PowerA’s Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S is getting a rare price drop, making it a strong alternative for players who want something different from the official Xbox Wireless Controller. For a limited time, the special edition versions themed around Borderlands and PAC-MAN have been discounted by 40%, bringing the price down from $99.99 to $59.99.
Three special edition designs are available in this lineup: Fortnite, Borderlands, and PAC-MAN. Feature-wise, they’re essentially identical, so your choice mainly comes down to the design you like most. The PAC-MAN edition does have one extra trick, though—it can glow in the dark and under UV light, which gives it a standout look for collectors and retro fans.
Beyond the themed shells, this controller is built to compete in the “premium third-party Xbox controller” space. It includes Hall Effect thumbsticks and Hall Effect triggers, a spec many gamers look for when trying to reduce the risk of stick drift over time. The triggers also include a three-way trigger lock, letting you switch between three different trigger travel positions—more flexible than the typical two-position trigger locks found on many controllers.
It also checks a lot of boxes for customization and comfort. You get four programmable back buttons for quick actions, multi-profile support to swap control setups depending on the game, rubberized grips for steadier handling, and anti-friction rings designed to keep thumbstick movement smooth.
Battery life is another highlight. PowerA packs in a 1,200mAh rechargeable battery rated for up to 30 hours per charge. Charging is handled via USB-C, and the controller is also compatible with the charging dock included with the PowerA Fusion Pro wireless controller. There’s also a built-in audio jack, plus an onboard dial for adjusting volume—handy if you use a wired headset and don’t want to dig through system menus mid-game.
For connectivity, the controller uses an included wireless dongle to deliver a low-latency wireless experience on Xbox Series X and Series S. If you prefer, it can also be used in wired mode. Compatibility also extends to Xbox One and Windows 10/11 PCs, making it a practical pick for players who switch between console and PC.
User feedback has been mostly positive, but there are a couple of points worth knowing before you buy. One common complaint is that the wireless receiver isn’t sold separately—so if the dongle is lost or damaged, you’ll likely be stuck using the controller in wired mode. A smaller number of users also report stick drift despite the Hall Effect design. While Hall Effect sticks are generally more resistant to drift than traditional potentiometer-based sticks, no component is completely immune to wear. A widely suggested fix is recalibrating the controller through the companion app, which may help if any drift appears.
If you’ve been considering a feature-rich Xbox controller with Hall Effect components, back buttons, trigger locks, and long battery life, this limited-time price cut makes the Borderlands and PAC-MAN editions especially tempting—particularly if you want something more distinctive than the standard first-party look.
