Summary
PowerA has slowly been moving from having a strangleholdon budget controllersto offering much more stylish options. From themed headsets and controllers to gaming peripherals with RGB lighting, PowerA’s lineup is less for those on a budget nowadays and more for those looking for something cool to add to their gaming space.
PowerA’s Enhanced controllers have been around for a few years already, even with RGB lighting, but with new Lumectra LEDs in play, the accessory company claims to have upped their game again. However, the wired version of the Enhanced controller with Lumectra was a bit lackluster whenGame Rant reviewed itearlier this year. Has this new wireless Lumectra controller made the necessary improvements for a stunning second coming? PowerA’s brand-new wireless controller is certainly a step in the right direction, and after a few weeks of testing on multiple Nintendo Switch games, the verdict is in.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra
The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch with Lumectra offers players 24 colors, 4 individual lighting zones, and 3 lighting modes to create a customized gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. Along with the customizable lighting, this controller comes with two remappable buttons and motion controls. The controller has a 20-hour battery life and relies on an included 10-foot USB-C cable to charge. Officially licensed by Nintendo, this controller is compatible with all Switch consoles and comes with a two-year warranty.
Design
There aren’t many surprises with the design of this controller, given that it is just PowerA’s standard Enhanced model with LEDs built in. Despite holding a non-removable battery pack, the weight is centered very well and isn’t too heavy. That being said, it is, of course, way heavier than a wired controller.
Normally, this can be mitigated with some ergonomics, but PowerA doesn’t handle that as well as other features. The handles have hardly any contouring, and though there looks to be a pattern etched around them, the texture on the handles is nearly imperceptible and provides no benefits. During intense gaming sessions, such as multipleMario Kartraces online or a handful of rounds inSuper Smash Bros., the controller can get a bit uncomfortable, but this is a fairly minor issue for anyone used to PowerA products or anyone playing more cozy games.
The placement of the lighting is basically perfect with the Enhanced wireless controller. Four zones light up the outside edge in two parts with bright LEDs: the joysticks and the buttons. Even at max brightness, the controller isn’t too distracting, largely thanks to the lack of reflective plastic that helps increase the brightnesson other RGB controllers.
The mix of bold lighting on a sleek black form may leave something to be desired as far as ergonomics go, but the design is well in line with expectations and manages to balance flashiness and familiarity.
Lighting
The last time Game Rant reviewed a controller with Lumectra, unfortunately, it ended the same way as some public reviews had claimed, with the lighting partially dying out. This time around, all of the lighting zones were functional throughout testing, but it still wasn’t quite the experience you’d hoped for.
Turning on the lights is easy enough, with a clearly labeled “LEDs” button on the back. Holding this button down also enters the controller into editing mode, during which none of the buttons can interact with the Switch, which is a welcome change from the more common approach of still allowing the menu buttons to operate.
PowerA’s budget beginnings come to haunt them at this point, because having an app to change the colors would be incredibly helpful, considering the plethora of possible combinations. As it stands, the controller works well enough for customizing the RGB, although it is a bit complicated and tough to keep track of. There aren’t many indications that a selection has been made or what setting the controller is currently on.
There are three lighting modes and 24 colors, though the color accuracy is so low that it feels more like 16. You can create your own combinations and then have the lighting be static, breathing, or cycling through the rainbow. It is a bit disappointing that the cycle mode doesn’t show off all 24 colors, but it makes up for it by being one of the brightest and most evenly lit settings you can choose.
For whatever reason, that light cycle mode operates much better than the rest of the modes, going so far as to resolve the one glaring issue with the Lumectra lighting: the top right quadrant being extremely dim. PowerA seems to have put too much faith in their LEDs, as the lighting above the busy ABXY section of the controller is simply not good enough. At times, it looked as if the light wasn’t on at all, though it never did fully go out.
This, paired with the low color accuracy, means that the controller doesn’t do a great job of combining colors, although some color combos do still manage to look exceptional, such as blue and purple, orange and purple, or green and pink. However, solid colors look amazing and shine through perfectly, even at the top right with darker colors.
Those used to the customizability of RGB on other peripherals will be somewhat disappointed with the Enhanced Wireless with Lumectra, but even with its shortcomings, there is plenty to love. The lighting is, for the most part, bright and bold, plus there are tons of great color combinations and the color cycle mode that really give this controller a unique look that’s executed better than most other options.
Performance
The Enhanced wireless controllers from PowerA don’t just look good, they’re also specced to perform. Connecting to the Switch for the first time isn’t as easy as some other wireless controllers make it, but once you’ve gone through the pairing menu on the Switch, the Enhanced controller can turn on the console from sleep mode.
This Lumectra version comes with two programmable buttons on the back, one on each handle, and two buttons in the center of the back (one for remapping and one for the LEDs). The placement of the buttons is ideal. They’re both tough to accidentally hit yet easy to activate. The front is a different story, with PowerA once again having their menu buttons slightly off-kilter compared to other pro controllers. These buttons are both easy to accidentally hit, and they make the ABXY buttons seem extra cramped.
All of the buttons are fairly responsive, though there were a few instances of lag when using the back buttons onMario Kart8 Deluxe. The joysticks are similarly reliable and feel snappy. Anyone who is used to PowerA controllers won’t find anything new with the dependability and responsiveness of the controller.
Even the battery is built to last, with a max lifespan of 20 hours. The RGB lighting will automatically turn off after a few minutes, and the LEDS button needs to be pressed before it will turn back on, a feature that means better battery management without any extra work. The 10-foot USB-C cord is good for charging and playing, and it doesn’t take too long to get the controller back in action if left alone for about an hour and a half.
With their background in budget devices, it’s not shocking for PowerA’s controllers to lack any industry-leading specs, but the Enhanced Wireless with Lumectra meets or exceeds the expectations of budget and mid-range shoppers, promising a reliable gaming experience for hundreds of hours.
Overall Impression
Finding a good wireless RGB controller may be easier on the Switch than any other platform, but it’s still a mean feat. PowerA’s Enhanced wireless controller with Lumectra is an even rarer find: a reliable wireless controller with simple yet dazzling LED backlighting that can be customized on the fly.
Unlike some other RGB controllers, the Enhanced wireless Lumectra controller doesn’t shine bright like a diamond, reflecting colors all over the place. At the same time, it does its best to deliver bold lighting in the classic DIY backlighting style. Though better lighting at the top of the controller would make the picture complete, it’s clear that PowerA’s Lumectra LEDs offer an impressive display.
Listed at $60, it is a moderate premium over comparable controllers, which makes total sense when considering the addition of those Lumectra LEDs. The customizability and comfortability could use further improvements, but for now, this RGB controller is one of the best options for the Nintendo Switch. Those who have been waiting for a backlit Pro controller won’t find a better option than the Enhanced wireless controller with Lumectra from PowerA.
Similar Products
There are plenty of things you might have wanted to see in PowerA’s new RGB controller that weren’t included or that you simply didn’t like. Luckily, there are tons of controllers available. If the PowerA Enhanced wireless Lumectra controller was initially enticing, these similar options may just have the right combination of features for you:
FAQ
Q: Is PowerA approved by Nintendo?
Yes, PowerA accessories are licensed by Nintendo for the Switch consoles.
Q: Are PowerA controllers good quality?
Yes, PowerA is a trusted gaming brand known for releasing reliable peripherals, although they tend to stick to bluetooth-based wireless accessories, which limits their compatibility.
