Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller sure looks impressive, but damn is it expensive. We’re talking $150 expensive. Just for one video game controller. And I still have a hard enough time accepting $60 for a standard wireless controller. Yikes.
Now in steps accessory manufacturer PowerA to offer a souped-up Xbox One controller with some of the features of the Elite, but also some reasonable concessions to hit a cheaper price point while still providing enhanced gaming precision.
PowerA’s Fusion Pro Controller, for starters, is a wired controller rather than wireless, featuring a 9.8ft braided USB cable. The Fuson Pro doesn’t have swappable components or anything fancy like that, but it does feature a built-in 3.5mm audio jack, platter-style analog sticks, dual trigger locks for rapid fire, and four assignable buttons on the underside of the controller, taking after the Elite’s underside paddles.
One thing the Fuson Pro does have over the Elite is case lighting, allowing users to customize their controller with illumination effects in 225 different color combinations. That’s kinda snazzy, right?
Although the official press release doesn’t specify, I have been able to confirm with PowerA’s PR that the Fusion Pro will feature driver support for Windows PC. That’s good to know as in my experience PC support with third-party controllers has been very inconsistent.
The Fusion Pro’s cheaper price point–oh, did I forget to mention it’ll cost $79.99?–is still rather expensive, but at nearly half the price of the Elite controller, it’s at least a more affordable alternative to consider if you can live without some of the other Elite perks, like a carrying case and different thumbstick and D-pad options. If the rest of the controller delivers strong performance, I’d happily give that stuff up to keep $70 in my wallet.
PowerA will launch the Fusion Pro Controller on October 26th.