PowerA has a nice thing going right now. They’ve been producing some stellar third-party peripherals, while at the same time pricing them at just the right level. And while they may not be next-level like other controller manufacturers, they’re more than satisfactory. And their latest model is no exception.

The Mario Peek-a-Boo Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch may not be a “be-all-end-all” device for the system. However, it’s got enough charm – and features – that will no doubt appeal to die-hard Nintendo fans.

It’s got similar functionality to the company’s other Lumectra-powered peripherals. But, on top of that, it has ghost-powered RGB LED lighting. That means you get a haunting little display while you play your games. And it’s pretty adorable.

If you’re already stocked up on Nintendo Switch controllers, this one may not sway you right away. But it’s solidly priced, performs well, and delivers just the right amount of ghostly fun for Mario fans. Even if you look at it directly.

PowerA Offers a Ghostly Appearance With the Peek-a-Boo

With this neat little controller, you can change up to different display types.

My personal favorite is Spotlight. This is where the lighting goes all over the face of the controller, highlighting the many ghosts hiding inside. If you prefer, you can also turn on Pulse and Reactive, creating a more interactive lighting experience. Phase is also rather cool.

The only downside is that it changes to something somewhat plain when you charge it. You can choose from a solid green display or a quick highlight of all the ghosts at once. I would’ve preferred to keep the other display type up throughout charging. But I guess it’s an indicator sort of thing. Just a minor complaint, I assure you.

You can also do full displays if you prefer one general color or something less distracting. And there are different types, mostly based around Mario themes. They’re pretty cool.

Honestly, though, I think fans will stick with Spotlight. It resembles the nature of the Boos very well, and adds a nice ghostly touch overall.

The rest of the controller looks pretty good as well, though I would’ve liked a ghostly design on the back too. But you don’t buy a controller to look at the back, right? I mean, I would hope not.

But How Well Does the Peek-a-Boo Handle?

I’m happy to report that the Mario Peek-a-Boo controller handles just as well as other PowerA offerings. It’s comfortable to grip within your hands, for young and older players alike. Plus the Hall effect sticks are a bonus, so that they don’t wear down like on other, cheaper controllers.

I’m also a fan of the triggers. They aren’t mushy by any means, but just reactive enough to make sure you maintain performance. The face buttons are a little plain, but they still work as needed. The D-pad is pretty good, too.

Honestly, though, it’s the back buttons that really sell this controller. You can program these buttons however you see fit, making the controller ideal for “shmups” and beat-em-ups. They’re also fairly easy to reach, without getting in the way of controller performance.

Plus the controller lasts ten hours on a single charge. That’s top notch, unless, say, you’re playing an RPG like Fire Emblem. Then you may want to keep the charging cable nearby.

Ghoulish Gaming Awaits

Again, the Mario Peek-a-Boo Enhanced Wireless Controller isn’t for everyone. It’s decently priced at around $65, and has enough features to back it up. But it lacks rumble, and not everyone will get into its light-up style.

That said, Mario fans will feel right at home with it; and the ghost displays on the front are innovative and cute. So if you’re one of those fans that insists on staring at boos, this is the controller for you.

GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS

Thanks to PowerA for sending along a sample of the controller! You can get yours now for Nintendo Switch! It works on PC/iOS as well!

Want more reviews of Nintendo controllers? Check out our take on the NYXI Hyperion 2 wireless controllers and the NYXI Warrior controller!