01 Jul
Blog

Xbox Fusion Pro 2 Review: A Controller With Compromises

The Xbox Fusion 2 controller next to an Xbox Series X.

"PowerA's Fusion Pro 2 is great value at $ 90, but you get what you pay for with this third-party controller."

  • Great value

  • Feature-rich package

  • Practical volume control

  • Easy to customize

  • Loud rumbling

  • D-pad is a step down

  • Uncomfortable back paddles

Let's get something straight: the Xbox Elite Series 2 is the best video game controller on the market today. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most expensive. The third-party provider PowerA may have recognized an opportunity and, with the Fusion Pro 2, has risen with a direct competitor to Microsoft's own gamepad.

This wired controller is specially designed for the Xbox Series X | S and offers many of the same extras as the Elite Series 2 at a significantly lower price. It's a sturdy package with back paddles, trigger locks, volume controls and a lot more. At $ 90, it seems like an important value versus the $ 180 Elite Series 2 at first glance.

The Fusion Pro 2 is indeed a solid third-party option for those looking for an Xbox controller with some bells and whistles. Just prepare a classic "you get what you pay for" case here because it lacks the sleek design and cut of a proper Microsoft product.

An important value

It's hard to deny what a strong offering the overall package is. For $ 90, Xbox gamers get a ton of features here that aren't on a standard Xbox controller. For starters, it comes with a paddle pack that adds four back buttons to the controller. That alone is one of the main selling points of the Elite Series 2.

The Xbox Fusion 2 controller and its additional parts.

In addition, the controller has trigger locks that allow players to adjust the voltage on each trigger. There are three different settings each, each of which allows for some very specific controller settings. There is also a volume control at the bottom of the pad that allows players to easily turn the voice chat up and down. Pressing the rotary dial will also mute the chat, which is incredibly handy to have a click of your thumb away.

Those are the greatest features, but there's a lot more where that comes from. The package comes with removable front panels, anti-friction handles, additional joysticks and a carrying case to store everything. It doesn't have all of the interchangeable parts that come with an Elite Series 2, but it makes up for that with the bonus features.

It's hard to deny what a strong offering the overall package is.

The price point goes really far here. In comparison, PowerA's Nintendo Switch Fusion controller costs $ 100 and has far fewer extras. While $ 90 may seem expensive for someone who just needs a standard game controller, it's a real steal when you consider that a similar product costs twice as much.

to make compromises

While it's certainly more cost effective than an Elite Series 2, that doesn't mean it's inherently better. There are many tradeoffs players will make if they choose this route. Most notable is the fact that it is a wired controller, which in itself is a big catch in itself. The package comes with nice mesh wire, but it still means you have to stay tied to your Xbox to play.

There are many tradeoffs players will make if they choose this route.

These compromises also crop up in more subtle ways. The controller uses a regular four-way D-pad, which is a questionable step down from the Xbox Series X's more multi-directional pad. This part is also not interchangeable, so it cannot be replaced across the board.

The most noticeable difference comes from the rumble. The controller's dual rumble motors aren't subtle; This is one of the loudest controllers I've ever heard. Leave this on a coffee table and it will sound like it's piercing. The technology just feels a little cheap compared to the more precise rumble found in video game controllers today. It must be noted that the fact that it is rumbling at all is an improvement over the Switch's Fusion controller, which lacks overall feedback.

The Xbox Fusion 2 controller next to an Xbox Series X.

These quirks aside, the key layout itself is perfectly serviceable. There are a few differences in depth, but this feels like a regular Xbox controller. It's just these little details that bring the third-party character to the fore.

Just next to it

The biggest feature here is the paddle pack, which adds four back buttons to the controller. There's a lot to like about them. It's easy to assign buttons to them, the paddles feel responsive, and the backpack itself can be pulled out at any time.

It's still incredible value, but expect to feel the difference.

The positioning feels a bit off. although. For my hands, the backpack sits a little lower than I would like. That means I had to keep my back fingers higher, which made it difficult to find a comfortable position. After playing a few rounds of Knockout City, I felt like I wanted to throw the pack out entirely.

The back paddles of the Xbox Fusion 2 controller.

That's a shame, because the Fusion 2 has a lot to offer in terms of comfort. The rubber grips are especially nice compared to the cold suppleness of a standard Xbox controller. The trigger locks and interchangeable joysticks are also a welcome bonus that allows players to really customize the feel of the controller.

Of course, comfort is ultimately a question of subjectivity. The paddle package may be just right for some players while others may feel like it's just a bull's eye. No controller is a one-size-fits-all solution, but it's an area where Microsoft's expertise really becomes apparent. The company has spent decades creating the perfect Xbox controller, and that becomes evident when you switch to a third-party option that lacks those subtle tweaks. It's still incredible value, but expect to feel the difference.

Our opinion

The PowerA Xbox Fusion 2 is a great budget option for anyone who wants the extras of an Elite Series 2 without breaking the bank. It's a loaded package with an impressive array of features. Just be prepared for the third party nature. Loud rumble motors, awkward positioning of the back button and the wired condition make this controller a controller that accepts many compromises. If value is the primary concern, it is a strong option. It's just not the best available.

Is there a better alternative?

Microsoft's Elite Series 2 is the better piece of hardware, although it is available for twice the price.

How long it will take?

Since it's wired, you don't have to worry about battery life. The controller itself feels sturdy enough, but it's always difficult to say how a third-party product will hold up over time. However, expect it to be in use for a few years.

Should you buy it?

No. Anyone who really needs the extras is probably better off paying extra for the Elite Series 2. Otherwise, the standard Xbox Series X controller is perfectly designed for casual gamers.

Editor's recommendations



16 May
Blog

PowerA Fusion Review: Elite Switch Controller With a Catch

The PowerA Fusion Switch Controller in its housing.

PowerA Fusion for Nintendo Switch Review: The Elite Switch Controller Has Compromises

"The PowerA Fusion is a solid third-party option as long as you can easily swap key features for customization."

  • Robust package

  • Easy customization

  • Robust construction

  • Handy back paddle

  • Expensive

  • Missing main features

  • Reduced battery life

The PowerA Fusion is possibly the closest we can get with an Xbox Elite Series 2 equivalent for the Nintendo Switch. The third-party controller is packed with bells and whistles, making it feel like a predictive redesign of the best Nintendo Switch controllers.

Given that Nintendo is often moving sideways rather than forward with technology, there's a lot to discover here. The PowerA Fusion comes with mappable back paddles, interchangeable joysticks, and other customization options never seen before on an officially licensed Nintendo controller. When it comes to third party equipment, there is always some level of tradeoff. Some lack of basic features provide a level of give and take that players need to weigh before making an expensive commitment.

The whole pack

The PowerA Fusion costs $ 100, which is more expensive than a standard Switch Pro controller. When you look at the whole package, you can easily see why. The box doesn't just contain a wireless controller. There's a paddle backpack, four thumb pins, two interchangeable faceplates, and more – all in one convenient carry bag.

It's hard to imagine Nintendo doing anything with the same type of utility …

Considering the official Pro Controller is retailing for $ 70 without that justifying the extra $ 30. The closest parallel to the PowerA Fusion is the $ 180 Xbox Elite Series 2, a similarly extensive package. They're not exact comparisons, considering the Elite Series 2 is way more advanced technologically, but it's the best we've seen in terms of Switch technology.

The PowerA Fusion Switch Controller with all its parts.

The controller itself (with no rear paddles installed) is completely comfortable and doesn't feel much different from a standard Pro controller. Some of the buttons stick out a little more and the handles feel a bit thick, but it doesn't have the knockoff design of the third-party pads we grew up with.

Removing and replacing parts is literally a breeze. The magnetic front panels can be removed immediately and the thumb pins can be easily replaced. There's even some flexibility with the paddle pack. Each paddle is easily interchangeable, and the pack itself can pop out whenever it's in the way. All moving parts are intuitive and easy to use. It's hard to imagine Nintendo making something with the same type of utility while the Switch was alive.

The joy of the buttons at the back

The back paddles are the main attraction here. When the Pro-Pack is attached, the controller receives four metal paddles that sit between the handles. With just three quick entries, keys can easily be assigned to each paddle.

There are some limits to the assignment. Keyboard shortcuts cannot be assigned to a paddle. I was also hoping to map the cardinal points of the correct club onto the paddles to control the Tetris 99's aiming system, but not dice. The more likely use is for players to map the four main buttons on the back so they never have to remove their thumb from the right joystick.

The back paddles of the PowerA Fusion Switchj controller.

Despite their limitations, the paddles can be incredibly useful. While I couldn't assign my targeting in Tetris 99, I was able to assign my spin buttons to them. It's a simple change, but it meant I never had to switch between aiming and rotation, which could lead to a misfire if I dropped pieces in the fast-paced, late-game game. When testing with New Pokemon Snap, I mapped each paddle to one of the face buttons, which made photography smoother. I never lost full control of the camera and was able to scan or toss fruit without moving a finger.

I found that my hands felt a little cramped at times when I tried to wrap my fingers around the thick controller. Far from being uncomfortable, I would call it a less natural grip. A nice advantage here is that the paddle backpack is completely detachable and the slot it dips into can be closed when it is out. Anyone who feels it is in their way can just remove it.

Despite their limitations, the paddles can be incredibly useful.

I encountered a problem with the two left paddles always associated with the same button. According to PowerA, this is likely due to a defective model. Given that others haven't had this problem, it seems it does. However, it serves as a reminder of a risk you are taking with third-party gaming technology. It's harder to ensure consistency when compared to a first-party product from a company like Microsoft. While Nintendo's official controllers are considered notoriously defective (leading to Joy-Con drift lawsuits), the PowerA isn't really unreliable by comparison.

Give and take

All of these shiny features may sound too good to be true – and they are to some extent. While the Fusion offers all sorts of customizations that Switch gamers have only dreamed of, it also lacks a few basics.

There's a give and take here as players will sacrifice some basics for customization potential.

The most noticeable problem is that the controller has no rumble. I don't mean that the Joy-Cons's HD rumble is missing. it's not shaking at all Despite all of the exciting extras, this could be a deal breaker for some. It also lacks the Amiibo reader functionality that is present in a normal Pro controller. That's much less of a problem considering amiibo support has always been a niche, but devoted fans can be a little put off by its absence here.

The battery life is also a step down. While the Pro controller can last up to 40 hours, the Fusion types out at around 20 hours.

The thumb stick and buttons of the PowerA Fusion.

This is where the $ 100 price tag becomes more of a debate. It's not that PowerA has all of the features of a Pro controller with lots of extras. There's a give and take here as players will sacrifice some basics for customization potential. Whether it's worth it or not ultimately depends on what a gamer appreciates in a switch controller. If you just want something closer to an Xbox controller, you can stick to the Pro controller.

If the priority is customization, there is no comparison as Nintendo offers next to nothing in this department. It can also be plugged in, which is an improvement over some of the standard AA powered wireless switch pads from PowerA.

Our opinion

The PowerA Fusion is a rugged Nintendo Switch Pro controller alternative for gamers who want more control. The back paddles, interchangeable faceplates, and detachable joysticks make this a worthwhile investment. If the PowerA has rumble functionality and amiibo support, this would be an easy upgrade. With these omissions, the $ 100 price tag feels a bit steep for anyone who simply wants a better version of the Pro controller than an impressive, alternate version.

Is there a better alternative?

The official Nintendo Switch Pro controller is tougher and more affordable, although the Fusion is undisputed when it comes to customization.

How long it will take?

The battery lasts up to 20 hours, which is half of the official Pro controller. Compared to other third-party controllers, it feels more stable than the US, even with some plastic buttons.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're specifically looking for more granular customization of the Switch controls, the Fusion is a pretty robust package. Otherwise stay with the Pro.

Editor's recommendations