PowerA offers a wireless controller for PC and cloud gaming with the OPS V3. MyMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann was able to test the model.
With the OPS V3, PowerA has a controller priced around 100 euros in its range. “OPS” stands for Overpowered Series. For around 100 euros, you get a comprehensive package of mechanical switches, hall-effect sticks, and plenty of additional buttons.
But is the extra cost compared to the official controller really worth it? I tested the controller and explain where its strengths and weaknesses lie.
PowerA OPS V3 in review, quick overview:
- Contents, design, and structure
- Build quality
- Software
- Ergonomics, weight, and battery life
- Gameplay
- Conclusion
Contents, design, and structure
What does the package include? The package of the controller includes, in addition to the controller, a USB-C to A cable, a wireless adapter, and a mini charging station where you can charge the controller and also connect the wireless adapter.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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PowerA OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller for PC and Cloud Gaming with LumectraPC Gaming Controller,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
How is the controller structured? The OPS V3 is identical in layout on the front side to the official Xbox controller: Both models feature an asymmetrical design and use the official Xbox layout. In the case of the official Xbox controller, the D-pad is slightly more ergonomic.
On the back side, however, the OPS V3 differs significantly from the official model: There are 4 additional buttons on the back that you can assign functions or actions to. However, PowerA has omitted so-called paddles that many premium controllers have on the back. Paddles would have been the more ergonomic choice overall.
Additionally, you can adjust how far you can press the triggers with two levers: at the lowest setting, you can fully press the triggers, and at the highest setting, only slightly.
On the top side of the controller, there are two additional buttons (AGL3 and AGR3) between the triggers that you can freely assign.
Build quality
The controller is made almost entirely of plastic. Unlike the official model, PowerA uses hall-effect sticks for its controller: These have the advantage of wearing out significantly less than conventional sticks. This contributes to a long durability. Another plus point is the mechanical switches under the buttons and the D-pad.
However, it’s a pity that you cannot remove and replace the battery. Here, the standard Xbox controller has a clear advantage.
In direct comparison to similar controllers, such as the Elite Series 2 or the Razer Wolverine V2/V3, the build quality does not seem completely convincing, as the other two controllers also feature metal components and replaceable parts.
Software
For the software, the controller uses the manufacturer’s “PC HQ” app. However, during installation, I first received a warning message from Windows:
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented the launch of an unknown app. Running this app may pose a risk to your PC.
This is not very reassuring at first, but it does not pose a major obstacle to installation. The software itself is clear and well-structured. Through the menus, you can easily set up the controller and configure the additional buttons.
What I really don’t like is the font size: it is extremely small and cannot be enlarged or scaled. It’s not very clear in my screenshots, but I struggle to read the text. Another downside is that the software is entirely in English and cannot be switched to German.
Ergonomics and weight
Weight: At 366 grams, the controller is slightly heavier than the official Xbox controller, which weighs around 280 grams with the built-in battery. However, my partner, who exclusively plays with controllers, explained to me that the higher weight is hardly noticeable in everyday use and is therefore not disruptive.
Ergonomics: The OPS V3 feels good in the hand, thanks in part to the rubberized grips. The four additional buttons on the back are easy to reach, both for my large hands and for the smaller hands of my partner.
The two buttons on the top side (AGR3 and AGL3), however, are hardly reachable in everyday use; I have to stretch my index fingers, which normally rest on the triggers, quite far, which I find uncomfortable.
Gameplay: Fantastic feel thanks to microswitches
How does it play with the controller? The mechanical switches under the buttons and the D-pad feel really crisp. This makes the feedback from the buttons feel much better than with the official Xbox controller, where the buttons always feel a bit soft and spongy.
I also really like the adjustable trigger depth. This allows you to control the acceleration much more precisely and finely in racing games.
There were no issues on my desktop PC when I connected the controller either via the dongle or the charging hub. However, my partner’s PC constantly lost connection between the adapter and the controller. At the same time, the Xbox controller that my partner was using on the same PC functioned without any problems.
Battery life: Without RGB lighting, the battery lasts about 30 hours, which is roughly as durable as the official controller. However, with active RGB lighting, the playtime shortens significantly. At least, you can easily turn off the RGB lighting via a dedicated button on the underside of the controller.
Conclusion: A good controller with many features for 100 euros
Who is the controller worth it for? If the standard Xbox controller with its standard functions is not enough for you on PC, then the PowerA OPS V3 offers itself as an upgrade for about 40 euros more. Especially the mechanical buttons feel very precise and accurate, and for PC, you get a very good overall package. The price of around 100 euros is very fair for the controller.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
PowerA OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller for PC and Cloud Gaming with LumectraPC Gaming Controller,... | Zu Amazon |
*Affiliate-Links. Wir erhalten bei einem Kauf eine kleine Provision von Amazon. Vielen Dank für Eure Unterstützung!
Alternatives:
- The Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 can be had in the Core Edition for around 110 euros. I like the build quality a little better. However, additional components like paddles are only available for an extra fee (about 25 euros), or you have to buy the complete package of the Elite Series V2 directly.
- The Razer Wolverine V2 is now available for around 70 euros and is also a high-quality controller with mechanical buttons and adjustable triggers.
- The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is quite expensive at around 150 euros but offers magnetic thumbsticks and mechanical switches.
You can also find more controllers in our buying guide for controllers for PC and Xbox.
