In what is already a competitive market with the likes of the SCUF and Nacon Revolution controllers, the HexGaming Phantom controller will have to pull something special out of the bag if it's to stand out from the crowd.
A successful Kickstarter campaign launched in October 2024 smashed its low goal of roughly £3,000, which even by crowdfunding standards can be cause for concern as it might not always reflect much confidence from a manufacturer. However, its backers showed a good level of confidence in the product with the campaign ending on just shy of £50,000.
Check out the HexGaming Phantom controller trailer below!
Now that the HexGaming Phantom controller for PC and PlayStation 5 is out in the wild, does it represent good value for money if customers were to spend their hard-earned cash and is it a worthy alternative to the likes of the SCUF Reflex Pro FPS and Nacon Revolution 5 Pro?
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The moment I took the controller out of its box, it was off to a positive start based on PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. Along with the official Xbox controller, there’s a good reason why third-party manufacturers take direct inspiration from its official counterparts, they’re both fantastic controllers in their own right.
On the back of the HexGaming Phantom controller, it has no-slip grips which not only makes it comfortable to hold but also helps those sweaty palms stay gripped following extended and intense sessions on shooters such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Fortnite.
You’ll also notice that on the back of the controller are four mappable back buttons that can be programmed with up to six switchable profiles. Programming the back buttons is simple, just hold down the profile button also located at the back until it begins to flash.
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Now release, hold one of the four back buttons and simultaneously press one of the four command buttons on the front of the controller. Now repeat until you have all four back buttons assigned. You can switch between profiles by double-pressing the profile button.
The process of programming the buttons is a bit fiddly at first but you’ll soon get used to it. Perhaps software for the desktop or mobile device would be simpler. That being said, not having to rely on software to remap buttons also means that you can just simply do the task on the fly in seconds.
The four back buttons have a mouse click function that is faster at processing commands to your console which can make all the difference in one-on-one situations in multiplayer shooters. Sadly, unlike the SCUF Reflex Pro FPS, the R1 and L1 buttons do not have a mouse click function. Perhaps this is something that can be implemented in a future version of the controller.
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That being said, the HexGaming Phantom controller does have a switch that enables you to choose from a standard R2 and L2 long press or switch to a shorter distance similar to a mouse click. That option is always beneficial to have on the fly especially if you’re using the controller for non-shooters such as EA Sports FC 25 or Elden Ring.
Comparing it to the SCUF Reflex Pro FPS once more, I prefer the placement of the back buttons of the HexGaming Phantom controller because it feels a bit more comfortable. This preference is subjective as it can vary depending on hand size and mobility.
A feature that some HexGaming Phantom controller competitors don’t have is calibrating the precision and durability of the HEX Hall Effect analogue sticks with the tool kit provided in the box. HEX Hall Effect modules are great for reducing the risk of controller drift but in the unfortunate event that happens, simply just re-calibrate the controller to your heart's content.
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Along with the tool kit, you’ll also receive eight swappable joysticks each varying in height and width, so you’re bound to find a combination that suits you depending on the game you’re playing. To swap the sticks is simple, just pull them gently and replace them with one of your choosing.
One minor criticism of the joysticks is that the controller would benefit from either a twist-and-click mechanism or a magnet to make them a bit more secure. It’s not a major issue but I fear after several months or years of use, the joysticks might eventually become loose. I feel a twist-and-click mechanism or a magnet would eradicate that potential issue.
The HexGaming Phantom controller doesn't come cheap with prices starting from $259 (about £200) which is pretty standard for a pro controller. A couple of minor constructive criticisms aside, this is still a fantastic bit of kit with the HexGaming Phantom controller being just short of perfection.
A review sample was provided by HexGaming.
Topics: Reviews, Tech, PC, PlayStation, PlayStation 5