The MOGA controllers redefined what it's like to play games on Android smartphones and tablets. Giving gamers a console quality controller to play their favorite controller-enabled games on Android machines was now a reality. Now, MOGA is taking it a step further with two new controllers that give a slightly updated look to the original MOGA controller and the MOGA Pro. How do these new updates stack up?
MOGA Hero Power
The Hero Power is an updated and much needed redesign for MOGA's very first controller. In my review, I praised its efforts to bring console controls to an Android platform, but where the controller failed to impress was the complete lack of a d-pad, and analog sliders instead of joysticks. Looks like the good folks over at Power A listened.
The updated controller now sports both a d-pad and analog sticks, giving the gamer far better control over their games. The design of the controller is still kept compact, and will easily fit in your pocket, making it the more portable controller of the two.
MOGA Pro Power
The MOGA Pro was already such an exceptional controller that not much really needed to be changed about the Power Pro. It still sports the similar controller layout to an Xbox 360 controller, and still feels as good as ever.
In fact, you can head on over to Lance's review for the MOGA Pro and pretty much get the gist of how the Power Pro feels, since they're both so similar.
One of the bigger changes is the removal of the ridges on the grips. While I didn't hate the ridges, I absolutely love the smooth finish on the Power Pro. The controller is also a bit heavier than its predecessor, which I found to make the controller feel more sturdy.
Versatility is key
The MOGA Pivot app, which connects gamers with controller compatible games, is still on the forefront and constantly being updated with new titles. With a strong list of over 150 games, I have little doubt that you'll find something you enjoy playing with a controller.
However, the controllers aren't limited to just those games. With a simple push of a switch, they'll switch to HID Mode, which will allow the controllers to be used outside of MOGA compatible games. Rumor has it that Emulators are very HID Mode friendly.
So why Power?
The Power series is for serious gamers on the go with equally serious Android devices that eat up a lot of battery when in constant use, let alone gaming.
Each controller comes with an extra USB port and cable, which allows you to tether the controller and phone together, allowing the charge from the controller to keep the phone charged as well. It's a genius solution for people who like prolonged sessions on their phone but are cut short due to the limitations of their battery life.
With that said, the controllers no longer use batteries to power them. Instead, they themselves have to be charged. What that means is if you're also powering your smartphone or tablet, you're using that same pool of charge from the controller, effectivelly decreasing its battery life.
The cost of entry
Unless you're a hardcore Android gamer, the jump in price might be a little steep. The MOGA Hero Pro and Power Pro cost $49.99 and $79.99 respectively, when the original was $29.99 and $59.99. While I could mostly recommend the Pro thanks to its console quality controls, the added features to the Hero Pro make it a worthy investment, if you don't want to spend nearly $80 on the Power Pro.
The bottom line
Without a doubt, the MOGA Power series is an amazing step in the right direction, especially for folks that don't have the best battery life on their phones. However, this added feature comes at a literal cost, and its price won't appeal to everyone. If you're not a hardcore mobile player or already have the absolutely fantastic MOGA Pro, you might not find the added features that enticing.
