The PowerA Wired Kirby Controller is an affordable Switch controller that can also be used on some Windows PC games. It's lightweight (maybe too light for some), but it comes packed full of features that will enhance your gameplay, including two mappable buttons, a headphone jack, and a generous 10-foot cable.

Key Features
  • Detachable 3m USB cable
  • Anti-friction rings
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • 2x advanced gaming buttons
  • Program button for mapping
Specifications
  • Brand: PowerA
  • Platform: Nintendo Switch
  • Connectivity: Wired (USB)
  • Headset Support: Yes (3.5mm audio jack)
  • Programmable: Yes
Pros
  • Mappable buttons are easy to use
  • Generous length cord
  • Works with Switch and Windows PCs
  • Headphone jack
Cons
  • May be too lightweight for some
Buy This Product
PowerA Wired Kirby Controller

While the Nintendo Switch is usually played in handheld mode, you can use the dock to play Switch games on your TV. The trouble here is that it can be quite difficult to navigate games holding just the JoyCons.

Nintendo offers an officially licensed Switch Pro controller at $69.99, which is an expensive investment if you're not playing that often. But, there are plenty of third-party controllers like the PowerA Wired Kirby controller which is affordable, and frankly, too damn cute.

And, just because it's affordable, it doesn't mean the PowerA Kirby controller lacks other useful features.

Built to Last

PowerA kirby controller in hand thumb on analog stick

Whether you're looking to buy a controller for your Xbox Series X, PS5, or Nintendo Switch, build quality is an important aspect. There's no point forking out money on a cheap controller if it's not going to last you a decent amount of time.

The PowerA Kirby controller is incredibly lightweight; I won't lie, the minute you hold it in your hands, you'll likely assume it's going to fall to pieces. It weighs just 4.6 ounces which is equivalent to a couple of tennis balls. However, after using it for a while, this featherlight controller won't crumble under pressure.

Give it a shake and you won't hear any concerning rattling—a good sign that the buttons are fixed firmly in place. The analog sticks are also surrounded by an anti-friction ring, ensuring they won't get scratched by the controller while in use.

The only real issue you'll find here is the weight if you're used to a heavier controller. The Switch Pro Controller for instance weighs 8.8 ounces, that's almost double the weight of the PowerA Kirby controller.

Tactile Mappable Buttons

Priced at $27.99, I wasn't expecting much in terms of features or functionality with the PowerA Kirby controller. Sure, it looks awesome, but was there much else on offer? Spoiler alert—yes, there is.

The buttons on this controller are surprisingly tactile; they offer enough satisfying feedback that makes it feel like you've actually pressed a button, which is great for games like Mario Kart 8 or Super Smash Bros Ultimate. This is true of the A/B/X/Y buttons, D-pad, and L/R/ZR/ZL bumpers.

PowerA kirby controller mappable buttons

But what makes this controller worth investing in, taking it from a cheap Switch controller to something genuinely useful, is the advanced gaming buttons. These can be mapped on the fly and can be easily reached without accidentally pressing them if you don't want to use them.

To program the advanced gaming buttons, you simply have to press and hold the program button located between the mappable buttons on the back of the controller. Once the LED indicator flashes, press one of these buttons to reassign them: A/B/X/Y/L/R/ZL/ZR/D-pad. You can choose which advanced gaming button (AGR or AGL) to assign to. It's nothing fancy, it's not complicated, but it works well, and it's simple to get your head around.

It’s Wired—Is That a Bad Thing?

The minute you mention a controller is wired, people tend to write it off almost immediately. But, things are different with the PowerA Kirby controller. Yes, you still need to connect the USB cable to the Switch dock, but you don't have to sit a few feet away from it to enjoy the use of this Switch controller.

It comes with a very generous 10-foot (3m) cable, allowing you to gain some needed distance away from your TV. It might not be ideal to be tethered, but it does make controllers more affordable, and you won't experience any latency.

For me, it's not an issue, and it doesn't make this controller any less portable. You can easily detach the USB cable if you want to take your PowerA Kirby controller with you on your travels, and thanks to how light it is, it really is very portable.

Features to Sweeten the Deal

PowerA kirby controller headphone jack

Many third-party Switch controllers don't come with a 3.5mm audio jack. In fact, the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller doesn't even have a headphone jack. Instead, you'd need to plug your headphones directly into the Switch and play a few feet away from your TV if you wanted immersive sound straight to your ears.

PowerA's Kirby controller does come with a headphone jack, however, making it a great choice if you want to zone into your game without disturbing others around you. It's not a difficult feature to include, but so many controllers don't seem to include it, so I'm throwing some more plus points over to PowerA for including this.

PowerA kirby controller USB port

Now, you're probably thinking there's not much more that this controller can offer, but there's one more thing to mention. If you happen to be struggling to find a decent controller that will work with your PC, or you don't want to invest in multiple controllers for more than one platform, you'll be pleased to know that this controller also works with most games on Windows PCs. The USB-C connector goes into the controller, while the USB end goes into your PC's USB port. The connection is solid, but not all games will recognize the controller. It doesn't officially support Windows, but it still works in most cases. You may as well give it a try before splashing out on an expensive PC controller.

It’s Cute, but Is It Worth It?

There's absolutely no denying how cute the PowerA Kirby controller is. Even if you're not a fan of Kirby (don't tell me if you're not, we might not be friends), it's hard not to adore his little face.

Remember, this controller is only $27.99 which makes it incredibly good value for money. In a small and lightweight package, you're getting a controller with a 3.5mm jack, remappable buttons, a decent length cord, durability, and the most eye-catching design.

If the controller was a little heavier, I think it would win the hearts of many, but for larger hands, it might not be a favorite.