PowerA OPS v1 Wi-fi Controller analysis
I not too way back reviewed the $99 PowerA OPS v3 Skilled, calling it among the many finest value-for-money skilled controllers in 2024. Nevertheless I am going to have spoken too rapidly. PowerA’s OPS v1, priced at merely $50, costs simply concerning the equivalent as an unusual Xbox PC controller nonetheless delivers a number of what the OPS v3 gives—minus just some premium choices. After just some weeks with the OPS v1, I’m honestly questioning why I’d choose its pricier sibling over it.
The OPS v1 seems like an Xbox controller with additional buttons on its face and once more. The sleek, steady plastic housing feels good, nonetheless there are some key variations compared with the OPS v3. Most notably, the OPS v1 lacks the aggressive, textured rubber coating on the grips. Does it matter? Most likely not—till you’ll have exceptionally sweaty palms. I nonetheless found the controller cosy to hold, and its clear finish is simpler to keep up clear. There’s moreover a refined grip on the underside, courtesy of micro-etched PowerA logos.
One different omission is RGB lighting. Whereas the wraparound RGB on the OPS v3 was eye-catching, I didn’t miss it. Equally, the OPS v1 drops the two remappable shoulder buttons found on the v3, leaving you with merely 4 once more buttons—larger than enough for a lot of players. Lastly, the OPS v1 lacks the magnetic connector ports for the OPS v3’s charging dock.
Internally, the OPS v1 retains among the many OPS v3’s standout choices, like Hall influence triggers and thumbsticks, so stick drift isn’t a precedence. The triggers actually really feel clear and embody a 3-way set off lock for adjustable playstyles. Nonetheless, the thumbsticks lack the v3’s twist-to-adjust prime mechanism. When you possibly can swap out the stick caps (just some are included inside the discipline), that’s the extent of customization proper right here.
OPS v1 specs
Compatibility: Residence home windows 11, Cloud and Cell devices
Connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB wired
Ports: USB-C
Triggers: Hall influence
Thumbsticks: Hall influence
Thumbstick construction: Uneven (Xbox-style)
Weight: 269 g
Price: $50 | £50 | AUD$89
One different downgrade is the absence of tactile mechanical face buttons. Whereas the OPS v1’s buttons are nonetheless crisp and responsive, they lack the premium actually really feel of the v3’s. As with the OPS v3, I found using all 4 once more buttons concurrently awkward on account of finger placement. To handle a comfortable grip, I needed to resolve on between the very best or bottom pair, which made me miss the extra shoulder buttons on the OPS v3. Your experience might vary relying in your hand dimension and dexterity.
Customization is kind of an equivalent to the OPS v3, nonetheless, with decisions for on-the-fly remapping or using PowerA’s PC app. The app is easy, and you will navigate it using the controller itself—a nice contact compared with apps that require a mouse. Nonetheless, on-the-fly remapping is additional helpful: keep the remap button on the once more, press the provision button, then the holiday spot button, and likewise you’re achieved—all with out leaving your recreation. There’s moreover a Turbo mode that may enhance enter velocity for the ABXY and LB/RB buttons, though I didn’t uncover rather a lot distinction in exact play. In truth, it’s a definite phase operate that almost all players most probably obtained’t trouble with, nonetheless one which clearly shouldn’t be together with to the worth.
The OPS v1 helps 2.4GHz wi-fi, USB wired, and Bluetooth connections, making it appropriate with PC, Mac, smart devices, and smart TVs. The Bluetooth operate is geared in direction of cloud gaming on smartphones, tablets and smart TV’s working Google or Android TV, though I didn’t have one available to verify. On my gaming PC, nonetheless, the 2.4GHz reference to the included dongle labored flawlessly.
In distinction to the OPS v3, which generally disconnected mid-session, the OPS v1 stayed solidly associated as quickly as paired. Nonetheless, pairing wasn’t on a regular basis seamless—sometimes the controller wouldn’t sync with the dongle after I turned it on to play. I’d ought to unplug and replug the dongle to reestablish the connection nonetheless that was regarding the extent of my factors.
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Buy if…
✅ You want an fairly priced controller with extras: The OPS v1 is a powerful, feature-rich controller for the same worth as the elemental Microsoft Xbox pad.
✅ Your current Xbox PC controller has drift: For individuals who’re looking out for a model new pad that may offer you peace of ideas in direction of the dreaded drift, the Hall influence sticks inside the OPS v1 will probably be merely the ticket.
Don’t purchase if…
❌ You need a very skilled controller with swappable parts: The OPS v1 is basically additional basic than the v3 Skilled, and so that you’re missing these additional luxurious customisation choices.
❌ You’re a streamer who desires the flashiest gear potential for on digicam: With no RGB LED recreation, and an in every other case restrained look, the elemental OPS v1 should not be going to get you seen. Nevertheless do you truly care?
Battery life is the place the OPS v1 takes a slight hit compared with the v3, though, lasting spherical 20 hours versus 30. That’s puzzling, given the absence of RGB lighting, nonetheless 20 hours continues to be superb compared with one factor similar to the PlayStation DualSense Edge’s meagre 6-hour lifespan. You don’t have to worry regarding the OPS v1 dying on you though I may need cherished some type of battery indicator to allow you to understand how rather a lot price is left. Sadly, the OPS v1 doesn’t assist the OPS v3’s magnetic charging dock, so that you simply’ll should price it manually. It is going to have been good if the port remained and also you may buy the charging puck as an non-obligatory additional.
On paper, the OPS v1 may seem like a very stripped-down mannequin of the OPS v3, nonetheless at merely $50, it’s an absolute steal. It’s solidly constructed, gives tri-mode connectivity, remappable once more buttons, Hall influence triggers and sticks, and good battery life. Even with out among the many v3’s flashier choices, the OPS v1 delivers sturdiness and administration properly above an unusual Xbox controller—for just a few additional bucks.
At this worth, it’s a no brainer. Whether or not or not you’re knowledgeable gamer or just any person looking out for a additional reliable, feature-packed controller with customisation and good battery life, the OPS v1 is an easy suggestion. Fly, you fools!
