The holiday shopping season is heating up, and gamers are already reaping the benefits. Early Black Friday sales have officially begun, and one of the first standout deals is for Nintendo Switch owners. In a massive price drop, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller - Mario Joy Edition has been slashed by 46% on Amazon, bringing its price down to a mere $26.99 from its original $49.99.
This isn't just a good discount; according to price tracking tools, this is the lowest price ever recorded for this popular themed controller. If you've been looking to add a reliable and stylish wireless option to your gaming setup without spending a fortune, now is the time to act.
A Design That Brings the Mario Magic
At first glance, this controller is a must-have for any Mario fan. It features a vibrant red color scheme adorned with iconic graphics of the beloved plumber himself. Beyond its eye-catching look, it boasts a classic Nintendo-style layout that will feel instantly familiar. You get precision-tuned analog sticks, a responsive D-pad, tactile ABXY buttons, and the necessary shoulder buttons (L/R/ZL/ZR).
Weighing the Features: What You Get (and What You Don't)
It's important to know what you're getting with this entry-level controller. To hit this budget-friendly price point, PowerA has omitted some of the premium features found on the first-party Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Specifically, it lacks HD Rumble, an IR motion camera, and Amiibo NFC support.
However, it does come with a significant upside: motion controls are supported. This means you can still enjoy a dynamic gaming experience in titles that utilize gyro aiming and motion-based gameplay. The controller is also notably lightweight and compact, measuring 6.02 x 4.41 x 2.48 inches and weighing just over 7 ounces, making it a great companion for travel or long gaming sessions.
One other minor drawback is the absence of C-buttons, which means you cannot directly access game chat features from the controller itself.
Battery Life and User Reviews Shine
Where this controller truly earns its stripes is in its practicality. It's powered by two AA batteries (rechargeable ones are recommended) that deliver an impressive up to 40 hours of gameplay on a single charge—far outstripping many other wireless options.
This quality is reflected in its stellar reception on Amazon, where it holds a strong 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 1,980 users. Gamers consistently praise its comfortable, ergonomic design and its exceptionally long-lasting battery life, noting that it provides excellent value for the price.
The Bottom Line: A Fantastic Budget-Friendly Pick
The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller in the Mario Joy design is not meant to be a direct, feature-for-feature replacement for a Pro Controller. Instead, it carves out its own niche as a highly reliable, great-looking, and incredibly affordable wireless option.
For anyone with a Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED—and especially for younger gamers or as a secondary controller for multiplayer sessions—this deal is too good to pass up. At this record-low price, it’s a quintessential Black Friday steal that delivers on both style and substance.
