The cult controller of the past turns into joy-cons for optimal comfort in the living room and on the go. Test.
Since the arrival of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, the excellent hybrid console suffers from a major defect: the comfort of its detachable controllers. If the small joy-cons have the advantage of offering two independent controllers for the price of one, using them for prolonged sessions is far from pleasant, especially if you have large hands.
As a result of the races, many players prefer to turn to the Pro Controller, which is more ergonomic and has a hellish autonomy (40 hours, just that). But from the top of its 80€, this accessory only corrects comfort for sessions at home. In order to improve the portable experience, many third-party manufacturers have tried their hand at producing ergonomic joy-cons. These unfortunately tend to sport an overly aggressive design and carry the same concerns as the product they imitate (joysticks and buttons that are too small).
It was without counting on NYXI and its good ideas. After having reworked the design of the classic joy-cons several times, the brand decided to push the limits even further by drawing on the heritage of the Kyoto firm. Regulars of Nintendo consoles agree that the Gamecube controller is of incomparable comfort. NYXI brings together the best of both worlds, combining the hybrid format of the Switch with the ergonomics of a Gamecube controller.
@journaldugeek Here is the best controller for the Nintendo Switch, for the nostalgic! #nyxi #gamecube #nintendo @NYXI ♬ original sound – Journal du Geek
Efficient design
Offered in three different colors reminiscent of those of the famous cubic console, the design of the NYXI Wizard strikes as soon as it unboxes. From its shapes to its colors, this controller looks like a modern version of the original. Even the appendix placed at the bottom of the controller in order to obtain a height equal to that of the Switch actually recalls that of the Wavebird, the wireless model of the accessory of yesteryear.
The layout of the A, B, X and Y buttons is identical to the Gamecube, but could destabilize players who are not used to it. It’s a hand to take which however offers a much higher playing comfort. These are also backlit to make it easier to play in a dark place. The right stick on the other hand, also called “Stick C” at the time, offers a small update that we do not refuse. This one sits in the same location as before, but it is now wider with a curved surface to allow a better hold of the thumb.
Since this accessory is entirely designed for the Switch, it also features the buttons necessary for the proper functioning of the console. Where conventional controllers connected via the Gamecube adapter do not allow you to take screenshots or return to the Home menu, the NYXI Wizard has everything you need for a smooth user experience. The same goes for the L, R, ZL and ZR triggers. However, this controller also shines with its optional buttons at the service of the most demanding gamers.
Thousands of features
The NYXI Wizard is not only a controller that borrows from the design of the Gamecube, it is also a very functional accessory. Nothing is left to chance in the manufacture of the product. Each joy-con benefits from three additional buttons. A turbo button, a profile button and an “F” button. The turbo function is identical to what third-party accessories on the market offer. By pressing the key, you can configure macros for any other command. However, it also offers the possibility of adjusting the intensity of the vibrations and the backlighting of the A, B, X and Y buttons.
The most assiduous players will find their happiness with the other two additional buttons. Using the profile function, it is possible to associate any other key to the “F” buttons placed on the back of the controller, at the level of the grips. Like the palettes present on the Scuff or the Dualsense Edge, this Switch accessory also benefits from customizable mapping to make the most of these additional keys. The excellence of the sticks is also worth mentioning. In addition to being fluid and comfortable, it is possible to disassemble them quickly to replace the retro notched ring with a modern smooth ring, supplied in the box.
Much like a pair of classic joy-cons, this one slides right over the slots in the console to fit. The controllers are then able to recharge during gaming sessions. However, gamers looking for a Gamecube controller for PC may also consider the NYXI Wizard to be an excellent option. It can connect directly via Bluetooth. The brand has thought of everything and offers to charge each half of the controller via a USB-C port and a supplied cable. However, we regret that the charge does not take place via a single port which could have been placed on the central support of the controller.
A dual experience
Finally, the major strength of the NYXI Wizard resides above all in the duality of experience it offers. For the price of a single controller (65€ in this case), it is able to offer a pair of joy-cons to slide on its Switch lined with a Pro controller. The accessory embeds a gyroscope and therefore allows you to take advantage of all the features in play. However, it is necessary to make a cross on the famous HD vibrations, a technology that Nintendo has not really used since. 1-2 Switches and some party game exceptions. In all honor, the vibration frequencies of the Wizard are so soft that they are to be mistaken for those of Nintendo accessories. It is therefore not a crippling loss.
However, it should be noted that the advantages of this controller come with some disadvantages to consider before purchase. By playing in both the joy-cons and the Pro controller court, the Wizard unfortunately sacrifices its autonomy and offers only 8.5 hours of wireless play against the 40 hours of the Nintendo Pro. However, it pleasantly exceeds the 6 to 7 hours of the joy-cons. Its format also impacts portability. Once hung, the two parts of the NYXI Wizard give a new dimension to the Switch which then becomes much longer and also heavier.
With its central support, the controller alone weighs 255 grams. By attaching these new joy-cons to the Switch, the console then weighs 552 grams for an OLED and 529 for a classic. By comparison, a Switch with its original joy-cons weighs 421 grams in OLED and 398 in classic. With almost 100 grams of difference, there is enough to work the forearms.
Without being unbearable, this increase in measurements requires you to be comfortably installed in order to avoid arm fatigue. Also, the Switch will no longer fit in pouches or shipping crates. On the design side, the NYXI Wizard does not imitate an official Gamecube controller and offers more responsive buttons at the level of the triggers and the directional pad in particular. This accessory will therefore not emulate the experience of yesteryear, but offers similar comfort in a modernized format. Finally, since it is two halves of a classic controller, it is also impossible to use each piece independently like the basic joy-cons.
The NYXI Wizard is already available in three different colors (additional visuals to be found on Twitter and Instagram) for around €65 via the brand’s official website.
