The PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra Xbox controller sure is unique, but is it worth $130?

ByThe Click Team Hours
powera moga box

Last Updated on: 18th January 2024, 05:24 pm

Many know PowerA as the budget-friendly console accessory brand, and while that certainly is true, it isn’t the whole truth. PowerA also has a selection of premium accessories like the new MOGA XP-Ultra Xbox controller, designed to be a whole lot more than just an Xbox controller. But is it worth giving them a chance?

PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra

First off, PowerA was kind enough to send us out a review unit of the MOGA XP-Ultra, but this review is not sponsored, this is an honest review.

Let’s start with the basics…what is the MOGA XP-Ultra? Well, it’s a controller designed by PowerA to be the best of both (actually, three) worlds.

Credit: PowerA

Above, you’ll see the MOGA XP-Ultra in the traditional Xbox controller style, but it just looks a bit different. That’s because when the switch on the bottom is activated, the MOGA XP-Ultra splits into a smaller mobile version.

Credit: PowerA

The smaller version of the controller is meant to serve as a mobile-friendly controller to use with your Android device, alongside a phone clip included in the box. (Side note: I’m not really sure why it doesn’t work with iPhone, since the controller uses Bluetooth to connect and it actually did connect to my iPhone, I just couldn’t do anything with it.)

I’m incredibly torn with this controller because it has both things that I actually love and things that I just can’t stand. So…time for the good and the bad.

The Good

This is a really solid controller, and I mean that literally — there’s a good weight to it that I like in a controller. Some people may feel the opposite, and that’s okay, but I love how this controller feels in my hands. It has a good grip to it, and certainly feels like PowerA didn’t skimp out on anything with the MOGA XP-Ultra.

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The rumble motors feel superb, and I was shocked to find they work with the mobile version of the controller as well, even when the bottom half of the controller isn’t in use.

Speaking of the mobile part of the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed using this controller in its smaller form-factor almost more than the traditional version. I have huge hands, so it was hard for me to believe that such a small controller would feel even remotely good in them, but I was blown away with how natural it felt.

The triggers and (most of) the buttons feel really nice and feel great, and I love the inclusion of the added mappable buttons on the back.

The Bad

So, here’s where I’m having some issues…

First off, right out of the box I tried to connect the controller to my PC through Bluetooth. The controller connected fine, no issues there — actually, it was the easiest I’ve ever connected a controller to my PC — but then…nothing. I got no input recognition whatsoever. Apparently, you can’t use the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra wirelessly without a wireless adapter that’s…sold separately.

Why? The controller shows that it’s connected to my PC, why does it require the wireless adapter? I’m not really going to knock PowerA for this, especially since it could just be an issue with my computer, but given the fact that PowerA specifically says an adapter is required for wireless play…I’m gonna say it’s not.

If it does require an adapter, at least just put one in the box?

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My biggest issue with the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra is the menu button placement. Maybe I’ve just gotten too used to the Dualsense touchpad, but I’m finding it pretty annoying when I try to press the menu buttons and I end up hitting the raised area around the buttons instead.

Is it a dealbreaker? Absolutely not. Is it also maybe due to the fact that I’m accustomed to the Dualsense controller? Sure, could be. Is it still annoying when it happens? Of course it is.

Overall

The PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra retails for $129.99, which is certainly not cheap for an Xbox controller. However, this controller is officially licensed by Xbox (the first ever!) and it does include a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Factoring that in, the actual controller itself is about $115. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is currently $179. So, while the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra isn’t exactly budget-friendly, it’s certainly one of the less expensive options if you’re looking for a semi-customizable controller.

So…would I recommend the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra Xbox controller? Yes, I would definitely recommend this controller to those that are looking for a mobile-friendly Xbox controller and/or someone that wants to take advantage of the Xbox Elite controller’s back paddles without breaking the bank entirely.