PowerA Fusion Pro 3 Wired Xbox Controller

I read lots of reviews that made me think the back buttons could only 1 to 1 map with non-back buttons (so, simulate the XABY keys or an L1 etc.). I used it for 2 weeks thinking this – turns out I should have just tried, as the multi-button presses I needed (Left Trigger hold + d-pad) were mappable – granted, it’s not a macro (so no timing info is saved and you can’t input something like “Hold trigger for 2 seconds, release trigger, press up on d-pad”), nor does it come through as a distinct button event from hardware to laptop (I tested with GNU/Linux jstest to monitor the hardware events), which is something I read the X-Box elite is capable of with a special driver.

Being able to bind combo buttons to the back buttons means on a game like Final Fantasy 14 (FF14), which can have some really gnarly controller key presses required (the left side action axis wheel requires holding left trigger and pressing a d-pad direction – very hard to do while using the left joystick to move), can now have all 4 of those bindings set to a single button press.

The downsides:
– The back buttons are VERY easy to press – if you’re using this for PC gaming, and set it on your lap to type at keyboard, you’re probably going to register a few back button presses as you set it down (or if you shift the controller in your hands) – this wasn’t so good in Diablo 4, where I don’t need those binds at all. Re-binding is slow/tedious, and you can’t save multiple bind “profiles” as far as I can tell
– The remote feels great, but is extremely light – a name brand X-Box basic controller feels 2 to 3x heavier – I don’t know if that’s because of a cheaper rumble system or what. For some people, such a light controller may be desired, but I prefer some “heft” to my devices
– I used GNU/Linux fftest program to calibrate rumble levels – it only has 2 rumble levels from the 5 listed – I assume the name brand remotes have all 5 – the 2 it does have are the most important though – “strong rumble” (which can still be at various strengths) and sine, which is like a pulsing rumble effect

The upsides:
– Joysticks feel great, they have a rigid pattern around them and it’s fun to swivel my thumbs around the edge for the tactile feedback
– The controller overall (exterior) feels much better than a cheaper model one I compared it to (a $30 Switch controller that works with PC)
– The triggers are not just “press” (maybe this is more of a Switch controller thing) – they have analog ranges of 1 to 32k, although most games treat them as binary presses
– The buttons feel good to press – no stickiness – very satisfying to press them

Overall – definitely recommend for gaming on GNU/Linux!

3 month update: I recently tried an Xbox Elite Series 2 controller (2 so far) – apparently almost all are plagued by face buttons failing to register – that has never been an issue with the PowerA here – for a third of the cost, you’re getting a way more reliable controller – in comparison to the name brand model, the only thing it lacks is bluetooth and a bit of “heft” to it (and the “customizations”, which are not valuable if base functionality is broken).

The controller feel really good in hand, has good grip, it feels responsive with no lag. Easy to get used to it. It is a great quality controller for the price

Pros: the back buttons are a complete game changer, especially for FPS games like apex. Appreciate the price as well, making this level of gaming accessible to everyone.

Cons: I’ve gone through 4 controllers (Both Fusion Pro 2 and 3) and can comfortably say they don’t last past a half year at most. I recently purchased a new one on April 25th and today (July 14th) it won’t turn on. The back buttons were already going and the controller would die out if I moved my hand a certain way, but now it’s completely done. After 3 months. Might as well save up your money and try one of the more premium options out there because I’m fed up with these breaking.

This is a controller that I had high expectation on. I had own the previous two controllers, that being Fusion Pro and Fusion Pro 2, which both had one issue, the back detachable paddle kit was poorly made and the plastic tabs broke easily overtime. With this controller, they made the improvement of switching to buttons, which is great, right? That’s if you plan on using all four buttons on the back that is. I only use one, and even when I’m not using it, the other buttons are in the way of your fingers. It’s a bit inconvenient and lackluster to me, they have a nice click to it, but that’s not the main problem. The only real issue is that the controller feels like a downgrade from the last predecessor. It feels, light, cheap in some ways. The Fusion Pro and Fusion Pro 2 felt nice in the hands, wighted and with comfortable grip in the back. It wasn’t the best to clean, but it felt like a true quality controller. The Fusion Pro 3 however feels under preformed. I would have liked to have seen more quality and weight added to it, just feels more plasticky that the last two generations. If your for the new look and buttons, this is your better option, but it’s definitely an interesting controller.

I have owned this controller for around a year now and still find myself blown away by the value it provides.

I do not use it much anymore as I am often to busy so durability may have more of an impact with others.

Two Paddle controllers are always better imo, four is excessive, I prefer the button feel these backbuttons provide as opposed to the scuf impact which I have prevously owned. I have also owned the Astro C40, the backbuttons on this feel similar.

Would recommend to anyone on a budget, the astro c40 will always be my favourite controller but is not the most cost efficient and parts are incredibly hard to obtain if they break, which, believe it or not, they do!