualSense controller to modify and create their masterpieces. It certainly doesn’t feel like a controller taken apart and put together. None of the parts feel flimsy even remotely. In fact, it feels incredibly well made. I am confident that barring intentional damage from gaming rage, this Rival Pro controller will last a long, long time.

Insanely eye-catching

Part of what makes the Rival Pro controller so appealing is that it’s insanely stylish. There are a few options offered by HexGaming with the Rival Pro controller, but the one I used is bright white with a $100 bills imprint on the front. It is obvious. And while it’s very aesthetically pleasing due to its bright color and design, there are a few other details about this controller that will make you even more excited.

It features silver buttons, silver triggers, white customizable analog sticks and an attached back panel with 4 additional white buttons for your fingers to rest on with ease. No USB cable is included, but this HexGaming Rival Pro PS5 controller comes with 4 extra sticks (6 in total) that are easy to put on and take off. They are convex and concave and have different heights, making them suitable for all your gaming needs. That said, you don’t have to worry about these coming off mid-game as the sticks just need a little extra pressure to pull. I actually preferred these analog sticks over the original DualSense sticks as I found them a bit more comfortable to use.

Add-on options

The Rival Pro controller also has a textured gray grip on the back of the handles. No matter how long you play, a slip never happens. It’s quite subtle and really balances out the smoothness of the rest of the controller. The triggers offer a clicking, tactile mouse button sound as an added bonus. So are the 4 extra back buttons, so it’s certainly satisfying to use.

In addition to the customizable analog sticks, an optional mod is now available with the Rival Pro controller. The 4 back buttons (titled K1 to K4) are fully programmable. A few pushes of the button and you’re off to the races. Pairing is quite easy. It requires you to hold down the back button in the center of the back panel and then compare which button you want to map to the one you want. There will be a light that flashes and you are good to go. Practice makes perfect here.

Somewhat busy grip

My problem with these back buttons is that the K1 and K2 buttons get in the way where my fingers naturally sit with my grip. The controller and buttons are just as ergonomically designed as the DualSense. However, the positioning of these rear buttons could have been a little better thought out. Some of us have slightly larger hands, with longer fingers. I discovered several times after mapping the buttons that I would accidentally press one of the back buttons and throw a grenade or use a skill at exactly the wrong time. I got used to them being there after a while, it just wasn’t ideal.

The Rival Pro controller has a welcome mod for competitive players: limited, tight triggers. Significantly less pull is required – HexGaming claims that R1 and L1 have an activation distance of 0.5mm (decreased from 1.2mm) and R2 and L2 have an activation distance of just 2mm (decreased from 7mm). This is a huge difference compared to the original DualSense controller. And it does indeed make a difference in firefights in Call of Duty, Battlefield, Destiny or Overwatch etc.

Pricey and specific

If shooting games are the only genre you play, the Rival Pro is no problem. However, if you’re like most gamers out there, and like to play a wider variety of titles, it might not be right for you. HexGaming says these triggers don’t work for racing games, but that’s not all. You might also find that these hair triggers push aside the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that are a huge selling point of the original PS5 DualSense controller. It would have been helpful to have the ability to turn these hair triggers on and off. Not all gamers out there play shooters strictly.

Overall, the Rival Pro controller is fascinating and its performance in shooters is unmatched on PS5. It is easy to use and satisfying to listen to the trigger clicks. It is the ultimate companion for multiplayer shooters and will give you an edge every time. That said, at $289 USD pre-tax, it’s expensive. Especially considering the back buttons that can sometimes get in the way and the option to lock and unlock the hair triggers isn’t an option. As a result, it’s hard to recommend the Rival Pro controller to casual gamers. The same goes for those who don’t strictly play shooter titles. For those who play competitively, want to use a modified controller that looks super slick, or anyone who isn’t concerned about their wallet, the PS5 Rival Pro controller is a real treat.

***The product is supplied by the manufacturer***

The good

  • Aesthetically brilliant
  • Highly customizable
  • Really improves the experience

85

The bad

  • Button placement on the back
  • Expensive
  • No USB cable