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Nacon’s new PS5 controller can mix audio from your phone and console

First reported by The Verge ·

The signal ●○○○ Compiled by AI from The Verge, the single source so far
Why you might care

Premium PS5 controllers now offer built-in screens for on-the-fly adjustments.

What happened

Nacon has launched the Revolution 5 Unlimited (R5U), an officially licensed PlayStation 5 controller that features a built-in screen. This screen allows users to adjust controller settings such as joystick sensitivity and button mapping directly on the gamepad. Additionally, the screen facilitates audio mixing, enabling users to combine game audio with audio from a connected phone, such as music, through headphones plugged into the controller. The R5U is available for pre-order at $229.99, with shipments expected later this year. The controller also includes customizable D-pads, drift-resistant thumbsticks, adjustable weights for balance, and a range of programmable buttons and triggers. It supports PC and Android devices, with further customization available through a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android, including options for response curves, audio EQ, and RGB lighting.

What it means

The R5U's integrated screen represents a significant step in controller design, moving beyond simple button remapping to offer real-time hardware-level adjustments for sensitivity and audio mixing. This positions Nacon as a potential innovator in the high-end peripheral market, potentially influencing future controller development from both third-party manufacturers and console makers themselves. The ability to blend console and mobile audio directly through the gamepad could also signal a growing trend toward seamless integration between mobile devices and gaming platforms.

This launch could appeal to a niche of competitive gamers and content creators who value granular control and layered audio experiences. The price point, however, suggests it's targeting the premium segment, potentially setting a new benchmark for what users expect from top-tier controllers. The inclusion of PC and Android compatibility broadens its appeal, but the core innovation of the built-in screen and audio mixing is most relevant to PS5 users seeking an enhanced, multi-source audio experience without additional hardware.

AI-written summary. May contain errors.

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