PowerA Metroid Dread Enhanced Wired Controller & Slim Case Review

Following the release of the excellent Metroid Dread, PowerA has released the gorgeously designed PowerA Metroid Dread Enhanced Wired Controller and Slim Case. Similar to the review of the PowerA Pikachu Checks line of hardware, I will be combining both the wired controller and slim case into one convenient review.

If the design on both is not enough to convince a Metroid fan to purchase these bad boys, then let me give you more reasons why this is a set every Metroid fan should invest in right now.

PowerA Metroid Dread Enhanced Wired Controller

First off, it is worth noting that the design on the PowerA Metroid Dread Enhanced Wired Controller is stunning. The stoic position of Samus as she looks like she is about to jump into a tough battle is exactly the image we need of that strong woman. This alone is reason enough to pick this controller up.

Since this is an Enhanced Wired Controller, a lot of the look, feel, and functionality mimic that of the Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller that I reviewed in September. For example, this particular controller lacks a couple key areas: there is no rumble support (Something PowerA does not implement), no NFC reader for amiibo, and there are no motion controls due to the wired nature of the controller. Like the Spectra, the lack of these three areas is unfortunate, but it honestly does not devalue the PowerA Metroid Dread Enhanced Wired Controller at all because this is an incredibly affordable controller that still offers a lot while looking gorgeous with my favorite bounty hunter displayed on the front.

As is usually the case with PowerA, the packaging here is lovely. The controller comes snug in a beautifully printed box, and it comes with a 10ft (3 meter) long USB cable to plug into your Switch dock. Despite the simplicity of the contents, this is a great package for those on a budget, as the controller itself is only $27.99 USD, which is way cheaper than most controllers and even $7 cheaper than the Spectra Enhanced Wired Controller. This Metroid Dread controller may be lacking the LED lights of the Spectra, but it has the Samus design and that is quite comparable.

The layout is exactly the same as other PowerA controllers, and the joysticks, triggers and buttons all have the standard features and functions as well. The joysticks have the anti-friction rings that work great, and all of the buttons, including the Advanced Gaming buttons on the back, which allows for re-mapping of certain buttons giving you a more customizable gaming experience, press and feel ideally.

The other feature that I think should be standard in all Switch controllers is the 3.55mm audio port. This allows for high-quality game audio and even chat if it is available, which is really handy if you tend to play your Switch games far away from the console. I love using my wired gaming headset, and it is such a relief to simply plug it into my controller and not into the docked console.

Metroid Dread Slim Case

As for the PowerA Metroid Dread Slim Case, this is an excellent carrying case for those on a budget. It is lovely and can house either a Switch (OG or OLED) or a Switch Lite thanks to an insert that allows the Switch Lite to fit snugly. It is very sturdy, can hold up to 10 Switch game cartridges, and the inner flap serves as a stand for your Nintendo Switch while on the go.

Surprisingly, the inside of the casing is rather bland. Considering PowerA usually does an excellent job of including little themed designs on the inside, I was expecting a little touch of something here, like an 8-bit metroid somewhere. However, the outside, like the controller design, is top-notch thanks to the sliding animation of Samus and the new E.M.M.I. robot. The great outer design only makes me wish the inside had a little more love sprinkled into it, though.

Overall, the set is still well above the standard, and that is thanks mostly to the affordable prices for both and the quality PowerA touch that exists in all of their products. The theme is definitely a win, and Samus is represented so well here. This is a great way to continue celebrating one of the most iconic characters in gaming history and supporting a solid third-party manufacturer in PowerA.

Both products are well worth the asking price, and if you are a Metroid fan, getting the PowerA Metroid Dread Enhanced Wired Controller and Slim Case is only going to set you back about $40 USD. If anything, these two are just lovely products to display, but they are made even better by their functionality and affordability.

PowerA Metroid Dread Enhanced Wired Controller & Slim Case Review provided by Nintendo Link
Maker: PowerA
Release Date: October 15th, 2021 via PowerA
Price: Controller = $27.99, Slim Case = $12.99