NYXI Warrior Controller Review
Coming hot off the success of the modular NYXI Wizard controller concept for Switch, which gained wide praise from players here, NYXI has released the Warrior, a reformulated version of the original GameCube controller. This new version, designed in a more traditional style, is intended to pair with the Switch and, interestingly, with the original Nintendo GameCube via an included adapter.
Design
The NYXI Warrior isn’t like the Wizard model we previously reviewed. It doesn't just differ because it doesn’t split into two or because it's denser and heavier at 241g; no, it’s primarily because its buttons feel entirely different, featuring optical microswitches across A/B/X/Y and the D-Pad, which we will get into later.
It charges via USB-C. Our battery life has exceeded 9 hours, but one thing we have noticed, which might be possible to remedy via software updates, is that the controller pre-warns that it is running low on battery a good 1-2 hours before it is actually depleting.
In the box, you’ll find an adapter that plugs into the controller port of a GameCube or Wii, similar to how the Nintendo WaveBird wireless controller worked. This lends the product genuine retro use, which is rare. Because of this, much of the controller has to be designed to accommodate both modern Switch gaming needs and those of the GameCube era. Features include hall-sensing analog triggers that will operate Luigi’s Poltergust 5000, adjustable via sliders on the underside of the controller for different draw amounts. Also featured are real mechanical L/R buttons, along with modern additions for the Switch, such as HD Rumble and a 6-axis gyro."
Playability
The NYXI Warrior controller arrived at the studio at the same time as a copy of the recent remake of Super Mario RPG for Switch. From start to completion, we played it entirely with the NYXI Warrior, and it turned out to be a brilliant test for the controller. We discovered that it’s deliciously comfortable and the GameCube button layout is perfectly suited to Super Mario RPG. Although we love this controller's bold emphasis on the A button, not every Switch game translates as well as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8. The 8-way D-pad is very nice for precision in directional inputs, and we tried it across a selection of titles, with everyone giving it a thumbs up in modern titles, but people became more divided when it came to classic franchises designed for D-pad input. However, we prefer to use the thumbsticks/joysticks when it comes to remakes like Super Mario RPG These are about the same as the excellent ones on the Wizard, with plenty of travel, they are very smooth to manoeuvre, and, importantly, shouldn’t suffer from stick drift thanks to the Hall Effect design which uses magnets to avoid wear.
When diving into the nostalgic world of Super Mario RPG, precision and responsiveness are key to mastering its unique timed attack system. This is where the brilliance of the NYXI Warrior controller, with its optical microswitches, truly shines. The clicky responsiveness is joyfully satisfying to both operate and hear. With a drive distance of just 0.3mm and a response speed of 0.2ms, these buttons offer unparalleled precision and virtually zero delay. This immediate response time not only enhances the gameplay experience but also brings a new level of accuracy and enjoyment to the classic Super Mario RPG battles, offering greater accuracy than even the flagship Nintendo Pro Controller that we’re more accustomed to using.
Weirdly, going back to the previous NYXI Wizard controller now feels mushier in comparison, even though it had been considered a positive button masher compared to many other controllers. Although the NYXI Wizard more accurately reflects the original GameCube controller and all recent Nintendo-stamped GameCube-styled releases in button feel, it now lacks the responsiveness of the NYXI Warrior's buttons. The NYXI Warrior reimagines the buttons, maintaining the classic layout but we think vastly improves the tactile experience. There is HD rumble in the Warrior, an improvement on the Wizard, and it definitely has more expansive vibrational activity across the controller for more interesting feedback, reminiscent of the Nintendo experience, though it doesn’t capture it in the same way.
Verdict
The NYXI Warrior is the most compelling evolution of the original GameCube controller we’ve yet to use, one that feels and plays better than their previous Wizard controller we rated 4.5 stars. The Warrior has been created to exude nostalgia, even featuring original hardware details such as the analog triggers with adjustable draw amounts, but underneath the robust controller's build is top notch technology like optical microswitches that harness precise and responsive inputs. Overall button feel has been significantly improved from the already good Wizard and even the Nintendo Pro controller with certain games, like Super Mario RPG, that demand accuracy in timed button inputs. Also featured once again are the silky smooth with great travel Hall Effect thumbsticks/joysticks, that basically use a magnetic system to avoid wear and therefore stick-drift. It’s a wonderfully comfortable and tactile controller for modern gaming on the Nintendo Switch, and it’s also nice to see a new controller release for the GameCube in 2024 too, with that supplied adapter making it totally plug and play.
