The new PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming is what you might call an "ambitious" new offering on the market, pushing the boat out to add some unique features that you wouldn't normally see. The result is a controller that's fun to use, particularly in certain circumstances, albeit with a couple of rough edges too.
Let's start with the two headline features. Firstly, the MOGA XP7-X Plus allows you to utilise a Nintendo Switch style 'Tabletop Mode' through a detachable stand, which you can place on any desk and simply slot your phone into the holder. It works well enough, with the ability to lean your phone at two different angles to suit your needs. Plus, when you're not using the controller, there's a slot in the middle where you can store the stand to carry around with you.
The other highlight of the package is a wireless power bank that's integrated into the controller, which means you can charge your phone (or more realistically, keep the battery from dying) while you play your games. The power bank is filled up when you charge the controller itself, so as long as you've got enough juice, you can simply toggle the wireless battery button to get started.
Both of these are undoubtedly nice features to have, and they're complimented by other welcome additions such as two mappable buttons on the back, and the ability to connect the controller to other devices via either Bluetooth or a USB cable. Sadly, the USB connection is micro-USB rather than USB-C, which seems a strange choice in 2022.
In terms of comfort, we're generally happy with the MOGA XP7-X Plus. The analog sticks offer a nice textured feel, while RB, LB and the face buttons are comfortable as well. RT and LT are pretty much our only real disappointments, feeling quite stiff in the fingers, so you have to fight against them a little bit. That said, you get used to it pretty quickly.
Held in the hand, the MOGA XP7-X Plus definitely has a weight to it because of the wireless power bank, and that only increases when you add a phone into the mix. Nevertheless, it's still generally comfortable to use even for long periods of time, and like we've said before, for some reason we find it more comfortable than something like a Nintendo Switch Lite... perhaps it's the bigger form factor that works well with larger hands like ours! If you prefer a smaller form factor though, it might not suit your needs quite as effectively.
All things considered, then, the PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus is another good Xbox Cloud Gaming controller for Android and PC, complete with a couple of headline-worthy features you wouldn't normally find. There are a few downsides as well, such as the micro-USB slot, the not-so-great RT and LT buttons and the slightly heavy weight, but the positives outweigh the negatives, and we think you'll have an enjoyable time if you decide to pick this as your next dedicated xCloud or Xbox Remote Play controller.
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Have you bought the PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus? Let us know what you think of it in the comments.
Comments 6
Really like the design/look of this controller, but the lack of a direct USB connection while in handheld mode makes this an instant "no" for me. I currently use the Razer Kishi for the times I need to let someone else use the console or PC and that direct USB-C connection over Bluetooth is the number one most important thing when it comes to Gamepass. I recall running some not-so-scientific tests playing Killer Instinct on 4G vs 5G and the difference in input lag was negligible, but the difference for BT vs USB connection is night and day. Literally the most important thing if your only option is streaming/xCloud.
There seems to be some good options out there for gaming on the go. My phone isn't fast enough to run Xcloud, but I've had good experiences on my tablet. I don't think I'd have a good experience on the small phone screen unless you're playing something as basic as the original Doom.
Really, when can one of these things just include the freaking "phone" part built in? What good is a "handheld" that needs you to add the $200-1200 phone that you're not actually using the telephony capabilities of rather than just building the whole device with the screen/android/pi built in so you can stream without the Google fee, without the telephony/SIM costs, and without the weak, looses, fidgety clamp so it's a single solid device? It can't be that hard, a 6" Android tablet can cost like $80 at retail for some generic Chinesium tablet....manufacturing costs to build it in can't be much hither than could reasonably be priced for a $150 "controller with screen"
@NEStalgia I think Logitech(in partnership with Tencent) are making exactly what you described. Although I dont see the appeal for most people in having another device just for cloud gaming, I think a smartphone is so ubiquitous to most people an add on makes more sense than spending 00's on a whole device. But I'm sure there's a niche for it.
@EliSweetG Since you are not playing fighters or shooters, it probably won't matter, but platformers could be problematic.
As for Bluetooth, two things: (1) you're right, I've also had no issues with the Switch controllers at all, (2) my not-so-scientific test only involved two different smartphones which we're produced in 2018 and 2020. That said, yes, the difference was massive between BT and direct connection. I don't know enough about BT technology, but maybe there are devices which simply have "better" BT functionality? For the Bluetooth tests with Gamepass, I used an official Xbox controller paired to the phone and the two phones were made by Google and Samsung. I would think that's pretty much as good as you can get, but maybe it's the added strain of playing a game via Cloud that creates a more noticeable delay?
So it's hard to say, but the experience was so jarring to me that it will affect all my current and future buying plans for this kind of stuff, at least for the next few years!
Looks nice but the GameSir X2 Pro has my attention still. Really cool that we are getting a few new options! I've come to the personal preference of a more 'handheld gaming console' as per switch/vita aesthetic/layout rather than a gaming controller split in half.
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