PowerA Enhanced Switch Controller – Spectra LED

Lights up in multiple different color settings and buttons and joysticks have no drift and still work fine even after playing smash. Many Amazon controllers are low quality and sticks drift after playing but this one is great

I’ve had the original pro-controller almost since launch but always looked for a cheaper option for a day-to-day use. About 2-3 years ago I found this Zelda themed PowerA wired controller and decided to give it a try and, save for very few instances, it has been my main controller. That is until the left joystick started to show some drifting 😕 (I’ll probably keep it to see if I can salvage it with some hall effect joysticks later). Enter the new kid on the block: same brand, more robust feel and less than half the price of the pro-controller; sign me up.
Comparing all 3 side by side, the old wired controller did feel a bit too light and plasticky when compared to the pro-controller, this new one feels more robust (akin to the pro-controller) while also being more comfortable for my adult-sized hands than the pro-controller. I also just noticed the texturing on the joysticks (see the pictures), not sure how I feel about that but the new ones do seem to provide a better grip. The joysticks also glide very smoothly and all the buttons have a very robust feel to them. For further comparison:
-Pros:
*Mappable buttons (really useful)
*Headphone jack (I don’t live alone and find this very useful)
*LEDs (never had a problem finding the buttons, but it DOES look cool)
*Still cost effective
-Cons:
*No gyro (not many games that I own use it anyway)
*No amiibo (again, not essential)
*No rumble (don’t care)
*Does not wake up the system (ok, this one would have been nice)
Honestly, I only switch back to the pro-controller when playing Zelda BotW or TotK (when the first 2 cons come into play). I also noticed that the new cable has a locking mechanism on the plug to the controller, not sure I like that and will be using the old cable. On the event of something tugging on the cable I’d rather have the cable disconnect (easier on the controller given the angles) than pull on the Switch and throw it to the ground (yes, this has happened, and hence why I added the wire holder next to console and why I’ll use the old cable).
All in all, a very good controller for it’s initial play session and, as I entitled this review, this will be my de facto controller unless I need to use an amiibo or the game experience is significantly better with gyro controls.

This controller is great. I was surprised to find that it is considerably more lightweight than other Switch controllers I own, but the controller works as it should. The programmable buttons on the back are useful at times but can get in the way depending on how you hold the controller.

This Controller is so cute!

For those who are searching for your next gaming controller, please know that this is WIRED ONLY, meaning it cannot connect via Bluetooth. This controller is best for gaming on the Nintendo Switch. Although I haven’t tried it yet on my computer, I am sure it will work there as well for PC gaming.

Materials: Plastic. The body of the controller does feel a bit cheap (and lightweight) however, it works just fine and should be acceptable for 99% of gamers.

My son is 7 and although he’s very responsible he can sometimes be rough with stuff. Mostly it’s just the controller sliding off the couch or being tossed onto a bean bag…nothing too terrible. So far this controller has been performing like the day we got it. Looks good, works good..a great budget friendly option!

The design looks even better than in the picture.