Additional gamepads for the console are not exactly an inexpensive treat. The originals and custom models from well-known manufacturers cost a lot of money, while for lower prices you often only get junk. PowerA has adapted its wired enhanced controller for the Xbox Series X / S - but it also works with Xbox One and PC. Is the gamepad a real alternative for around 40 euros, especially because of the additional buttons?
Okay, let's get to an important point where opinions differ: the PowerA controller for Xbox is wired. That should already be a knockout criterion for quite a few, as the couch gamblers among us are spoiled by wireless. But at least PowerA has thought of giving the gamepad a three-meter long cable so that most people won't get in a mess with the distance to the console. The USB cable is detachable and is connected to the controller using a micro USB connector. The gamepad works on Xbox Series X / S and Xbox One, by the way, but we didn't have any problems on the PC either.
The design of the licensed PowerA controller closely follows the Microsoft original. Both the size and the arrangement of the buttons are almost identical. At a little over 200 grams, the controller is much lighter, which is no wonder, since no battery pack is required.
The gamepad is available in different color variations, we caught the pure white copy. The only splash of color is the golden control pad (instead of digipad), which, however, looks a bit cheesy in the overall picture. The controller is well made for the moderate price of around 40 euros, we could not find any real negligence. On the contrary, even the textures of the grip areas have been thought of so that the gamepad lies comfortably in the hand.
The equipment corresponds to that of the Microsoft gamepad - largely. The new share button is also available. The connection for a chat pad next to the 3.5 mm jack for headsets has been omitted, but there is a pressable toggle switch with which you can regulate the volume of your headset and mute the microphone by pressing, which is indicated by a red signal light becomes. Neat, even if the switch doesn't feel that high quality.
A special feature are the additional buttons on the underside, one on each handle and a programming button in the middle. The assignment of the keys is simple: press the program key, then the one whose function you want to relocate and finally the destination key. Finished. Without any software. Personally, I am a fan of additional keys on the bottom and they serve their purpose perfectly, and they are well arranged.
The sticks work well, as do the action buttons, even if they are a tad too stiff for my taste. The shoulder buttons are responsive, the only annoying thing here is that their pressure behavior differs depending on the position. The triggers also work perfectly. It should be noted, however, that they act relatively loud, at least significantly louder than with the Microsoft gamepad. Overall, it is good that PowerA does not make any major experiments with layout and ergonomics, because they can go wrong very quickly.
The PowerA controller makes an overall good impression when gaming. The controls work flawlessly, the ergonomics are okay and thanks to the low weight, even long gaming sessions are easy. The feel of the gamepad isn't quite as sexy as the original, but the controller is also cheaper. PowerA should revise the triggers, however, in racing games the pressure resistance is a bit too low for me personally, in shooters the clacking is too loud. The rumble function could also use some love. It doesn't get beyond on / off and is a little too powerful overall for that.
CONCLUSION
Solid controller with certain extras
It doesn't always have to be bang. If you have nothing against wired controllers that also have additional buttons, you should definitely take a look at the PowerA gamepad. For 40 euros you get a well-made, well-functioning controller that is very close to the Microsoft original in terms of ergonomics and layout. However, PowerA should still work on the triggers, especially with regard to the volume, as well as the rumble function, which is not very subtle and does not go beyond on / off - in the long run this can be a bit annoying, especially with games that use the rumble - Make extensive use of the function. As an iron reserve or second controller for playing together on the couch, the PowerA controller is a decent option.
Pros
- Well processed for the price range
- long connection cable
- practical, easy-to-program additional keys
- The layout and ergonomics of the Microsoft original have been largely retained
- very light (a matter of taste)
Cons
- pretty loud triggers
- The golden control pad on the otherwise white gamepad looks a bit cheesy
- little subtle rumble function
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