MOGA's Android Controllers Should Help Nuke Consoles

I got a chance to test-drive PowerA's upcoming console-like MOGA Pro Controller for Android in addition to the pocket-sized Mobile Gaming System. Both sport a retractable arm that secures your Android phone to the device, and a Tegra Zone-like app on Google Play that lists Android games supporting both controllers.

Honestly, I could see Android customers easily owning both controllers. On the go, the Mobile Gaming System is ideal, as you could seemingly stuff it into your pocket. Despite its size, it was relatively light and easy to use, offering two analog thumb sticks, your standard four-button setup, and right/left trigger buttons. Bluetooth makes it compatible with both smarthones and the larger Android tablets.

The second, larger Android MOGA Pro Controller, slated for a Spring release, felt more like an Xbox 360 controller, offering two analog thumbsticks, a D-pad, your standard four-button setup, two shoulder buttons and two triggers. Because this version is somewhat larger, you can't shove it in your pocket, so it may be better suited to leave at home or thrown into a backpack at the very least.

This model felt great in my hands, but the performance was lacking as I tested the gadget with a smartphone connected to an HDTV via MHL. The PowerA reps said it was interference from all the other gadgets, and that could very well be true, but the lag made NOVA 3 somewhat unplayable at CES, thus leading me to wonder how the controller will play in a controlled environment like my living room or office.

"The response to our MOGA pocket-sized controller from Android gamers has been fantastic, and we’re now excited to give mobile gamers true, console-style control with MOGA Pro," said Eric Bensussen, President of PowerA. “Now more than ever, mobile gamers will feel at home with a traditional controller while playing the huge variety of games available on the MOGA Mobile Gaming System."

I'm told we'll get a sample of the new controller soon, so we'll see how it performs when there's not so many wireless gadgets interfering with the Bluetooth connection. MOGA Pro will be available in Spring 2013 although the price has yet to be determined.'

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