| Price | Amazon |
| Release | Q1 2025 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / PC |
| Dimensions | 11.8″ x 8.3″ x 1.2″ |
| Weight | 1.57 lbs |
| Cable | 3 m |
PC Edition
Introduction
Major companies started embracing the leverless format, whether we are talking about the Razer Kitsune or Qanba Sapphire. In this case, Hori is offering you a leverless controller, the NOLVA, with 15 fully sized buttons.
Unboxing
Here is what your order of the NOLVA should also arrive with:
- Three button hole caps
- Two spare switches
- USB-C to A cable
- Manual
Performance
The NOLVA’s additional buttons can easily be removed if you do not need them. The buttons are rimless, and they come with proprietary switches that sound rather clicky but perform well nonetheless.
For the tech savvy: the buttons of the NOLVA have a 40±10 gf actuation force. As for the switches, they approximately have a 1.1 mm actuation point with a 2.2 mm travel distance.
All of the NOLVA’s buttons—except for the jump button—are 23 mm. The jump button is 26 mm, and its bigger size allows you to hit it with the side of either thumb.
Now, let us dive into the secondary functions you can use on the top panel (from left to right):
- Tournament lock
- Guide
- Touchpad
- Settings
- Back
- LSB
- RSB
- Start
With that being said, the NOLVA’s top panel is sloped for the comfort of your wrists, and the slope gets steeper near the edge where your palms would rest. To prevent the controller from slipping when you use it, there are thick yet narrow pads on the left and right sides of the bottom.
As for the detachable cable, it goes approximately into the NOLVA’s center back, which is a tactical position to prevent the cable from being an obstacle while you play your favorite game. You can even unlock the port and then lock it again. On the right, there is a headphone port to keep you focused in-game.
Hardware
Hardware-wise, the NOLVA is made of lightweight plastic, and it is slimmer than David Schwimmer. The bottom is where you can also find the button removal tool.
If you grab the PC edition of the NOLVA and would like to use it with the PlayStation 5, do not worry because you can use a USB adapter to enhance the controller’s compatibility.
It is nice that the NOLVA’s cable is braided for extra durability. What is even nicer is that the cable has the Hori brand as well, and the cable being black goes with the controller’s color scheme in a way that seals the deal when it comes to the appearance. Speaking of which…
Appearance
Aesthetically, the NOLVA may be described as dark gray with squiggly art and varying shades of gray for the buttons. If you go for the PC edition, there is no squiggly art, but there are:
- Blue directional buttons
- Black attack buttons
- White extra buttons
At this point, it goes without saying that the NOLVA is quite reminiscent of the Kitsune. That said, it may be prone to fingerprint smudging, so have a towel on hand for occasional wiping.
Conclusion
The NOLVA is worth considering for its customizable button layout, lightness, and compatibility with a modern console.
- 15 buttons
- Button hole caps
- Extra switches
- Wrist slope
- Headphone port
- Tournament lock
- Unlockable passthrough
- Braided cable
- Extendable compatibility
- Surprisingly light
- Louder switches
- Narrow leg pads
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐