When it comes to gaming peripherals, the PowerA OPS v3 Pro controller aims to strike a balance between affordability and pro-level features. But does it hit the mark? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about the OPS v3 Pro is its striking design. The controller boasts customisable Lumectra RGB lighting, which adds a vibrant touch to your gaming setup. The build quality is excellent with solid quality plastics being used. While the textured grips provide a firm hold, some users might find them a bit too rough for extended play sessions and aren’t for everybody.
Performance and Features
Performance-wise, the OPS v3 Pro shines with its Hall effect thumbsticks negating the risk of the dreaded stick drift that has plagued controllers and six remappable buttons. The ‘quick-twist’ thumbsticks are a standout feature, allowing for precise adjustments without the need to swap out components. The mechanical face buttons and d-pad offer a satisfying click, enhancing the overall gaming experience and are by far the best buttons on any controller I have ever used bar the Razer Wolverine that uses similar buttons. Another feature similar to the Wolverine is the placement of mappable buttons between the bumpers giving the user the ability to reload or crouch etc without having to move from thumbsticks and still allow for rear buttons to be set to crouch, melee. Once you get accustomed to using it you will wonder how you ever managed.
However, the controller isn’t without its flaws. The placement of the remappable rear buttons feels awkward being way too close together for even moderately large hands with me having to settle to use only two of the four buttons. The Start/Select button and a number of functions are marked in black against a black background making their function impossible to see and if like me you continually get them mixed up it is an issue. These design quirks can be a bit of a letdown, especially during intense gaming sessions.
Battery Life and Connectivity
One of the OPS v3 Pro’s strong suits is its impressive battery life, clocking in at over 30 hours on a single charge and can be charged via its' dedicated charging dock. The controller supports multiple wireless modes, making it versatile for PC, mobile, and cloud gaming something that was an absolute delight being used with the Xbox Cloud App on my Samsung smart TV giving a truly amazing glimpse into the future of console gaming.
Final Verdict
The PowerA OPS v3 Pro controller is a commendable effort from PowerA, offering a host of features at a competitive price point. While it has some small design issues, the overall performance and battery life make it a solid choice for PC gamers looking for a budget-friendly pro controller. If you can overlook the minor flaws, the OPS v3 Pro is an amazing controller and would be a worthy addition to your gaming arsenal.
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