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PowerA has sent us another controller, this time the wireless variant of their Switch Gamecube controller. Last time, I reviewed their standard Switch wired controllers, and was impressed with the quality and price. The PowerA Gamecube controller adds new buttons to bring it into the modern age, as well as motion controls. It also has a larger D-Pad, making 2D games more comfortable. Whilst this controller is clearly made for Smash, it can be used in other Switch games, such as Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart. But just because you can, does it mean you should?

PowerA Switch Wireless Gamecube Style Controller Review

 

[Deleted User]

Is it in any way shape or form different to hold from the original gamecube controller?

 

[Daisy]

Is it in any way shape or form different to hold from the original gamecube controller?

I feel like the grip is pretty identical, but the buttons, triggers, and analogue sticks feel fairly different.

 

[Saiyan Lusitano]

PowerA is to HORI what AT Games are to Nintendo's Mini Classics, they do the job and are okay but not great.

/imo

 

[Xabring]

Is it in any way shape or form different to hold from the original gamecube controller?

The D-Pad is larger. So,. I might be easier on the hands.
People said the buttons seems...diferent.

 

[brollikk]

good thing I already got 4 original GC controllers

 

[Lumince]

I NEED

 

[huma_dawii]

No rumble no go.

 

[eyeliner]

Is there any reason these can be considered "must haves"?
I mean, is it better for any game because of it's form factor?

 

[proffk]

I have this. Its quite bulky and feels light. The main buttons have a lot of travel. The L & R triggers are pressure sensored. No rumble. The plastic feels quite cheap. It can be used with other switch games. I have noticed the plastic is staring to separate between the C stick & L trigger button.

 

[Daisy]

I have this. Its quite bulky and feels light. The main buttons have a lot of travel. The L & R triggers are pressure sensored. No rumble. The plastic feels quite cheap. It can be used with other switch games. I have noticed the plastic is staring to separate between the C stick & L trigger button.

The L and R aren't analogue, they don't detect pressure. They're just designed like that to keep it faithful to the original GC controller.

Is there any reason these can be considered "must haves"?
I mean, is it better for any game because of it's form factor?

Honestly, no. Unless wireless is REALLY important to you, I think either the wired version or an official controller is a way better choice, purely because of the high pricetag.

 

[Rahkeesh]

Is there any reason these can be considered "must haves"?
I mean, is it better for any game because of it's form factor?

Smash *should* be best played with an arcade stick or solid d-pad, but Nintendo keeps forcing people to use analog, so the 8-way gate from the Gamecube design is the best analog choice. That's about what it comes down to.

 

[lewiscarroll123]

Smash *should* be best played with an arcade stick or solid d-pad, but Nintendo keeps forcing people to use analog, so the 8-way gate from the Gamecube design is the best analog choice. That's about what it comes down to.

I, uhh... What? Should it? Why?
There are so many techs that rely on specific stick movement, and can you imagine trying to recover accurately with Fox being able to go only in 8 directions and nothing in between?
In any case, you can change controls in more recent Smash (more recent than melee) so D-pad is movement, though I admit the D-pad tends to be in a slightly uncomfortable place compared to L-stick

 

[Deleted User]

Can I connect it to a pc via Bluetooth, or can I just get the wired one?