PowerA Pikachu Enhanced Wireless Controller Review: An Electrifying Way To Celebrate 25 Years Of Pokemon
'Cos the PowerA you're supplyin', it's electrifying. Well, that seems to be the mantra of PowerA's latest addition to an already impressive arsenal of Nintendo Switch accessories. The gaming accessory giant is already known for its collaborations with the likes of Sumer Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and even Doom Eternal, but with 2021 marking 25 years since we first met those adorable Pocket Monsters, it only makes sense that Pokemon is honoured by PowerA's latest release.
PowerA is also no stranger to popping by the Poke Center and having a natter with Nurse Joy, thanks to a whole host of Pokemon-themed collaborations that put the spotlight on Gen-8 starters Scorbunny, Grookey, and Sobble. This also isn't the first time Pikachu has been brought to life in the form of PowerA controllers and accessories, however, in terms of limited edition controllers to celebrate the franchise's Silver Anniversary, the newest addition is a big one.
Compatibility and Design
Click to enlargeBoasting an appealing yellow and black design, the PowerA Pikachu Enhanced Wireless Controller has a stylish look that isn't too in your face. Marked with 025, it commemorates the electric mouse's place in the Pokedex and the 25-year anniversary of the franchise. A quick search of the PowerA site will turn up results for a lot of Pikachu-themed controllers, however, the latest to the Enhanced Wireless Controller lineup is definitely one of the prettiest. Instead of going with a sometimes OTT approach, it's a sleek nod to Pokemon's iconic mascot.
Aside from the controller, we also got to try out the matching protective case that makes sure your Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite are suitably protected. We've all been guilty of chucking our Switch around a bit, and if you're anything like me - frequently tossing your console in the bag on the way out the door - there's probably a few scratches by now. Thankfully, the protective case lets you boast your Pokemon fandom and protect your Switch while you play Pokemon Arceus or the remastered Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl when they land.
The case has a sturdy outer shell that would even rival Squirtle, suggesting it can take a few knocks. Inside, there's a soft lining, screen protector flap, and space for up to six game cards. If you don't like to play your Pokemon games digitally, it's a handy addition that you can take your regions on the move. Finally, both the controller and case feature a determined-looking Pikachu that echoes his Gen 1 appearance from back in the day. It's a lovely throwback to the origins of Pokemon.
Play Quality
Click to enlargeWe get it, part of the whole Switch ideal is using the Joy-Con to take your gaming on the go. Although you're also given the standard clip to snap together for a more traditional controller style, it's far from the classic controllers many of us are used to playing. For retro gamers, the chunky (yet funky) designs of the Nintendo 64 and GameCube controller are a part of our childhood. The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller elevates these now-defunct controller styles with something new.
The controller is also a budget offering compared to the official Switch Pro controller, that means you've got an extra way to play when you've got friends around. Although PowerA also offers a wired controller, the wireless edition gives that much-needed portability. Serving up 30 hours of gameplay from the internal rechargeable battery, connecting my PowerA Pikachu Enhanced Wireless Controller was easy thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 technology. There was more than enough juice to happily tour the Galar region with Pokemon Sword and Shield, then jump into an older style of play with Pokemon Let's Go. It's a massive improvement on previous PowerA controllers that ran on batteries.
Alongside mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons, the controller also has motion controls - meaning it's not left behind by some Switch titles. When hitting the track with Mario Kart, the PowerA Pikachu Enhanced Wireless Controller perfectly picked up my tilts while I raced around Rainbow Road as Wario. As with any controller that has additional back buttons for mapping, it can be a little too easy to knock them in the middle of the game. Considering PowerA doesn't assign them anything to start with, it's only a real problem if you choose to map them. Another drawback is a lack of HD rumble, IR, or Amiibo NFC, which can leave you pining for the old days where you could stick a Rumble Pak on your N64 controller and play GoldenEye 007.
Final thoughts
Like we said, the PowerA shop is already packed with Pokemon accessories, meaning you might already have some that are used on a daily basis. With this in mind, there's a danger that PowerA couldn't bring something new to the table. Thankfully, the fact the Pikachu controller and case capture the 25th anniversary in design means Pokefans will love this way to celebrate such a milestone moment. Combine this with the ingenuity of the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller, and you've got something that looks and plays incredibly.
The PowerA Pikachu Enhanced Wireless Controller is available now from Argos and Amazon for £39.99 or from the official PowerA shop for $49.99. The same goes with the case for £19.99 from Argos and $19.99 from PowerA. There's also a list of other retailers on the site if you want to grab it from elsewhere. Now you know where to get these anniversary showstoppers, all there's left to do is pika-pick up these sparky accessories.
Images via PowerA
