Growing up, our third-party console controllers were handed off to our least favorite friend or relative in the group. These third-party controllers were mostly the budget friendly option for kids hosting multiple friends over for some in-person co-op or versus gameplay.

If my friends want to play with a real/good controller, they can bring their own to the party!

Back in the days of the Nintendo 64 (the late 90s), I remember some wacky shapes and “bold” designs from companies like Mad Catz. I was curious and looked them up and Mad Catz is still making controllers, mice, keyboards, and other gaming accessories — and not so much “wacky stuff.” I’m not sure if that had something to do with patents on the first-party designs, or if these companies were trying to make a statement. Remember “Turbo Mode” on those old, strange controllers?

We’ve also seen our fair share of oddly-shaped first-party controllers and peripherals over the years, but I guess we just sort of accepted those. Now, when I go back and hold a Nintendo 64 controller, it doesn’t really make sense. Why three pillars? I only have two hands?

Today, many third-party companies create controllers and peripherals to give players the ultimate advantage when it comes to competitive and online gaming. The standard models are fine and ergonomic, but many of these companies (Razer, PowerA, PDP, Nacon and more) are adding some extra flavor that we didn’t even know we needed. We’ve seen features like remappable buttons, secret paddles, detachable parts, battery life improvements, air conditioning, lights, added comfort and more.

Many cheaper alternatives with less features, like wired-only models or AA battery-operated controllers are still sold in stores. I’ve also seen artists that turn regular controllers into custom art pieces, like my friends from Comic Controllers (I met them at Florida Supercon a couple of years ago and still need to visit their store near Orlando, FL).

When it comes to my Nintendo Switch, I was all about my official Nintendo Switch Splatoon 2 Pro Controller for the longest time. PowerA sent me a care package with some controllers and Switch cases, back in 2021. I left out one controller from my coverage back then, the Switch Fusion Pro WIreless Controller. I knew I wanted to create something special just for this controller, like a music video or something cool.

Switch Pro Gamer

The Switch Fusion Pro Wireless Controller by PowerA is a fine example of a company other than Nintendo improving on the already great design of the Switch Pro controller. I was happy with my Nintendo Switch Pro controller because it had everything I needed: great battery life, it felt snug in my hands, and it’s lightweight.

The Fusion Pro has a few extra features, some that I’m all about and others that are neat, but I haven’t found useful. First off, this controller brings with it two easily interchangeable faceplates (black and white). I started off only using the black faceplate for the longest time, but lately have switched over to the white plate. It contrasts more with my black, pink and green Splatoon 2 Pro controller.

I like the idea of mappable paddle attachments, however I just don’t play the right games on the Nintendo Switch for these. Back when the PS4 released the back button attachment, I was all about using it in racing games and shooters — I also started to find new uses with each new game. I was surprised when the PS5 DualSense controller didn’t feature any back buttons. What a tease that was. Of course, they were holding out for their “Pro” controller, the DualSense Edge.

On my Nintendo Switch, I have yet to find a game that I need these extra paddles for. Lucky for me they are easily detachable, without making the controller feel off in any way.

The Fusion Pro also brings along two extra thumb sticks — one extra long and the other with a thumb bubble instead of the normal indentation. I messed around with the extra long stick for the OlliOlli series, which calls for some heavy thumb sticking. I have also switched to the longer stick for Super Mario Wonder, but I’m not really sure if it helps much there.

The “Sacred” Device

When I first began using the Fusion Pro, I remember thinking of it as my “sacred controller.” This will only be used for competitive game time — Splatoon, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online, and others. When not in use I will keep it stored away in its nifty case. The case that came with the controller also makes it feel like it’s not just another controller. I have been looking forward to bringing this heavy-duty case to a friend’s house just to show them how serious of a gamer I can be.

Even as a kid in the 90’s, no matter how many controllers you had there was always that one special “sacred controller.” Even with the Super Nintendo, where both of your controllers looked exactly the same, you knew which one was a little wonky — that was the one your guest would play with. With my Nintendo 64, each time I purchased a new colored controller, that was “my controller.”

PS5 Controller Curiosities

This whole process has made me a bit curious to find out if the PS5 DualSense controller is really the best controller for me? Is it the DualSense Edge (also by Sony), or perhaps it’s time to consider a third-party option (Nacon Revolution 5 Pro or the Razer Wolverine V2) 

The third-party competitive controller market is a bit different in the Xbox and PlayStation world, since both Microsoft and Sony offer their own souped-up gaming controller — Xbox Elite and Sony’s DualSense Edge. Plenty of companies are still competing with these high-quality alternatives, but it’s tougher for them when Sony and Microsoft have their own versions.

I’m not sure if Sony and Microsoft are working hard to stop the competition with patents and marketing tactics. Sony has a leg up with their new features this generation — haptics and adaptive triggers. I’m not sure if the third-party companies are even allowed to include these features on their controllers.

That’s the magic of the haptics and adaptive feedback, after a while you don’t notice it, but as soon as it’s gone you know it’s not there. When these features are done right, they help immerse players even further into this world.

On the Nintendo side, the elite controller market is like the Wild West. With Nintendo only offering their standard Joy-Con or the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, these third-party companies are free to add whatever they want to the market.

After having a third-party controller (the Fusion Pro by PowerA) become my main controller on the Nintendo Switch, I think it’s time to explore other options on my PlayStation 5.

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*As I stated before, PowerA sent me that Fusion Pro Switch Controller in a care package for review.