HexGaming Extremely X evaluation: A professional Xbox controller nice for disabilities

Discovering the proper online game controller is sort of by no means simple for individuals with disabilities, and, as extra custom-built fashions hit the market, it may be tough to discern which of them are definitely worth the danger to your pockets. That is very true when so many top-notch gamepads look alike and boast related options, however most individuals who recreation extensively know not all controllers are created equal. Fortunately, just a few stand out above the remainder, delivering a number of of the qualities passionate gamers are trying to find. The Extremely X HexGaming Controller makes a powerful case for occupying a type of coveted spots.

I acquired a pattern of this new product and took my time with it, testing out the Extremely X on three totally different Microsoft consoles and two PCs whereas taking part in by means of quite a lot of digital experiences from traditional FPS titles to combating video games. The Extremely X could not initially impress those that have already sprung for an Xbox Elite Collection 2 controller, straight from Microsoft, however this HexGaming Xbox controller proves it’s simply nearly as good, and possibly even higher than the first-party various, in terms of accounting for accessibility.

$190 at Amazon

Concerning the HexGaming Extremely X Controller

The Extremely X is a fine-looking piece of {hardware} with a normal Xbox shell that matches the present technology of Xbox Collection X and S consoles splendidly. Holding this can be very comfy, feeling mild sufficient to not be a trouble, however stable and regular throughout use.

This machine gives alternatives to realize a smooth look befitting of gamers’ current-gen machines, as the web site gives 24 wild designs for the visible presentation of the controller, in addition to customization choices for just a few different small particulars. The bottom Extremely X controller bundle begins at $189.99, however the extra customizations one provides to the machine, the upper the worth will go. The controller I acquired for testing seemed to be nearer to the $249.99 mark.

The gamepad boasts the next options:

• Interchangeable thumbsticks

• 4 remappable buttons

• Adjustable triggers

• Consolation grips

• Rubberized grip faceplate

• Set off stops

• Customizable buttons and visible design

The Extremely X is available in a pretty field with some primary directions and is secured nicely, as nothing arrived tampered in transport. My solely suggestion is to verify to examine the field totally for these additional thumbsticks. Mine have been hidden away behind a flap in a small, clear container that might be simply missed. Additionally be aware that the controller doesn’t include a USB Sort-C energy cable, so customers will need to have a spare cable or plan forward with batteries.

The Extremely X Controller is appropriate with Xbox Collection X|S, Home windows 7+, MacOS Catalina+, in addition to iOS 10+, and Android units.

What I like concerning the HexGaming Extremely X Controller

It feels nice within the fingers

It’s exhausting to not like utilizing this distant over my normal, pack-in Xbox controller. The Extremely X feels comfy in motion, and a part of that luxurious contact is in its rubberized grips. They cowl a very good portion of the handles and assist mitigate sweat and any jerky actions I make. Like most units that use this dimension mildew, I favor it for first-person shooters and third-person motion video games. In complete, the Extremely X has the precise steadiness of resistance and sensitivity that retains all the things feeling responsive.

The D-pad isn’t unhealthy, however it isn’t fairly excellent both, particularly for the combating video games or precision platformers I like. These interchangeable thumbsticks gained’t matter to some, however I strongly counsel making an attempt out the totally different heights and heads to check optimization. Virtually the entire buttons appear well-crafted, and I paid particular consideration to the bumpers, as these are normally the primary a part of Xbox controllers to undergo from put on and tear. Proper out of the field it’s plug and play, with no connection points on console or laptop. That is very true when utilizing a cable, however the Extremely X Controller even performs nicely when used wirelessly.

$190 at Amazon

High-tier Xbox accessibility

From an accessibility standpoint, I can’t speak sufficient concerning the adjustable set off management mechanism. It has two totally different modes of set off activation. The primary permits gamers to drag again totally on the button to fireplace, for individuals who prefer to smash them in or really feel the pressure behind every shot. The second possibility stops it shorter and makes the mechanism far more delicate.

This enables the wielder to softly press the set off with out having to place a lot power behind it, and it makes twitch reactions smoother. This characteristic isn’t only for pro-gamer strategies, because it can be extraordinarily useful for these with mobility points, dexterity difficulties, or those that have problem managing ache throughout longer periods. Whether or not your mobility wants require a light-weight or heavy contact, there are triggers to accommodate your wants past the same old selection of analog and digital triggers.

In that very same respect, the Extremely X Controller comes with totally different heads for the thumbsticks and a few alternates which are totally different heights, making motions simpler for individuals who have bother transferring their fingers or have to play in non-traditional positions. It’s additionally a bonus for individuals who could must function the machine with different physique elements past their fingers, enabling alternatives to succeed in the thumbsticks and maneuver them with ease, because of the adjustable top.

The gamepad additionally sports activities 4 programmable buttons on the underside of the chassis, and each single button is totally remappable. This software program and {hardware} customization, together with the flexibility to have as much as six totally different profiles for the remapped buttons, might show immensely helpful for individuals who have points reaching sure buttons in sure video games.

It’s no secret that Microsoft nonetheless sells its Xbox Adaptive Controller for individuals who need the one most customizable interface to benefit from the platform, however tailor-made options like those discovered within the Extremely X controller nonetheless make gaming extra accessible for these in a position to manipulate a normal controller formfactor.

What I don’t like concerning the HexGaming Extremely X Controller

Buttons are often shaky and never tactile sufficient

There isn’t a lot to dislike with the Extremely X, however my points principally focus on just a few buttons. Firstly, the face buttons don’t really feel fairly proper, like they aren’t all the time registering my inputs and might be a little bit extra tactile. My thumb was typically looking out when it appeared prefer it shouldn’t have been. This challenge could also be extra prevalent for these within the blind-and-low-vision neighborhood, as sturdy tactile really feel is paramount.

In the identical vein, the 4 buttons on the underside of the machine might have been unfold out a bit extra, as they’re virtually on high of one another and all of them transfer a little bit, like they aren’t totally regular. They shift beneath my fingers and aren’t all the time responsive, particularly in comparison with the triggers. It’s a small gripe, however they might be made tighter with tweaks to raised help gamers with shaky fingers. The adjustable triggers are nice, however the switches used to vary these modes have some odd resistance, and I used to be afraid I broke one in all them at first.

Some fashions could have troublesome coloration schemes

Not all coloration schemes for the Extremely X shall be pleasant to gamers with low imaginative and prescient both. I chosen darkish purple and black design, which sadly left the 4 face buttons tough to learn. This gained’t be an issue for these with out visible points like mine, however there are moments when it threw me off, and I additionally fear these with cognitive disabilities could battle to learn the buttons, too.

A brief guarantee

I’m to see how lengthy the Extremely X lasts after heavy use. The lifespan of a premium controller like that is imagined to be first rate, however the usual guarantee HexGaming gives is simply three months. There’s a promotion for utilizing HexGaming’s social media to squeeze six months out of the assure, however that also appears too brief relative to the price of entry.

This controller’s guarantee might be longer, not solely given its potential use in knowledgeable context, but in addition to raised assist those that would possibly use its accessibility options in additional distinctive methods. It could’ve been good to see HexGaming espouse a little bit extra religion in its {hardware}.

Do you have to purchase the HexGaming Extremely X Controller?

General, the Extremely X Controller is stable and definitely worth the funding for anybody critical about discovering a brand new controller to suit their gaming type. I like its simplicity, however there’s all the time room for a little bit extra perform and refinement of the design. Nonetheless, in a discipline of comparable opponents, it’s exhausting to say that this may be a foul selection for individuals who desire a premium Xbox controller for the disabled neighborhood.

$190 at Amazon

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Costs have been correct on the time this text was printed however could change over time.