One-minute review

As the name would suggest, the Amazon Luna Wireless Controller is designed specifically for the Amazon Luna cloud gaming service. Although it looks just like most other gamepads, its flagship feature is integrated Wi-Fi functionality that connects the controller directly to Amazon’s servers, cutting down latency by removing your PC or mobile phone from the equation. 

This feature alone makes it worthwhile if you’re a dedicated Amazon Luna user, as it does make a noticeable difference to play. While I never found Amazon Luna to be hugely unresponsive when playing with a conventional controller or a keyboard and mouse, the Luna Wireless Controller feels considerably snappier.

The Wi-Fi functionality also enables a few neat tricks, like the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple devices if they’re all connected to the same network. Because of its reliance on Wi-Fi, however, the controller must be set up using the compatible Luna Controller mobile app which might be a dealbreaker for some. 

Although Amazon Luna is the clear focus, the Luna Wireless Controller is still compatible with a small number of other devices via Bluetooth. This includes iOS and Android phones in addition to PC, though enabling PC functionality requires a dedicated driver that’s buried in a support page on the Amazon customer service website. The experience on PC isn't anything too exceptional compared to many of the best PC controllers, but it would be a solid choice in a pinch. 

Price and availability

•  $69.99 / £59.99
• Available from Amazon in the US and UK 
• Not available in Australia 

The Luna Wireless Controller costs $69.99 / £59.99 and is available to purchase from Amazon. Like the Amazon Luna cloud gaming service, the controller is available in both the UK and US but is not currently offered in Australia. 

At this price, the Luna Wireless Controller comes in more expensive than alternatives like the Xbox Wireless Controller, which costs $59.99 / £54.99 and is also fully compatible with Amazon Luna.  While the Xbox Wireless Controller lacks the ability to connect directly to Amazon’s game servers, meaning that it suffers from more latency, it's still going to be a solid option for most players.

Specs

Design and features

In terms of overall design, the Luna Wireless Controller is about as standard as they come. It has a layout that is almost identical to the Xbox Wireless Controller, with roughly the same overall shape and button layout. It is constructed from an impressively high-quality plastic though, offering grips that are very sturdy with a slightly dimpled texture that makes them extremely comfortable in the hands. In addition to the standard controller face buttons, which are pleasantly tactile and very responsive, the Luna Wireless controller has the standard home button, start button, and select button on top of a much less conventional Alexa button.

The Alexa button launches Amazon’s voice assistant, which you speak to through the controller’s integrated microphone. It’s quite useful if you need to set a timer or create a quick reminder during a game, but sadly this feature is only available when you’re playing on a Fire TV meaning that most won’t be able to take advantage of it. The home button is also rather unique, as it features a colorful LED ring that glows with a soft purple hue while the controller is in use. This color changes to convey important information about the controller, like if it’s low on battery or currently in pairing mode, which is a great touch.

On the top of the controller are the expected triggers, shoulder buttons, and a USB-C connector. Although the Luna Wireless Controller is powered by two AA batteries, which disappointingly last around four hours at most, it can be used with Amazon Luna in a wired capacity if you’re willing to forgo the Wi-Fi connection. 

The bottom of the controller is then home to the 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be used with any compatible wired gaming headset.

Performance

The thumbsticks are smooth and responsive, decorated with charming purple highlights that lend the otherwise plain black and gray controller a much-needed dash of color. The D-pad is perfectly functional overall, but its large and mostly flat shape makes it a poor fit for certain genres. In a fast-paced beat-em-up like River City Girls, for example, I found that it was quite unwieldy when it came to quickly swapping between left and right movements.

The shoulder buttons on the Luna Wireless Controller are excellent, with a similar level of clickiness to the face buttons, but the triggers do leave a lot to be desired. They have a bizarre level of resistance and require a fair amount of force to pull which I found left my fingers feeling sore after particularly long sessions in first-person shooter (FPS) games like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction.

All in all, the Luna Wireless Controller is a pretty robust package with a few clear areas for improvement. While it will certainly satisfy many Amazon Luna fans, it’s not a controller that’s going to win over anyone not already fully invested in the service - especially given its high asking price compared to the competition.

Should I buy the Luna Wireless Controller?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

 Also Consider

If you’re looking for a controller that works well with Amazon Luna, you should also consider these two alternatives.

How I tested the Luna Wireless Controller

• Tested for over a month
• Used with Amazon Luna and PC
• Compared to other gaming controllers

I tested the Luna Wireless Controller for over a month. During this time I used it as my main controller while playing the Amazon Luna cloud gaming service, experiencing a wide variety of different games to assess its performance in a range of genres. This included plenty of Fortnite, the bulk of a Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars playthrough, some River City Girls, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction, Elex 2, Overcooked 2, and more. I tested the features of the Luna Controller app using an iPhone 15 Plus and also made sure to try out the controller’s 3.5mm headphone jack with a SteelSeries Tusq gaming headset.

Outside of Amazon Luna, I briefly used the controller with my PC. Here I played a couple of rounds of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons and ran around the sun-soaked streets of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth in order to compare the experience with other gamepads.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

Two-minute review

The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller is a more expensive variant of the Turtle Beach Recon Controller that introduces a detachable phone mount and wireless support for Android devices and PC.

Despite these new additions, it maintains all the functionality of the original Turtle Beach Recon Controller when used as a wired controller for Xbox or PC. This makes it a solid wired option, though the cheap-feeling phone mount and input latency while playing in wireless mode make it difficult to recommend considering the high asking price.

Like the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller has a lot in common with the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. It has roughly the same shape, satisfying buttons and robust thumbsticks, a similar concave D-pad, and equally smooth triggers. Everything feels reassuringly familiar in the hands – but there are several key additions that really set the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller apart.

For starters, there are the on-board audio controls that sit just above the Xbox Home button. With a headset plugged into the controller’s 3.5mm jack, these can be used to adjust the overall game volume, adjust chat volume, quickly mute the microphone, and alternate between a range of in-built equalizer (EQ) settings. There’s also a Pro Aim Focus Mode, which decreases the sensitivity of the right thumbstick for more careful aiming, and a Superhuman Hearing mode that boosts the sound of key in-game audio cues like enemy footsteps. Each of these settings is accompanied by a bright LED indicator and, while it all makes for quite a complex-looking set of controls, it’s surprisingly easy to get used to.

On the back of the controller, you’ll find two rear buttons that can be mapped to a range of inputs using either the controller itself or the compatible Turtle Beach Control Centre software. In addition to the 3.5mm jack, the bottom of the controller offers a switch to toggle between the wired and wireless modes and a small Bluetooth pairing button. A standard USB Type-C port is located on the top of the controller, above a screw hole for the detachable phone mount. This phone mount itself is very simple and features an extending clasp that can fit a wide range of models. Thanks to the presence of a small kickstand, it can also be used as a basic standalone phone stand when it’s not attached to the controller. Unfortunately, while the controller feels high-quality, the phone mount is mainly constructed from a thin and cheap plastic. 

Worse still, slotting in a phone makes the controller extremely top-heavy and therefore massively uncomfortable to use. I tested the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller with a Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, and found that the uneven weight quickly left both of my wrists feeling sore. This is a complete deal breaker for a mobile controller, as it renders the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller almost impossible to use for an extended period of time while you’re out and about. By far the best way to play is to use the phone mount’s kickstand to position your phone on a desk – though at this point, you’re better off saving some cash and picking up the standard Xbox Wireless Controller (which is also readily compatible with Android) instead.

Throughout my testing, there were occasional instances where the controller would feel sluggish as a result of input latency. None of the games I tested were ever unplayable, but it definitely detracted from my enjoyment of fast-paced mobile titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. This issue persists while using the controller with game-streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna, exacerbating any existing delay caused by your internet connection. Many of the best features of the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller, like the onboard audio controls, are also completely unavailable in Bluetooth mode, which seems like a bizarre limitation.

It’s worth noting that the controller can also be used with a PC via Bluetooth, where it feels much snappier than on Android, but you still lose quite a bit of functionality. Strangely, there's no way to use the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller wirelessly with an Xbox. All of this is a huge shame given the impressive 30-hour battery life, not to mention its superb performance as a wired controller. In wired mode, the controller is fast and responsive. The onboard audio controls are hugely useful if you often play online with friends and are a great match for games that require frequent communication like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction or Fortnite. 

As all of these features are already available on the more affordable Turtle Beach Recon Controller, there’s very little reason to consider the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller instead.

Price and availability

•  $79.95 / £69.99
•  Available from Turtle Beach and other retailers in the US and UK
•  Not widely available in Australia

The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller costs $79.95 / £69.99 and is available from Turtle Beach and other retailers such as Amazon. It costs $20 / £20 more than the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, which comes in at $59.95 / £49.99, so you’re paying a hefty premium for the removable phone clip and the addition of Android functionality. This price also puts the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller at roughly $20 / £15 above the Xbox Wireless Controller. As the Xbox Wireless Controller works well with Android, those after a peripheral to use with their phones would be better off buying one and using the leftover cash to pick up a third-party phone stand.

Specs

Should I buy the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

 Also Consider

If you’re not keen on the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller, these two lower-cost alternatives are definitely the way to go. 

How I tested the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller

• Tested for over 11 hours
• Used with Xbox, PC, and Android
• Compared to hands-on experience with other controllers

I went hands-on with the Turtle Beach Recon Cloud Controller for more than 11 hours. During this time, I endeavored to spend a good amount of time testing the controller with an Xbox Series S console, a PC, and a compatible Android phone. 

On Xbox and PC, I tested a broad range of games including online titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Fortnite where I aimed to try out the on-board audio controls with a SteelSeries Tusq gaming headset. I also spent some time in a range of single-player games including Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix+ and Fallout 4.

In order to evaluate the mobile performance, I tested the controller with a Samsung Galaxy S23+, playing popular mobile titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Vampire Survivors, Diablo Immortal, and Genshin Impact. I also utilized a range of game streaming services, including Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna, and Antstream Arcade in order to test the streaming performance.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

One-minute review

The Razer Kishi Ultra is quite simply the best mobile controller on the market. It offers an unparalleled portable gaming experience thanks to its supremely comfortable full-size grips, smooth thumbsticks and Hall effect triggers, gorgeous mechanical buttons, and an abundance of high-end features like customizable RGB lighting and punchy haptics. 

When paired with an iPad Mini or compatible big-screen mobile phone, the Razer Kishi Ultra can give many of the best handheld consoles a serious run for their money. It’s absolutely perfect for all kinds of native mobile titles from retro favorites like Sonic the Hedgehog to recent hits such as Honkai: Star Rail and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. It also works well with a range of game streaming services, not to mention a selection of console emulators, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite games on the go.

Its excellent companion app even offers a handy virtual controller mode that ensures compatibility with software that doesn't otherwise offer dedicated mobile controller support - an excellent inclusion that adds even more value to the overall package. The Razer Kishi Ultra might be expensive compared to much of the competition, but it’s well worth splashing out on if you won’t settle for anything but the best.

Price and availability

• $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$269.95 
• Available via Razer and other retailers
• More expensive than most mobile controllers 

There’s no getting around the fact that the Razer Kishi Ultra is expensive. At $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$269.95, it costs much more than competitors like the Backbone One which is priced at $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179. That said, the Razer Kishi Ultra offers far superior controls which I believe justifies the added cost. 

Things become a little less straightforward when you compare the Razer Kishi Ultra to the Nintendo Switch Lite, though. The Razer Kishi Ultra is only $50 / £50 / AU$60 less than the Nintendo Switch Lite and, while the Nintendo Switch Lite is less comfortable to use, it is easier to transport and boasts compatibility with all of the best Nintendo Switch games. Your decision between the two is ultimately going to come down to the types of games that you enjoy. If you want a new way to play your favorite mobile titles, the Razer Kishi Ultra is simply unbeatable.

Specs

Design and features

The design of the Razer Kishi Ultra is effectively a cross between the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma and a traditional extending mobile controller like the Razer Kishi V2. It features two sides of a full-size controller that sandwich a spring-loaded back that can extend to accommodate a wide range of devices. Three sets of rubber cushions, which can be slotted into both sides of the spring-loaded back, are included in the box, offering a small degree of customizability when it comes to the fit around your device.

The controller attaches to your phone or tablet through a USB Type-C connector, which is located on the right-hand side. In addition to the iPhone 15 Series and Android phones, the Razer Kishi Ultra can fit a 6th-generation iPad Mini and a variety of small Android tablets. This is quite rare given the tiny size of most mobile controllers and means that the Razer Kishi Ultra is a brilliant match for iPad Mini owners, especially those who want to enjoy the many controller-compatible titles found on Apple Arcade.

The grips themselves are constructed of a quite thick, robust plastic with a pleasant grippy texture on their undersides. The face buttons use Razer’s Mecha-tactile switches, which are extremely responsive and very pleasantly clicky. The same switches are used for the two small customizable inputs, which are located on the top of the controller right next to full-size Hall-effect triggers and large shoulder buttons. They are also used for the clicky D-pad, which features a very thin and slightly concave design.

The thumbsticks of the Razer Kishi Ultra are full-size and positioned asymmetrically. While they unfortunately do not make use of Hall effect technology, they do both feature an “anti-friction ring” that Razer claims will enhance durability. While I have yet to see whether they will stand the test of time, I found that they were very smooth and still a huge upgrade compared to the stubby, awkward thumbsticks of the Backbone One. The controller also features a standard home button, a menu button, an options button, a screenshot button, and a unique Razer Nexus button - which opens the Razer Nexus app.

A small strip of RGB lighting also runs down the side of each grip. It’s bright and very eye-catching, lending the entire controller a more premium look. This is in addition to a small indicator LED on the right-hand side of the controller, which is mainly used to show a successful connection during the quick setup process. In terms of ports, on the bottom of the controller you will find a 3.5mm jack, which can be used to connect a wired gaming headset or a pair of the best gaming earbuds, and a USB Type-C port. 

In addition to acting as a charging passthrough, allowing you to charge your device while you play, the Type-C port can be used to connect the Razer Kishi Ultra to a PC where it functions as a standard wired controller - though a cable to do so is not included in the box.

Performance

The Razer Kishi Ultra is by far the best-performing mobile controller that I have ever tested. The high quality of its build is apparent right out of the box thanks to the delightfully smooth black plastic and the controller’s reassuring heft. Although it makes this mobile controller particularly difficult to transport, its large size is easily its best asset as it offers enough room for full-size controls. The thumbsticks are an absolute dream, finally offering a mobile controller experience that feels truly console-quality. The same can be said of the buttons, which are well-positioned and almost identical in size to those found on the Xbox Wireless Controller.

I first tested the Razer Kishi Ultra by clasping it around an iPad Mini and was absolutely blown away. I sampled a range of Apple Arcade titles, including the recently added Dicey Dungeons+ and Sonic Dream Team, and everything worked seamlessly from the get-go. The grips themselves are incredibly comfortable too and, having spent some time with the beautifully crisp display of the iPad Mini, I don’t think that I could ever go back to the Nintendo Switch Lite again.

The Razer Kishi Ultra is also a brilliant performer with mobile phones. Testing Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile on a Samsung Galaxy S23+ felt almost indistinguishable from a fully-fledged match of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on console. Swapping over to an iPhone 15 Plus, this strong performance carried over to game streaming services including Amazon Luna and Xbox Cloud Gaming, in addition to the Delta Game Emulator, which all worked perfectly.

If that wasn’t enough, the Razer Nexus app is snappy and responsive, boasting a helpful list of titles with full controller compatibility that massively simplifies the process of finding new things to play. 

The app also offers a range of calibration settings, RGB customization, and basic button remapping for the two additional inputs. By far the most impressive feature it offers is the virtual controller mode, however, which allows you to map various controller inputs to certain points on the screen. This means that you can use the controller to play games that don’t offer any dedicated controller support, such as the hugely popular League of Legends: Wild Rift. The setup process was a little fiddly, requiring a lot of experimentation to find the right layout, but it worked very well once configured. 

Although it's sadly not currently supported by iOS, those playing with an Android device can also make use of the brand-new Razer Sensa HD haptics. They’re powered by a mode that automatically converts game audio into haptic feedback. It isn’t currently supported by many titles, but it leads to surprisingly detailed haptic sensations where it’s offered. Taking the example of Jetpack Joyride, the minigun jetpack created a suitably light buzz while each crashing footstep of the Lil' Stomper powerup conveyed a real sense of weight.

When it comes to performance as a wired PC controller, the Razer Kishi Ultra is adequate. The haptics are still a strong suit, though the overall shape makes PC play awkward. While I wouldn’t advise anyone to go out and buy a Razer Kishi Ultra specifically to use it for PC gaming, it would certainly do in a pinch.

Should I buy the Razer Kishi Ultra?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Consider these two alternatives if you want something smaller or considerably more budget-friendly than the Razer Kishi Ultra.

How I tested the Razer Kishi Ultra

• Tested for more than 15 hours 
• Tested with a range of devices 
• Compared to similar products

I tested the Razer Kishi Ultra for more than 15 hours, using it as my primary mobile controller for almost a month. During that time, I played a wide range of mobile titles and used the controller with multiple devices including an iPad Mini, iPhone 15 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S23+. In addition to a good selection of native mobile titles, I tried the controller with several game streaming services and a few console emulators. While out and about, I used the controller with a SteelSeries Tusq gaming headset.

I made sure to experience every hardware feature, in addition to everything in the Razer Nexus app. I was also careful to test the controller’s functionality when wired with a PC, using it to play through a significant portion of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, where I compared my experience to using other controllers such as the DualSense Wireless Controller and Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

One-minute review

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra succeeds as a very worthwhile alternative to the tried-and-tested Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Not only does it undercut Nintendo’s official Switch gamepad in terms of price, but it’s fantastic on its own merits, offering a sturdy and comfortable build with welcome extras like programmable buttons and the titular Lumectra RGB lighting.

Said lighting effects are the star of the show and are fully customizable on the controller itself via several inputs. You can also expect rock-solid performance over a wireless Bluetooth connection and some fantastic-feeling buttons and triggers. 

There are some notable drawbacks, though. Namely, this is exclusively a Nintendo Switch controller with very limited usability on Android phones. This also means no support for PC, PlayStation, or Xbox consoles. Some may also miss the lack of HD Rumble and - for amiibo collectors - near-field communication (NFC) support.

Price and availability

• $64.99 / £59.99 (around AU$99.99) 
• Beats the Pro Controller’s price by $5 in the US
• Available in the US and UK

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra is only available in the US and UK at present. Coming in at $64.99 / £59.99 (around AU$99.99), folks in the US can purchase it from PowerA’s official website or Amazon or GameStop. UK shoppers will need to rely exclusively on Amazon.

It’s an impressive price point for US folks, especially, as they’ll find the controller is $5 cheaper than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ($69.99 / £59.99). Conversely, it is $5 pricier than the standard PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller, for which you’re getting those lovely RGB effects. Otherwise, both are largely identical in terms of build, performance, and extras like those remappable rear buttons.

It’s great that the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra either undercuts or price matches the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller in the US and UK respectively, but it’s not a net gain. You are losing out on NFC support for amiibo scanning and PC support.

Specs

Design and features

If you’ve used a PowerA Enhanced wireless or wired controller in the past, you’re getting a near-enough identical experience with this Lumectra edition. This means you’re getting fantastic, sturdy build quality and an ergonomic design that rests easily in the hands. It’s an all-plastic finish (matte on the front and rear, with a glossier sheen up top) with lightly textured grips giving a secure feel.

By and large, buttons and modules are all very solid here; there’s nothing particularly outstanding or disappointing. The asymmetrical concave analog sticks and bouncy face buttons feel pleasant to use, and the d-pad - while rather basic - doesn’t feel overly mushy or listless; a problem I have with the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

It’s the triggers that are a particular highlight here. While they have a peculiar pointed design, they’re digital, meaning you’re getting instant travel time for quick and responsive inputs.

On the rear side of the controller, you have two remappable buttons. They’re useful for assigning a secondary input should you need, and are easily managed by holding the center-rear ‘Program’ button for a couple of seconds, followed by the rear button you wish to assign, and finally one of the front-facing buttons, bumpers, or triggers. It’s simple and easy.

The star of the show here is the titular Lumectra RGB lighting; it’s genuinely awesome. By pressing the lighting button on the rear of the controller, you can enter Lumectra’s customization mode where you’re able to cycle through four highlighted lighting areas: left and right strips, left analog stick and face buttons, and lastly the d-pad and right analog stick.

Learning how it all works can be tricky at first, as customization all happens on-board (there’s no external app as we see with the likes of the GameSir T4 Kaleid) and there are a fair few shortcuts to learn. Handily, the included instruction booklet (and the online user manual available on the store page) will run you through all the shortcuts. These include altering colors, brightness, and patterns for each of the four areas.

After fiddling around with Lumectra’s settings, what results is a very eye-catching controller, and the impressive level of customization means you can create a wide range of patterns and colors. It’s the flagship feature of the product and some of the best-implemented RGB I’ve seen on a controller to date.

Performance

The use case for the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra is surprisingly limited, especially when paired up against other Switch gamepads. This is because it will only work wirelessly - via Bluetooth - with Nintendo Switch consoles. You can hook it up to your Switch’s dock for charging and a wired connection, but there’s no USB-C cable included in the box.

Now, this is fine if your intent is to play exclusively Nintendo Switch games with the controller, but those looking for something more versatile should know that it cannot be used on PC, which is a huge shame. You can hook it up to an Android device via Bluetooth, but in testing both native games and ones available via cloud streaming, I found input latency to be tragically bad, rendering it nigh-unusable for mobile devices.

Those gripes aside, this is still an excellent Nintendo Switch controller. Pairing via Bluetooth was instantaneous and it was highly responsive across a range of genres. Whether it was for more laid-back games like Princess Peach: Showtime! or action-heavy titles like Astral Chain and No More Heroes 3, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra performed excellently.

Also noteworthy is the inclusion of full gyro controls, meaning games like Splatoon 3 are perfectly playable with the gamepad, and it feels just as sharp and responsive as with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Unfortunately, some Switch-centric features have been cut. There’s no HD Rumble or NFC support for amiibo scanning. If you regularly play titles with scannable amiibo bonuses, then, you’ll need to do so on another device first.

In terms of battery life, PowerA claims you’ll get around 20 hours on a full charge. In my own testing, I managed to get roughly 15 hours of juice out of the controller before needing to charge, and this was largely with the Lumectra lighting enabled. With it switched off, you could undoubtedly squeeze a few more hours in here - though you would be sacrificing the controller’s best feature to do so. 

This does fall short of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller’s extremely impressive 40-50 hours but does fall in line with other third-party Switch gamepads such as the 8BitDo Ultimate and Rainbow 2 Pro.

Should I buy the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Want to learn about a broader range of top Nintendo Switch controllers? Consider the following options, which are some of our favorite alternative picks.

How I tested the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra

• Tested for 20 hours 
• Tested with Nintendo Switch games and mobile titles
• Compared with other excellent Nintendo Switch controllers

I ended up testing the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller with Lumectra for a total of around 20 hours. I primarily played many Switch games including Splatoon 3, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and some retro titles via Nintendo Switch Online. While I found it to be an excellent Switch pad, it’s lacking on Android, with noticeable latency occurring on native titles like Honkai Star Rail and various streamed games via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

I tested the Lumectra side by side with some of my favorite Nintendo Switch controllers including the GameSir T4 Kaleid and Rainbow 2 Pro. PowerA’s gamepad stacks up to both in terms of performance and reliability, though I did miss some elements like the GameSir micro switch buttons and the Rainbow 2 Pro’s brilliantly clicky remappable buttons.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed April 2024