A Look at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Wired Controllers for Xbox One

In early September 2015, accessory manufacturer PowerA unveiled a new collection of wired controllers for the Xbox One, themed after the film Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. Revealed through retailer listings at GameStop, the gamepads were part of a massive global merchandise launch ahead of the movie’s December 18 premiere. The lineup offered fans five distinct designs representing the new heroes, villains, and vehicles of the highly anticipated sequel.

The Force Awakens Controller Designs

Each controller in the PowerA collection was an officially licensed product, featuring artwork and color schemes that accurately reflected the film’s visual identity. The designs provided a tangible connection to the new characters and factions.

• BB-8: This controller captured the charming personality of the new Resistance astromech droid. Its shell was predominantly white and orange, mimicking the droid’s signature paneling and spherical body. Silver detailing on the D-pad and analog sticks completed a design that was both bright and heroic.
• Captain Phasma: To represent the First Order’s formidable commander, this controller sported a polished, metallic silver finish. The design aimed to replicate the unique chromium armor worn by Captain Phasma, with black grips and buttons providing sharp contrast. It was a visually striking option with an intimidating presence.
• Kylo Ren: The controller for the film’s mysterious antagonist was fittingly dark and aggressive. It featured a textured black finish with deep red highlights on the D-pad and accents, a clear nod to Kylo Ren’s menacing mask and his unstable, crossguard lightsaber.
• First Order Stormtrooper: Based on the redesigned armor of the First Order’s soldiers, this gamepad offered a modern, minimalist take on the classic stormtrooper look. The clean white faceplate was accented with black grips and details, reflecting the stark, functional aesthetic of the new regime.
• X-Wing Pilot: This controller paid tribute to the brave pilots of the Resistance. Its design drew from the orange flight suits and white helmets worn by characters like Poe Dameron. The controller likely featured the starbird crest of the Rebel Alliance, making it the definitive choice for players aligning with the light side.

Features and Specifications

As a third-party alternative to Microsoft’s official gamepad, the PowerA controllers had a distinct feature set. They were wired, connecting to the Xbox One console via an included 9.8-foot cable. This design choice offered a lag-free connection perfect for competitive gaming and eliminated the need for batteries or charging docks. The main drawback was the physical tether, which could be restrictive in some living room setups.

Despite being a more budget-friendly option, PowerA included key haptic feedback technologies. Each unit was equipped with dual rumble motors for standard vibration effects. Crucially, they also supported impulse triggers, a signature feature of the official Xbox One controller. This technology uses dedicated motors within the triggers themselves to provide precise feedback for actions like firing a weapon or feeling the terrain under a vehicle’s tires. The inclusion of impulse triggers was a premium feature for a third-party pad at the time.

Release Date and Exclusivity

The Force Awakens controller series was scheduled for a September 11, 2015 release in North America. While most designs were widely available, the Captain Phasma edition was announced as a launch exclusive for GameStop retailers, making it a more sought-after variant for collectors.

This lineup was a continuation of PowerA’s partnership with the Star Wars brand. The company had previously released Xbox One controllers based on the original trilogy, with popular designs featuring Darth Vader, R2-D2, and the classic Imperial Stormtrooper. The new gamepads capitalized on the immense excitement surrounding the first new Star Wars film in a decade.