NYXI Hyperion 2 Review: Mechanical Buttons and Hall Effect Joysticks Tested

The gaming accessories, especially for the Nintendo Switch, there’s always that one piece of gear everyone talks about—Joy-Cons. They’re small and versatile, and honestly, they can make or break your gaming experience. But let’s be real: the stock Joy-Cons from Nintendo, while iconic, aren’t exactly perfect. Drift issues, lacklustre build quality, and limited customization options have left many gamers searching for something better. That’s where third-party companies like NYXI step in, and boy, do they know how to make an impression.

NYXI has been on the radar of Switch enthusiasts for a while now, thanks to their Hyperion series. These Joy-Cons quickly became fan favourites because they didn’t just copy Nintendo—they improved on the original design. Now, with the release of the Hyperion 2, NYXI is back at it again, trying to raise the bar even higher. And trust me, these things are hard to ignore. Sleek, chunky, customizable, and packed with features that scream “premium,” the Hyperion 2 looks like it could be the ultimate upgrade for anyone who spends hours glued to their Switch.

But here’s the thing: as much as I love cool gadgets, I’m also the type of person who needs to know if all the bells and whistles actually translate into a better experience. Sure, RGB lighting and mechanical buttons sound awesome, but do they really make a difference when you’re deep into a Zelda dungeon or pulling off combos in Mortal Kombat? And what about those little details, like ergonomics, battery life, and compatibility? Are these Joy-Cons worth the extra cash, or should you stick with the OGs or other alternatives?

Design and Ergonomics

The overall aesthetic of the NYXI Hyperion 2 is just chef’s kiss. It’s got this sleek, chunky vibe that feels like a natural progression from the original Joy-Cons. They’re not overly bulky—just enough to give you a more substantial grip without making them feel like bricks. The designers clearly put a lot of thought into how these would feel during long gaming sessions. Compared to the OG Joy-Cons, which can sometimes feel a bit too small or slippery, the Hyperion 2 strikes a nice balance between being ergonomic and maintaining that classic Joy-Con silhouette.

The RGB lighting is another standout feature. It’s not just tacked on as an afterthought—it’s integrated beautifully around the joysticks and near the buttons. There are multiple zones for RGB, so you can customize different sections independently. Whether you want a solid color, a pulsing effect, or a rainbow roll, the lighting adds a premium touch. Plus, there’s a dedicated button on the back to cycle through modes or turn it off entirely. Honestly, when lit up, these Joy-Cons look like they belong in a high-end gaming setup. And if RGB isn’t your thing, no worries—you can shut it off completely without any hassle.

One of the coolest things about the design is the replaceable faceplates. You can literally pop off the front cover with ease thanks to the magnetic system. While the default all-black frosted shell looks fantastic (seriously, it’s one of the best-looking Joy-Con designs I’ve seen), the ability to swap out faceplates opens up a world of customization options. Imagine team-themed plates, custom artwork, or even limited-edition designs. NYXI hasn’t released additional faceplates yet, but I’m crossing my fingers because this feature alone could make these Joy-Cons a hit among collectors and personalization enthusiasts.

Now let’s talk about how these feel in your hands. The NYXI Hyperion 2 has a slightly wider and curvier shape compared to the original Joy-Cons, which makes them way more comfortable to hold. If you’ve ever played a game for hours with the stock Joy-Cons, you know how quickly your hands can start to cramp. That’s not really an issue here. The added width gives your fingers more room to rest naturally, and the textured surface on the back provides a secure grip. It’s not rubberized, which might disappoint some people who prefer that extra stickiness, but the texture works well enough to prevent slipping, even during intense gaming sessions.

The placement of the buttons and triggers also contributes to the overall comfort. Everything feels within easy reach, whether you’re using the D-pad, face buttons, or bumpers. Speaking of bumpers and triggers, they’re designed with mechanical switches, which means they have super short travel and a satisfying clicky feedback. This is a huge improvement over the mushy, longer-travel triggers on the original Joy-Cons. These mechanical triggers are a godsend for games that require quick inputs—like shooters or fighting games. They’re responsive, precise, and just plain fun to use.

Another big win for the NYXI Hyperion 2 is its symmetrical design. Unlike the original Joy-Cons, where one side has a D-pad and the other has face buttons, both sides of the Hyperion 2 are identical. This makes them perfect for multiplayer scenarios. Picture this: you’re playing a local co-op game with a friend, and instead of arguing over who gets the “better” controller, both players get the same comfortable experience. No more awkward hand positioning or uneven controls—it’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when sharing the fun.

On the back of each Joy-Con, you’ll find programmable macro buttons. These are tactile and easy to press, and setting them up is a breeze. Just hold down the “T” button along with the macro button for a few seconds, and you’re ready to assign any command or combination of commands. And then there’s the Turbo function, which lets you activate rapid-fire presses with a single button. Gamers who love competitive titles or need fast inputs will appreciate this feature—it’s simple, effective, and adds a layer of versatility to the Joy-Cons.

If I had to nitpick, the D-pad might not appeal to everyone. It’s made up of individual buttons rather than a traditional cross-style D-pad, which some purists might miss. Personally, I didn’t find it to be a dealbreaker—it still feels responsive and accurate—but if you’re someone who swears by the classic D-pad design, this might take some getting used to. Also, while the wider grip is generally comfortable, the positioning of the sticks and buttons might require a slight adjustment in how you hold the Joy-Cons, especially for extended D-pad usage. But again, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar package.

NYXI didn’t forget about portability either. The NYXI Hyperion 2 comes with a hardshell case, which is a nice bonus. It’s sturdy and has compartments for both Joy-Cons, plus space for accessories like the mid-bridge (though, unfortunately, the existing mid-bridge isn’t compatible yet). This makes it super convenient to toss them into your bag without worrying about scratches or damage. Sure, it’s a small addition, but it shows that NYXI cares about the little details that enhance the user experience.

Performance Evaluation

Let’s start with the most noticeable thing when you first pick up the NYXI Hyperion 2—the buttons. These aren’t your average mushy Joy-Con buttons. Nope, these are mechanical switches, and they feel amazing. If you’ve ever used a mechanical keyboard, you’ll know what I’m talking about. The buttons have an extremely short travel distance, which means they respond almost instantly to your presses. There’s also that satisfying “click” sound every time you press them. It’s loud, sure, but it adds a level of feedback that makes gaming feel more tactile and immersive.

In practice, this works wonders for games that require quick inputs. For example, in fast-paced platformers like Hollow Knight or shooters like Splatoon, the responsiveness is spot-on. You never feel like you’re fighting against the controller—it just does what you tell it to do, no questions asked. That said, if you prefer quieter controllers or play late at night while others are sleeping, the clicky noise might be a bit much. But hey, that’s the trade-off for precision.

Joystick Precision

Now, onto the joysticks. The Hyperion 2 uses hall effect technology, which is basically a fancy way of saying they’re magnetic and don’t rely on physical contact to register movement. This is a big deal because it eliminates one of the biggest frustrations with traditional Joy-Cons: stick drift. With hall effect joysticks, you don’t have to worry about your character slowly walking off a cliff after 100 hours of gameplay. That alone is worth celebrating.

In terms of performance, the sticks feel smooth and precise. They’re not as stiff as some other high-end controllers, but they’re not too loose either—it’s a nice balance. I tested them in games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, where precision matters a lot.

One small gripe, though: there’s a bit of snapback when you let go of the stick. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable if you’re used to smoother returns on other controllers. Also, there’s a slightly larger dead zone than I’d like, especially near the edges of the stick’s range. It’s not enough to ruin the experience, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re super picky about stick sensitivity.

Multiplayer Experience

Here’s where the NYXI Hyperion 2 really shines—multiplayer gaming. Unlike the original Joy-Cons, which have asymmetrical layouts (one side has a D-pad, the other has face buttons), both sides of the Hyperion 2 are identical. This means you and your friend can share the same comfortable experience without arguing over who gets the “better” controller. Trust me, this is a game-changer for couch co-op sessions.

I tested this out with a few rounds of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Party, and it was a blast. Both players had equal access to all the features, and the ergonomic design made it easy to hold the controllers for extended periods. Plus, the macro buttons on the back came in handy for setting up custom combos or shortcuts. For example, I programmed one of the paddles to perform a specific move in Mortal Kombat, and it worked flawlessly every time. No more mashing buttons—just one tap, and you’re good to go.

Vibration Feedback

Now, let’s talk about vibration. Unfortunately, the NYXI Hyperion 2 doesn’t support HD Rumble, which is one of the standout features of the original Nintendo Joy-Cons. HD Rumble is that subtle, nuanced vibration that can simulate things like ice cubes clinking in a glass or sand slipping through your fingers. It’s hard to replicate, and the Hyperion 2 doesn’t even try.

Instead, you get a more basic vibration motor. It’s not bad—it’s definitely better than the cheap, buzzy motors you find in knockoff controllers—but it’s nowhere near as refined as HD Rumble. The vibrations are strong and noticeable, but they can sometimes feel a bit harsh, especially at higher intensity levels. In games like Celeste or Hades, where rumble is used sparingly, it’s fine. But in games that rely heavily on HD Rumble, like 1-2-Switch, you’ll definitely notice the difference.

Macro Buttons and Turbo Functionality

Let’s not forget about the macro buttons and Turbo functionality, two features that elevate the NYXI Hyperion 2 above standard Joy-Cons. Setting up macros is incredibly easy—just hold down the “T” button along with the macro button for a few seconds, and you’re ready to program any command or sequence. Whether you want to map a single button or create a complex combo, it’s all doable.

The Turbo function is equally impressive. Once activated, it simulates rapid button presses with a single tap. This is perfect for games like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter, where spamming certain moves can give you an edge. I tested it out in a few fighting games, and it worked exactly as advertised. Just be careful not to abuse it too much—you don’t want to accidentally trigger Turbo in a game where precision matters!

Battery Life

Battery life is another area where the NYXI Hyperion 2 performs decently but isn’t groundbreaking. According to NYXI, you can expect around 5 hours of playtime with RGB lighting enabled and up to 10 hours with it turned off. In my testing, this held up pretty well. If you’re playing docked, battery life isn’t a concern since the Joy-Cons charge directly from the Switch. But if you’re playing undocked, you’ll want to keep an eye on the battery, especially if you’re using the RGB lighting.

Speaking of RGB, it’s worth mentioning that the lighting itself is gorgeous. The colors are vibrant, and the ability to customize different zones (around the joysticks and near the buttons) adds a premium touch. However, if you’re looking to maximize battery life, you might want to turn it off during longer gaming sessions. It’s a small compromise, but one worth considering.

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts

Alright, let’s wrap this up. After spending a solid amount of time with the NYXI Hyperion 2 Joy-Cons, I can confidently say that these are some of the most impressive third-party Joy-Cons I’ve ever used. They’re not perfect, but they’re pretty darn close for what they aim to achieve.

The design is just chef’s kiss. Sleek, chunky, ergonomic—these Joy-Cons feel like a natural evolution of the original Nintendo design. The replaceable faceplates are a genius touch, even if NYXI hasn’t rolled out additional designs yet. The RGB lighting is vibrant, customizable, and adds a premium flair that’s hard to ignore. Plus, the magnetic system for swapping faceplates is seamless—it doesn’t mess with ergonomics or feel at all.

The mechanical buttons and hall effect joysticks are where the Hyperion 2 truly shines. The buttons have that satisfying clicky feedback, and the joysticks are smooth, precise, and (thankfully) drift-free. For competitive gaming or just long sessions, these features make a noticeable difference. And let’s not forget the symmetrical design—it’s perfect for multiplayer setups, ensuring both players get the same comfortable experience.

Other standout features include the macro buttons, Turbo functionality, and adjustable vibration. These aren’t just gimmicks—they’re genuinely useful, especially in games that require quick inputs or repetitive actions. The Turbo function, in particular, is a blast in fighting games or shooters, and programming macros is as easy as holding down two buttons.

Now, let’s talk about the downsides. The biggest omission here is the lack of HD Rumble and NFC support. HD Rumble, in particular, feels like a missed opportunity. It’s one of those features that, once you’ve experienced it, you don’t want to go back. The Hyperion 2’s vibration motors are decent—they’re better than the cheap ones you find on knockoff controllers—but they’re nowhere near as refined as HD Rumble. The sound of the vibrations can also be a bit harsh, especially at higher intensity levels.

Another minor gripe is the D-pad. While the individual button-based design works well for precision, it’s not as comfortable for extended use compared to a traditional cross-style D-pad. If you’re someone who spends hours navigating menus or playing retro-style platformers, this might take some getting used to. Also, the battery life is decent but not groundbreaking. With RGB lighting enabled, you’ll get around 5 hours of playtime, which drops to 10 hours if you turn it off. That’s fine for docked play, but undocked gamers will need to keep an eye on the battery.

Finally, there’s the price point. At $79.99, the NYXI Hyperion 2 is definitely on the pricier side for Joy-Cons. While the build quality, features, and performance justify the cost to some extent, it’s still a tough pill to swallow when you compare it to other options like the Mobapad M6 HD or COIORVIS Phantom HD, which offer similar features at a slightly lower price. The lack of a mid-bridge (at least for now) also feels like a missed opportunity to sweeten the deal.

On the flip side, if you’re a purist who swears by HD Rumble or relies heavily on NFC support (like for amiibo), the Hyperion 2 might leave you wanting more. Similarly, if you’re on a tight budget or already own a high-end controller like the Mobapad M6 HD, you might want to shop around before pulling the trigger.

So, what do you think? Are the NYXI Hyperion 2 Joy-Cons worth the splurge, or would you rather stick with your OG Joy-Cons or another alternative? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!