These days, every other gaming company that manufactures peripherals is sure to have its version of a “pro controller”. NACON is no different and has created its own spin on that idea. Their version though is aimed at gamers with smaller hands. The RIG PRO Compact is a wired controller that takes all of the nuances of a regular-sized Xbox controllers and stuffs them into a smaller package. And while it’s called a “pro controller”, there are some aspects that leave this controller falling a bit short of that title.

What’s in the box

The design of the RIG PRO Compact’s box is pretty straightforward and doesn’t offer too many frills. The box itself does have a really nice white design and gives plenty of information for what you should expect from the controller. Inside, you’ll find quite a bit of paperwork such as the warranty info, a customer support card, info on how Dolby Atmos works, and some nice NACON/RIG decals.

Besides that, you’ll also find what you opened the box for, the RIG PRO Compact itself. The controller is for the most part, in one piece. The cable does break away at the bottom but is fully connected at the top. I would’ve liked to have a removable cable as this is pretty standard nowadays.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

When it comes to the look of the PRO Compact, I’m actually pretty conflicted. I love the full white look of the face and backplates as well as the graphite-colored d-pad and shoulder/trigger buttons. The bronze color around the thumbsticks as well as their design on top of them is pretty nice too. What I don’t like is the black top portion of the controller. I think it makes the controller look a little cheap and it’s also a fingerprint magnet due to it being glossy.

The button placement is actually pretty great though as the action buttons are enlarged and the options buttons are placed closer to each side of the controller. As far as the build quality goes, the controller is extremely sturdy. This thing will not waiver for anything. Not a single creak heard and the weight is perfect.

Specs and Special Features

Features:

• Designed for Xbox - Officially licensed wired controller for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. PC compatible.

• Universal ergonomics - 15% smaller than classic game controller to fit a wide range of hand sizes. Textured grip ensured comfort and stability during long gaming sessions.

• Customization at your fingertips - Pro Compact companion App available on Microsoft Store for Advanced game mode customization - programmable buttons, stick settings, and trigger sensitivity controls – like a true professional controller.

• Dolby Atmos for Headphones - Unleash the power of Dolby Atmos® on your games with the included activation. Download the Dolby Atmos® App, plug your headphone into your controller, and make audio precision your competitive edge.

NACON has equipped the PRO Compact controller with handy and extremely easy-to-use apps that allow gamers to adjust the controller to their preferred specifications. You can change the deadzone of the thumbsticks, the pressure points of the triggers, and map the buttons through the PRO Compact app which can be downloaded on an Xbox or PC. All that you have to do is plug in the controller choose one of the many presets, and flip on the switch located on the back of the controller. One complaint that I have is that while this is titled a “pro controller” it doesn’t have any buttons on the backside of the controller. Pro controllers normally have these to help out as more easy-to-use alternatives to face buttons.

The other app is called Dolby Access which allows the user to change the soundscape that they’ll have when playing games, watching movies, or listening to music. The controller itself has Dolby Atmos 3D capabilities built-in and will basically give any headset the fresh audio quality associated with Dolby Atmos. It’s a really great idea that I honestly wish more controller manufacturers would get into. I feel that this addition is well worth the price of the controller ($50) when you factor in that any headset will benefit from this. Especially since there are so many presets to choose from as well as the chance to create your own.

Gameplay

As a gamer with medium to larger-sized hands, I really didn’t find it too much of a struggle to get used to the smaller design. Although, I’m sure folks with smaller hands will definitely feel more at home. I love the oversized buttons and the options buttons placement too. My comfort with it was almost immediate and I actually won a match of Fortnite on my first go with it.

One thing that made me a little depressed was that some of the buttons aren’t as responsive as they should be. The shoulder buttons and thumbstick clicks specifically are uneven from one to the other. The thumbstick is actually pretty slippery too. This is attributed to the fact that the edges don’t have any grip on them in the slightest.

Having all of the features that the apps give you at the tips of your fingers is very rewarding though. It’s so easy to adapt the controller to whatever situation. Most controller apps have so much going on that they can become muddled or too intimidating to even interact with. I love the lamens versions we’re given as I don’t have time to perfectly calibrate my controller on a daily basis.

What It Could Have Done Better

The major issues I have regarding the RIG PRO Compact are the slippery thumbsticks and the button responsiveness. The fact that this controller is $50, I would’ve liked it to play just about as well as a Microsoft branded controller since there’s only a $10 difference. Yes, this controller has more creature comforts but when the normal buttons don’t operate at 100%, how much are those comforts really worth?

Verdict

The RIG PRO Compact controller does some pretty great things particularly for players with smaller hands and audiophiles. It does have some shortcomings but you really can’t find a “pro controller” listed at such a good price point. It does everything you need and more for only $50 which is pretty fantastic.

The implementation of the Dolby Atmos 3D is so valuable to those who may not want to spend an arm and a leg on an expensive headset. It alone may catch the interest of players. I’m hoping to see a larger version of the PRO Compact in the future and hopefully, they focus on making the buttons respond just as well as the rest of the controller.