PowerA Fusion Pro 2 review: An Xbox Elite controller for less

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Central

While the Xbox Aristocracy is currently the all-time Xbox controller you lot tin can buy, it has a high toll of entry — around $150 at the fourth dimension of this writing. Simply information technology's not the merely pro-quality controller out there and fortunately, PowerA has something shut to the Aristocracy for effectually one-half the price.

This is the PowerA Fusion Pro 2 and it'southward a controller for the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One with many of the aforementioned features yous'll find on the Elite and even a couple that you won't. Right at present this is one of the best upkeep alternatives to Microsoft's flagship Xbox controller, you're definitely going to like information technology.

Fusion Pro 2

PowerA Fusion Pro 2

Bottom line: If you're keen on an Xbox Elite controller but don't fancy the cost tag then this is the alternative to get.

The Good

Removable rear paddles
Software-free button remapping
Ii-stage trigger stops
Superb quality instance
Replaceable sticks and faceplate
Integrated headset controls

The Bad

Grips get really grubby
Paddles can come up away as well easily
Merely one domed stick

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: Price and availability

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2 is available to buy now with a list price of $ninety on PowerA's website. It's already possible to discover a discount, though. At the time of this writing, you can find the controller at most major electronics retailers similar All-time Purchase and other third-party retailers like Amazon for $lxxx.

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: What you'll like

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Central

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2 has a lot of the hallmarks of third-political party, upkeep gaming controllers, but has a few features that put it in line with more than expensive controllers. For example, like virtually all third-party Xbox controllers, the Fusion Pro 2 is wired, which at least means no batteries to worry about or charging. And since it uses USB-C, you'll never be hunting too long for a cable, either.

On the outside, the Fusion Pro 2 looks a lot like a standard Xbox controller. That'south a good thing because it's comfortable to use and all the buttons are in the right place. Equally it's fully ready for the Xbox Series X|S era, you get the dedicated share button right in the middle, too. If you're looking for trigger stops, you get two stages on both sides and each trigger has a slight texture on its edge to make it easier to striking in the heat of boxing.

Build quality is first-class and despite its more affordable toll, it doesn't feel cheap. It'due south solid, but not too heavy, and has grippy prophylactic, er, grips on the back. If you lot opt for the black faceplate you'll get some front grip too, designed to help y'all continue sweaty palms off its soft-touch cease.

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Central

The faceplate is changeable though and while there'south only black or white available, you get both in the box and they snap on and off with ease cheers to tiny magnets property it in place. If you go for the white one, information technology's a harder, smooth plastic terminate (not soft bear on for obvious reasons) with a splash of green around the thumbsticks.

Those, likewise, are replaceable, and while they do require the faceplate to come off first, it's inappreciably a job to pop in a domed or longer stick if you'd prefer. Likewise, the rear paddles are removable should you non want to apply all of them, and if y'all don't want any at all, the entire module tin can exist replaced with a unproblematic plastic cover. And all of this comes presented in a fantastic carry example.

The paddles themselves are very like to those you'd notice on the Xbox Elite also. Magnetic contacts mean just the slightest of touches is all that'south needed to activate them and they're right at your fingertips. Remapping them is a breeze too, with an onboard command to exercise information technology and no need for a companion app.

The icing on the cake is the integrated headset audio controls. They're basic, with unproblematic volume and mute functions, just it's definitely amend than having to manage information technology from the Xbox guide.

PowerA Fusion Pro two: What you won't like

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Key

Considering what you lot get for such an attractive price there'south non really a lot of negatives to talk about. Probably the biggest one is how grubby it seems to get, though.

I can already hear the comments; "Wash your damn hands."

I don't quite know why the grips on this controller seem to exist doing worse than my now two-yr-old Razer Wolverine TE when information technology comes to just looking muddy, only male child oh boy, they practice. Maybe information technology's the material or the color showing it up more. I honestly don't know, just keep some wipes handy.

There arent really a lot of negatives to talk nearly. Probably the biggest ane is how grubby it seems to get, though.

The paddles also accept a habit of coming off if you go a bit firm with pressing them. They're not actually held on by much and it doesn't accept much to register a printing, only if you go a chip excited information technology's maybe a little besides like shooting fish in a barrel to send one flight beyond the room.

I would have also liked to run across an extra domed stick included. The merely 1 yous do get is the longer one, merely if you'd prefer to utilize ii domed y'all tin't, and in that location'southward no choice to employ a standard length one with a circular top, either.

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: Contest

Razer Wolverine V2 Source: Windows Central

There'due south no shortage of good Xbox controllers but at that place are a couple that rise to the top of the list. The first is the obvious one, the Xbox Elite v2. Compared already in this review, it's the standard gear up for Xbox controllers and the Fusion Pro 2 has many similar features. The downside to the Elite is its price, only it is wireless.

In that location's also Razer'south Wolverine V2, which is a like price to the Fusion Pro V2. Information technology's another that comes with the new defended share button but has a very different blueprint despite being equally comfortable to concur. Information technology's likewise wired, but y'all don't become rear paddles, though in that location are some extra buttons on the shoulders.

PowerA Fusion Pro two: Should you purchase it?

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Central

Choosing an Xbox controller is harder than ever but in the best possible way. In that location are and then many practiced options to choose from, but this is certainly one to throw into the mix.

You should buy this if ...

You're looking for rear paddles and remappable buttons
You lot're on a budget
Y'all similar the idea of beingness able to change sticks and faceplates

You lot shouldn't buy this if...

You actually accept to have a wireless controller
Additional paddles and features aren't important

The PowerA Fusion Pro ii is an first-class Xbox controller. The negatives really are quite modest when you consider but how much you get for a pretty amazing price. It genuinely is like a budget Elite controller and well worth your money.

Fusion Pro 2

PowerA Fusion Pro two

Lesser line: Similar getting an Aristocracy controller for half the cost? The Fusion Pro 2 is built for competitive gaming without running away with your wallet.

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