The Nintendo Switch is a versatile console. It’s the only console out there that can be played in three different modes – TV Mode, Tabletop Mode, and Handheld Mode. Each of these modes can be played with the included Joy-Cons, though they are a bit too simplistic separated for my tastes. I prefer something a bit more traditional and luckily, the Nintendo Switch has some great alternatives you can use. Take for instance the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe Controller, which is very similar to Nintendo’s own Pro Controller, but with a twist and at a lower price.
Design
Let’s start off with how amazing the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe looks. This is a controller with a completely clear polycarbonate housing so all the guts are shown. That in itself is already pretty cool. Not only that, it’s called the “Afterglow” because there are four LED lights inside that can he used to light the controller up with an array of different colors. That means you can customize the look based on your mood for the day or set it to whatever your favorite color is. You can also set the colors to pulse, cycle through the entire rainbow, and even change based on joystick movement.
The shape of the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe like stated above is very similar to the Nintendo Pro Controller. Button placement is almost exact except for the placement of four Switch-centric buttons which are flipped and moved a bit farther out so you can reach them better with your thumbs. Next, if you flip the controller around, it has something that Nintendo’s Pro Controller doesn’t and that’s dual programmable paddle-style back buttons. These can be mapped to any button on the controller. Not only that, if you decide that you don’t even want these buttons, you can detach the paddle mechanism so you aren’t accidentally tapping on them.
While the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe so far has a lot of pluses going for it, there are a couple noticeable omissions. For starters, the controller does away with the rumble motors so you won’t be getting any haptic feedback. Secondly, this controller also lacks an audio jack. Lastly, this lacks NFC used to interact with Nintendo Amiibo. I understand why they did this, as to bring the cost down a bit and these are probably features most fans won’t miss. One other thing, the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe charges with a standard micro-USB port instead of a USB-C port.
What the controller does keep however is everything else. All the same buttons are intact, the buttons are all digital, and motion control is still active. Wireless also means that you won’t have to be tangled up with wires or have to use the dock. You can use this controller in Tabletop mode as well as docked. This can also work as a PC game controller a well if plugged in using the cable.
Experience
The PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe is a really good Nintendo Switch controller despite missing a couple of features. Again, those are features that will probably not be missed by many. For starters, when you’re playing, you really don’t even notice that rumble is missing. Also as for the Amiibo feature, you can still use them by having them read through your Joy-Cons. As for the audio jack, how many of you actually used that to begin with?
In terms of gaming, I like having full sized joysticks that are longer than the ones on the Joy-Cons. It makes certain movements much more precise and less twitchy. Having big buttons and larger triggers is also a plus. Lastly, while the programmable back buttons aren’t necessary, they do offer another level of gameplay for those “Pros” who want more control over their games. They are super easy to remap too so you can do it on the fly based on the game you’re playing.
Also, there’s no off button. It automatically turns itself off if your Nintendo Switch goes into sleep mode or if you manually tap the power button on your Switch to put it in sleep. If you turn the Switch back on, the controller will only turn back on again if you press a button on the controller. That way you use it only when you went to use it.
Lastly, I’ve actually been using the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe on my Nintendo Switch Lite as a means of using it in Tabletop Mode. The “Joy-Cons” on the Lite are attached so this is one of the few ways to play in this mode. I do this too as to not wear out my joysticks on the Lite when I’m at home and sitting at my desk.
Final Thoughts
I’m enjoying the the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe controller for the Nintendo Switch. This is a more traditional style controller for those who are used to playing on their PlayStation or Xbox and want something more familiar. Not only that, this is much more affordable than Nintendo’s own Pro Controller and has extra programmable back buttons. While its missing a couple features here and there, they really won’t be missed.
Lastly, this is a really sick looking controller. I absolutely love the clear body where you can see the circuit board and all the little bits attached to it as well as the slick integrated LED lights. This is the best looking Nintendo Switch controller out there so if you want something that looks uber cool and functions like a champ, check out the PDP Afterglow Wireless Deluxe. You won’t be disappointed.
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