NYXI Master P1 Controller Review
The NYXI Master P1 Controller attempts to bridge the gap between familiarity and innovation, delivering a gaming experience tailored for both Switch and PC players. By borrowing cues from Nintendo's Pro Controller while incorporating its own unique touches, this controller strives to strike a balance that should intrigue gamers looking for something a little different.
Design
The NYXI Master P1 Controller takes clear inspiration from Nintendo's Pro Controller for the Switch, a fact that will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has used the latter. However, this is no mere imitation; NYXI has refined the formula in subtle ways. Firstly, the less glossy body is rigidly robust, with no creaking at all after a month of gaming—just like Nintendo’s own. The textured grips are an improvement, making the controller a pleasure to hold over long gaming sessions. Additionally, the Master P1 Controller has no visible moulding holes where screws lie, unlike the Switch Pro Controller. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also improves overall grip.
Programmable RGB lighting adds a splash of customisation to the design, while the absence of gimmicky elements keeps the overall aesthetic clean and functional. A one-touch mute button and volume adjustment keys are welcome additions, as are the extra programmable back buttons, which can also be locked if not needed. One minor frustration worth noting is that the X, Y, B, and A button symbols are positioned in a different order. This caters to the controller’s compatibility with platforms beyond the Switch, such as PC, but it may take some getting used to.
Playability
We spent considerable time playing The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom with the NYXI Master P1 Controller. This game demands frequent toggling and switching via the D-pad, and we are pleased to report that the D-pad is delightfully clicky, providing satisfying tactile feedback that proves useful for quick selections. It doesn’t attempt to mimic a classic D-pad feel, which may divide opinion among retro gaming enthusiasts. However, we are firmly on the ‘like it’ side. Older titles, such as those available on the Switch Online service, are a joy to play with this controller, thanks to the D-pad’s low resistance, which makes long presses effortless. Furthermore, the buttons are large, and the snappy feedback is satisfyingly precise. Throughout our entire playthrough of this Zelda title, the controller performed admirably, offering a seamless experience that felt in no way inferior to Nintendo’s Pro Controller.
That said, when focusing on the differences, the feel in playstyle is quite distinct. For one, the X, Y, B, and A buttons have a longer travel distance compared to Nintendo’s offering. This, combined with their conductive setup, gives them a distinctly snappy feel—a stark contrast to the mushier buttons of the Switch Pro Controller. The joysticks are more nuanced, and NYXI proudly claims they are immune to the dreaded stick drift thanks to magnetic Hall effect sensors, which is reassuring. They are light to the touch, but the increased travel distance required to register the furthest inputs can feel cumbersome in certain scenarios. For example, in games like Pikmin, where swift and precise joystick movements are crucial, the extended travel can occasionally feel awkward compared to the shorter travel of Nintendo’s joysticks. However, playing titles like Echoes of Wisdom and Mario Kart didn’t feel like a chore at all—in fact, in some cases, the extra joystick travel offered a greater sense of precision.
The programmable back buttons proved invaluable during Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sessions, allowing for what we now consider a more natural throttle position than pressing the standard A button—an advantage on the track. We also really like the 2-in-1 triggers, a familiar feature of every NYXI controller we’ve tested. These allow players to switch the Hall sensor analogue trigger from a standard chunky trigger to a rapid 0–0.3 mm actuation with a 0.2 ms response time, ideal for competitive gaming.
Motion controls are enabled, powered by a six-axis gyroscope. During our tests, they maintained accuracy across various titles. This feature, combined with the rather aggressive highest level of dual vibration (which feels more akin to the DualShock 3 than the more convincing attempt at Nintendo’s HD Rumble found in the NYXI Warrior controller we previously reviewed), adds an extra dimension to the gameplay experience.
Verdict
The NYXI Master P1 Controller is a compelling alternative to Nintendo’s Pro Controller, particularly for gamers who use multiple platforms. Its textured grip, satisfying button feedback, and immunity to stick drift make it an attractive choice. While the joysticks’ extended travel may not suit everyone, this is a minor trade-off for what is otherwise a thoughtfully designed and highly functional controller.
For Switch users, it serves as an excellent secondary option, while for PC gamers, it makes for a fantastic primary controller with broad versatility. NYXI has delivered a product that not only mirrors the best aspects of its inspiration but also provides a distinct experience that some may prefer.
