When NACON took over the RIG name from Poly it allowed them to strengthen their place in the gaming scene, with movement into the accessories market in style. Today though comes their biggest announcement since that move, with confirmation that the RIG PRO Compact controller, and the RIG 500 and RIG 700 gaming headsets are coming.
We’ll take the RIG Pro Compact as our first source of interest, and that’s because we’ve only just recently been hands-on with the UK/European version of this controller – the NACON PRO Compact controller for Xbox. Now it’s time for the RIG name to come to the fore as the the RIG PRO Compact – the first customizable wired controller and app for Xbox available in North America.
It will arrive from May 20th 2021, and is also the world’s first game controller to include Dolby Atmos for Headphones. As you probably know, Dolby Atmos places game audio all around the player with three-dimensional precision, so they can react faster and more accurately. This in turn allows gamers to be more immersed in the intensity that is unfolding, taking in crystal clear, hair-raising realism from every battlefield. If you’re looking to catch the subtle, potentially game-changing sounds that gaming revels in, this is a must.
The PRO Compact for Xbox promises to deliver exceptional audio, an optimized form factor and complete customization, with an impressive combination of features included. It’ll mean that gamers can create custom button maps, change trigger sensitivity and control dead zones using the PRO Compact app for Xbox.
“We’re excited to introduce the RIG PRO Compact controller to North America,” said RIG VP of Global Sales & Marketing, Peter Petrides. “Being able to leverage Nacon’s expertise as the #1 third-party controller brand in Europe, means we’re bringing RIG gamers a product that stays true to our brand promise. Which is to develop next generation gear that helps gamers improve their performance.”
“This is the perfect controller for competitive players who prefer, and play better, using a smaller form factor not available in other elite products,” continued Petrides. “The PRO Compact provides unparalleled levels of customization through its dedicated PRO Compact app. This, coupled with the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, makes it an extremely compelling controller for its price.”
“Dolby Atmos heightens your situational awareness and helps you reach competitive excellence,” said Mahesh Balakrishnan, Vice President of Dolby’s Audio Business. “It’s great to work again with RIG to make immersive gaming experiences more accessible to people around the world through the RIG PRO Compact.”
To enjoy the Dolby Atmos for Headphones, all you need to do is simply download the Dolby Access app from the Windows Store on Xbox or Windows 10, plug in the controller via USB and connect a headset to experience immersive audio while gaming.
It’s a super simple way of gaming, and even though our full review points to the smaller than standard form factor as not being something we personally like, there is certainly a range of gamers out there who will find this hugely appealing.
The PRO Compact will be available in-store in the U.S. at Best Buy on May 20th and available for online pre-order from GameStop, Walmart and Target on May 5th (that’s today!). In Canada, the PRO Compact will be exclusively available at Walmart stores.
- PRO Compact Black: officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $49.99 (USD) /
$79.96 (CAN) - PRO Compact White: officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $49.99 (USD) /
$79.96 (CAN)
But that’s not all that NACON have up their sleeve and they’ve also announced new versions of the highly popular RIG 500 PRO Series and the RIG 700 Series gaming headsets. Again, we’ve been hands-on (or should that be heads-on) with the older generation RIG 500 and RIG 700, and absolutely adore their lightweight feel, stylings and sound delivery. In fact, we can’t wait to get access to the new and improved 500 and 700 ranges to see how they compare.
The RIG 500 PRO Gen 2 takes everything gamers love about the first generation 500 PRO and adds a few upgrades. All models of the 500 PRO Gen 2 feature a comfort-enhanced steel headband that is both highly durable and flexible while also being lightweight. It comes with the signature RIG exoskeleton earcup design too, and this isolates the low distortion 50mm drivers that have been specifically tuned for immersive game audio.
RIG 500 PRO Series has a number of models for use with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 10. The 500 PRO HC Gen 2 is available now at GameStop, with all other variants available at major retailers on May 20thy:
- RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2: for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $69.99 (USD) / $89.96 (CAN)
- RIG 500 PRO HS Gen 2: for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4: $69.99 (USD) / $89.96 (CAN)
- RIG 500 PRO HC Gen 2: for multiplatform console and portable gaming: $69.99 (USD)
- RIG 500 PRO HA Gen 2: for PC gaming and includes longer cables and y-splitter: $79.99 (USD)
There’s also the new RIG 700 PRO Series. This delivers unreal wireless comfort with zero lag in an ultra-lightweight design, that promises to weigh in at no more than 241 grams; it remains one of the lightest wireless headsets available for Xbox and PlayStation gaming. It’s feature rich too though, with a self-adjusting head strap along with dual-material ear cushions, and the promise of hours of fatigue-free gaming.
RIG 700 PRO Series has models for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One and also PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Both models are available exclusively at GameStop today:
- RIG 700 PRO HX: officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: $119.99
- RIG 700 PRO HS: PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4: $119.99
If you’re in the market for a new controller, or fancy a new lightweight headset, you should most definitely stick the latest RIG efforts on your consideration list. Have you had the pleasure of a RIG headset upon your head previously? Are you new to the game and are just looking for a smaller controller? The comments are below.
