Apple’s newest operating system, iOS 7, added the ability for games to support a controller in order to better optimize and play. MOGA has released a brand new ACE Power controller specifically for iOS 7 devices.
The team at MOGA and PowerA were kind enough to send us at charlieINTEL a unit to review.
Design*
The design of this controller is very similar to the Xbox controller – same A B X Y buttons, the analog sticks are placed in a similar style as well. The controller itself is very light – almost unnoticeable when carrying it around. The buttons are easy to find and press, and the control feels nice in the hands.
To get your iOS device in the controller can be a little confusing at first; took me a few tries to get it right, but after you do get it right, it’s very easy to remove/put back in. The controller requires iOS 7 to work.
The controller also has a battery indicator on the right side, and when your device is connected, the controller will charge your device. The battery life of the controller lasted around 5 hours in my testings. The controller comes with a cable to connect and charge the controller itself.
Controls*
For testing, I played Call of Duty: Strike Team majority of the time. With this controller the game’s experience only gets better. Strike Team is easier to play, and adds an extra level of usability with the controller. The control layout is very similar to any other Call of Duty game. The controller features four triggers – two left, two right – that are used for shooting, aiming, throwing equipment and tactical equipment. The analog sticks aren’t “clickable”, so when you go up to knife someone, you have to use the touch screen to do so.
Support
There’s a wide variety of games that do support this new controller. Games like Real Racing to Call of Duty. While some games offer great support within the app, some don’t. For example, playing certain games with a tutorial requires you to use the on screen and device functionality. The tutorial portion and some of Flight Theory Flight Simulator is an example. It doesn’t let your use the controller if you use the tutorial or certain other modes. But, I expect, as the device is new, support and compatibility will only get better as developers understand how to fully use the controller technology.
PROS
- Sleek design
- Introduces new ways to play mobile games
- Wide range of games available
CONS
- Functionality within games sometimes limited
- Battery could be better
- Hard to learn what button does what for each game
4.5/5
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