New Xbox Controller Has Pro-Style Features, Only Costs $38

If you’re in the market for an affordable Xbox Series X|S controller, consider checking out the upcoming PowerA Advantage Wired Controller. Clocking in at just $38 (and available in a wide range of colors), the budget-friendly gamepad should become an enticing option for gamers who don’t mind forgoing a wireless connection to save a bundle of cash. The Advantage controller has trigger locks as well as a pair of programmable back buttons, which isn’t super common for controllers in this price range.

$38

Five different variants will be up for grabs in August, but preorders are now open. Five of the models arrive on August 14, while the flashy Wild Style model drops a bit later on August 19. The only difference between each controller is its color–beyond that, they all share the same specs.

This includes a 10-foot USB-C cable, a 2.5mm jack, dual rumble motors, three-way trigger locks, and mappable back buttons. For a gamepad less than $40, that’s a pretty stacked spec list. It’s also officially licensed by Microsoft, so you can rest easy knowing it’ll work as intended, and features PowerA’s limited two-year warranty.

One of the Advantage Wired Controller’s most unique features is the PowerA Gamer HQ App. This lets you test and calibrate your gamepad on either Xbox or PC, making it easy to customize controls to fit your preference. Combined with the mappable back buttons and locking triggers, it’s clear that PowerA designed this gamepad to have more personalization options than many controllers in this price range.

Tons of other PowerA controllers were recently announced, including an adorable Kirby Switch controller and an impressive lineup of Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon gamepads. Consider checking them out if you need a new controller for the hybrid console.

If you’re looking for an alternative controller option for Xbox, check out the 8BitDo Ultimate, which is on sale for only $29.75 at Amazon.