Fusion Pro Wireless Controller by PowerA
Until the Fusion Pro Wireless controller dropped into my post box I can safely say I’ve never thought about how a controller could be a work of art. I’ve had customisable controllers in the past, but I never really got on with changing weights and sticks. It just all seemed so faffy. Programming back buttons, yes, that’s something Ive been able to get behind, more so when you can transfer a stick click to a button press, especially when its right next to a lazy, redundant finger.
It’s all bright and shiny.
There’s no escaping the biggest draw for the Fusion Pro Wireless from PowerA. It’s the Ghost lighting with Lumectra, obviously. LED lighting never looked so good and now I need it on all my controllers. From the first time you set it charging and watch the gently breathing colour scheme to playing in the dark, with button presses being echoed by the ambient glow, or just the plain old Xbox Green humming away. It’s a delight to hold and a pleasure to look at while charging. Controllers haven’t been this sexy since, well, ever.
It’s absolutely the feature I never knew I needed, until now.
It’s fair to say the colour schemes are fun and attractive out of the box, but the companion app allows you to tinker and improve on the set-up too.If that’s your thing.
What about the Nuts and Bolts?
The Fusion Pro Wireless feels right to hold, the grips are nicely textured, the input buttons responsive, triggers are spot on and more. One critics that can be levelled early is the placement of the back buttons, they don’t bother me, but some opinions find them slightly obtrusive and easily activated.
Its probably best to cover off the main components of the controller with a mini “around the grounds“.
Thumbsticks: The sticks feel solid, they also adjust to three height setting with a simple twist that cycles back to native height. The pads on the top are nicely textured and hold up well to long sessions. Underneath there’s plenty of chat about the “Hall” set-up and how its contact-free magnetic sensors allow for fluid and consistent movement.
Triggers and Shoulders: Well placed and responsive, the triggers themselves are supported by three-way locks giving control over travel distance. Easily adjusted on the native app and quickly reducing time to get into ADS (Aim Down Sights).
Mappable Back-buttons: There are four mappable buttons, easily mapped using the function button under the controller or set directly through the app. As noted some feedback puts them in the way, but if you’re used to this kind of accessibility they are a godsend. Sprint or melee attacks often benefit from being loaded up here.
Wireless-ness: The wireless aspect of the Fusion Pro hits the spot, while the Xbox still needs a USB stick to run its snappy and performs well. The package also include a charging stand that you connect to the Xbox. Its a great way to display the controller, but its more exciting to not be scrounging around for AA Batteries anymore…
All these functions and the impressive RGB light show can be edited in the PowerA HQ app directly on Xbox or Windows PC. While there are plenty of adjustments and settings available, its worth a play to personalise your preferences. Note its very easy to also restore the controller back to an Out of the Box state if your tinkering goes awry.
Overall
The Fusion Pro Wireless Controller is quite the package, it feels great in your hand, the mechanics of all the buttons feels spot on, even without tuning and the RGB light show just adds a new dimension to my controller game. I’ll never look back, unlit controllers are so yesterday now.