While some players will be perfectly fine sticking with the standard issue joycons that come with the Nintendo Switch, others may want to upgrade to something like the NYXI Wizard Wireless joy-pad. Developed and sold by NYXI, the purple joy-pad is immediately reminiscent of the classic GameCube controller style many gamers know and love.
Several versions of GameCube style Switch controllers are available on the market, but it’s quality and a few key features that make the NYXI Wizard one of the best players can hope to use. In this Outsider Gaming product review, we’ll break down the key features and aspects of using the NYXI Wizard to help you decide whether it’s time to upgrade.
For this review, NYXI was kind enough to supply us with one NYXI Wizard Wireless Joy-pad.
In this product review you will learn:
- All the key features of the NYXI Wizard
- How this controller is designed and performs
- The pros, cons, and our official product rating
- Where and how to purchase the NYXI Wizard
- Use COUPON CODE for 10% OFF: OGTH23
- All the key features of the NYXI Wizard
NYXI Wizard key features
The NYXI Wizard Wireless Joy-pad is designed for the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, and it brings plenty of must-have features to the table including 6-Axis Gyro, adjustable dual shock vibration, adjustable button backlights, mappable back buttons on each joycon, and perhaps most importantly a very versatile turbo feature.
If you’ve used GameCube controllers in the past, the NYXI Wizard has absolutely nailed that general feel when using them connected to the intermediate bridge and has a wide but natural feel when attached to the console itself. The NYXI Wizard is definitely heftier than the standard joycons, but not to the point that it becomes unwieldy.
For comparison, the NYXI Wizard has similar weight and size to the standard issue Xbox Series X|S and PS4 controllers, and it might even be just a hair lighter than those. There is a brief adjustment period due to the style of the A, B, X, and Y buttons being formatted like the classic GameCube controller rather than the layout on the standard Nintendo Switch joycons, but it’s an adjustment that doesn’t take long and hasn’t made switching to other controllers an issue.
Here are the top key features for the NYXI Wizard:
- Wireless: The wireless joy-pad is easy to use separately or physically connected to the Nintendo Switch console, and connecting it took no time at all.
- 6-Axis Gyro: When using the intermediate bridge or connected to the Nintendo Switch console, you’ll still have access to the six-axis gyro motion controls needed for some Switch games.
- Turbo: Customizable turbo feature offers multiple turbo speed styles and allows one button set to turbo per joycon.
- Dual Shock: Vibration intensity for each joycon is fully customizable and can be lowered or turned off entirely if preferred.
- Map Button: Mapping buttons allow you to link any joycon button (or directional stick movement) to the back button on that particular joycon.
- Indicator Light: Several LED indicator lights are used to communicate whether the controller is connected, the status of the turbo feature, and the backlight on the Y, X, A, and B buttons can be lowered in intensity or turned off entirely.
You can easily charge your NYXI Wizard Joy-pad by either attaching it to the Nintendo Switch console or using the supplied USB-C charging cable to charge each individual joycon.
Shipping and delivery
For this product review, the NYXI Wizard was sent to the United States from China. NYXI notified us the package was in transit on May 4th with provided tracking information from 4PX Global Order Tracking. The package was delivered without delay or issue on May 19th, just over two weeks after it’d been shipped.
The packaging was simple with enough padding to protect the controller inside the cardboard box, but it wasn’t unnecessarily large or excessive. The tracking number provided by NYXI was easy to check with 4PX Global Order Tracking on their website via mobile or a desktop browser.
Controller design
As mentioned previously, the undeniable design influence for the NYXI Wizard is the classic purple GameCube controller style. The color and aesthetics, including having the right joystick yellow like the old C-Buttons used to be, all harkens back to that era.
While the NYXI Wizard is definitely a bit larger than the standard joycons, it doesn’t become unwieldy in any sense. The controller features smooth plastic all around, and the programmable back buttons have tactile ridges for grip and ease of location.
The NYXI Wizard comes standard rocker rings for each joystick that have an octagonal interior which allows for precision when games need specific angled joystick directions for certain controls. Two interchangeable rocker rings without the octagonal ridges are also provided with the controller, and swapping them out is easily outlined in the provided user manual.
Performance
Whether you’re looking to play something reminiscent of the GameCube era or something more specific to the Nintendo Switch, the NYXI Wizard has all the precision and performance you’ll need to get that job done. The octagonal rocker rings allow for precise motion for combos in fighting games, and the Turbo feature works exactly as intended to help in a variety of games.
If you’re a veteran player who remembers the Super Smash Bros. Melee days and wants to enjoy that feeling again in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, rest assured it definitely feels like being back in the Melee days with an upgraded game, controller, and system.
When attached to the intermediate bridge, the NYXI Wizard joy-pad feels very stable and sturdy with no give between the bridge and the individual joycons. They also fit tightly to the Nintendo Switch console and don’t show any performance issues in either case.
Long play (4 hours)
The NXYI Wizard is far more ergonomic and natural to hold than the standard Nintendo Switch joycons, and it’s comfortable to use for long periods of time. Whether doing a more button-intensive game like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or something a bit more relaxed like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, extended use never caused any noticeable issues.
Using them connected to the console rather than as a separate joy-pad connected to the bridge, there’s definitely a different feel than when using the standard joycons connected to the console. Rather than the somewhat rigid sides of the joycons and back of the console itself being where your fingers rest, the ergonomic design allows you to keep your hands firmly on the joycons rather than the console.
Customer service and support
NYXI support coordinated delivery of the controller with us and was responsive to any clarifications or needed questions. NYXI has been making various controller designs for some time, but the NYXI Wizard joy-pad model is a relatively new product. Customer reviews on the NYXI website are overwhelmingly positive and date back to early this year.
If you need to return the product or run into any issues with delivery, customer service and support from NYXI can be reached via the email support@nyxigaming.com and their standard working hours are Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm EST.
Additionally, the NYXI Gaming website has a contact-us page with a contact form where you can send a message to them directly through that page as well. If you want to connect with NYXI elsewhere, you can find them at any of these links:
While the NYXI Wizard worked perfectly fine out of the box, there is a process to deliver a firmware update at a later time if you run into any performance issues. You’ll need to use the Keylinker App on your phone or tablet and connect to the controllers via bluetooth to trigger that update.
If the product arrives damaged or isn’t working as designed, you can contact their support email within 7 working days of delivery to get a replacement. If for any reason you decide you don’t want the product anymore and wish to request a refund, you’ll make contact with NYXI support via email and get a reply within one working day to begin that process. You can find more information about the refund and return policy at this link.
How much does the NYXI Wizard Wireless cost, and where can I purchase it?
The NYXI Wizard Wireless Joy-pad is available to purchase for $69.99 and is only available directly through the NYXI Gaming website. Right now, Outsidergaming readers can get a discount when using this code at checkout: OGTH23.
Fortunately, they also provided free shipping for orders over $49, so you won’t have to pay any extra shipping or handling costs when getting the NYXI Wizard.
Is the NYXI Wizard Wireless Nintendo Switch controller good, and is it worth it?
After several days of regular use, there’s no denying the NYXI Wizard is one of the best Nintendo Switch controller options available and among the best in the GameCube style. Getting used to the controller took very little time, and it’s quickly become a favorite to use across several different games.
Official Product Rating: 5 out of 5
Pros of the NYXI Wizard
- More comfortable and precise than standard Switch joycons
- Turbo and mapped back buttons can give a major performance boost in games.
- LED light settings and vibration are easily adjustable
- Nostalgic but modern GameCube feel
- Comes with controller, interchangeable rocker rings, bridge, and one charging cable
Cons of the NYXI Wizard
- Separate charging ports means charging them simultaneously while not attached to the console requires two USB-C charging cables
Is there a case that fits the NYXI Wizard Wireless controller?
Yes, NYXI Gaming also offers a NYXI Carrying Case for $32.99 that fits the NYXI Wizard or the separate Hyperion or Athena controller models. The case also has an extra compartment to store cables, the standard joycons, or other accessories.
In addition to that storage pouch, the NYXI Carrying Case includes 12 different slots for Nintendo Switch game cartridges. The case is only available with a standard black design that features a small NYXI logo on the front of the case at the bottom right.
How do I connect my NYXI Wizard controller?
The easiest and most reliable way to pair the NYXI Wizard controller to your Nintendo Switch console is to attach them to the sides of it like any other joycons. This immediately connects them, and you can remove them immediately after and put the joycons back on the bridge for separate use.
When your Nintendo Switch console is in Sleep Mode, you can press the Home button on your separate NYXI Wizard joy-pad a few times and it will wake up the console and connect the joycons.
How do I change the vibration level?
Adjusting the vibration level is easy and only requires users to hold the turbo button on a given joycon before using the joystick up and down to adjust the vibration intensity to the desired level.
How do you use the Turbo feature?
Turbo offers you the choice to use an automatic or manual continuous burst. You simply press and hold the Turbo button and then the button you wish to pair with it. Doing this with a single button press activates the manual continuous burst function.
Manual burst will repeatedly turbo the button but only when it’s being held. Doing a second button press when pairing will activate an automatic continuous burst that is activated or deactivated by pressing the paired button. You can hold the Turbo button for three seconds at any time to turn off any activated Turbo function.
Is the NYXI Wizard controller safe to use with the Nintendo Switch dock?
In the time taken to test it for this review, the NYXI Wizard never caused any issues with the Nintendo Switch dock. It fits snugly but easily into the dock when the joycons are connected and charges them without issue.
Are there any joycon drift issues or joystick dead zones?
We didn’t run into any Joycon drift or joystick dead zones while testing this controller, and the Hall Effect Joystick design is built to combat and prevent any joycon drift.
Does the NYXI Wizard Wireless need to be updated?
Firmware updates for the controller are possible, but may not ever be needed. The NYXI Wizard works fine out of the box and is unlikely to need an update, but if you do require one the Keylinker App is used to connect to them via bluetooth from a phone or tablet and update the controller.
Can the NYXI Wizard Wireless joycons be used separately or with other joycons?
As they operate and are seen as individual joycons just like the standard joycons, you can actually use only the left or right NYXI Wizard joycon with the standard joycon counterpart if you desire. You are also able to disconnect and use them individually, but the design isn’t particularly built for that single joycon style.
How long does the battery last?
The NYXI Wizard lasted at least six hours for both intermittent and continuous use throughout the day, but they could last even longer. Charging them via the docked switch between sessions is your best bet to keep ready to go most of the time, but charging separately while using a different controller to continue playing went by quickly.
Can the battery be charged when connected to the Nintendo Switch?
Yes, the NYXI Wizard charges when connected to the Switch console just like standard joycons whether it’s docked or not. Each joycon also has a USB-C port that the provided charging cable can be used with.
You can find the NYXI Wizard and all other NYXI Gaming products at their website linked here.
