PC & Console Peripherals

PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller (PS4) review

A single gamepad has made it into our ranks so far. Now we finally have another one, and this one is not exclusively for the PC, but actually for the PlayStation 4. This is the PowerA FUSION Pro Controller. An officially licensed product that really does offer all the features of a normal controller – and then some. What the controller offers and whether the quality is right, you can find out in our test.

Technical details

Weight 365 grams
Dimension 162 x 108 x 62 mm (W x H x D9
Cable length 3 meters, fabric covered
Compatibility PlayStation 4, PC
Price € 87.16 *

Packaging and scope of delivery

At around 120 euros, the controller has a really proud price. But PowerA isn’t selling a harmless controller here either, they want to give you a high quality piece of peripheral in your hands, and this is already clear from the packaging. The packaging is made of really sturdy cardboard and already makes you look forward to unpacking it.

Inside we don’t find the controller directly, but a case. In addition to the Fusion Pro, this also contains all the accessories including the extra-long USB cable, the customizable paddle (Pro Pack) and other accessories, such as a racing clip.

Workmanship

What is immediately noticeable is the high weight of the controller. The Fusion Pro including the Pro Pack weighs a whole 365 grams. Compared to the normal DualShock 4, that’s almost 100 grams more. However, this is absolutely no problem after a short familiarization phase, and the controller also looks even more premium this way.

The controller is made entirely of plastic, but it doesn’t have any production defects. There are no sharp edges or uneven surfaces. A rubberized back often provides room for error, fortunately not here. The switches for the adjustable trigger buttons (R2 and L2) also make a high-quality impression, despite the filigree construction.

Connection and Comptability

The PowerA FUSION Pro PS4 controller can be used just like a DualShock 4 from Sony. Accordingly, use via Bluetooth or wired is possible. Logically, for this money, you would want to operate your controller via Bluetooth on the PlayStation. You connect the controller via the PS4’s settings, as usual. The connection process is also explained in detail in the included user manual, since no new controller is connected too often.

On the back of the FUSION Pro is a slider with PS4-BT, PS4-USB, and PC-USB choices. The first option is self-explanatory, but you can choose the second if you want the controller to be usable exclusively via USB cable on the PS4. Because it can also be used via cable in the first setting.

The controller is also interesting for those who still have a computer at home.
If you switch to PC USB, you can connect the FUSION Pro with the USB cable and start using it right away via plug-and-play. You can also use the full range of functions on the computer.

Handling

As mentioned earlier, the weight of the PowerA Fusion Pro for the PlayStation 4 is quite high compared to the DualShock 4. Play the controller for some time and you will get used to it very quickly. Since the design of the Fusion Pro is based on that of the original, it also feels very good in the hand.

The precision of the sticks is equally convincing. The analog sticks are very precise and also only fully deflected once we reached the edge. No matter if shooter, racing or arcade games, you can really master everything without problems with the FUSION Pro. To make the analog sticks even more sensitive, PowerA adds so-called “anti-friction” rings. They are supposed to reduce the friction between stick and controller.

Assigning the Pro Pack is also easy. You can place all available buttons on the four paddles, and that on-the-fly. By positioning them behind the controller, you can simply press the paddles with your index finger. A nice gimmick and a useful extra for frequent gamers.

Just like the adjustable triggers (R2 and L2). The pressure point can be adjusted in three stages via a switch for each trigger on the back. So you can decide for yourself how hard the triggers have to be pressed for triggering, and even independently of each other.

Another point worth mentioning is the functionality with the PlayStation 4. All functions that you know from a DualShock 4 can also be used on the Fusion Pro. Be it the touchpad, the motion sensors or the integrated speakers, everything is on board.

PowerA also provides sufficient battery power. The manufacturer states a battery life of about 20 hours. We can’t quite reach this number, but 19 hours is still very good. A full battery charge took one hour. A completely acceptable value, you can still play with a connected cable.

Conclusion

PowerA manages to bring a real high-quality controller to the market with the FUSION Pro for the PS4. You get a lot of options to customize the Fusion Pro to your needs. Be it via the pressure point of the trigger buttons or just the included accessories.

The quality of the materials used and the general workmanship is also convincing. However, all of this has to be right, because 120 euros for your controller is not just invested. So why take the FUSION Pro from PowerA instead of the off-the-shelf controller? You can customize a controller like this to your personal preference. If you want a heavier controller than the standard, the FUSION Pro has the same advantage.

PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless (PS4)

Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Value for money

95/100

Convincing controller for the PS4 that has its price.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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