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It's been a year since the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller landed on the shelves but we're still yet to see much deviation from that lofty $89 MSRP. I'm not surprised. It took years for the original Switch's gamepad to depart from its launch rate - this is Nintendo hardware we're talking about, price cuts are few and far between.
Sure, you've got your Joy-Con in the box, but those looking for a more traditional gamepad feel, away from the tall, skinny feel of the side-mounted controllers, are looking at a hefty bill for Ninty's best Switch 2 controller. Thankfully, third parties exist.
While GameSir and 8Bitdo have their own alternatives to contend with, the PowerA Advantage Wired Controller can't be beaten in the numbers department this week. As part of its early Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals, Amazon has this chunkier controller available for just $17.99 (was $39.99).
I tested this wired, cheap and cheerful, gamepad directly alongside the Switch 2 Pro Controller. I won't lie to you, the difference is immediately obvious. While the official model has a solid heft in the hands, this is a lighter, more hollow device. The soft landing and snap of the original's thumbsticks can't be matched by these larger, louder clacks. I mean, the navigation buttons have even been bumped down to the bottom of the controller.
But this isn't a luxury controller, and it's not priced as such. While I'm often hesitant to recommend it at full price (there are $40 gamepads that will take you a lot further), the value at $17.99 is indeed incredibly fair.
Anyone tired of cramping around a set of Joy-Con, or simply looking for more multiplayer options in docked mode, will be set with this budget alternative. You're making sacrifices against the full-fat Pro 2 Controller, yes, but you're also spending a fraction of its cost. Here's exactly what you keep (and even gain) and lose compared to the real deal.
PowerA Advantage Wired vs Switch 2 Pro Controller
PowerA Advantage Wired
- Hollow, lighter feel
- Awkward nav buttons
- Extra grippy panels
- Louder buttons
- No rumble
- Wired
- No wake
- No motion controls
- Onboard button mapping
- Volume controls
- EQ settings
- Hall effect sticks
- Looser thumbsticks
- Heavier D-Pad
- Thinner bumpers
Switch 2 Pro Controller
- Solid, hefty feel
- Easy button placement
- Smoother surface
- Softer buttons
- Rumble
- Wireless
- Wake
- Motion controls
- On-screen button mapping
- No volume controls
- No EQ
- Mechanical sticks
- Tighter thumbsticks
- Lighter, easy D-Pad
- Tactile bumpers
Ultimately, the PowerA Advantage vs Switch 2 Pro Controller debate boils down to what you need from your gamepad. If you've got the budget and you want the best experience possible, Ninty's official device is still your best bet. Its controls feel smoother and lighter, its chassis offers up a greater level of luxury, and its extra features pack all the versatility of the console itself.
However, for the price, anyone just looking for a more convenient controller shape or a few extra sets of Mario Kart buttons will still be well served by the budget brands. After testing both, and tracking these prices, I'd say you're dropping about 60% of the features of the Pro 2 Controller, while spending 79% less than its MSRP. That's on the right side of value.
- More Prime Day controller deals at Amazon
- Switch 2 Pro Controller: $89 at Amazon
- 8Bitdo Ultimate 2: $69.99 at Amazon
We're also rounding up all the best Prime Day PS5 deals and the latest Prime Day PC deals for more options, or take a look at more of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories.
