I’m not saying you should pick up the PowerA Wireless Kirby Nintendo Switch Controller simply because it’s adorable. I mean, that sort of is what I’m saying, but I promise you that I got more out of this pad than a fuzzy feeling of joy in my cold, hardware-reviewing heart. In theory, this third-party gamepad shouldn’t have placed my official Pro Controller. So, the fact it did definitely scores it brownie points, even if I do have a few gripes with what’s going on beneath its bubble gum exterior.
For the most part, the best Nintendo Switch controllers sing from the same hymn sheet. While premium pads will provide you with features like hall effect sticks and haptic rumble, the rest stick with the same rounded shape, D-pad design, and chonky face buttons that are significantly larger than a regular pad. Perhaps it’s that sameness that draws players like me, who are a sucker for cute mascots, to options like PowerA’s wireless Kirby homage. It draws a line between fun and functionality, and that's important in a controller.
