Nyxi Hyperion 3 review: finally, comfortable Joy-Cons – with one minor flaw
21/9/2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Kevin Hofer
I like the Switch 2. But after extended sessions in handheld mode, the thin Joy-Con controllers start to bother me. Nyxi does a much better job with the Hyperion 3, but they’re not perfect.
Anyone who’s played the Switch 2 in handheld mode for more than half an hour will be familiar with a certain problem: the console and its Joy-Con controllers are thin, the face buttons are small, the joysticks are short and there’s no proper D-pad. Due to this, I’ve been looking for an alternative ever since the launch. I’ve been using the Nyxi Hyperion 3 for several weeks now and have played my way through my games library, from Hollow Knight to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to Mario Kart World. It’s definitely more comfortable than the Joy-Con, but definitely not perfect.
Familiar shape, significantly more grip
The Hyperion 3 makes a good impression right from the moment you unbox it. It fits comfortably in your hands and feels more comfortable than the Joy-Con right from the start. The joysticks move smoothly, and the buttons have a satisfying click – more on that later.
The design is simple. The contours of the handles are slightly curved, allowing them to fit comfortably in your hands. The underside is slightly textured for better grip too. Overall, it’s a lot of fun to play games with the controller – whether in front of the TV or in handheld mode. In handheld mode, however, I first have to get used to the extra weight and the increased width. With the Hyperion, my Switch 2 is quite a hefty piece of equipment – a single controller weighs about 102 grammes. A single Joy-Con 2 weighs just 67 grammes.
Many customisable buttons
In addition to your standard buttons – including a C key (for chat), rarely found on third-party controllers – there’s a Turbo button on the front of each Joy-Con, as well as programmable GL/GR buttons on the back with macro support. You can programme them either using a keyboard shortcut (instructions here) or with the Keylinker mobile app (Android and iOS). The app works, but it’s confusing. I prefer using keyboard shortcuts.
The D-pad is replaceable; a second attachment is included, though there’s little difference between the two versions in everyday use. The only other thing worth mentioning is the charging cable that comes with it. At one metre, it’s a bit on the shorter side.
RGB: pretty, but unconventional
My white test device – the controller is also available in black – looks minimalist at first glance. It’s the RGB lighting – a ring around the sticks and a strip along the inside – that really sets it apart from other models. The illuminated ring can be customised with a specific colour or turned off. The light bar indicates connection and battery status, which is useful but can be distracting in dark rooms. If RGB is disabled, the status bar also turns off. The manufacturer estimates the battery life at six to eight hours; the charging time is two hours. That’s pretty much what I’ve found after testing.
The middle bit: good idea, but shaky execution
Both controllers can be magnetically attached to the centre piece to form a classic controller, similar to the official Nintendo controller. A key difference: the middle section has its own USB-C charging port, so you can charge the handles while using them. Alternatively, this can be done individually via a port on the bottom, or – as usual – directly on the Switch 2 in handheld mode. The centre piece also works with original Joy-Cons – not bad for a minimalist travel controller.
The release lever on the back feels exactly like the original while detaching from the Switch 2 or the centre section. At the same time, the magnetic connection on the centre piece itself isn’t entirely convincing. In a direct comparison, the handles on the Switch 2 fit noticeably more securely. Especially during intense gaming sessions, a more streamlined solution would be nice.
Strengths: microswitches and magnetic sticks
The face buttons, triggers, rear buttons and D-pad all use microswitches. This way, inputs are crisp and direct – the highlight of my Hyperion 3 review. Gamers who prefer a quieter experience – using membrane buttons like those on the Switch 2 Pro controller – won’t be as happy with this.
The sticks are impressive, too: thanks to tunnelling magnetoresistance (TMR) technology, they’re drift-free and operate smoothly. They’re also longer than the original sticks, which has a positive effect on precision.
A 9-axis gyro sensor is also built in and works reliably, both in handheld mode and when docked. In addition, the Switch 2 can be woken from standby using the Hyperion 3, a feature not all third-party controllers support.
The connection in docked mode is always stable, and the input lag is within the typical range for Bluetooth. In handheld mode, I don’t notice any input lag.
Missing features
There’s no mouse mode, but given how rarely it’s used, that’s not a big deal. It also lacks NFC, meaning you can’t scan Amiibos – but that’s not important to me either.
What stands out even more is the lack of haptic feedback in the form of HD Rumble 2. Instead, classic, linear vibration is used. I find the defaults too aggressive and badly balanced. But at least you can reduce the intensity or turn it off completely.
Nyxi has since released an Ultra version of the Hyperion 3, adding all the functions I listed under «Missing features» to the controller. As soon as I get my hands on that model, I’ll post an update.
In a nutshell
Convenient alternative Joy-Cons – with a few wobbles
The Nyxi Hyperion 3 brings noticeably more comfort to the Nintendo Switch 2’s handheld mode: drift-free TMR sticks, crisp microswitch buttons, and handy additional buttons like GL/GR with macro support make longer gaming sessions significantly more enjoyable.
This positive impression is somewhat marred by the included middle piece, which allows the controllers to be connected to form a full-fledged gamepad. They sit noticeably more comfortably there than right next to the Switch 2. On top of that, there’s no HD Rumble 2, and the controller isn’t exactly cheap at 90 francs (as of 19 August 2026). The Joy-Con 2 is already available for 70 francs.
If you value comfort, precise controls and direct button feedback above all else, the Hyperion 3 offers a noticeable upgrade over the original Joy-Cons.
Pro
- Significantly more comfortable grip than original Joy-Cons
- Drift-free TMR sticks
- Crisp microswitches
- Customisable GL/GR buttons
Contra
- Feel noticeably looser on the Grip than on Switch 2
- Expensive
- No HD Rumble 2
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
These articles might also interest you
Show all
These articles might also interest you
2 comments
later