PowerA has unveiled a brand new sequence of customizable PC controllers. The OPS V1 is a $50 wi-fi controller with just a few bells and whistles, whereas the high-end OPS V3 Pro is loaded with customization options and considerably undercuts many opponents with its $100 value. Each controllers launch subsequent month and can be found to preorder now at Amazon.
PowerA’s reveal of the OPS sequence comes on the heels of saying a Fortnite-themed Xbox Sequence X|S, Xbox, and PC controller. Releasing October 1 and obtainable to preorder now for $100, the Fortnite special-edition controller has quite a few similarities to the OPS V3 Pro.
PowerA OPS V3 Pro
PowerA’s OPS V3 Pro sports activities options present in different pro-style controllers for PC players, however its $100 value is markedly lower than some notable opponents, together with the Xbox Elite Sequence 2, Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, Victrix Pro BFG, Asus Raikiri Pro, and Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. The caveat right here is that every one of these controllers additionally supply console help. The V3 Pro is a considerably unusual on this regard, nevertheless it’s conceivable that not partnering with a console producer contributed to conserving the worth decrease than we sometimes see.
Here is a fast rundown of the OPS V3 Pro’s options:
- Six remappable buttons (4 on again, two on prime)
- Corridor Impact analog sticks and triggers
- PowerA’s Fast-Twist analog sticks with three completely different heights
- Tactile mechanical switches for face buttons, D-pad, and shoulder buttons
- Set off locks with three cease factors
- Textured grip
- Customized profiles
- Multi-zone RGB lighting
- Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wi-fi with USB-A dongle, and USB-C wired connections
- Program, LED, and Profile buttons to cycle by means of settings on the fly
- Magnetic charging stand with slot for USB dongle
- Twin rumble motors
- Turbo button
- As much as 30-hour battery life
- Magnetic charging stand with slot for USB dongle
- PowerA HQ Home windows app for additional customization
The OPS V3 Pro does not have any swappable elements, nevertheless it does have a quite distinctive function with its Fast-Twist sticks. Identical to it sounds, you’ll be able to twist the analog sticks up or down and lock them in three completely different positions. Some gamers swap sticks particularly to place them at completely different levels–this is widespread in FPS games–so it is cool to see that applied with out the necessity to hold monitor of small parts. That stated, one more reason to swap sticks is to make use of a distinct model cap (concave, convex, and so on.). Whereas that is lacking right here, you might add a pair of detachable thumbstick caps to suit your preference–there are tons of third-party choices that might match these sticks.
PowerA used Corridor Impact sensor know-how to fight stick drift in addition to to extend the sturdiness of the triggers. Subsequent to the triggers, you may discover two additional programmable buttons, that are joined by 4 programmable again buttons. Most professional-style controllers have 4, and typically solely two, additional inputs. The again buttons retain PowerA’s regular boxy kind issue, which might take some getting used to in the event you’re expertise is with the elongated paddle form discovered on different controllers. It is a matter of choice, however paddles typically really feel extra intuitive and quicker. Nonetheless, the 4 again buttons are positioned in the very best areas, as proven beneath.
One other notable function of the OPS V3 Pro is its use of microswitches. Just like Razer’s Wolverine controllers, the face buttons, D-pad, and shoulder buttons actuate with microswitches as a substitute of typical membrane switches. This produces a clicky, mouse-like really feel and promotes quicker speeds. You will not discover microswitches on the aforementioned Fortnite-themed controller.
You’ll be able to remap inputs, cycle by means of profiles, and alter the RGB lighting results straight on the controller. PowerA additionally has a Home windows app the place you’ll be able to tinker with enter settings and layouts.
Set off locks may be set at three completely different stopping factors to extend or lower pull distance. The V3 Pro additionally has rubberized, textured grips, a turbo button, and a rumble motor in every deal with.
You will rise up to 30 hours of playtime on a single cost, and there is additionally an included magnetic charging stand (3-4 hours to totally cost). It connects to your PC through Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wi-fi, or wired through a braided USB-C cable. Although designed with PC in thoughts, it’s also possible to use the OPS V3 Pro for cell gaming.
PowerA despatched us the OPS V3 Pro for testing, and we have been impressed by its function set and efficiency to this point. It is simply probably the most superior controller in PowerA’s crowded catalog. One factor that is instantly noticeable when holding the controller is that it will get weight and weight distribution proper. One of many key explanation why the Elite Sequence 2 feels so nice to make use of is due to the way it distributes its comparatively hefty weight. It merely provides to the premium really feel. At 366g, the OPS V3 Pro is definitely heavier than the Elite Sequence 2 (345g), however the weight is equally well-distributed. Like with the Elite Sequence 2, this design helps give the OPS V3 Pro a high-end really feel that matches its wealth of customization options. And that is fairly spectacular when you think about the worth.
PowerA’s OPS V3 Pro releases September 16. If primarily recreation on PC and are not an enormous Fortnite fan, the OPS V3 Pro looks as if the higher choice versus PowerA’s new Xbox/PC controller.
PowerA OPS V1
At half the worth of the OPS V3 Pro, it isn’t shocking that the OPS V1 is not loaded with as many customization options or premium elements. However though it is billed as an entry-level PC controller, it does have a number of welcome options you do not at all times see on $50 controllers.
- 4 remappable again buttons
- Program button to map inputs
- Set off locks with three cease factors
- Corridor Impact analog sticks and triggers
- Twin rumble motors
- Turbo button
- As much as 20-hour battery life
- Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wi-fi, and USB-C wired connections
In the event you’ve used one in all PowerA’s Enhanced controllers for Swap, the OPS V1 has an identical really feel. It is a lot lighter than the V3 Pro at 269g and excludes the rubberized grips, so you’ll be able to definitely discover the distinction in high quality.
A $50 controller with Corridor Impact analog sticks and triggers, 4 remappable again buttons, and three-way set off locks is not all that widespread from a serious model.
When it comes to competitors, it is smart to match the OPS V1 to the 8BitDo Ultimate, which is obtainable in a number of completely different fashions, all of which work on PC and may be discovered for round $50 (typically much less). The OPS V1 has the Final beat in amount of remappable inputs (4 versus two), however the Final’s again buttons have a greater really feel to them. The Final additionally lacks set off locks, if this function is vital to you. 8BitDo’s customization software program has the OPS beat with its customization app, which additionally works on cell units. Relying on which mannequin you choose, the Final also can supply Swap or Xbox compatibility. The OPS V1, not like the V3 Pro, does not include a charging dock–and 8BitDo’s charging stand is healthier than the OPS V3 Pro’s dock if you wish to show your controller.
Primarily based on our testing, the OPS V1 does not hit the candy spot of pro-style options and really feel for a funds value in addition to the 8BitDo Final. However it have to be stated that the 8BitDo Final is presently our choose for the most effective PC controller in 2024 due to its premium really feel and well-integrated function set.
The OPS V1 launching alongside the OPS V3 Pro, a controller that really punches above its value, makes the impactful variations between them extra noticeable. However if you need 4 remappable buttons and set off stops in a $50 controller, the OPS V1 is a strong selection. Simply know that the OPS V3 Pro is an enormous step up.
PowerA’s OPS V1 releases on September 9. Together with the usual black mannequin for $50, Amazon is taking preorders for a Fortnite-themed variant for $55.
Disclosure: GameSpot obtained product samples from the producer to check for evaluation.