NYXI Hyperion 3 Controller For Switch 2 Review

The Switch 2 is an awesome console that, as a piece of hardware, is more of a blank slate that third parties exploit to come in and offer an array of accessories in order to make the console “better.” This includes protective shells, grips, mounted cameras, analog stick covers, and even mounted front cameras. But what if you wanted to do away with the Joy-Con altogether for a more ergonomic and enhanced solution?

NYXI is a reputable accessory maker for the Switch series of consoles, and they recently took a stab at magnetically attached Bluetooth controllers that offer gyro support, RGB, funky turbo functions, rumble, and full-range hall effect joysticks. Is this an ergonomic dream come true or a half-baked attempt to be first out of the gate with detachable controllers?

This was done in collaboration with NYXI, and the controller was provided to us for the purpose for review. We also make a small commission when you use our affiliate link, but this review is my own and coming from a guy who generally obsesses over console ergonomics and button clicks. You know how these things go: some good, some bad, some things that can be fixed in firmware. Either way, let’s dive into NYXI’s latest offering!

NYXI Hyperion 3 Specs and Features

The controllers are pretty feature-rich, so here are the full specifications.

Some of the standouts are the use of full-sized TMR joysticks, back buttons, the ability to use macros, the ability to control the brightness and color of the RGB, being able to control the rumble strength, and a full 9-axis gyro. The controllers attach magnetically to the console and charge from it or via USB-C. They are also Bluetooth, so expect full wireless capabilities as you would for regular Joy-Con, complete with wake-up from sleep. The side rails also color-match with the Switch 2 console and have the good ‘ole SL and SR buttons.

The D-pad, face, shoulder, and back buttons have crispy and quiet microswitches that have a slight mush before they are actuated. The D-pad is also modular and comes with two detachable covers: One shaped like an Xbox Series controller and one that is more traditional in design.

We also have 2 mappable tactile back buttons. Just like the regular Joy-Con 2, the Hyperion 3 also has dedicated screenshot, chat, and home buttons. Lastly, we have two ‘T’ (Turbo) buttons used as hotkeys for rumble strength, RGB settings, and for programming turbo/macros. Unlike the Joy-Con 2, though, these controllers don’t come with *gulp* mouse mode or *shutters* NFC/Amiibo support… Anyways.

NYXI Hyperion 3 Ergonomics Review

We are all about ergonomics here, and these controllers do not disappoint. The grip itself is textured and fits the contours of my hand in a similar way to a naked Steam Deck. The staggering between the analog sticks and buttons means that platformers are suitably comfortable, and Mario can run and jump with ease.

That being said, there isn’t enough meat to hold on to in order to make the right stick comfortable to use for something like a first-person shooter. But for third-person play, this setup is very cozy. There definitely isn’t too much bulk here like with similar controllers, but since the Switch 2 is already big, maybe more is better here. The plastic feel is also average, with no notable heft or premium quality.

Those Buttons

The buttons are a magical combination of being 1: Easy to press, 2: Quiet (but clicky), 3: Slight mush before actuating, and 4: Satisfying. Buttons like these are definitely a personal taste and aren’t made equal since they can be loud, hard to press, or just plain sad, but these are nice and not annoying when playing a mashing-heavy game like Dynasty Warriors. Who am I kidding, though? I’m actually just playing Pokopia.

Those Analog Sticks

The analog sticks are large, with a full range of motion, TMR (Zero stick drift), and are also very good. The grippy texture reminds me of a PS4/PS5 controller’s analog sticks and has zero slip. I am personally not a big fan of full-range analog sticks on handhelds for… some reason… and these are definitely that. The fact of the matter is, they feel nice to the touch and are placed very well for the size, giving me proper access to the face buttons.

…That D-pad

Saving the worst for last… It’s the Dpad. The Dpad uses the same microswitches and is certified “fine,” meaning it fulfills the basic need for a Dpad, but is in no way that remarkable. Yes, the dpad is modular, and if you are a fan of the hexagonal Xbox style for accessing hotkeys, it’s pretty good.

As a D-pad, though, I want to be able to enjoy 2D titles and use directional input in menus, which these switches do the job of doing, but aren’t satisfying in a way you would get from dome switches or rubber, since they just feel like buttons. You can also press all the D-pad “buttons” at the same time, so that’s mildly problematic.

The second D-pad style, shaped more like a regular D-pad, doesn’t really transform how this feels either, so I just left the hexagonal one on since it looks sleeker. Fighting games and hotkeys? Good! Everything else? Meh.

Hyperion 3 Features Review

As mentioned before, these controllers are packed with features that also vary dramatically in execution. Let’s start with the worst for first: Rumble

Rumble…

Third-party controllers for the Switch ecosystem just can’t seem to get rumble right after almost 10 years, and this +$100 controller is no exception. Instead of the small and fast feeling HD rumble of the Joy-Con, these controllers use a more traditional rumble motor, and it is louder than most PC handheld fans playing Cyberpunk 2077.

You can feel every rotation, and it is not pleasant at all, so I use the rumble adjustment hotkey and turn these off immediately. This is a common issue with third-party controllers in general, but at this point, I would just remove rumble altogether.

Connectivity

Connectivity is pretty straightforward: It’s Bluetooth, and it works well. They also work directly attached to the console for less latency (shocker). Strangely, though, when you wake the console from sleep with the controllers attached, it connects to Bluetooth first and gives gameplay a noticeable amount of input lag. You can fix this by reattaching the controllers. Can this be fixed in firmware? Sure. Is it that big of a deal? Not really. Moving oooooooon. Note: NYXI has fixed this with their newest firmware, which will come standard on most retail units.

All About That ‘T’ Button

The turbo functions work as advertised, but aren’t that straightforward to use. Everything is coordinated through the ‘T’ (Turbo) button on each controller, and holding it has a different function than clicking it, which, in combination with regular use, can give you weird inputs or seem not to work at all when, in fact, it is programming a very long macro without you noticing.

So in theory, you can accidentally create a macro that beats the entirety of Super Mario Wonder for you. Once you understand the button combos, the turbo and macro functions work without hitches and are pretty time-accurate to your inputs.

All About That RGB

RGB is also delegated to button inputs with the ‘T’ button, and is pretty straightforward. You essentially get the basic rainbow of colors as well as a combination by default. Additional toggles give you the option to make the LEDs breathe, switch color, and adjust the brightness. It is a love it or hate it thing, and I am pretty indifferent about it. But hey, it does look pretty in photos! Narrow orange LEDs also give an indication for your turbo setting and can be turned off if those are annoying.

NYXI Hyperion 3: Controller Endgame?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time using these controllers and found myself forgetting I was writing a review in favor of comfortably playing Breath of the Wild. The strongest aspect of this controller is definitely its ergonomics, and when you have the controllers configured how you want to, it’s an absolute breeze. Notable is the well-tuned balance between well-sized micro switch buttons and well-placed TMR joysticks. RGB and the turbo functions are pretty nice and standard, but take a small learning curve to get the hang of lest you have accidental inputs.

That being said, if you want a more premium feel and accurate rumble motor, your best bet is to wait for a better alternative or try sticking with the Joy-Con. These issues are also notorious with third-party controllers, so it’s not really surprising, but at the asking price of $169.99, you have to be damn sure this is fine with you.

These are very solid and a safe choice for the money, as long as you know what to expect going into it. NYXI makes pretty good accessories and has awesome customer service if you are worried about making a purchase. In any case, we can take some of that heat off with a coupon RH that will take 15% off, along with any sale prices.