Is the PowerA Fusion Pro 4 the best affordable controller for 'professional' gaming?

As a seasoned gamer with hands that have felt the pain of countless hours spent slaying monsters in Monster Hunter and battling it out in Call of Duty, I must say that the PowerA Fusion Pro 4 has found a permanent spot in my gaming arsenal. The comfort this controller offers is unparalleled; the cushioned grips are like a dream for those long sessions that often stretch into the wee hours.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 4 represents an improved, cost-effective upgrade over the Fusion Pro 3, featuring PowerA’s exclusive ‘Quick-Twist’ technology among other budget-oriented professional controller enhancements.

This model, introduced together with the high-end, wireless Fusion Pro, offers comparable professional gaming features such as Hall Effect sensors and customizable controls, but at a significantly lower cost of around half.

The cushioned grips provide an exceptionally comfortable and ergonomic experience, possibly the most comfortable I own, and while the trigger stops could be more intense, they are an improvement over the more expensive model. Overall, the Fusion Pro 4 is a great controller. If using wired isn’t a dealbreaker for you and you’re craving that zero latency, it’s well-made and enjoyable to use.

PowerA Fusion Pro 4: Pricing and specifications

The PowerA FUSION Pro 4 falls into the category of professional controllers but comes at an affordable price point of $69.99.

While the wireless version of the Fusion Pro 4 doesn’t offer RGB illumination or an integrated rechargeable battery like its counterpart, it manages to retain numerous useful features for a price that is only half as much.

The Fusion Pro 4 controller boasts adjustable thumbsticks, Hall Effect sensors for precise control, as well as reconfigurable rear buttons. It offers another budget-friendly option for gamers seeking advanced customization that’s typically found in high-end controllers such as the Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 4 arrives complete with a 10-foot braided USB cable, and it’s supported by a 2-year limited warranty.

PowerA Fusion Pro 4 review: The good

The pros highlights

The PowerA Fusion Pro 4 is solidly constructed, durable, and offers impressive quality for its price point.
The ‘Quick Twist’ technology on the thumbsticks is genuinely innovative and convenient for switching between games.
The controller’s grips are excellent, and the placement of the rear buttons makes them my favorite feature.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 4 is notable for its budget-friendly price compared to many other brands, making it an affordable choice among competitors. At $69.99, this premium controller delivers excellent value and justifies its cost with its exceptional comfort. One of the controller’s highlights is how comfortable it feels, thanks to a rubberized texture on the grips, front, rear, triggers, and bumpers that provides a pleasant tactile sensation during extended use, as well as a satisfying ‘give.’ Despite having dimensions similar to modern Xbox controllers, it maintains a tried-and-true design that works well.

The controller stands out with its professional-grade attributes such as dual vibration motors, trigger impulses, and Hall-effect joysticks. It also boasts a user-friendly dial for effortless volume control and muting when utilizing a wired headset, which I find particularly useful despite its somewhat bulky appearance. Over the years, I’ve damaged numerous Xbox headset adapters due to frequent plugging and unplugging into the controller, so I always appreciate such inclusions.

Because the controller is hardwired, there’s no need to concern yourself with lag issues – meaning when I lose a game, I can only attribute my defeat to my own slow reflexes. Despite being wired, the controller doesn’t seem flimsy or lightweight; instead, it feels robust and high-quality, giving it an upscale impression.

One distinctive innovation in PowerA’s Fusion Pro 4 is the ‘Easy-Adjust’ thumbsticks. Unlike traditional controllers that necessitate complete replacement of sticks, this one allows you to change the stick height by a simple twist, providing three options to select from. It may seem like a minor feature, but it proves surprisingly beneficial for First Person Shooter (FPS) games, as tailoring your setup to match game modes can significantly impact performance.

All in all, this controller, priced at $79.99, offers quite a good performance. If you’re currently using accessories such as KontrolFreek performance sticks and are seeking a permanent replacement, this controller could be a suitable option for you to consider.

PowerA Fusion Pro 4 review: The bad

The cons highlights

The 3-way trigger stops aren’t as effective as other controllers I’ve used with this feature, though they are an improvement over the more expensive Lumectra model.
The previous Fusion models allowed you to swap the faceplate, and this does not.
The price point is cheap, but GameSir has even cheaper options with similar features if you aren’t sold on the twisting sticks.

I found the overall performance of the controller to be remarkable, but I was especially intrigued by its trigger stops. The ones on the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless didn’t meet my expectations, so I was eager to find out if the Fusion Pro 4 could excel in this aspect instead.

I usually don’t spend much time on first-person shooter games, but with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 now accessible via Xbox Game Pass, I’ve been thrown into intense gaming sessions. Despite my lack of proficiency and humbling skill level, the enhanced control features have become invaluable to me—particularly the trigger stops. I’ve grown so dependent on them that playing without them feels strange, and they greatly help offset my slower reflexes, which are not what they used to be!

Similar to the Fusion Pro wireless controller, this device also offers three adjustable levels for trigger-stop sensitivity. Although it’s an upgrade from the wireless model, I was hoping for a more significant reduction in trigger travel. As you can see in the image provided, even at its maximum setting, the trigger still moves further than I would prefer.

It’s important to note that unlike previous Fusion Pro models, this new version no longer includes the interchangeable faceplates. If you found that feature appealing, you may be a bit disheartened. However, on the positive side, this change allows the controller to hit the market at a lower price of $10 compared to the Fusion Pro 3.

opting between this and the Fusion Pro Wireless, know that the wired version provides a significantly better cost-effectiveness, particularly if you don’t mind not having RGB lighting. On the other hand, if you prioritize Hall-effect sticks and rear buttons, you may want to explore GameSir’s product line as well, which offers comparable features at an even more affordable price (although without the comfortable grips that come with it).

PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

✅You want a wired controller for Xbox that’s comfortable to use for long periods

If comfort is your priority and a high-quality wire doesn’t deter you, then this could be an excellent choice for you.

✅You want a controller Hall Effect tech and adjustable thumbsticks

If you frequently enjoy first-person shooter games, you can enhance your gaming experience significantly with numerous features without breaking the bank.

✅You use a wired headsetThe included volume and mute control is handy for wired headsets.

You should not buy this if …

❌You use trigger stops a lot for gaming

The controller’s three stop levels for triggers seem less effective than anticipated, as there’s still excessive movement, even when set to the maximum level.

You’re interested in the Hall-Effect technology primarily because it reduces joystick drift, and you can find such an affordable option with GameSir.

In wrapping up my assessment, what truly matters is whether the controller becomes part of my routine usage, and undeniably, the Fusion Pro 4 fits the bill. Its design is remarkably comfortable, and the impactful difference it makes during games demanding continuous movements is palpable. I eagerly anticipate using it with Monster Hunter Wilds upon its release, as I often experience hand fatigue from Monster Hunter’s extended 40-minute hunting sessions.

As a die-hard Monster Hunter enthusiast, putting my gaming sessions on this controller will be the ultimate trial to determine if it deserves a spot on our top Xbox controllers list. I’m thrilled that PowerA has incorporated their innovative Quick-Twist thumbsticks into the design, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into their functionality. Having had hands-on experience with both this controller and the wireless PowerA Fusion, I feel confident in stating that this one offers significantly better value for the money.

2024-12-26 17:09

Is the PowerA Fusion Pro 4 the best affordable controller for ‘professional’ gaming?