Hey guys. Laserwolf here. I wanted to do a write up for this controller as it has become my favorite of all time. I'm no pro player, not even close. Even though I probably have 1000 hours plus on Melee that was in 2002 and I haven't played since then. I find this controller amazing. It helps me perform some advanced techs that I was having trouble with on my OG GC (original Gamecube) controller. I own the PCP, OG GC, and PowerA wireless controllers and PowerA is by far my fav. Let me explain.
Before I say anything let me say this trigger plug mod is 1000% necessary and is what pushes this controller over the edge from good to excellent. For two bucks you can get the screw and washer at Home Depot. The mod is super easy. Get it with the controller. It turns the triggers in to beautifully responsive proper digital buttons. Link here.
I looked online and saw a ton of people trashing this controller. From build quality to responsiveness I've heard tons of complaints that I dont feel are applicable. This controller is seriously awesome. However, there is one major con for some people that I will get into later.
First we can talk about build and quality. Overall it is excellent. The plastic is solid, it weighs exactly the same as a gamecube controller. I don't get why people want to weigh down this controller. It just shortens the period of time before your hands and wrists gets fatigued. The gate on the stick is slightly smaller than OG GC which I find great. Shorter distance = quicker move response. The buttons are super clicky, but as a fan of blue switchs in my keyboards, this doesnt bother me at all. I actually prefer it. By comparison the PCP controllers are much much louder (and crappier). The Y button does protrude a bit higher than OG GC but you get over this pretty quickly. I have come to like it as it is easy to see-saw my thumb from Y to A to do a short hop attack. My newb ass primarily uses Y + R to short hop anyway. The stick snapback is crisp but does not over extend. Feels great. Like I said, build quality is excellent. I've seen people complain about the plastic on the C Stick. I think they are trying to find problems. There are 10 easy things to do to make your stick more grippy. Personally I think it's fine. If you got grindy triggers, lag, or a bad/inaccurate stick, return yours. It's not normal. Latency is the same as the OG GC controller.
Next I want to get into the pros over a normal OG GC Controller. The benefits of this setup may be for newbs, but I saw an immediate positive effect on my play over using the OG GC. Obviously having the Switch system buttons is super helpful, but it's just a little bonus IMO. The real advantages come as digital triggers and additional L button. There are some techs that become so easy with the right layout. Let me explain mine.
ZL = Sheild
L = Sheild
ZR = Grab
R = Jump
Y = Jump
A = Attack
B = Special
X = unassigned
CStick = Tilt (character dependent)
The two things this allows you to do easily is directional sheild and air dodge on the ground while still facing forward. Directional sheild is just L + ZL, super intuitive. And R + ZR while holding forward performs an air dodge seamlessly along the ground and still keeps you facing in the same direction. I'm sure there is a name for this tech (grab + jump + direction). Its super useful for dodging projectiles. Also as I said earlier, short hopping by pinching Y + R is very intuitive and has helped my newb ass out immensely with falling air moves. Another reason having a shoulder jump is great is because it let's you throw out those quick rising back airs with the C Stick (again I forget the tech name).
So the main problem with this controller isn't actually the controllers fault. Its muscle memory. If you've trained 6 years on a OG GC, nothing else will do unless you are willing to make a substantial investment to change it. If you dont have that muscle memory programmed already, I really dont see a reason to go with anything over the PowerA.
So that's it guys, this controller is a winner. Dont let the naysayers turn you off to it. If you are on the fence you can always try it and return it if you hate it. Oh, one more thing. This only applies to the wireless version. The wired version is markedly worse in almost every department. Dont get that one!
Do you love the PowerA wireless Gamecube controller? Do you hate it? Was this helpful?! Let me know why!
Edit: I just wanted to let you know this controler has been used since release. 300+ hours with it and no drift or problems of any kind.
Before I say anything let me say this trigger plug mod is 1000% necessary and is what pushes this controller over the edge from good to excellent. For two bucks you can get the screw and washer at Home Depot. The mod is super easy. Get it with the controller. It turns the triggers in to beautifully responsive proper digital buttons. Link here.
I looked online and saw a ton of people trashing this controller. From build quality to responsiveness I've heard tons of complaints that I dont feel are applicable. This controller is seriously awesome. However, there is one major con for some people that I will get into later.
First we can talk about build and quality. Overall it is excellent. The plastic is solid, it weighs exactly the same as a gamecube controller. I don't get why people want to weigh down this controller. It just shortens the period of time before your hands and wrists gets fatigued. The gate on the stick is slightly smaller than OG GC which I find great. Shorter distance = quicker move response. The buttons are super clicky, but as a fan of blue switchs in my keyboards, this doesnt bother me at all. I actually prefer it. By comparison the PCP controllers are much much louder (and crappier). The Y button does protrude a bit higher than OG GC but you get over this pretty quickly. I have come to like it as it is easy to see-saw my thumb from Y to A to do a short hop attack. My newb ass primarily uses Y + R to short hop anyway. The stick snapback is crisp but does not over extend. Feels great. Like I said, build quality is excellent. I've seen people complain about the plastic on the C Stick. I think they are trying to find problems. There are 10 easy things to do to make your stick more grippy. Personally I think it's fine. If you got grindy triggers, lag, or a bad/inaccurate stick, return yours. It's not normal. Latency is the same as the OG GC controller.
Next I want to get into the pros over a normal OG GC Controller. The benefits of this setup may be for newbs, but I saw an immediate positive effect on my play over using the OG GC. Obviously having the Switch system buttons is super helpful, but it's just a little bonus IMO. The real advantages come as digital triggers and additional L button. There are some techs that become so easy with the right layout. Let me explain mine.
ZL = Sheild
L = Sheild
ZR = Grab
R = Jump
Y = Jump
A = Attack
B = Special
X = unassigned
CStick = Tilt (character dependent)
The two things this allows you to do easily is directional sheild and air dodge on the ground while still facing forward. Directional sheild is just L + ZL, super intuitive. And R + ZR while holding forward performs an air dodge seamlessly along the ground and still keeps you facing in the same direction. I'm sure there is a name for this tech (grab + jump + direction). Its super useful for dodging projectiles. Also as I said earlier, short hopping by pinching Y + R is very intuitive and has helped my newb ass out immensely with falling air moves. Another reason having a shoulder jump is great is because it let's you throw out those quick rising back airs with the C Stick (again I forget the tech name).
So the main problem with this controller isn't actually the controllers fault. Its muscle memory. If you've trained 6 years on a OG GC, nothing else will do unless you are willing to make a substantial investment to change it. If you dont have that muscle memory programmed already, I really dont see a reason to go with anything over the PowerA.
So that's it guys, this controller is a winner. Dont let the naysayers turn you off to it. If you are on the fence you can always try it and return it if you hate it. Oh, one more thing. This only applies to the wireless version. The wired version is markedly worse in almost every department. Dont get that one!
Do you love the PowerA wireless Gamecube controller? Do you hate it? Was this helpful?! Let me know why!
Edit: I just wanted to let you know this controler has been used since release. 300+ hours with it and no drift or problems of any kind.
Last edited:
