If you’re hunting for a solid Xbox or PC controller that won’t nuke your wallet, PowerA’s lineup probably popped up on your radar. And yeah, we tested both the PowerA Fusion Pro SE Wireless Controller ($99) and the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller ($29) so you don’t have to gamble on a plastic potato.
Let’s break down these budget-friendly brawlers.
Build Quality & Design
Fusion Pro SE: This thing looks premium out of the box. Matte black with metallic accents, magnetic faceplates, and even swappable thumbsticks? Yes, please. It feels like PowerA’s trying to cosplay an Elite Series 2 — and they mostly pull it off.
Enhanced Wired: Straight to the point. Lightweight, plasticky, but decently sturdy. No frills, no flair. You get what you pay for—but it’s not junk. Think of it as the Honda Civic of controllers.
Performance in Real Gaming Scenarios
Fusion Pro SE: Took this bad boy for a spin in Halo Infinite, Rocket League, and Elden Ring. Hair triggers and rear paddles gave it an edge in shooters, and the extra grip helped during those sweaty PvP moments. Wireless worked flawlessly with minimal lag on PC and Xbox.
Enhanced Wired: Plug-and-play simplicity. Surprisingly responsive in Dead Cells and Forza Horizon 5. No input lag, but cable tug can be annoying if you’re couch gaming. Don’t expect elite-tier precision, but it’ll absolutely hold up for casual sessions.
Comfort & Usability
Fusion Pro SE: Hefty but comfy. Feels balanced in hand, and the rubberized grips mean no slipping mid-fight. The paddles might take some time to master, but once you do? Game-changer.
Enhanced Wired: Super light and slightly smaller, so better for younger gamers or smaller hands. Buttons are clicky and serviceable, but the d-pad feels a bit stiff. Nothing painful, just not ergonomic royalty.
Compatibility & Setup
Both controllers are Xbox and PC-friendly.
- Fusion Pro SE: Wireless via dongle or USB-C wired. Quick sync, zero hassle. Bonus: comes with a solid travel case.
- Enhanced Wired: Literally just plug in the USB-A and go. Works out of the box, no drivers or drama.
Pros & Cons
Fusion Pro SE Pros:
- Wireless + wired flexibility
- Great build, swappable parts
- Paddles and trigger locks feel premium
Fusion Pro SE Cons:
- Pricey for a non-Elite controller
- Paddles may be overkill for casuals
Enhanced Wired Pros:
- Super affordable
- Solid performance for price
- No batteries = no downtime
Enhanced Wired Cons:
- Feels cheap
- Wired tether can be a pain
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’re a competitive or semi-sweaty gamer looking for performance without going full Scuf or Elite, the PowerA Fusion Pro SE is a strong mid-tier option. It’s not perfect, but the paddles, customization, and build make it feel way more expensive than it is.
On the flip side, if you just need a cheap, reliable backup pad (or something for your little cousin to mash buttons on), the Enhanced Wired Controller does the job. It’s not flashy, but it works—like the gamer equivalent of instant ramen.
TL;DR:
- Want performance + polish on a budget? Fusion Pro SE.
- Need a backup or casual-use stick? Enhanced Wired.
What controller are you rocking these days? Let us know your ride-or-die gamepad setup in the comments!
