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

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Central

While the Xbox Aristocracy is currently the best Xbox controller y'all can buy, it has a high price of entry — around $150 at the time of this writing. But it'south not the only pro-quality controller out in that location and fortunately, PowerA has something close to the Aristocracy for around one-half the toll.

This is the PowerA Fusion Pro two and it'due south a controller for the Xbox Series X|Southward and Xbox One with many of the same features you'll observe on the Aristocracy and even a couple that you lot won't. Right now this is one of the all-time budget alternatives to Microsoft's flagship Xbox controller, you're definitely going to like it.

Fusion Pro 2

PowerA Fusion Pro 2

Bottom line: If you're dandy on an Xbox Aristocracy controller but don't fancy the price tag and then this is the alternative to go.

The Good

Removable rear paddles
Software-complimentary button remapping
Two-phase trigger stops
Superb quality case
Replaceable sticks and faceplate
Integrated headset controls

The Bad

Grips get actually grubby
Paddles can come away likewise easily
Simply i domed stick

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: Price and availability

The PowerA Fusion Pro ii is available to buy at present with a listing cost of $90 on PowerA's website. It'south already possible to find a discount, though. At the time of this writing, you lot can find the controller at well-nigh major electronics retailers like Best Buy and other 3rd-party retailers similar Amazon for $80.

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: What you lot'll like

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Fundamental

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

On the exterior, the Fusion Pro 2 looks a lot like a standard Xbox controller. That's a practiced thing because it's comfortable to utilize and all the buttons are in the right identify. Every bit information technology's fully ready for the Xbox Serial X|Southward era, y'all get the dedicated share button right in the heart, 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 arrive easier to hit in the heat of battle.

Build quality is first-class and despite its more than affordable cost, information technology doesn't feel cheap. It'southward solid, but not also heavy, and has grippy rubber, er, grips on the back. If you opt for the black faceplate you lot'll get some front grip too, designed to assistance you continue sweaty palms off its soft-touch finish.

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Central

The faceplate is changeable though and while there'south only blackness or white available, y'all go both in the box and they snap on and off with ease thank you to tiny magnets holding it in identify. If you become for the white one, it's a harder, smooth plastic finish (not soft bear on for obvious reasons) with a splash of greenish around the thumbsticks.

Those, too, are replaceable, and while they practise require the faceplate to come off first, it's hardly a chore to pop in a domed or longer stick if yous'd prefer. Besides, the rear paddles are removable should yous not desire to use all of them, and if you lot don't want any at all, the entire module tin can be replaced with a simple plastic embrace. And all of this comes presented in a fantastic behave case.

The paddles themselves are very like to those yous'd find on the Xbox Elite likewise. 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 cakewalk besides, with an onboard control to do information technology and no need for a companion app.

The icing on the cake is the integrated headset audio controls. They're bones, with elementary volume and mute functions, only information technology'due south definitely better than having to manage it from the Xbox guide.

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: What you won't like

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Central

Because what yous get for such an attractive price in that location's not actually a lot of negatives to talk well-nigh. Probably the biggest one is how grubby information technology seems to go, though.

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

I don't quite know why the grips on this controller seem to be doing worse than my now two-twelvemonth-old Razer Wolverine TE when it comes to just looking muddied, but male child oh boy, they practise. Maybe information technology'due south the material or the colour showing information technology up more. I honestly don't know, but keep some wipes handy.

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

The paddles too take a habit of coming off if you get a bit firm with pressing them. They're not actually held on by much and it doesn't take much to annals a printing, merely if you get a bit excited it's maybe a little too easy to ship ane flying across the room.

I would have too liked to see an extra domed stick included. The only ane you lot exercise get is the longer 1, only if you'd adopt to utilise ii domed you can't, and there's no choice to utilise a standard length one with a circular top, either.

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: Contest

Razer Wolverine V2 Source: Windows Fundamental

There'southward no shortage of skilful Xbox controllers but there are a couple that rise to the top of the list. The kickoff is the obvious one, the Xbox Aristocracy v2. Compared already in this review, it'southward the standard fix for Xbox controllers and the Fusion Pro 2 has many like features. The downside to the Elite is its cost, merely it is wireless.

There's also Razer'southward Wolverine V2, which is a similar cost to the Fusion Pro V2. Information technology'southward another that comes with the new defended share push but has a very unlike design despite beingness every bit comfortable to concord. It's besides wired, simply you don't go rear paddles, though there are some extra buttons on the shoulders.

PowerA Fusion Pro 2: Should yous buy it?

Fusion Pro 2 Source: Windows Key

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

Yous should buy this if ...

Y'all're looking for rear paddles and remappable buttons
You're on a upkeep
You like the idea of being able to modify sticks and faceplates

Yous shouldn't buy this if...

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

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2 is an excellent Xbox controller. The negatives actually are quite pocket-sized when you consider just how much yous get for a pretty astonishing cost. It genuinely is like a upkeep Elite controller and well worth your money.

Fusion Pro 2

PowerA Fusion Pro two

Bottom line: Like getting an Elite controller for half the price? The Fusion Pro 2 is built for competitive gaming without running away with your wallet.

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