I gave up on Joy Cons as quickly as I could with the Nintendo Switch. The moment a regular controller with motion came out, I picked it up. Fast forward. Now, a plethora of options are out there for controller lovers. Let’s be honest, the Switch Joy cons haven’t been super kind to consumers. I had to replace mine. The official Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a great option, but it’s a simple option. Sometimes I like to live a little, and recently I tried out the PDP AfterGlow Wave Controller. It definitely beats the Switch Pro Controller in aesthetics, but does it hold up in functionality?
First Impressions
PDP is a newer brand to me so I’m pretty skeptical yet still excited to give them a shot. Though the PS5 PDP Victrix Pro BFG Controller is pretty amazing. Unboxing this new Switch controller isn’t anything thrilling, but once I see the controller turned on, it’s hard to resist a smile. It is just really fun to look at. The video above is just one setting on the AfterGlow. I can easily adjust the colors of the PDP AfterGlow Wave to my favorites and still get the pulsing effect it offers.
Thankfully, I receive the controller just as Mario Party Jamboree releases. This gives me the perfect opportunity to test it out while using a few other controllers in my party as well. BTW – Jamboree is an excellent game and perhaps my favorite of the series – that is if you don’t mind getting screwed over all the time and enjoy the chaos. The PDP AfterGlow Wave controller holds up perfectly with the Switch Pro controller. I often prefer it in fact. The controller even features buttons on the back which are mappable.
That being said, there is one major complaint I have. The placement of the home button is exactly where I’m used to the “plus” button being. The number of times I accidentally sent my game back to the home screen is unnerving. My family hates it when I use the controller with them because of the accidentally constant interruption of the game. Maybe it’s just my goldfish memory, but I wish that button were in a different location.
Gameplay
Playing Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a great experience on the controller as well. If my Switch Pro controller and the PDP Afterglow Wave are sitting next to each other, I pick up the Wave. It’s stylish and fun. I can adjust the colors and brightness of the controller which would make having multiple controllers a lot of fun too. In this case, I could make different color profiles for each controller for a variety.
During gameplay, buttons feel crisp and smooth to the touch. I don’t see any of them sticking anytime soon unless my kids start caking them in peanut butter or other snacks. The weight is just right too. I don’t feel like it weighs me down or gets tiring to hold on to. That is one thing I’ve appreciated about this beauty. While you may not notice it in short gaming sessions, heavy controllers do start to fatigue hands in longer sessions. Not so with the PDP AfterGlow Wave.
Final Thoughts
The PDP AfterGlow Wave Controller combines style and substance, making it a strong competitor to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Its customizable lighting, added functionality, and comfortable design make it a great choice for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience. While it has a minor quirk, the AfterGlow Wave’s unique features and fun factor make it a must-try for anyone seeking a fresh take on Switch controllers.
Looking to level up your Switch setup? The PDP AfterGlow Wave Controller might just be the upgrade you’re searching for.
