NYXI Hyperion 2 Nintendo Switch Controller Review
We love the Nintendo Joy-Con controllers; their multi-tasking characteristics are to be admired. However, there are many alternatives if Nintendo’s flavour isn’t for you. Such as the NYXI Hyperion 2 controllers, which go along the same vein of concept as the Joy Cons but are entirely different in every way. $79.99 or £62.61.
Design
If you’re a fan of the traditional Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, but want something a bit chunkier, with larger buttons and a real D-pad, then the NYXI Hyperion 2 controllers are probably it. They’re not like the NYXI Wizard’s oversized proportions to emulate the GameCube controller. No, these are still compact enough to be considered easily portable, so they won’t tug at pockets in a backpack when you go to get your Switch out.
They’re built like premium Logitech mice; no creaks when we squeeze them with all our might, and even though they’re light, because the build quality is so good, they don’t feel cheap. If you get bored with the look, in theory you can swap out for a different style or colour as the faceplates are magnetically attached. As controllers go they look quite distinctive, too, especially with the RGB LED lighting enabled which adds to your visual handheld gaming experience; there are four modes to choose from and we keep things in rainbow mode for a permanent colorised vibe that is especially appreciated in dimmer environments.
Playability
There’s no nuance between the buttons on this controller; every single one has a micro switch mechanism, and it feels great! This is where the NYXI Hyperion 2 zooms ahead of the Nintendo Joy-Con controllers and makes portable gaming less compromised. For instance, we have been playing Pikmin 1 and 2 for the Switch, and we love the clicky yet solid larger X, A, B, and Y buttons. It just makes the commands so much more confident, and mistakes that can occur with the smaller Joy-Con buttons are less likely.
Just like every other NYXI controller we review, this one also has those hall-effect joysticks. Which basically means they won’t suffer from stick drift, a point which we’re now proving to be true with many years under some of these controllers’ belts. It’s nice to have real joysticks on the move and is rather startling to go back to the Joy-Cons which feel a bit constricted in comparison.
Another aspect of playability we hadn’t considered until spending serious time with the Hyperion 2 is its comfort during long sessions, particularly in handheld mode. While many third-party controllers bulk up the experience with ergonomics in mind, they often miss the mark by adding too much heft or awkward grip angles. The Hyperion 2, however, strikes an excellent balance—it’s chunkier than Joy-Cons, yes, but in a way that hugs the hands rather than tiring them out. The softly textured finish adds subtle grip without becoming sticky, and the button layout naturally falls under the fingers, making it easy to stay immersed without adjusting your hand position every few minutes. It’s the kind of controller that fades into the background as you play—precisely what you want.
There’s really no gripes to be said for the Hyperion 2’s setup, although one person who used the controller at the studio commented about how they’d have liked to have had the option to lock the programmable back buttons like you can with the NYXI Master P1 controller. But, even so, if you are a fan of back buttons, we find Mario Kart to be more advantageous with two throttle buttons when using that back one.
Verdict
The NYXI Hyperion 2 doesn’t just attempt to enhance the Joy-Con experience—it confidently redefines it. At $79.99 / £62.61, it’s priced higher than standard Nintendo options, but for good reason. You’re getting a handheld controller that feels built to last, responds with mechanical precision, and delivers an elevated gaming experience that genuinely respects both your time and your thumbs. The slick LED lighting might be the flashy first impression, but what keeps us coming back is the consistent tactile quality and ergonomic care that’s gone into every detail. It's not just a great Joy-Con alternative—it’s a handheld revelation that turns every portable session into something closer to docked-level satisfaction. If you’re serious about your Switch time and want a controller that meets you at that level, the Hyperion 2 is the one to reach for.
