Moga Hero Power Controller Review

Introduction

Way back in the fall of 2012, we were teased with the first whispers of Moga’s gaming controller for Android – the Moga Pocket. Right on schedule, it quietly released in 2013 to an awaiting audience hungry for a solution that would adhere to the stringent needs of most hardcore gamers. Now we’re seeing its successor in the Moga Hero Power, a revamped update that makes a considerable leap over its predecessor. With all of the dramatics in tow, will it be enough to fancy our inner most gaming desires?

The package contains:

• micro-B cable
• MOGA Boost charging cable
• Owner’s manual

Design

It’s still compact, but the aggressive new approach gives it a more modern design.

From a far glance, we can see some of the old design aesthetics of the Moga Pocket in the Moga Hero Power, but the more we look at it intently, we realize that there’s more of an aggressive approach this time around.

First, it now sees a dedicated directional pad, which is raised, has a distinctive feel, and offers tight responses. Secondly, it wields two fully articulating analog sticks – whereas before, they were more like nubs. This time around, we’re happy to see that they’re snappier and can be pressed down to act as another button. And finally, on top of having the usual shoulder buttons, it features left/right analog triggers as well. Even though there isn’t much give to the triggers, we’re nevertheless thankful for their presence.

Gone is the rudimentary design of the Moga Pocket, replaced by a more authentic and modern gamepad design. Not only does it look better, but it feels better too – thanks to its sturdier build quality. Yes, it’s comprised entirely out of plastic, giving it a lightweight feel, but at the same time, it’s the solid kind that gives the entire gamepad some strength in the event it’s dropped. Although it’s not going to bother people with small to medium sized hands, the compact size of the Moga Hero Power might prove to be too cramped for those with above average ones.

Improvements have been made to the adjustable latch that grasps our smartphone in place as we hold the gamepad, since it’s now able to accommodate even some of the beefiest phablets around – like the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3. There are two angles it can be positioned into, 90 and 135 degrees, but it’s only the latter that proves useful.

Battery

Another much-welcomed change to the controller is its built-in 1800 mAh battery, which not only powers the controller, but also supplies juice to our device by connecting the phones’ charging cable into its full-sized USB port. With last year’s model, it relied on pricey disposable batteries, so we’re ecstatic to see a rechargeable in this one.

With that internal battery in tow now, it’s a nice touch that we can charge our smartphone by leeching off of the controller’s internal one, but we wouldn’t necessarily rely on it as being a complete charging replacement to top off our phones. Rather, it’s meant more to maintain the battery level as we’re playing, seeing that most of these intensive 3D game are processor hungry.

Performance

First person shooters are better than ever thanks to its more pronounced analog sticks.

Considering that Moga has been developing gamepads for Android for some time now, there’s now a healthy selection of gaming titles that support the controller – so there are plenty to choose from. Out of all the categories, the Moga Hero Power shows its worth with first person shooters, since its dual analog sticks, combined with its shoulder buttons and triggers, help to replicate that experience we get from home console controllers.

Better yet, the dedicated gamepad means that there’s no clutter on-screen – giving us a full view of the action that’s going on. Again, the gamepad’s comfort will depend on your hands. People with average sized hands won’t have too many problems using it for long periods of time, but for those with larger ones, the controller’s layout might prove too cramped for them to enjoy. Still, the solid build quality of the Moga Hero Power just adds icing to the entire experience.

Flexibility is something that’s in full force with this one, mainly because we can use it with different emulators. Essentially, we can map the buttons on the controller to work in conjunction with the game. Not only do we have access to a handful of free games in the Google Play Store that support the controller, but now we can play old school titles as well thanks to its support with emulators.

Conclusion

Looking at the big picture, we’re beyond happy to see that the Moga Hero Power is armed with a myriad of upgrades to drastically separate itself from its less convincing predecessor. However, there’s an inherent result with all the improvements – an increase to its price. Last year’s Moga Pocket sported an easy to swallow price of $20, but this one gets a huge increase to $60. That’s really tough, but if you want a usable gamepad that’s compact and doesn’t compromise too much with the experience, this is absolutely an option you should bear in mind.