PowerA Pikachu Checks Enhanced Wireless Controller & Protection Case Review

PowerA is all about growing their lineup of themed controllers and cases, but for the Nintendo Switch, it seems like the Pokemon brand has gotten the most love. Now we are getting the PowerA Pikachu Checks Enhanced Wireless Controller and Protection Case, and these two goodies are simply gorgeous. We have never reviewed a PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller here at Nintendo Link, so this will serve as both that review and a combo review for the themed controller and case.

If you are a big Pikachu fan, this is a no-brainer, but otherwise, let me tell you why these products are something else.

Enhanced Wireless Controller

The PowerA Pikachu Checks Enhanced Wireless Controller is a great alternative controller. I recently reviewed PowerA’s Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller for the Nintendo Switch, and I could tell early on in my play-testing that the grip and feel of the two controllers are very similar. The only major difference on the surface itself is that the Spectra Enhanced has a soft-touch finish on the front plate that does make it feel a bit better.

Like other PowerA controllers, the Enhanced Wireless Controller also has advanced gaming buttons on the back that can be remapped on the fly, and the Pikachu theme has nice, bright yellow buttons on the back of the controller that really pop out. The joysticks rotate wonderfully thanks to the anti-friction rings, and all of the buttons respond perfectly, especially the solid trigger and shoulder buttons similar to the Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller.

The ongoing problem with these PowerA controllers are the following, though: no NFC reader for amiibo support and no rumble, which is the bigger bummer. Considering the price of the Pikachu Checks Enhanced Wireless Controller ($54.99), one could argue that the no rumble support is a problem, but with the price of Nintendo’s own Pro Controller ($69.99), I guess it is not a huge drawback, especially since the Enhanced Wireless Controller does support gyro, which is great news for fans of shooters like Splatoon 2.

I have to admit that the PowerA Pikachu Checks Enhanced Wireless Controller does not feel like the most sturdy Switch controller, especially when compared to the Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller and the Pro Controller. However, where PowerA shines the most in these themed Enhanced Wireless Controllers is, well, the theme, and this one is no different. The Pikachu print on the front looks amazing, and the color scheme around the whole controller is even more impressive, like the yellow back buttons and yellow joysticks. This is a really pretty controller, and it definitely does the Pokemon brand justice with a gorgeous design.

Since this is an Enhanced Wireless controller, battery is another factor, and I can assure you that this controller’s battery is insane! I got on average 31 hours of gameplay per charge, which is beyond expectation. The controller also comes with a 10ft (3 meter) cable to charge it, and that is plenty long enough to sit comfortably away from your Switch and still game.

Pikachu Checks Protection Case

As for the PowerA Pikachu Checks Protection Case, this is an excellent carrying case with only one minor gripe, which is the inability to carry a charger of any sort (Wires are possible). It is a lovely case, though, and it can house either a Switch or a Switch Lite (I also assume it will be able to house the Switch OLED when that launches, too) thanks to an insert that allows the Switch Lite to fit. It is very sturdy, can hold up to 8 Switch game cartridges, and it is offered at a perfect price point ($19.99). I have actually written about the PowerA Protection Case more thoroughly before, so if you would like a deeper dive into the ups and down of the case style (Mostly ups), check it out here.

The designing within the casing itself is even cuter than the outside, which sports a slightly different Pikachu with attitude. On the inside, we have one colored Pikachu tab near the netting, and a checkered pattern on the back of the game card holder and behind where the Switch rests. It is cute beyond measure, and this is absolutely a carrying case for every Pikachu fan!

Overall, the combo set is great. Both the controller and the case have the PowerA touch in them, meaning they are made with great quality and care. The theme is definitely a win, and both the controller and the case are wonderfully designed in both color choice and pattern.

I personally think the Protection Case is the better bang-for-your-buck deal, but both products are solid and worthy of a purchase for any Pokemon fan out there. The PowerA Pikachu Checks controller and case are electric, and they are here to make your Switch setup look even better.

PowerA Pikachu Checks Enhanced Wireless Controller & Protection Case Review provided by Nintendo Link
Maker: PowerA
Release Date: September 19th, 2021 via PowerA
Price: Controller = $54.99, Protection Case = $19.99 (Both supplied by GameStop)