Afterglow Deluxe PDP test: the Switch controller that will take your breath away – News

	Specifications
Compatibility	Switch, Windows, MacOs, Linux
Connection type	Wired USB
Action buttons	8
Analog sticks	2
Touch pad	No
Vibrations	No
Drums	No
Weight	220 g without cable

Would we have found a controller worthy of the name to complete our Switch? A model certainly wired, but which would offer the same performance as the Nintendo Pro pad, with obviously a much more affordable price? This is what we suggest you check with the test of this Afterglow Deluxe manufactured by PDP.

Merchants	Price
AMAZON	Available at a price of € 29.95
BAKER	Available at a price of € 29.99
FNAC	Available at a price of € 32.89

She may have a radically different dress with her translucent plastic, the'' Afterglow Deluxe takes its curves from Nintendo's Switch Pro Controller model no less. Same dimensions, to the nearest millimeter, the two levers differ in the end only by edges much more pronounced on the DPD model, with the bonus of half a dozen screws clearly visible under the hull. To the touch, this almost transparent plastic is a little more sticky, the fault of the absence of relief texture, and it gradually becomes more slippery with sweating, without it having too much influence on the grip. The Afterglow displays 220 grams on our scale, against 247 for the Nintendo controller, with a notable difference in the balance of this weight, less centered and more rear on the DPD model. Again, the influence of this difference on the game is very slight.

The Afterglow Deluxe differs from the Pro Controller in many ways, starting with its two paddles under the hull. Indeed, a flexible, removable plastic monobloc adds two additional keys to which you can assign any other joystick key function

. The placement of these palettes is correct, although less than that of an Xbox Elite 2, and the risk of triggering their action without intention is low, but we regret the pivotal effect created by this piece of plastic: when you press on one side, it feels directly on the other, which can be annoying in game. PDP still offers the possibility of removing this double pallet, without tools, but the hole left by the absence of the part creates greater discomfort than that of the part itself. Still, its configuration is very simple and quick, directly from the controller, by key combination.

On the joysticks side, the Afterglow Deluxe offers models close to those of the Nintendo controller in terms of their position, shape or grip, with a height difference of almost 1 millimeter at the level of the rod . It seems little, but the feeling comes out rather changed, since we gain in precision what we lose in ease of movement

. The hands of adults will appreciate, those of children a little less. For our part, we note that after long hours of play, these models of sticks brought us complete satisfaction both in terms of performance and comfort.

The directional cross may resemble that of Nintendo, its behavior is radically different. Despite a comparable height of action, the directions are absolutely not marked and we go from a horizontal to a diagonal without realizing it. This generates some small problems in the menus and makes the cross difficult to use in platform games or fighting. Too bad, because this very “fluid” touch is very pleasant and there is not much missing to make this model be as efficient.

Little disappointment with the action buttons on the front that combine too high a platform height (as on the Switch Pro Controller), an activation threshold that requires too much pressure and a soft spring to return the key to position. As a result, it all feels a little nipple, and lacks response in action, in addition to not being particularly pleasant under the fingers. Another concern for the regulars of the Nintendo pad: the risk of error since the Home and Capture keys, as well as + and – were simply reversed, the latter being found here inside, more difficult to access.

The slice and trigger buttons better match what was expected of them. Although their shape is slightly different from Nintendo's proposal, with a greater prominence, the feeling, the support and the return spring are almost identical. Obviously, as we are on a Switch controller, we should not expect to find there progressive triggers, all four buttons being simple On / Off.

In terms of functions, the Afterglow Deluxe therefore provides the paddles, but also a headphone connection in 3.5 mm mini-jack with volume control by key combination, which is quite practical. Unfortunately, these additions are accompanied by outright removal of the NFC, recognition of movements, but also vibrations, the space reserved for the engines being simply filled with weight to maintain a certain balance. We also peste to see that the wired connection is ensured by a USB cable of 3 meters with a micro-USB socket hidden at the bottom of a base making the replacement of the cable almost impossible, and even while the whole environment of the Switch is equipped with USB-C ports. Pity.

Finally, it is obvious that PDP highlights the transparent effect of its controller, with the addition of 4 interdependent RGB LEDs distributed on the electronic card and perfectly visible once the controller in hand. Thanks to the special button (located next to the right stick), you can vary the intensity (until you turn it off), the color or simply choose the variation effect

(between a pulse effect, a sequence of colors or reactions to the sticks). It’s obviously a gadget, not necessarily very successful from an aesthetic point of view, but it works without interfering with the general quality of the product.

In the end, this Afterglow Deluxe is doing moderately well. Its ergonomics are correct, close to that of the Switch Pro Controller, its sticks and slice buttons perfectly change the Nintendo model, but several annoying points tarnish the picture. First the main buttons, too big and soft with a too high activation point. Then the directional cross too blurred despite its pleasant fluidity. Finally, the absence of functions such as the gyroscope or the vibrations, which are difficult to compensate for by adding fairly poorly integrated pallets. Only the audio output is a real good surprise, including a pleasant and efficient control system. For the rest, the Afterglow Deluxe + Audio is a perfectly correct luminous gadget, which does not particularly shine as a controller, even taking its price around € 35 into account.