In the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, Nintendo Switch consoles are flying off the shelves. It is also difficult to get official parts because those consoles are in low supply. So, if you are looking for a Nintendo Switch Pro controller, you may be tempted to grab a knock-off model to get one quickly. One of those devices could be the PowerA enhanced wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch.
In our PowerA enhanced wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch review, I’m going to put a stop to one of these – if you can not find it for a higher discount.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch: What is it?
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If you look at it, you will think that PowerA is the most colorful variant of the controller officer Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Since PowerA makes officially licensed products, it is allowed to borrow many design components and features of that device.
Related: Nintendo Switch Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know
However, the Nintendo PowerA does not allow the Hawk to go wild. The controller does not reflect every aspect of the official Pro controller and cuts a lot of corners to raise its profit margin. It offers a ton of colorways and designs, however, which makes the PowerA device appealing, especially to younger gamers.
This controller will work with any model Nintendo Switch As well as Nintendo Switch Light. Note that your switch software version needs to be upgraded to 6.0.1 or later.
What is good?
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As I mentioned earlier, the ergonomics of the PowerA enhanced wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch are incredibly similar to the official Pro Controller. The weight is different – the PowerA feels lighter and less premium – but the feel is closer.
Setting up PowerA with your switch is a snap. You go to your switch’s controller settings, press and hold the sync button on the back of the controller for a second, and Boof: you’re ready to play. The next time you turn on the controller it will automatically sync with the switch. You can use it to operate it on your switch just like the official model.
On the back of the PowerA enhanced wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch, you will find three additional buttons. These do not appear in the official Pro Controller. One button enters the customization mode of the controller, the other the switchable buttons. You can assign any other buttons on the controller to these additional triggers. For example, it can be useful if you want easy access to the “fire” button of a shooting game.
Finally, the controller comes in dozens of colors and designs. There are themes for popular Nintendo features (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, etc.) and third-party features like Doom and The Witcher.
Which is not so good?
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While the ProA controls the overall look and feel of the Pro Controller, there is no denying that it is relatively effective. The buttons themselves feel cheap and the plastic is of low quality. The lack of a rechargeable battery is also unfortunate (although the PowerA controller includes two AA batteries).
Related: Best Nintendo Switch Controllers for All Budgets
Outside of the basic feel of the PowerA enhanced wireless controller for the Nintendo Switch, it has several features that it lacks:
- No Rumble, Amoeba or IR support. However, there is full operating support.
- With the official Nintendo model you can not replace the key buttons as much as possible.
- Using Android, Windows, etc. gives incredible backward performance.
- You can not tell the battery life of your switch controller.
- There is no way to connect to the switch dock via USB-C cable.
In the end, PowerA left many integrated features here, half the value of the controller compared to the Pro controller. However, the price is definitely not half that.
PowerA upgraded wireless controller for Nintendo Switch: Should I buy it?
debt: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
At an average price $ 47.99, PowerA enhanced wireless controller for Nintendo Switch is about $ 12 cheaper than the actual deal – Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. To save that $ 12, you have to give up the cult of features that make the Switch Pro controller the center of power. It is not worth it.
Related: Best Nintendo Switch Parts
Switch Pro Controller is in high demand and it is true that you will not want to wait until it is in stock. If you can find this PowerA model at a higher discount (50% discount), it may be worth it and if the black silver is around the corner, you may find it up to half. But if you’re thinking of spending $ 48 for this, don’t: Work hard to find a Switch Pro controller. You will be glad you did.
PowerA upgraded wireless controller for Nintendo Switch Similar to the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, but slightly cheaper.
This third-party controller is trying to be an adequate alternative to the official Nintendo Switch Pro controller. However, it is getting shorter in many ways. We recommend catching this only if you can find it at a steep discount.
Edward Langley is a contributor to Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, business, technology, entertainment, lifestyle and current affairs. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced and accessible reporting that helps readers stay informed about important developments and emerging trends. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and useful insights, Edward aims to provide engaging stories and practical information that matter to audiences in the UK and beyond.