Moga Pro Power Controller Review

The Moga Pro Power is a Bluetooth gamepad designed for serious Android gamers. We tested the controller for a couple of weeks to see if it can indeed deliver on its promise to “transform your Android device into a mobile gaming system”.

Features

The Moga Pro Power features:

– 2 full-sized analog sticks
– A directional keypad
– 4 action buttons
– 2 shoulder buttons
– 2 analog triggers
– 2 function buttons (Start & Select)
– SMRT Lock Arm
– Tablet stand
– 2200 mAh internal battery
– Micro USB charging port
– Full-sized USB port for charging of external / other devices
– Bluetooth connectivity
– Multiplayer support

Design

With its ergonomic feel and familiar button configuration, it actually looks like an XBox 360 controller.

Although it’s made from plastic, it feels solid and well built. So solid, that after accidentally dropping the Moga Pro Power a few times from heights of 3 to 5 feet, the controller didn’t sustain any damage at all.

As tested, the SMRT lock, with clamps fitted with a sticky rubber –like substance, can securely accommodate small phones (like the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact – at 4.3 inches) to bigger phablets (like the Starmobile X1 – at 6 inches). We believe the arm can even accommodate a slim 7-inch device. For larger tablets, you can always use the included tablet stand.

Performance

We tried the controller with a number of processor-intensive games (like Dead Trigger 2, Asphalt 8, and Dungeon Hunter 4) on a number of Android phones/tablets. And the Mogo Power Pro works like a charm! All the buttons and sticks offered great tactile response and precise control. Even with the Bluetooth connection, lag is non-existent, which is always a big plus for serious gamers.

First person shooters (i.e. Dead Trigger 2) and dungeon crawler RPGs (i.e. Dungeon Hunter 4) immensely benefit from this device. As you no longer have to rely on on-screen controls, you can see the battle field in all its glory. This also assists you make quicker decisions on the fly, helping you enjoy the games better.

Case in point: Using the Moga Pro Power in Dead Trigger 2 allows a couple (so far) of unique features vs. just using the on-screen controls: 1. It enables you to seamlessly use the scope on the FN2000 rifle, 2. The mounted machine gun doesn’t overheat, letting you maintain the rate of fire, thus helping you kill more zombies.

For those who are used to on-screen controls, you may initially have some difficulty with the accuracy. Fortunately, the learning curve is not steep. You could master the controls in under an hour of continuous play.

We haven’t actually tested this function, but the gamepad also features multi-player support, meaning a maximum of 4 Moga Power controllers can connect to a phone/tablet.

Battery

The full-sized USB port allows the Moga Pro Power to power external devices. The internal battery’s capacity isn’t much, but it can be very useful if you don’t have a phone charger handy, albeit for short spot uses only. Plus, it would only allow external device charging if the Moga’s power is more than 25%.

With its 2,200mAh battery, the Moga Pro Power can easily last a week on casual gaming. But this can be reduced to 3 days or less if you play for about 4 hours a day, and occasionally use it to charge the phone.

Connecting with the controller

Connecting your device with the Moga Pro Power is very easy. Just install the Moga Pivot App (available in Play Store), switch on the controller, run the Moga Pivot App (which turns your device’s Bluetooth on and pairs it with the controller), and you’re good to go.

The Moga Pro Power has 2 modes:
– A: For compatible games. The Moga Pivot App provides you with an extensive list of compatible apps.
– B: For non-compatible games such as emulators, the controller allows you to map buttons. On a related note, we tried the gamepad with Flappy Bird, but no, it doesn’t work.

We had initial difficulty with Asphalt 8’s calibration (the car always favored going right). But after restarting both the phone and the controller, all went smoothly.

Conclusion

Even if the Moga Pro Power was the first Android gamepad we extensively tested, we have a feeling other controllers would have a hard time matching what the Moga Pro Power could offer.

Just like what was advertised, the Moga Pro Power did indeed transform my Android devices into “mobile gaming systems with its precision controls and console-style comfort.” The controller certainly makes gaming on your Android device more addictive than usual. In fact, what used to be minutes of casual gaming turned into a couple of hours of daily hardcore play.

If you have Php4,490 to spare and are a serious gamer (or are interested in maximizing the gaming potential of your Android device), this is definitely a good buy (see listing on Widget City here).

Pros:
– Solid build
– Ability to charge your phone like a power bank
– Familiar gaming console layout and feel

Cons:
– Not compatible with Apple devices