Over the past year, HexGaming has released a variety of custom PS5 controllers aimed at competitive gamers. I tested a few early models, and while they were good, it was hard to recommend spending nearly $300 on a controller. The latest edition, the Rival Pro, somewhat addresses this issue, as the controllers start at $200. Granted, only the matte black color scheme is available at this price – others are a lot more expensive. For example, the “White Wave Red” model I tested costs $290. In terms of feel and performance, the Rival Pro is about as good as the Scuf Reflex Pro, our pick for the best PS5 Pro-style controller. The Rival Pro is a great PS5 controller for multiplayer games thanks to its assignable triggers on the back and improved grip. However, if you’re up to the task, you’d better customize your own DualSense controller. You can even create your own Rival Pro.
While it’s not made clear on the controller’s Amazon page, HexGaming is owned by ExtremeRate, a controller components company that sells parts so players can customize their own controllers. As such, HexGaming PS5 controllers are modified DualSense gamepads that use parts that are also available separately on Amazon.
The $290 model I tested is quite stylish, thanks to its vibrant ocean wave design accented by white knobs and sticks and red triggers. But at $290, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the cost of building it yourself. The custom components on this controller include: housing shell, trim shell, rubber grip, hair triggers, button/trigger set, and a programmable back panel with four buttons.
The build quality is stellar. It retains most of the great DualSense features while adding ergonomic buttons on the back that can be mapped on-the-fly, a rubber grip that feels noticeably better, interchangeable sticks of different styles and hair triggers that increase trigger pull sensitivity. when i said most of the DualSense features are still there, I meant all but one. The hair trigger mod eliminates the adaptive triggers, which is fine for competitive multiplayer (arguably better), but probably not so great for immersive games that make a lot of use of that technology.
Of course you can choose which changes you want to make. If you’re purely looking for performance, the three main tweaks are the trio mentioned above: assignable back buttons, hair triggers, and rubber grip. The interchangeable sticks fall somewhat into that category as well, but it’s all about personal preference. The rest of the adjustments you can make are mainly for aesthetics.
So let’s build a controller very similar to the White Wave Red controller using ExtremeRate pieces and parts listed on Amazon to compare the cost.
Total cost of components: $143
Prices fluctuate depending on the color schemes and patterns you choose, but you’re looking at around $150 to do the full Rival Pro build. Of course, you also need a DualSense controller. So if you factor in the price of the controller, you’re at around $220. As mentioned, the matte black Rival Pro costs just $200. However, if you opt for that plain look, you’re basically just getting a Midnight Black DualSense. In that case you can buy the controller for $70 and get the back button mount, grip and hair triggers for $78. This brings your total investment back to about… $150.
That $78 brand is key here, because that’s essentially the price to turn your DualSense into a Pro-style controller with ExtremeRate parts. So yes, you’re paying a premium by buying a modified controller built for you by HexGaming – whichever way you look at it. This is especially true if you only want to customize certain parts of your controller.
However, this premium may be worth it for you. If you’ve never taken apart a controller before, a word of warning: it can be quite tricky, especially since you’re working with a lot of tiny screws and components. You could even break your DualSense controller if you’re not careful. Or maybe you put it back together and some of the entrances start acting weird. The labor alone, which is quite intensive and qualifies as a weekend project, makes the pre-built Rival Pro controller a viable option.
Whether you opt for a pre-built or home-built PS5 controller, know that you’re getting quality components. I’m very impressed with the Rival Pro, especially when it comes to the rear panel mount with four assignable triggers. Back triggers are useful no matter what kind of games you play. They put the “pro” in a pro style controller in a way. I would definitely recommend at least pick up ExtremeRate’s RISE4 Remap Kit, which comes in a ton of different colors and has a fresh back to give your existing DualSense a new look.
If you want to order a pre-built custom PS5 controller online, you can visit HexGaming to build a controller from scratch.
The products discussed here have been independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may receive a portion of the proceeds when you purchase something featured on our site.
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