One of the most important experiences when using a console is how that console connection feels to us. This comes in two forms. The first form is how the game looks and sounds on the screen. The second form is how that experience connects to us and responds to our commands. If there’s any delay in pressing a button to the action on the screen, we’re done.
Our team recently bought a Switch and have been happy with it’s overall features and game library, but the controller felt lacking. It’s strong suit is it’s versatile, but in almost every other way it felt ‘toyish’. We wanted something meatier in our hands that could get knocked around without worry.
Just as we were about to give up our Switch focus and move on to something else, the Doom Eternal Enhanced Wireless Controller by PowerA showed up at our doorstep. Curious as to its name, we took a look and are revealing that look in today’s review.
KEY FEATURES
– Multiple buttons at every contact angle
– Extended gaming buttons available
– Supports full Bluetooth 5.0
– Includes required batteries
– Two year warranty
As always, our reviews list the pros and cons in a simple format. The top of each section is the most prominent feature.
PROS
– Looks nice, a true gamer controller
– Analog sticks and buttons are accurate
– Size feels right in our hands
– Battery lifetime was good and clearly indicated
The most immediate and striking feature was the look of the controller. We liked the Doom Eternal branding (Doom being a favorite game of ours went a long way here), and the red buttons and analog sticks really stood out. There’s no problem finding the button you need in a pinch on this controller.
Picking up the controller out of the packaging, we loved how it fit just right in our hands. Granted, this is a pretty standard size and shaped controller known across a range of consoles, but that’s probably why we liked it so much. It’s the right design.
Setup was a breeze, though the Bluetooth connection took a few tries to get connected. There was no troubles after that though. We even found the range worked as far away as 20+ feet, which is far more than you’ll ever need for a controller (unless you have a 200″ TV or whatever). Responses were accurate when using it’s controls.
Speaking of the controls, there are a lot of options! We’ve come to expect controllers these days to have buttons in ever strategic place and this controller certainly delivers. You get over a dozen controls that cover the gamut of expected options for most game situation. More customization with them though would have been nice.
CONS
– It requires batteries, there’s no way to recharge it
– While sturdy, it still felt too plasticy for our taste
– The buttons, and especially analog sticks, make far too much noise
We have to say it… batteries suck. In these days there’s really no excuse to do yourself a favor and purchase a wireless device that doesn’t require you to swap out batteries constantly. Fortunately, this controller does a really good job at preserving battery life, so you will only need to swap out batteries every few months, perhaps every few weeks if you use the controller aggressively.
This controller goes for about $49.99, which is about in the median for Nintendo Switch controllers. Resources clearly went into the feature set and overall customized aesthetics, but the feel of the controller itself certainly could have been built less plastic-y. The plastic builds are a known Nintendo — and general console — trait, so it somewhat comes with the territory. It’s basic if “heavier” plastic, so you are not getting anything special here.
If you are looking for a controller that does what it needs to do for the full range of Switch games at an average cost, looks good with Doom Eternal branding, and you don’t mind swapping out batteries on occasion, this controller will do just fine for you.
