If you've been holding off on picking up a second controller for Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, this deal makes that decision a lot easier.
The PowerA wireless controller with a Mario-themed red design has dropped from $50 to $30 on Amazon as part of the retailer's Big Spring Sale, a 40% discount. Prime members get free two-day shipping on top of that. This is an officially licensed gamepad that works with both the original Switch and the newer Switch 2.
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What you're actually getting for $30
The controller is wireless and ships with AA batteries included, so you can start playing the moment it arrives. The design leans fully into the Mario aesthetic with a red colorway that matches the franchise's signature look.
Here's the thing, though: there are a couple of notable omissions worth knowing before you buy. The controller does not support HD rumble, and it lacks NFC, meaning no Amiibo connectivity. For casual play or as a backup pad for friends, neither of those is a dealbreaker. For players who rely on Amiibo or want the full haptic feedback experience, the official Nintendo Pro Controller remains the better (if pricier) option.
The other thing to flag is the C button. This controller doesn't have one, which means no access to GameChat video and voice chat on Switch 2. Nintendo is putting those GameChat features behind a paywall starting April 1, so the absence of the C button is relevant context rather than a dealbreaker for most players who weren't planning to pay for that feature anyway.
Before vs. after: standard price vs. sale price
At $50, this controller sits in a slightly awkward spot against the competition. At $30, the value proposition shifts considerably. Third-party Switch controllers in this price range rarely come with official licensing, so the Nintendo seal of approval at this price point is the real draw.
Switch 2 C button for GameChat
Mario is everywhere right now
The timing of this deal isn't random. The Super Mario Galaxy movie hits theaters on April 1, and the broader Mario marketing push is in full swing. McDonald's is rolling out a Mario-themed Happy Meal starting March 26. Nintendo's most famous plumber is having a moment, and retailers are clearly moving merchandise to match.
This deal is part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which has a limited window. Stock on discounted items can move quickly during major sale events.
For anyone building out a Switch 2 setup ahead of the movie launch or just looking for a solid spare controller without spending Pro Controller money, this deal is worth a look. Make sure to check out more:
