PowerA’s Switch 2 Advantage Wired Controller review – An affordable Pro Controller?

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The Nintendo Switch 2 is a newly released console, making it difficult to find any items related to it at a reasonable price. If you’re seeking additional JoyCon 2, a Pro Controller, games, or other accessories, you probably won’t come across any deals. However, PowerA offers an official line of accessories as an alternative, with the Advantage Wired Controller being a budget-friendly option that serves as a reliable substitute for the Pro Controller.

you can reprogram those “AGR and AGL” buttons directly on the controller itself, though the process isn’t as straightforward as with the console software. It’s worth noting that if you want to use it for specific minigames or demos in the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour that require a Pro Controller, this might not be the best choice due to its unique functionality.

This controller boasts several advanced attributes, not just the back buttons. Its analog sticks are equipped with Hall effect sensors, which utilize magnets to keep the stick centered and determine its position accurately. This design helps prevent the issue known as stick drift in the future, and it offers a comfortable, responsive feel due to its extensive range of motion and effortless movement.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found that the PowerA controller’s D-pad outperforms the one on the Pro Controller, particularly when playing fighting games. While the Pro Controller’s D-pad feels more robust for navigating menus and 2D platformers, I’ve noticed that I make fewer mistakes with the PowerA controller’s D-pad due to its slightly improved precision, even though it has a softer feel overall. It’s all about personal preference, but in my experience, I’ve grown fond of the PowerA controller’s D-pad compared to the official one.

One issue with the Advantage controller lies in the arrangement of the Minus, Plus, Capture, Home, and C buttons. While these are intuitively placed on the Pro Controller, allowing you to identify their location by feel alone, they are all lined up at the bottom of the Advantage controller’s pad. This makes it challenging to know which button your thumb is on without looking, which can hinder gameplay. Despite providing room for showcasing licensed Mario designs, this design choice compromises the tactile feedback offered by the controller.

In simpler terms, the controller is quite lightweight, to put it frankly, and this lack of weight comes from the absence of features such as rumble, gyro sensors, and a battery pack. If you’re someone who finds standard controllers too heavy or prefers minimalistic items when traveling, this could be an advantage. However, I personally find it somewhat distracting due to its hollow plastic build. This lack of internal components can make the sound of rapid button presses noticeably louder and more clicky, which might be a problem for some users. Additionally, games that heavily utilize rumble or gyro controls may not function optimally without these features.

While the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller may not completely replace the functionality of a Switch 2 Pro Controller, considering its price point, it’s quite enticing. The Switch 2 Pro Controller retails at £74.99 GBP or $109 USD, which is not inexpensive. On the other hand, the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller costs only £29.99 GBP or $39.99 USD, significantly less than half the price. Remarkably, it performs just as effectively as a Pro Controller for most games.

After setting aside ample funds, you’re left with plenty to purchase PowerA’s Slim Case for the Switch 2. This case shares similarities with standard Nintendo Switch cases, including a fold-out screen protector/stand/game holder insert. However, given the improved built-in stand on the Switch 2, I believe the case no longer requires this feature. Nevertheless, at just £14.99 GBP or $19.99 USD, it’s one of the most economical licensed hard cases available for the Switch 2 in the market today.

If you’re aiming for a top-notch Nintendo Switch 2 experience, opt for the first-party accessories for an authentic feel. However, if you want to protect your controllers from potential damage by kids or just need a second controller for Mario Kart World, consider the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller. It’s budget-friendly yet reliable.

As for the case, the Slim Case offers adequate protection for your Nintendo Switch 2, allowing you to toss it in your bag without worry. While these aren’t luxury accessories, PowerA’s lineup may have just what you need for your specific situation.

PowerA provided an Advantage Wired Controller and Slim Case for review purposes.

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2025-07-08 13:46