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.
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
