PS5 Controller Tackles Stick Drift with Magnetic Tech

Summary

A new pro PS5 controller, the Hex Gaming Phantom, aims to eliminate stick drift and offers several customizable features. It comes in a protective case and includes eight interchangeable thumbsticks with varying heights and shapes. On the back, it boasts a textured grip and four highly tactile, responsive back buttons, though their placement might require adjustment for optimal use. A key feature is the trigger stop switches, allowing users to toggle between standard analog triggers and rapid digital mouse-click triggers, a popular function for competitive gaming. To combat stick drift, the Phantom offers two main options: magnetic Hall effect joysticks, which replace physical contact with magnetic sensors, or the proprietary "Dry Fix" technology. This allows users to manually adjust joystick modules to counteract deviations, though it requires some technical understanding. The Dry Fix version costs $259, while the Hall effect version is $279, both including accessories like a USB-C cable and joystick protector rings, which physically block dust from entering the stick mechanism. While the controller offers significant advancements in preventing drift and customization, the reviewer found the back paddle ergonomics to be a potential area of concern requiring adaptation.