Love it or hate it, RGB lighting is here to stay. For fans of the effect, several accessories have become available over the years to let it shine. While mostly reserved for the PC space, consoles also get some RGB love, with many controllers adopting the effect. One of the more mainstream options has been the PowerA Spectra Infinity which made getting a customized lighting experience simple. It wasn't without some limitations and as such, PowerA has returned with a new take on the RGB controller with Lumectra. Only this time around PowerA isn't looking to just light up your hands, but your entire gaming space!
What's In The Box
Review sample provided by PowerA.
Aesthetics And Build Quality
At a cursory glance, you would be hard-pressed to notice any difference between the Lumectra and PowerA's previous Spectra Infinity. The light pipes around the center of the shell, face buttons, D-Pad, and thumbsticks are all identical. The overall shape of the shell and feel are also identical. Even the trigger locks, textured grips, and programmable rear buttons are retained. The only real noteworthy difference is the removal of the volume rocker and the inclusion of an additional LED control button for exterior RGB light strips on the back. A USB-C port has replaced the older micro USB port so unfortunately it no longer features a locking mechanism along its 10-foot cable. But the USB-C port holds its cable well so this isn’t necessarily a negative. Every button expected of a proper Xbox controller is present, including the share button.
As for the overall build quality, the Lumectra uses a sturdy plastic that has a good grip in the hands and gives it a solid feel while in use thanks to the texture. I am unable to make the controller cave or bend with extra force, ensuring it will hold up to daily use without any concerns. Even more rage-prone gamers should get some mileage from the Lumectra's frame. It also weighs a bit more than standard PowerA controllers which I consider a plus.
Gameplay
Face buttons likewise provide a satisfying experience. They register promptly thanks to the wired connection and I have yet to find a single instance of a missed press, even during the most hectic gaming moments, like the Chapter 4 boss of Armored Core 6! Sadly, some other controllers I have been using lately have been failing in this department as of late so this was a nice change of pace for my personal gaming sessions. They have a great throw range and aren't overly loud during use. D-Pad performance is practically a mirrored experience to the face buttons and I am very glad that it provides a perfect level of resistance and rollability for my preferences. Using it in games like Tony Hawk 1+2 and Dead or Alive 6 was quite pleasing. Any number of retro game compilations and emulation also delivered a satisfying performance.
As for the shoulder buttons and triggers, I have come away mixed. The bumpers are a personal highlight with their satisfying micro switches and smooth finish. They work as expected in games and don't fall prone to double-clicking issues like Microsoft controllers can quickly develop. The triggers, though, feel hollow with their loud pulls and lack of satisfying resistance. While they perform well and never miss a beat with precision pulls able to be perfectly accomplished, they just don't feel as good as other options on the market. The trigger locks are also a bit lackluster as a result since they are so quick to press to begin with. The lock range also isn't super significant so I tend to just leave them off. They do however include impulse rumble motors to give more immersion for supported titles. The rumble strength for the triggers and controller as a whole is solid and thankfully not obnoxiously loud.
The rear buttons on the Lumectra remain one of my favorite aspects of PowerA controllers with their quick ability to be mapped on the fly during any title, such as Apex, Gears of War, Halo, and Ace Combat! Being able to quickly adjust to each without an app is such a huge bonus! D-Pad-focused mapping is always my typical go-to for these buttons, but any face or shoulder button can be assigned to them as you see fit. Like the face buttons, they respond quickly in-game and have no issues with dropped inputs. They also line up so well with your hands during play!
Lighting
What It Could Have Done Better
To recap my few areas of disappointment with the Lumectra, I wish the triggers had more resistance in them and more padding at the end of a pull to provide a better overall experience and one similar to official controllers. The edge lighting zones also being overpowered by the center ones can also be a bit disappointing when going for specific looks in the lighting effects. The PowerA app is also an area that hopefully gets expanded upon with the ability to map rear buttons and adjust lighting effects. This would make it a more useful addition to the brand's line-up. Otherwise, the controller has been fantastic and I really enjoy using it!
Verdict
For fans of lighting effects on their controllers, PowerA has upgraded nearly every aspect of their previous Spectra Infinity to make the Lumectra one of the best options on the market. The ability to control external lighting strips further ups the ante, making the controller an all-in-one lighting control station! Its performance in games doesn't disappoint but triggers do lack resistance found in first-party controllers. With a price coming in under official first-party controllers you also save money to get all these neat effects. Though, longer RGB strips will set you back an additional $20 for each. But for anyone in the market for this style of controller, the Lumectra from PowerA won't let you down!
