PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller Review

PowerA is a brand I regularly recommend to those looking for a budget controller that gets the job done. However, with the FUSION Pro Wireless, the company is diving deep into premium gamepad territory, and with a price to match. Can PowerA deliver when the price is pushed skywards? Here is my review.

Rich with features

To justify the higher price tag, PowerA has crammed the FUSION Pro Wireless full of features. An initial standout is the Quick-Twist thumbsticks, which offer a genius method of adjusting their height on the fly. For those who use KontrolFreeks to get extra height, this controller has it built-in.

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The sticks, together with the triggers, are also Hall effect, meaning they rely on magnets for better consistency, accuracy, and longevity. This is a modern must-have that enthusiast and competitive gamers demand from any “Pro” gamepad.

More pro features

Another must-have feature for any “Pro” controller is a rear paddle system. Thankfully, the FUSION Pro Wireless has four programmable back buttons that are superbly well-placed. These make it easy to activate face-button functions without the need for users to remove their thumb from the right analog stick. This is especially useful in shooting games, where users might need to move, aim, jump, and shoot all at the same time, which is made infinitely easier by using the back buttons.

Pros may also be hoping for adjustable triggers, which are included and useful in racing and shooter titles.

Light it up

The Lumectra RGB lighting is also deserving of a shout-out. I was surprised by just how fantastic this looks. Sure, I’ve seen the marketing images, but wow, the lighting is well implemented and highly customizable. I won’t lie, I thought I’d leave this disabled after confirming it worked, but I ended up leaving it on and really appreciating the warm glow that I settled on.

A provided 2.4 GHz dongle allows connection to both Xbox and PC, which is nice to see. There’s also a fancy charging station and an included carrying case, which are nice touches overall.

The charging station comes in handy at the end of a play session, to help fully recharge the controller. While the battery life wasn’t noticeably bad, the RGB lighting surely comes at a cost. It’s nice to finish gaming, set the controller on charge, and without having to fiddle with a USB cable.

My one gripe

My only gripe with the PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless is the build quality. I’ll admit that this is a nitpick, and most will be happy, but while comparing this gamepad to Microsoft’s own Xbox Elite controller, PowerA’s premium pad didn’t feel quite so premium. It’s by no means a deal-breaker, but something I felt worth mentioning so that potential buyers know what to expect.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by PowerA.

Final Verdict

At $159.99, the PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless steps into premium territory with a lot to prove. Thankfully, it brings a wide array of features that help justify the higher price. From performance enhancements to extra touches like RGB lighting, it goes beyond what you’d expect from a typical PowerA product. While it may not feel quite as refined as top-tier competitors, it still holds its own. For those willing to spend a bit more, this controller offers a compelling alternative.