New Metroid and Kirby Wireless Controllers for Switch & Switch 2 Are Available Now

Nintendo fans have a lot to look forward to in the second half of 2025. Not only are highly anticipated games like Kirby Air Riders and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launching before the end of the year, but accessory maker PowerA has released two themed wireless controllers that celebrate these beloved franchises. The officially licensed Metroid and Kirby controllers have just hit the market, giving Switch and Switch 2 owners another way to show their fandom while enjoying premium hardware.

Context: A big year for Switch owners

While the Switch 2 has been on shelves since early 2025, Nintendo continues to support the original Switch, the OLED model and Switch Lite. GameSpot reported on 16 September 2025 that PowerA’s new Metroid‑ and Kirby‑branded controllers launched on 27 August and are now available to purchase. They arrive just ahead of the release of Kirby Air Riders on 20 November and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on 4 December, so fans who plan on pre‑ordering those games can pair them with matching hardware. Because the controllers work with the entire Switch family and even connect to PCs via Bluetooth, they offer flexibility whether you’re gaming on a handheld or a TV.

Features and specifications

Both the Metroid and Kirby wireless controllers share the same core features. They include two mappable back buttons for custom inputs, built-in gyro motion control for aiming, and an internal battery that offers around 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. The controllers connect wirelessly via Bluetooth but also come with a long USB‑C cable so you can play while charging. The button layout and ergonomics are similar to Nintendo’s own Switch Pro Controller, with offset analog sticks, a responsive D‑pad and comfortable shoulder buttons. Because they are designed for the original Switch they lack some Switch 2 features such as the new C button, HD Rumble and Amiibo support, and they cannot wake the Switch 2 from sleep, but they still work perfectly with Switch, Switch 2 and PC.

Metroid Edition: A space‑age design

The Metroid Edition controller is perfect for fans of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran. The design features a blue‑and‑turquoise colour scheme reminiscent of the series’ cosmic environments. A large depiction of Samus dominates the centre of the controller, while the famous Screw Attack emblem appears on the left grip. The rest of the controller body is covered in starry galaxy patterns that evoke the lonely exploration of the Metroid games. The layout is identical to other PowerA Enhanced controllers, so it maintains comfort while adding flair.

In addition to the controller, PowerA has released a matching crossbody bag and wired earbuds featuring the same Samus artwork. Metroid fan site Shinesparkers highlighted that both the controller and bag were scheduled for release on 27 August with prices of US$69.99 and US$24.99 respectively. These accessories allow fans to take their Switch and accessories on the go while staying on theme.

Kirby Edition: Cute and customisable

If your tastes lean toward Dream Land rather than deep space, the Kirby Edition controller offers a whimsical alternative. Instead of Samus and galactic motifs, the Kirby version is covered in a collage of colourful characters like Kirby, Waddle Dee, King Dedede and Meta Knight. The face buttons, thumbstick bases and shoulder buttons are accented in bright pastel hues to mirror the cheerful tone of the Kirby universe. The hardware remains identical to the Metroid pad, so you still get two mappable back buttons, gyro sensors and an impressive 30‑18 hour battery life.

Some details of the Kirby controller first appeared on Japanese site Saiga NAK in July 2025. The report described it as part of a collection of Kirby‑themed Switch peripherals and noted that it includes Advanced Gaming Buttons, motion sensors, anti‑friction rings around the analog sticks and a rechargeable battery that provides around 30 hours of use. The article highlighted that the controller was scheduled to release in Japan on 8 August for ¥7,900 (around US$55) and is compatible with the Switch, Switch OLED and Switch Lite. These regional differences show how PowerA rolls out products internationally: the controllers hit Japanese shops earlier, while the U.S. release followed in late August.

Why choose a third‑party controller?

Many players wonder why they should pick up a third‑party gamepad when Nintendo already offers the official Pro Controller. The answer often comes down to customization and value. Both Metroid and Kirby versions are based on the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller, which offers features often missing from official hardware such as dual programmable back buttons, a quick‑release dial to toggle the advanced gaming buttons, and a comfortable ergonomic shell that replicates the familiar feel of the Pro Controller. The ability to map functions on the fly is especially useful for fast‑paced shooters like Metroid Prime 4 or platformers like Kirby. Because the controllers use rechargeable batteries rather than disposable AA cells, they also keep running costs down.

Third‑party peripherals can also be a chance to show personality. While Nintendo’s official controllers are limited to a handful of colours, companies like PowerA create themed designs that celebrate your favourite franchises. Whether you want the cosmic blue and turquoise aesthetic of the Metroid Edition or the pastel charm of the Kirby Edition, the finish stands out on a coffee table or streaming setup. PowerA also designed these gamepads so that they retain the same button layout and size as the official Pro Controller, meaning there is virtually no learning curve when switching between them.

How to get your hands on them

Both controllers launched on August 27, 2025, and remain available through multiple retailers. You can order directly from PowerA’s website or find them on Amazon and other online shops. According to GameSpot’s report, each wireless controller costs about US$70, while the Metroid crossbody bag is US$24.99. Japanese retailer Saiga NAK noted that the Kirby Edition retails for ¥ 7,900 in Japan, but importers often stock it worldwide. Make sure to check shipping times and compatibility with your region’s Switch console, though both the Metroid and Kirby controllers are designed to work with every model of the Switch (including Switch Lite and OLED) and the upcoming Switch 2.

When shopping, remember that the price includes a long USB‑C charge cable and a rechargeable 1 000 mAh battery rated for up to 30 hours of gameplay. If you purchase from Amazon, you can also read customer reviews to understand how the controller feels in practise. For reference, the controllers lack the advanced haptic feedback (“HD Rumble”), NFC support for Amiibo figures and built‑in IR camera found in Nintendo’s Pro Controller; this may not matter for most games but could be important if you regularly scan Amiibo or enjoy games that rely heavily on motion feedback. Users who rely on wake‑up functions should note that the gamepads cannot turn on the Switch 2 from sleep mode. These trade‑offs allow the controllers to maintain a lower price while offering distinctive designs and features such as the mappable back buttons.

Final thoughts

PowerA’s new Metroid and Kirby Enhanced Wireless Controllers show how third‑party accessories can serve both form and function. By capturing the essence of beloved Nintendo franchises and packing in gamer‑friendly features like motion controls, mappable buttons and a long‑lasting battery, they provide an attractive alternative to the official Pro Controller. While they lack a few proprietary features like HD Rumble and Amiibo support, they deliver excellent value and aesthetic appeal. With cross‑compatibility across Switch models and the upcoming Switch 2, these controllers could accompany you through the next generation of Nintendo gaming.

For fans eagerly awaiting Metroid Prime 4 or those who simply enjoy platforming antics with Kirby, the ability to express fandom through a high‑quality wireless controller is a welcome option. If you’re tired of the basic black or white gamepads and want something that stands out on the couch, head to your favourite retailer and check out the Metroid and Kirby wireless controllers today. They’re a small investment that can make your gaming sessions both more comfortable and more colourful.

Sources:
GameSpot article
Shinesparkers article