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PowerA has unveiled a new version of its PowerA Advantage Wireless controller, and even though it's just a re-skin of a pad we've seen time and time again, I'm really digging its new Mario Kart World look.
Available to pre-order for $64.99 (Amazon), the contender for one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers as far as its design goes, is set to launch on March 8 later this month. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as Mario Day (March 10) is right around the corner, and you can lay your eyes on the day's namesake and everyone's moustache-wielding plumber on the left grip of the pad. It's not the most feature-full wireless Switch 2 controller out there, but I'm hoping its a sign of more Mario Day-themed accessories to come.
Before I dive into my favorite parts of this upcoming gamepad, I want to let you know that this is a very similar device to the PowerA Advantage controller, which we reviewed last year. That means that while it's far cheaper than the first-party Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, it's not our top pick for Nintendo's latest handheld. That award remains with the second-iteration Pro controller as it has a longer battery life, includes HD Rumble 2, and has a more "premium feel" among many other differences.
That being said, I own the Pokémon Mega Evolutions version of this PowerA Advantage Wireless controller, and it's one of my go-to peripherals right now. It looks great, is easy to pair, and feels substantial in the palm of my hands. This version is the same, but it's swapped its Pokémon art for some Mario Kart World-fun instead, and has motion controls included. As a Mario Kart fan, I'd much prefer I had it amongst the rest of my Switch 2 accessories right now.
The use of the Mario Kart World licence is far nicer on the eyes. Instead of just sticking some Mario characters on the face plate (though he is there), there's a light white-gray background pattern that's made up of different in-game emblems and items. This contrasts perfectly with the vivid and colorful Mario Kart World logo, and the yellow touches of color found on the ABXY and Switch 2 buttons at the bottom edge.
I'd have preferred to see the inclusion of more characters from the game on the back. Like maybe some key art of Princess Peach in her Touring outfit, my favorite of the new ones found within the game. However, that'd be less 'Mario Day' themed and more Princess Peach Day themed - which sadly doesn't exist quite yet.
At least the back includes the nice addition of two yellow remappable "advanced gaming buttons" which pair perfectly with the yellow details on the front-facing side of the gamepad. I'll take those splashes of color over a plain back design any day.
If you're in the process of creating a Mario Kart World-themed Switch 2 setup, PowerA also has a Mario Kart World Slim Case available for $19.99 at Amazon. Unlike the controller, there's no pre-order business to contend with, and you can grab it right this very second. However, anyone after the wireless controller will have to wait until right before the Mario Day celebrations kick off.
Our team has also rounded up the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards if you're on the look out for some flashy, high-quality Ninty accessories.
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