Review on 🎮 PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox - Red: The Ultimate Gamepad for Xbox Series X/S & Xbox One Gaming Experience by James Townsend

UPDATE: After just a few weeks, the PowerA Spectra controller has become unusable. After the left joystick had no contact for an extended weekend (I wasn't home and the controller wasn't touched in my absence), the left joystick is now permanently stuck and firing right and up. The joystick itself is in the neutral position - there are no visible damages and no deviations from the axis. It just doesn't work anymore. I have a new controller on the way. Let's hope the next version doesn't have this problem or it will be awarded 1 star. I will update if the replacement doesn't work. I want to love this controller, but if it fails on its own, it won't help anyone. I had an issue with my PDP controller after a few months when it just stopped working. My guess is that these third-party controllers are simply lacking in quality parts, despite how good they may look, including this one. Tip for PowerA: Charge me an extra $5 if that means putting better parts in your controllers so they're more likely to last a year or more. Original Review: I've only been using the controller for a few hours but so far so good. The LEDs are cool - not a very important part of the feature, but it's nice to know you can light up the controller and always know where it is, even in dark places. I had a PDP controller that I used for Rocket League because the Elite controllers are grossly overpriced and both my controllers started to fail after about a year and the warranty expired, so I started looking for alternatives. The PDP was good for a while, but eventually it stopped working fully. I saw PowerA and decided to try the controller. As for the Spectra, while I prefer wireless controllers, a good wired controller can be a big plus - no batteries, no power outages. The feel of the controller is actually quite premium considering the more modest price tag of $40. I can say that a controller with triggers and buttons doesn't cost that much, but the difference between a good trigger and a great trigger is small. Nothing seems cheap, so I'm hoping this controller will last at least as long as my elite controllers (at least I won't fret over a $150 controller that fails in a year). I like the two programmable buttons on the back. I play Rocket League off and on and have totally relied on the triggers on the back of the controller to steer my car and without them I lose a lot of dexterity. While not as comfortable as the Elite triggers, these triggers are simple and fully functional and positioned correctly so your fingers can reach them naturally when needed. All in all a very good controller and under $60 so good value for money.