This month is a pretty big one for Sonic the Hedgehog. Alongside the final update for Sonic Frontiers, we’re also getting Sonic Superstars in just a couple of weeks.
To commemorate the occasion, Sega has teamed up with PowerA to produce a number of new accessories, including new controllers for Xbox and Nintendo Switch. But the question is, are they up to, ahem, speed?
With that, PowerA opted to send us a box of these accessories to try out. So let’s dig in and give you some mini-reviews!
Enhanced Wired Controller For Nintendo Switch
First up is the wired Nintendo Switch controller, which features a sleek yellow and blue design, with Sonic racing at top speed.
Even though this controller is wired, it’s got extensive reach for same-room use; and it also has comfortable analog sticks and buttons for use during your favorite games – even Mario! (Relax, we won’t tell Sega.) It’s also easy going on the hands (unlike other third party controllers) and even has a headphone jack and little buttons on the back that you can use for additional functionality.
Now, it does lack HD Rumble support, so it’s not quite as good as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. But, for the price – a mere $30 – you get your money’s worth out of it, and it looks great in anyone’s Sega/Sonic themed game collection. Not a bad little controller at all!
Advantage Wired Controller for Xbox Series X/S
Next up is the Xbox-themed wired controller for Xbox, which features more of a solid blue design with checkerboard decals and Sonic doing some form of magical spin. It’s all blue, which is different from the Switch controller design, but it still looks pretty groovy. (Just wish it glowed in the dark for that added effect.)
Like the Switch controller, this peripheral features buttons on the back, as well as the addition of turbo switches, so you can add extra functionality for other games. Its analog sticks are also comfortable, though the D-pad is a bit on the stiff side. At least the buttons handle pretty well. And, yes, it has a headphone jack, too.
It’s $40, which is way cheaper than the $200+ that Razer is asking for its deluxe Sonic controller. That’s well worth the price, even though it’s wired. But it’s easy to use and good fun, even if you’re playing other games like Gears 5 and Halo. (What, we’ve done that.) A solid choice if you don’t mind going wired.
Protection Case for Nintendo Switch
Next up is this nifty looking case, which can house the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch, as well as the original model. It features a similar color palette to the wired controller, with Sonic “peeling out” on the cover in a flurry of yellow and blue.
It’s a nice, practical case, and durable, making it easy to lug around your portable system and a couple of smaller accessories and games. Its strap makes it easy to carry or put around some luggage, and its design shows that you’re ready to go fast with your games.
It’s also only $20, which is a lot more reasonable than some of the other cases on the market. Definitely something to consider if you’re down for showing off your Sonic fandom.
TriFold Game Card Holder
Last but not least, if you need a smaller wallet-like case to carry some of your games with you, you can’t go wrong with the $20 Game Card Holder. It, too, has the yellow and blue art design; and is made of strong, capable material that will keep your games safe inside. Even that copy of Sonic Superstars. (Sold separately, of course.)
You may prefer the larger case if you want to really get the most out of your Nintendo Switch portable experience. That said, this isn’t a bad secondary case, and fits easily in your pocket for when you’re headed to a friend’s house or your local game center.
Overall, these are really good peripherals for the pricing. Kudos to PowerA for sending them along and letting us check them out! If you’re interested in picking up a few in time for the release of Superstars, head over to their official website!
