PowerA has launched the Moga XP7-X Plus, a brand new Designed for Xbox controller for cellular and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Sean took the brand new controller for a spin and was left largely unimpressed. Here is what he needed to say.
On the subject of Xbox Cloud Gaming, I’ve at all times been joyful utilizing the simple-but-effective PowerA Moga Cellular Gaming Clip, which wraps round an Xbox pad and holds your cellphone in place — it’s not elegant by any stretch, nevertheless it does the job. When PowerA supplied us the possibility to take a look at its new feature-packed Moga XP7-X Plus Bluetooth Controller with all of the bells and whistles, I jumped on the likelihood, however after a number of days with the pad, I ended up switching again to my trusty outdated clip.
The PowerA Moga XP7-X, priced at $99.99, is filled with options
The Moga XP7-X Plus for Android, on paper, is a formidable little bit of equipment that’s completely packed to the brim with options: Bluetooth, wi-fi cellphone charging (due to an built-in 2000mAh energy financial institution), two programmable buttons, a USB wired mode — it even has a removable stand so you may prop up your cellphone or pill on a desk and play that method. All of those fancy options make the controller appear to be a tempting proposition, however for causes I’ll get to shortly, I don’t suppose it justifies its $99.99 price ticket.
My preliminary impressions of the Moga XP7-X Plus had been constructive. There’s some respectable weight to the pad, and its gray and inexperienced color scheme appears glossy, trendy and actually catches the attention. It options full-sized joysticks, all the standard buttons you’d see on a traditional Xbox controller, and two further programmable buttons positioned on the again grips. Sliding out the included stand means that you can lengthen each halves of the controller to fit in your cellphone. Surprisingly, the Moga XP7-X Plus simply managed to suit my large Samsung S22 Extremely, nevertheless it was proper on absolutely the restrict.
I started testing out the Moga XP7-X Plus with some PowerWash Simulator by way of Xbox Cloud Gaming utilizing Bluetooth, and instantly, I might inform one thing was off. The joysticks, D-pad, and face buttons all really feel wonderful (extra on the triggers and bumpers in a bit) and work nicely with little-to-no latency, however the controller as an entire is extremely uncomfortable. The grips/handles the place your palms relaxation on the XP7-X Plus are a good bit smaller than a traditional Xbox controller, and after about an hour, my palms had been starting to cramp and ache. Now, your expertise could differ with this, however my palms are (I believe) of common dimension, so except you’ve obtained small palms, you’re most likely going to come across the identical issues as me.
The scale of the hand grips additionally impacts the 2 further programmable buttons. When holding the controller, they sit awkwardly between my center and ring fingers, and to truly use them, I needed to shift my palms far and wide to attempt to get a snug maintain. Now, this might be right down to my hand dimension once more, so your mileage could fluctuate, however for my part, the Moga XP7-X Plus most likely would have been higher off with out these, as for me, they had been just about ineffective.
Selecting again up the XP7-X Plus in a while to play some Forza Horizon 5, my cellphone was working out of juice, so I hit the useful charging swap that kicks within the controller’s wi-fi charging. The wi-fi charger is great and a function that not many different controllers like this have. It allowed me to hold on exploring the streets of Mexico with out having to take my cellphone out of the cradle and cost it up — it clearly gained’t absolutely cost your battery, however it is going to get you out of a pinch if you happen to’re low. You may then high again up the ability financial institution utilizing the Micro USB port on the highest.
One other gripe I’ve with the Moga XP7-X Plus is the controller’s bumpers and triggers. The triggers really feel spongey and aren’t all that nice to make use of, and whereas the bumpers are clicky and tactile, my left bumper quickly jammed, rendering it unusable. I am not precisely certain when or the way it occurred because the controller has solely moved from my mattress to my desk every day, so it is not taken any large knocks. I did not need to take the unit aside, so I resorted to prying it up with a screwdriver, and whereas it’s now usable, one thing nonetheless feels off in regards to the bumper. This debacle leads me to the general construct high quality of the Moga XP7-X Plus. The joysticks, buttons, and D-pad all really feel nice, nevertheless it’s the final development of the controller that worries me. When you slide out the included stand, there’s a lot flex between the 2 halves of the controller, and after slotting in your cellphone, that flex nonetheless stays — it feels fragile and prefer it might snap with the slightest quantity of strain. I am unable to think about this factor surviving even the smallest of drops or doing nicely rustling round in a backpack. The construct high quality between the Moga XP7-X Plus and the Nacon MG-X cellular controller is evening and day. Within the palms with a cellphone in place, the Nacon MG-X feels rock stable, which provides me a way of confidence. The Moga XP7-X Plus twists and bends far and wide, and I do not really feel as if it will final you any respectable size of time.
It’s not enjoyable being so vital and down on a product that folks have clearly spent a variety of time designing and producing, however sadly, I don’t suppose the Moga XP7-X Plus warrants its $99.99 price ticket. Whereas the controller’s wi-fi cellphone charging is great, and its joysticks and face buttons all really feel and work flawlessly, the construct high quality and total design of the Moga XP7-X Plus actually let it down. Youre most likely higher off forgoing the additional options of the XP7-X Plus and selecting up one thing extra sturdy for a less expensive value.
Do you’ve gotten a PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus controller? Tell us your ideas on the pad down within the feedback.
