Should You Buy the PowerA Charge Block for the Nintendo Switch Joy Cons And Pro Controller
148Since I originally bought my Switch and Pro Controller I have been looking for ways to make sure that I can keep my controllers charged up while making sure my shelving units stay neat clean and organized. I have been using a Nyko charging dock for my Pro Controller for some time, but on a recent trip to GameStop I saw an opportunity to upgrade. The opportunity came from PowerA and their charge block that will not only charge the Pro Controller but also charges 2 Joy Cons at the same time. The best part about it, it was on clearance for only $9.99.
Power A sells two different versions of discharge dock; actually, it is more like 3 really. The unit that I have here which features Super Mario Brothers graphics, one that includes Zelda graphics, and one that is just a plain single color. I was lucky to get my hands on the Super Mario Brothers Edition which I think looks great.
The Charge Dock itself is pretty simple and straightforward. The Joy Cons slide into either side of the dock and a small dongle is included which connects the Pro Controller to the contacts on the dock. I was kind of bummed out that the dongle does not fit flush on the Pro Controller. That's one of the things that is really nice about the Nyko dock is the fact that it is a pretty seamless installation.
The top of the dock features three LEDs, one to indicate the charge status for each Joy-con and the Pro Controller. when the lights are red controllers are all charging. As they turn green they are fully charged. Unlike the Neko dock which has a detachable USB cable the Power A unit is hardwired to the underside of the dock. This is convenient that you don't have to find or utilize an included cable but at the same time, you are locked into only about a three-foot run. So, for example, the way that I have my Switch setup on my shelving unit I cannot power this dock off of my switch. The USB Cable simply does not reach.
The Power A charging dock actually does a really nice job of what it's supposed to do, charging controllers. I've been using my Pro Controller quite a bit lately and it charged up my Pro Controller quickly and completely. The same thing goes for my Joy Cons, especially now that I have a second set and will need to be able to charge all of them. The weighted base is super nice too. It gives you enough weight that the charging dock will not just get tipped over and fall in the event that it gets bumped or knocked over.
Why it RoX:
- Three different styles available depending on your personal preferences
- The Mario and Link Graphics both look great
- It charges not only your Pro Controller but your joy cons quickly and easily
- Separate charge indicator LEDs for the Joy Cons and the Pro Controller
- Nice weighted base
- I got it for only $10!
What could be Improved?
- The hard wired controller is far too short
- Having the charge status LEDs on the front would make them easier to see
- Poor fitment between the Dongle & Pro Controller
Should you buy one?
If you own a Nintendo Switch, Pro Controller and more than one pair of Joy Cons, this is kind of a no-brainer. You can always get extension cables for the USB cable which is too short. That's really my biggest complaint about this charging dock. I do wish that the dongle fit the Pro Controller better but it fits pretty solidly and I have no concerns about it falling out. There are even three different color schemes available and for $10 on clearance, you can't go wrong. Now, while GameStop was closing these out I have seen them still available on Amazon, however, they are the full price of $20. Even for 20 bucks, it's a pretty solid unit.
The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107
Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include—
(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;
(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)