A hard truth of 2020 is that many families aren't doing too well financially. The combination of the pandemic and next-gen consoles releasing puts many in the position of figuring how how to deliver gifts on a tight budget. The gamers🍌 in the family are going to want a PS5, Xbox Series X, or one of those expensive new PC graphics cards. If you're lucky enough to get🧔 one of those, it doesn't stop there. The new consoles still need games, accessories, and maybe a second controller. PowerA can help ease the burden for Xbox owners.
PowerA has been in the business of branded anꦓd mappable controllers for years. You can find Nintendo controllers and cases based on Pokemon, Zelda, and Animal Crossing oꦫn its site. You'll also find the for Xbox Series X|S.
The first thing that struck me about the Enhanced Wired Controller is how legit it feels to hold. We're a long ways away from the MadCatz days, and PowerA's controllers come with o♈fficial licensing from Microsoft, but I'm still trained to gravitate towards first-party controllers. The Enhanced Wireless Controller has weight though, the kind ꦿbudget controllers don't often have. It is still lighter due to the lack of battery, but it's got rumble motors and grips on the back. The triggers are slightly looser than the first-party controller, but it hasn't affected my gameplay yet.
The two big wins for PowerA here are the color options and price. The Microsoft made controll𒈔ers come in mostly muted tones, with maybe some camo to mix it up every now and again. The Power🧸A controllers come in very vibrant blues, greens, and reds. There's even a super bright pink and shiny chrome. If someone likes to express themselves with their controller, PowerA is for them.
The price is worth noting as it comes in at almost half the rate of a standard Xbox controller. In fact, if you're looking for Microsoft's Shock Blu🌞e or Phantom Magenta, you'll be paying over $60. The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller comes in at $34.99 no matter what hue you pick.
The one potential downside is, of course, that these controllers only come with wires. This hasn't posed a problem for me, as the 10-foot cord is more ♍than long enough to reach my couch and not snag on anything. Still, wireless is always going to be more convenient, and there might be issues in families with little ones when one kid gets to use the wireless controller that comes with the Xbox and the other is "stuck with" the wired one.
If the gift budget is looking bleak💝 this year, PowerA might be what you need. The controllers offer great quality for almost half the price, and even come with extra buttons for those who 𒅌like to map certain setups. I thought I'd put it back in the box after the review period, but I'm still using it daily because it saves me battery costs.
PowerA provided a controller to TheGamer for this coverage. It's available through most major retailers.