Hardware NYXI Hyperion Series Controllers Review

Right off the bat, these controllers are visually striking. The standard Hyperion sports a GameCube-inspired color scheme that's vibrant and appealing. The buttons pop, and that iconic yellow stick stands out, but is there substance behind the style?

The Pro model boasts a sleek white finish that looks stunning when lit up with white or purple. It nails the "RGB gaming" look and is impressive both in use and on display. Interestingly, both Hyperion controllers can stand upright in docked or controller modes. I was initially worried about my Switch's tiny kickstand not reaching the surface, but the Hyperion kept it perfectly stable.

What sets these models apart? The main differences are weight and stick quality, with a $9 price gap. The standard model retails at $56.99, while the Pro is $65.99. Both share the "SJ02" model number.



Both versions offer a 2-hour charge time and 6.5-hour battery life, but come with just one USB-C cable. It's surprising NYXI didn't include two cables or a split charging cable for simultaneous charging. As is, you're looking at 4 hours of charging time if you don't have a spare cable handy. Odd choice.

The weight difference (186g vs 203g) likely comes from the Pro's upgraded sticks and metal ring thumbsticks, but it's barely noticeable in hand. For comparison, my daily driver 8bitdo controller weighs 245g, and the official Switch Pro controller is 246g, both feeling more substantial and comfortable.



The Pro's standout feature is its excellent Hall effect sticks. However, it lacks a charging bridge, dual USB-C cable, or improved battery life over the standard model. Even the D-Pad is painted, not metal. The main upgrade is the sticks and the reliability they provide. Calling this a "Pro" model might be a stretch when it's essentially one key improvement.

NYXI could have gone further with extras like a case, swappable sticks, dual charging cables, or metal parts for added weight. Even just a weighted bridge piece could have improved the controller mode feel without affecting handheld use. A missed opportunity.

The controllers feel flimsy when connected with the bridge. There's an unsettling flex that seems cheap. In my hands, they felt thin and too light. While comfortable with responsive buttons and sticks, the Hyperion pads didn't quite meet my expectations in this setup.

However, handheld mode is a different story. The controllers excel here, feeling larger, sturdier, and more comfortable than standard Joy-Cons. They offer nearly all the same features, minus NFC and HD rumble. The rumble effect is still rough compared to Nintendo's HD rumble, especially in big-name games like Super Mario Odyssey.



The NYXI Hyperion series seems overpriced for what it offers. They could dominate the budget market, but instead feel cheap with a premium price tag and few high-end features, despite the "Pro" label. At $65.99 (£51) and $56.99 (£45), you can find wireless controllers without lights for under £30. The split-pad feature is its saving grace, making it a solid Joy-Con replacement for handheld mode.

If you have the choice, the Hall effect version is worth the extra $9 for handheld use and wireless controller option. For purely wireless play, better options exist, like the 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless, costing just £3 more than the NYXI Hyperion Pro.



Pros:

• Light and comfortable
• Can stand upright
• Hall effect sticks (Pro version)
• Great for handheld mode

Cons:

• Questionable pricing
• Feels cheap overall
• No dual charging cable
• Pro version lacks significant upgrades beyond Hall Effect sticks
• Light bleed issues
• Average TV mode performance