PowerA’s New Wireless Switch 2 Controller Adds Motion Control
▼ Summary
– PowerA has released a wireless version of its officially-licensed Advantage controller for the Nintendo Switch 2, adding to the limited third-party wireless controller options.
– The wireless controller includes new features such as motion controls and up to 30 hours of battery life, but it lacks an Audio button and costs $69.99, more than the wired version.
– It retains features from the wired model, including Hall Effect joysticks, mappable back buttons, a 10-foot USB-C cable, and three color options: black, “Mario and Friends,” and “Pokémon: Mega Evolution.”
– The controller has drawbacks like no haptic feedback and awkward button placement, with essential buttons arranged as identical rectangles at the bottom, making them hard to distinguish.
– The PowerA Advantage Wireless controller is compatible with both Switch 2 and original Switch consoles, available for preorder now and shipping later this month.
The PowerA Advantage Wireless Controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, offering a new officially-licensed option for players seeking a wireless experience. This new model builds upon the foundation of its wired predecessor, introducing key upgrades while retaining several familiar features and a few notable compromises.
Significant changes distinguish this version from the earlier model. Naturally, it operates wirelessly, with PowerA claiming the battery can last for up to thirty hours on a single charge. Motion control support has also been integrated, a welcome addition for many games. On the rear, the Audio button is absent, though the programmable “PRGM” button remains situated between the two mappable AGR buttons. With a price tag of $69.99, this wireless controller is more expensive than the $39.99 wired version but presents a more affordable alternative to Nintendo’s own $89.99 Pro Controller.
Several popular elements from the original design make a return. The controller is equipped with Hall Effect joysticks, which are prized for their durability and resistance to drift. The two mappable back buttons also remain, providing extra customization for gameplay. A ten-foot USB-C charging cable is still included in the box for those times when a wired connection is preferred. As an officially licensed product, it will be available in three distinct color schemes: a standard black, a “Mario and Friends” pink variant, and a “Pokémon: Mega Evolution” design.
However, a couple of the original model’s trade-offs persist. The controller does not feature any form of haptic feedback or HD Rumble, which may disappoint players who enjoy immersive tactile sensations. More notably, the button layout on the front face presents a unique challenge. While the primary ABXY buttons, directional pad, and analog sticks are positioned conventionally, the plus, minus, home, capture, and GameChat buttons are arranged in a single row of identical rectangular buttons along the bottom edge. This unconventional placement can make it difficult to reliably press the correct button without looking, a point highlighted in several initial hands-on impressions.
The PowerA Advantage Wireless Controller is fully compatible with both the new Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch consoles. It is currently available for pre-order directly from PowerA’s website and through major retailers like Amazon. According to the manufacturer, shipments are scheduled to begin later this month, though some customers have reported seeing earlier delivery estimates during the checkout process.
(Source: IGN)
