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Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I tried this trippy-looking Xbox controller from PowerA and it takes RGB lighting to a whole different level
The right controller can make or break the experience of playing your favorite games. That's why when I sit down in front of my PC or console, I prefer playing with a pro controller over a standard one thanks to all their extra features. From remappable back buttons you can customize to your liking to thumbsticks with Hall Effect sensors that are less likely to develop stick drift, spending a bit more to upgrade to a pro controller is absolutely worth it in my opinion. It also beats buying one stock controller after another when their buttons or thumbsticks eventually wear out. I've tried a lot of the best PC game controllers over the years and besides pro-level features, many of them have started incorporating built-in RGB lighting into their designs. From subtle customizable lighting near their home buttons to lightstrips that wrap all the way around, controllers with RGB lighting have come a long way in a short time. Just when I thought I had seen it all though, I came across the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Like other pro controllers I've tested, this one is feature-packed and comes with a carrying case. However, once I switched on its RGB lighting, I couldn't take my eyes off everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind controller and why its unique design takes RGB lighting to a whole new level. This controller works wirelessly on both Xbox and PC while packing in all of the pro-level features like remappable back buttons, Hall Effect thumbsticks and trigger locks you'd expect at this price. You also get a carrying case and a magnetic charging stand in the box. However, it's PowerA's one-of-a-kind RGB Ghost Lighting that really makes this controller Check: $89 used at Amazon Renewed One thing you can count on if you do decide to pick up a pro controller is that it will come with a lot of accessories. The PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller is no different and in addition to a carrying case, you also get a controller stand with a magnetic wireless charger. However, if space is limited on your entertainment center or desk, you can simply detach the magnetic wireless charger and use it on its own. At first glance, the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller doesn't look all that different from your standard Xbox controller. On closer inspection, you can see that it has anti-friction rings around its Hall Effect-equipped thumbsticks and that you have microphone controls at the bottom of the controller above its 3.5mm audio jack. Unlike on the Xbox Elite Series 2 pro controller though, you get a dedicated screenshot button instead of a button to switch profiles. The included charging stand has another trick up its sleeve too. Around back, there's a slot where you can store the controller's wireless USB adapter. The PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller also features Bluetooth but if you're playing on Xbox, you'll need this adapter to use the controller wirelessly. While I love having a place to store the adapter, there isn't actually a USB port in the stand to plug it into. This is a small gripe though and if you plug the adapter into the back of your Xbox, you'll never actually see it. Although the front of the controller has a standard look to it, flipping the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller over reveals even more of its pro-level features. There are rubber grips on the backside of its handles to make it easier to hold and towards the center of the controller, you get four remappable back buttons. Up top, trigger locks allow for faster actuation which shortens their pull distance and can be very useful when playing first-person shooters. What sets PowerA's pro and enhanced controllers apart from the competition is that you can use the buttons around back to customize their remappable buttons on the fly. Sure, there is an app (more on that later) but being able to quickly reprogram your back buttons depending on the game you're playing is a very useful feature. Many pro controllers come with swappable thumbsticks as some people prefer having one higher or lower than the other for more precise aiming in first-person shooters. This also gives you a greater range of motion and can help reduce thumb fatigue for some gamers. Instead of swappable thumbsticks you can misplace if you don't put them carefully away in a carrying case, PowerA has started doing things differently with its latest controllers. By gripping the thumbsticks of the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller with two fingers and twisting, you can adjust their height without having to take them or the controller's faceplate off. There are three different height settings on this controller and I found that swapping between them was not only fast but also quite easy to do. I was already quite impressed with the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller based on its pro-level features alone. However, once I charged it up and connected it to my Xbox, that's when things took a turn on the trippy side. Hiding underneath its black exterior, the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller has what the company is calling Ghost RGB Lighting and I think that's definitely a fitting name for it. With its RGB lighting disabled, the controller has a stealth look to it but when you turn it on, not only are you greeted with a rainbow of colors, there's also a really cool (and certainly trippy) pattern lurking beneath its surface. Just like with PowerA's previous Lumectra-equipped controllers, this one features four customizable lighting zones that extend across the controller starting from left to right. Zone 1 is located on the controller's left handle, Zone 2 extends from the top left corner to the middle, Zone 3 goes from the middle to the top right corner and Zone 4 is located on the right handle. Like with its remappable back buttons, you can customize the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller's RGB lighting and effects right on the controller. By default, its RGB lighting is set to Rainbow and uses a Wave effect across the entire controller. This makes the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller almost appear as if it's breathing. As its hidden pattern is abstract by design, trying to figure out what it actually depicts adds to the controller's trippiness. At times I could see what appeared to be an animal's face in the center but when I looked away from the controller, I saw something completely different in its pattern. If you prefer to avoid the trial-and-error process of remapping back buttons or adjusting RGB lighting directly on the controller, the PowerA Gamer HQ app is available for Xbox and PC to simplify things. It lets you do all of this, along with testing or calibrating the controller, changing audio or vibration settings, and setting dead zones for its thumbsticks. PowerA's app worked well enough but it certainly threw me through a loop at first. The reason being is that instead of having its menu items on the top and letting you navigate through them using the controller's bumpers, they're located on the side. Fortunately, once you figure out how to remap those back buttons on the controller itself, it's a fairly simple process. Quickly changing the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller's lighting modes this way is pretty easy too, though I did prefer using the app when coming up with more complex color combinations for its hidden pattern. As for using the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller on Xbox and PC, everything worked great and it felt very comfortable in hand. Granted, I have been using the company's Fusion pro controllers since back when they were only available in a wired configuration. I really like having four remappable back buttons so I don't have to take my thumbs off the controller's joysticks at all since I usually map them to the ABXY face buttons. In regard to its Lumectra lighting, I found it really stood out in a dark room at night, even if it was a little distracting at times. During the day though, it's more of a light glow than a full-on light show like in the picture above. Besides having the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller's full pattern lit up, you can also have parts of the controller light up when you hit certain buttons. I liked using it this way as I could immediately tell when a particular button was pressed. For those times when I wanted some extra light but with fewer distractions, you can also have the controller emit a steady glow and I really liked how this looked with the controller's RGB lighting set to plain white. These days, there are a ton of different options when it comes to picking up a pro controller for one of the best gaming PCs. However, it's a different story on Xbox where wireless third-party controllers (and especially pro-level ones) are few and far between thanks to Microsoft's own restrictions. The company has opened the gates a bit in recent years but due to its licensing fees, you're always going to pay a bit more for a PC controller that also works wirelessly on Xbox. If you're a big fan of RGB or just want to add a pop of psychedelic color to your gaming setup, it's a great controller that comes with plenty of useful accessories like its magnetic charging stand and carrying case in the box. The PowerA Fusion Pro gives you the best of both worlds and its included wireless USB adapter makes it easy to quickly switch between PC or Xbox. If you're a big fan of RGB or just want to add a pop of psychedelic color to your gaming setup, it's a great controller that comes with plenty of useful accessories like its magnetic charging stand and carrying case in the box. You are paying a premium for wireless connectivity support on Xbox though. If you like the look and features of this controller and primarily play on PC, I'd suggest picking up the $99 PowerA OPS v3 Pro instead. While its RGB lighting is a bit simpler, you can still customize it and tweak the colors of its various zones. You also get two additional programmable buttons next to the triggers on the top of the controller. At the same time, it does come with a magnetic charging stand but this one lays flat instead of propping your controller up. PowerA has done something quite different with its Fusion Pro Wireless Controller when it comes to its RGB lighting while still including all of the extra features you'd expect in a pro controller. Personally, I can't wait to see what the company comes up with next in regards to RGB lighting as this controller's hidden Ghost RGB Lighting is definitely going to be hard to top.
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Three ‘hidden' Amazon stores with huge reduced prices and up to 70% off
The online retailer sells a huge range of items at lower prices SHOP TO IT Three 'hidden' Amazon stores with huge reduced prices and up to 70% off A 'HIDDEN' set of Amazon stores is offering shoppers mega bargains – with some items up to 70% off. From returned tech to overstocked homeware, the online giant has secret sections many people don't know about – and it could save you serious cash. Advertisement 1 Amazon Resale gives shoppers the chance to browse returned goods Credit: Getty Here's everything you need to know about Amazon Resale, Renewed, and the Outlet. Amazon Resale Amazon Resale, previously Amazon Warehouse, is where the online retail giant sells items that have been returned but either in great condition or only slightly damaged. The goods are sold at discounted prices, allowing shoppers to pick up items at a fraction of the price. The deals available can be found on a dedicated homepage through the main Amazon site. Advertisement Goods range from electronics and appliances to books and toys – and because they've already been opened or used briefly, prices are slashed. The items are sorted into four conditions: Like new – perfect working condition, packaging may be damaged Very good – minor signs of use, may be missing non-essential accessories Good – visible signs of wear, may be missing useful extras Acceptable – heavy signs of use, may need replacement parts For example, this week you can find a Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 in 'like new' condition for £55, 60% off the original £139. Or a Fitbit Versa 4, also 'like new' which has now been slashed to £71, which is again 60% off the standard £179 price. Advertisement Whilst a LEGO Minecraft toy has been reduced by 35% to £15 from £23. Inside secret outlet shop deals All orders are fulfilled by Amazon and eligible for Prime delivery. Amazon's normal return policy applies, but you might not be offered like-for-like replacements. Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert has developed the Amazon Resale Discount Finder, which orders items in categories by the biggest discount. Amazon Renewed Amazon Renewed features second-hand and refurbished gadgets – such as phones, laptops and consoles – all tested and guaranteed to work. Advertisement Everything comes with a one-year warranty, in addition to your standard consumer rights. Renewed is best for buying slightly older tech at a discount – especially from big brands like Apple, Samsung and Dell. Some of this week's finds include an Xbox Series S being sold for £230, a brand new version costs £292. Apple AirPods 2 for only £66, whilst a new one goes for £140. Advertisement And Garmin Instict 2S Solar watches for £170, which is a £50 reduction from the usual brand new price of £220. Amazon Outlet Lastly, Amazon Outlet is where the site sells overstocked or out-of-season new goods at reduced prices. An example this week includes the Playmonil beach patrol toy which can be picked up for £3.50, having previously been sold for £8. Items include leftover seasonal stock, clothing, toys and kitchenware. The page is updated regularly and often includes lesser-known brands. Advertisement It is also important to remember to compare prices elsewhere as not all Outlet deals are the cheapest. Extra tip: Track real prices. Amazon deals often show discounts based on RRP, which may not reflect the usual selling price. Use price tracker CamelCamelCamel to see if the offer is genuine. Advertisement For example, a BaByliss Shimmer Hair Dryer listed at 32% off (£34) had dropped to £24 earlier this year. Delivery tip: Avoid charges under £35. Amazon charges for delivery on orders under £35 unless you're a Prime member. If your basket is just short, use the Super Saver Delivery Tool to find a cheap filler item that takes you over the threshold. Advertisement So whether you're after a gadget, toy or kitchen must-have, it's worth checking these lesser-known parts of Amazon for hidden deals – while stocks last.
Buzz Feed
16-03-2025
- Buzz Feed
The Ultimate Guide To Buying Refurbished Apple Gear On Amazon
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. A refurbished iPhone or Macbook could save you a lot of money — but there are some things you should consider. If you're in the market for a new tablet or laptop, grabbing a refurbished device saves you money and can reduce electronic waste. Yet, when buying second-hand, there are some extra things you want to consider. To help you on your tech journey, we spoke to tech repair experts about how to shop for new-to-you gear. First things first: Get clear about what you're looking for. According to Mohammad Shaikh, owner of The Tech Guys in Richardson, Texas not all second-hand tech is equal. 'Refurbished' does not mean the same as 'used,'' Shaikh told HuffPost. 'Refurbished devices are professionally restored to a functional and cosmetic standard, often with warranties, whereas used devices are sold as-is.' Within the refurbished world, you'll likely see sellers or retailers classify quality in levels, which can differ from seller to seller. Harding notes that your local computer repair shop likely sells refurbished tech and even suggests checking out electronics recyclers (which he says you can find on Google). Amazon has created its own categorization for its refurbished product program, Amazon Renewed. On Amazon Renewed, refurbished products are rated from 'acceptable' (a fully functional device with potential light cosmetic damage and at least 80% of the original battery life) all the way up to ' premium,' a superior functioning device with no scratches or signs of cosmetic damage and at least 90% of the original battery life. (If you're shopping off Amazon, Andy Harding of Massachusetts Salem Techsperts advises to look out for 'business-class' devices, which are 'the best in the industry.') Sam Schiff, a tech repair expert based in New York City said, 'If you're on the fence, try to consider what you'll use the device for. Most users don't need the latest and greatest machine for basic tasks. As long as the device is coming from a reputable supplier with a good return policy, buying refurbished is pretty low risk and can help save the planet and a bunch of money!' Amazon Schiff also suggested researching the specific year and model you're thinking of getting. Like cars, some years and models of certain tech have had recalls or major issues. A quick reddit search can likely show you if other users have had issues. Harding also suggests looking at potential repairs the device may need, battery replacement prices, storage, system upgrade options and factoring in how long you plan to have this item. After ensuring the device listing is 'refurbished' the experts recommend looking at the return policy and warranties. 'Spend time researching the seller, device and available reviews,' Shaikh said. 'Make sure you're purchasing from a reputable source to avoid scams or poorly refurbished products.' Seller and return policy info is easily available on Amazon Renewed — you'll find it right under the 'Add to Cart' and 'Buy Now' buttons. Simply click on the seller name, where you can read reviews and learn more about the seller. Amazon Renewed has a network of qualified sellers that inspect, test and clean products before listing them on the site's marketplace. These tech products are protected by the site's Renewed guarantee, which includes a minimum 90-day window in which you can return your purchase for any reason, and receive free troubleshooting support for any claims. 1. Apple Watch Ultra 2 with GPS and cellular Amazon Product rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars Perfect for runners, gym rats, hikers and anyone who loves data, this adventure-ready watch is made for going off-trail and underwater. The "always on" display makes it fully functional as a daily watch, with a battery that can go up to 72 hours, tracking everything from heart rate to cycling speed to high tide. It works as a fully functional GPS, so you'll never lose the trail. Price comparison: A new model currently retails for around $800, putting the refurbished price of $489 at a discount of almost 40%. Promising review: "Best Apple Watch I've owned. I have owned two other Apple watches and have loved them. However, this one is the biggest and best yet. I am impressed at how good it looks and how long the battery lasts. I can easily get 48 hours out of it with one charge. It is large and bright. I loved that this reconditioned watch was a few hundred dollars cheaper than a brand-new one. Mine looks like it is brand new." — RKF 2. A 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE Amazon Product rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars A solid Apple watch option that's thorough but straightforward, the 2nd-generation Apple Watch SE lets you text and take calls, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri or call for help if you're in an emergency. It tracks your heart rate and can go underwater up to 50 meters deep. Plus, it can detect if you take a fall and prompt you to call for help! Price comparison: Though the price changes between colors and sizes, the same 44-millimeter white option brand new retails for $219, meaning you're saving about 34% going refurbished. Promising review: "So happy with the quality of this watch, it was perfect condition and so much cheaper than buying a brand new one. Had my Apple Watch 3 for 8 years and just now losing battery power. Time for a newer one and this one is fantastic!!" — KT 3. Apple Watch Series 7 with a blue sport band Amazon Product rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars With a larger screen area than previous models, this series 7 Apple Watch is easier to read whether you're on a run or just waking up. The crack-resistant screen makes it a good option to buy secondhand, and it's still dust-resistant and "swimproof." Track your heart rate, blood oxygen, daily fitness stats and play music, podcasts or audiobooks. Price comparison: The Series 7 is discontinued, but this is still less than half the price of the Series 10, which starts at around $300 new. Promising review: "It was time to upgrade the wife's watch. But we didn't want to break the bank. We try to stay a generation or two behind phones and watches to save money, but sometimes its hard to find a used device that doesn't have problems. Buying this refurbished watch from Amazon was the perfect choice. Let Amazon figure out if it works or not, lol. I will happily go this route again in the future when its time to upgrade again!" — Christopher P. 4. Amazon Product rating: 4 out of 5 stars For just over $200, this 2017 MacBook Air is a great option for students, kids or anyone who wants to try a Mac without dropping a ton of cash. It still has a headphone jack and USB plug-in, with dual built-in microphones and a FaceTime camera for video chatting or taking PhotoBooth pics. Price comparison: The 2017 model is no longer in production, but a similarly-sized 2022 Air with comparable memory is currently about $800, putting the refurbished option at almost 78% off. Promising review: "This refurbished MacBook Air is a fantastic deal. I'm in between jobs and needed a reliable laptop for job applications. In the past, I've opted for Chromebooks as budget-friendly options, but this MacBook is a significant upgrade. It's faster, better quality, and the added bonus of accessing iMessage is incredibly convenient. Apple's older models often hold up really well, and with new versions constantly being released, the prices on these older ones drop, making them a great buy. I did experience an issue with a previous order that malfunctioned, but the return process was smooth and hassle-free. Although the condition was listed as 'acceptable,' the laptop I received only has a small scratch, and the battery life is solid. To top it off, the shipping was impressively fast—arriving in Hawaii much quicker than I expected! Highly recommend this option for anyone looking for quality on a budget." — V 5. A 2020 Apple MacBook Air Amazon Product rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars If you're looking at for a slightly newer option that the aforementioned 2017 model, this 2020 MacBook Air is a solid option and still a fraction of the cost of a new one. (Per Andy Harding of Massachusetts' Salem Techsperts, these days even a 6-year-old laptop can be 'completely viable' for everyday tasks like surfing the web, watching movies or writing documents.) Weighing 3.74 pounds and equipped with a 13.3-inch screen, it's easy to carry in a bag or around the house and is perfect for surfing the web or watching your favorite show. The sellers says this laptop comes with a "generic wall charger." Find it with 8 or 16 GB RAM, 128, 256 or 512 GB storage in three colors. Price comparison: A brand-new 2020 MacBook Air will run you about $629 right now, so the sub-$375 price tag on the refurbished model feels like a pretty good deal. Promising review: "affordable, arrived on time, and runs as good as new. there's a few cosmetic errors like some scratches on the outer cover, but that's to be expected with a refurbished mac. the price is unbeatable." — brooke 6. Amazon Product rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars Personalized spatial audio and head tracking makes these third-generation Apple AirPods totally immersive. They'll connect seamlessly to all your Apple products with a MagSafe charging case. Sweat and water-resistant, rock them to the gym or on a rainy day. Price comparison: The third-gen AirPods are no longer in production, but a brand-new pair will run you around $139, so you stand to save up to $42 by shopping refurbished. Promising review: "The sound quality is great. The part I was wondering the most was if they would be clean. They were really clean and appeared to be brand new. Definitely the best way to buy AirPods." — Jonathan 7. Apple iPhone 12 Amazon Product rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars Rounded corners and a full screen display make this iPhone 12 pleasing to the eye and easy to use. Made with an A14 bionic chip, a dual camera system with portrait mode and live photos, MagSafe charging, Face ID and much more, it's a modern iPhone starting at $263. Water- and dust-resistant construction means you don't have to be as precious with it. The brand says to check with your existing cell carrier to make sure it's compatible. Find it in a bunch of colors with three levels of storage for a variety of phone carriers or unlocked. Price comparison: The current entry-level iPhone at a comparable size is the 14, which Apple lists with a starting retail price of $599. The refurbished 12 is less than half the price. Promising review: "When I was searching for a refurbished phone for my mother, a friend suggested I look on Amazon. I'm not gonna lie and say I wasn't worried. We received the phone and it was in perfect condition. No scratches or chips. It looked brand new. It came with a screen protector on it. I charged it and transferred her old phone to was so easy. The battery life is amazing. Like I said, it looks and operates like brand new." — Kristi Hall 8. Or an Apple iPhone 14 Amazon Product rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars The 2022 iPhone 14 is also available at a refurbished price that's much lower than a brand-new option. The device offers a dual camera system, making every shot count. Its 6.1-inch screen takes up the whole front of the phone, which is splash-, water- and dust-resistant, by the way. An A15 Bionic chip makes it fast and powerful with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, so you won't get smudges. Find it in a bunch of colors, with a variety of phone carriers or "unlocked" with 128, 256 or 512 GB storage. Price comparison: As we mentioned in the previous slide, new models of this phone start at $599, so you're getting around 40% savings when you buy refurbished. Promising review: "I wasn't sure about a refurbished phone but I got it and it is very nice. It was super easy to set up (I am a non techie person) and works just great. I am so glad I took a chance." — Sondra Boehm 9. An Apple iPad 2020 Amazon Product rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Want to scroll on something bigger than your phone but don't need a whole laptop? This 8th generation iPad measures 10.2 inches tall and runs on Wi-Fi, though you can opt for a version that runs with cellular data too. Find it with 32 GB of storage in gray. Price comparison: When compared to the current 10th-generation iPad at around $350, the under-$200 refurbished price is very competitive. You can compare the two models here. Promising review: "This iPad is perfect! Due to the reasonable price - I anticipated less than perfect and have been delightfully surprised and please with this! It arrived in perfect condition and transferring from my old iPad was seamless! I should have reviewed it when I got it but I have used it daily now for a couple of months and never had a problem!" — Debs stuff Get it from Amazon for $152.99.
