Review: PDP Rematch Glow wireless controller falls short on glowing recommendation

Review

PDP Rematch Glow Wireless Controller: A Solid Option for Nintendo Switch Owners

The PDP Rematch Glow wireless controller may initially appear to be targeted towards younger players with its Super Mario aesthetic, but in reality, it is a controller that can be enjoyed by almost every Nintendo Switch owner. The controller’s build quality and modules rival those of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, which makes it a reliable choice.

While the selling point of the glow-in-the-dark effect may not be as impressive as expected, especially since it is only substantial in dark environments, the controller can still be a fitting choice for Halloween gaming sessions in dimly lit rooms.

Although the Rematch Glow lacks gyro aiming and uses micro-USB connectivity, it compensates with its responsiveness and impressive battery life. It offers a comparable experience to some of the best Nintendo Switch controllers on the market.

With regards to price and availability, the PDP Rematch Glow controller can be purchased now from major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy in the US, and Argos in the UK. It is priced at $54.99 / £44.99, which is cheaper than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the 8BitDo Ultimate, but it is important to note that these controllers are of higher quality overall.

In terms of design and features, the Rematch Glow’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder theme is visually appealing. It features yellow stars on a matte black background, complemented by yellow triggers and shoulder buttons, and a shiny gold-hued D-pad. However, the glow-in-the-dark effect is underwhelming and requires exposure to bright lights throughout the day to activate effectively. The controller’s form factor and button layout are similar to the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, ensuring a familiar and comfortable gaming experience.

There are some design differences, such as the swapped placement of the Start and Select buttons with the screenshot and Home functions, which can take some getting used to. The controller also has two programmable rear buttons, but they are connected to a flimsy plastic paddle. Additionally, the use of a micro-USB port for charging and wired play deviates from the standard USB-C port found in most Nintendo Switch controllers.

In terms of performance and battery life, the PDP Rematch Glow performs admirably as a Pro-adjacent Nintendo Switch controller. It offers a seamless wireless connection and has responsive sticks, buttons, and triggers. The face buttons are tactile and enjoyable to use. However, the rear paddle buttons are stiff and can feel uncomfortable. It’s worth noting that the controller does not support motion-based gyro controls, which may be a downside for some players. On the bright side, the Rematch Glow boasts an impressive battery life of approximately 40 hours on a full charge, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions.

Despite its flaws, the PDP Rematch Glow is a solid third-party controller for the Nintendo Switch. It is comparable to other quality pads in PDP’s lineup, such as the PDP Realmz controller. If the weak glow-in-the-dark feature and fiddly rear paddle buttons aren’t dealbreakers for you, the Rematch Glow offers high-performance gaming and is on par with some of the best controllers available for the console.

In conclusion, the PDP Rematch Glow wireless controller is a worthy option for Nintendo Switch owners. Its impressive build quality, responsive controls, and long battery life make it a reliable choice. While the glow-in-the-dark feature may not be as impactful as expected, it can still add some fun to Halloween gaming sessions. With a price tag lower than that of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and the 8BitDo Ultimate, the Rematch Glow offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising on performance.