Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Are the NYXI Hyperion 3 controllers actually good for intense gaming? We put these Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con alternatives to the ultimate test in fighting games, platformers, and more!
Recently, we unboxed and shared our initial thoughts on the brand new NYXI Hyperion 3 Joy-Con 2.0 replacements for the Nintendo Switch 2. After that video went live, a lot of you reached out in the comments with some fantastic, specific questions about how these controllers actually hold up under pressure. First impressions are great, but how do they actually play? Today, we are diving back in to answer your questions and put these through a proper stress test.
For this video, I am capturing the direct gameplay footage, but I am also keeping the camera focused on my hands while using the controllers in the grip and handheld configurations so you can get a much better view of the inputs and ergonomics in real-time.
Test 1: Fighting Games (Street Fighter)
One of the most requested tests was seeing how the Hyperion 3 handles traditional 2D fighters. We booted up Street Fighter and jumped into a classic Ryu versus DJ matchup. I started off strictly using the analog sticks to see how the Hall effect sensors translate to precise sweeping inputs. Honestly? I was easily able to pull off all of Ryu's special moves and combos without much hassle.
Next, I swapped out the circular disc for the actual, traditional cross D-pad included in the box to see how it plays for the purists. And that is exactly where we ran into a massive, unexpected issue.
The Center Grip Flaw
While testing the D-pad with intense fighting game inputs, I had to completely pause the game because I experienced a major hardware flaw that I absolutely did not notice when playing in standard handheld mode.
When attached to the included center brace (to play in docked or tabletop mode), the Joy-Cons can actually come completely disconnected from the rails without you ever pressing the release button on the back. The locking mechanism simply fails under the pressure of intense gameplay. While the release button does push against the rail to help you slide them off easier when you want to, the fact that they can just slip off the grip mid-combo is incredibly disconcerting. This is simply not good, and NYXI desperately needs to design a better, more secure locking mechanism for this center brace.
Test 2: Mouse Mode Functionality
Another big question you all had: Do the NYXI Hyperion 3s work in Mouse Mode?
The short answer is no. These do not have mouse mode functionality. To be completely honest, this does not surprise me at all. In order for that feature to work properly, the controller requires a built-in IR camera underneath (like the official Nintendo Joy-Con 2.0s have). Third-party manufacturers frequently skip this specific hardware to keep costs down, so it makes sense that it is absent here.
Test 3: Action Platformers (Super Mario Bros. Wonder)
Finally, we needed to cleanse our palate and dive into a precision action platformer, so we booted up Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
I am happy to report that the analog sticks feel fantastic here. For an average, perfectly paced game like Mario Wonder, the Hyperion 3 feels really, really good. I would confidently say that these controllers are much better suited for 2D platforming and 3D action/adventure games than they are for intense, competitive fighting games.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the NYXI Hyperion 3 is a mixed bag. The analog sticks feel great, the buttons are responsive, and the ergonomics are solid. However, the fact that I can accidentally pull these apart from the center grip during normal gameplay is a huge disappointment. I really wish NYXI had engineered a better way to secure these to the brace. It is important to note that I did not experience this sliding issue when they were directly attached to the Switch 2 console in handheld mode, so your mileage will vary depending on how you prefer to play.
If you want to check out my initial unboxing, make sure you go watch our original YouTube Short on the channel!
What do you think? Does this center grip flaw change your mind about the Hyperion 3, or are you still planning on picking up a set strictly for handheld mode? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
#NintendoSwitch2 #NYXIHyperion3 #Switch2Accessories #JoyCon2 #ControllerReview #StreetFighter #SuperMarioWonder #FightingGames #NintendoGaming #TechReview
Are the NYXI Hyperion 3 controllers actually good for intense gaming? We put these Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con alternatives to the ultimate test in fighting games, platformers, and more!
Recently, we unboxed and shared our initial thoughts on the brand new NYXI Hyperion 3 Joy-Con 2.0 replacements for the Nintendo Switch 2. After that video went live, a lot of you reached out in the comments with some fantastic, specific questions about how these controllers actually hold up under pressure. First impressions are great, but how do they actually play? Today, we are diving back in to answer your questions and put these through a proper stress test.
For this video, I am capturing the direct gameplay footage, but I am also keeping the camera focused on my hands while using the controllers in the grip and handheld configurations so you can get a much better view of the inputs and ergonomics in real-time.
Test 1: Fighting Games (Street Fighter)
One of the most requested tests was seeing how the Hyperion 3 handles traditional 2D fighters. We booted up Street Fighter and jumped into a classic Ryu versus DJ matchup. I started off strictly using the analog sticks to see how the Hall effect sensors translate to precise sweeping inputs. Honestly? I was easily able to pull off all of Ryu's special moves and combos without much hassle.
Next, I swapped out the circular disc for the actual, traditional cross D-pad included in the box to see how it plays for the purists. And that is exactly where we ran into a massive, unexpected issue.
The Center Grip Flaw
While testing the D-pad with intense fighting game inputs, I had to completely pause the game because I experienced a major hardware flaw that I absolutely did not notice when playing in standard handheld mode.
When attached to the included center brace (to play in docked or tabletop mode), the Joy-Cons can actually come completely disconnected from the rails without you ever pressing the release button on the back. The locking mechanism simply fails under the pressure of intense gameplay. While the release button does push against the rail to help you slide them off easier when you want to, the fact that they can just slip off the grip mid-combo is incredibly disconcerting. This is simply not good, and NYXI desperately needs to design a better, more secure locking mechanism for this center brace.
Test 2: Mouse Mode Functionality
Another big question you all had: Do the NYXI Hyperion 3s work in Mouse Mode?
The short answer is no. These do not have mouse mode functionality. To be completely honest, this does not surprise me at all. In order for that feature to work properly, the controller requires a built-in IR camera underneath (like the official Nintendo Joy-Con 2.0s have). Third-party manufacturers frequently skip this specific hardware to keep costs down, so it makes sense that it is absent here.
Test 3: Action Platformers (Super Mario Bros. Wonder)
Finally, we needed to cleanse our palate and dive into a precision action platformer, so we booted up Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
I am happy to report that the analog sticks feel fantastic here. For an average, perfectly paced game like Mario Wonder, the Hyperion 3 feels really, really good. I would confidently say that these controllers are much better suited for 2D platforming and 3D action/adventure games than they are for intense, competitive fighting games.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the NYXI Hyperion 3 is a mixed bag. The analog sticks feel great, the buttons are responsive, and the ergonomics are solid. However, the fact that I can accidentally pull these apart from the center grip during normal gameplay is a huge disappointment. I really wish NYXI had engineered a better way to secure these to the brace. It is important to note that I did not experience this sliding issue when they were directly attached to the Switch 2 console in handheld mode, so your mileage will vary depending on how you prefer to play.
If you want to check out my initial unboxing, make sure you go watch our original YouTube Short on the channel!
What do you think? Does this center grip flaw change your mind about the Hyperion 3, or are you still planning on picking up a set strictly for handheld mode? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!
#NintendoSwitch2 #NYXIHyperion3 #Switch2Accessories #JoyCon2 #ControllerReview #StreetFighter #SuperMarioWonder #FightingGames #NintendoGaming #TechReview
