I love the idea of android devices as a portable gaming console. They now have all the power of last gen consoles at least, the batteries last forever, tons of ports (usb, HDMI, BT), great built in screens and they're super portable. I started out just messing around on my Incredible, later had a GTab (which was a really early device that worked ok but had a bad screen) and now have a Xoom running ICS and have a Galaxy Nexus on the way.
Native android gaming is coming along nicely now to the point where I have about 50 games on my tab. Many of them are free or were daily deals on the Amazon store. Many of them I bought full price. All in all I've probably spent $50 on games. Some of them aren't so great, others are suprisingly good and the situation gets better every day.
I also enjoy a bit of emulation. Before you get all upity the only games I have been playing are ones I actually have the cartridge for. Mostly I have just been playing through Chrono Trigger (which I own so **** you!) along with the Giant Bomb endurance run.
Recently Onlive was also released for android and it is pretty impressive how well games play with even average internet connections. If you haven't tried this out you should. It's free and you can trial all games or up to one hour which is a service with value alone.
All 3 of these gaming experiences can benefit from one thing.
A CONTROLLER!
I have previously used a Wiimote and classic controller with an IME app which works well enough but having the Wiimote hanging off the controller as nothing but a bluetooth dongle is annoying and kinda kills the whole point of having a wireless controller in the first place. Datel apparently made a classic controller with the transmitter and battery built in for a while but I wasn't able to find any for purchase anywhere.
Next a few months back app started to hit the market that let you use the Dualshock 3 with Android devices. This is a pretty good solution. The DS3 is a great controller and the setup is reasonably painless. You just have to connect the controller to a desktop and run an app there to bind the controller to your android device. After that you run an app on the device each time you want to use the controller. You'll also have to configure the controls within some games for the controller layout. Not too bad but if you use the controller for your ps3 as well you'll have to plug it into the PS3 to reset it then connect it to your PC to get t back on the droid device. Now I use the PS3 with BT for my desktop using MotionJoy's software and switching between it and the droid is even more of a hassle which I won't go into because I haven't even figured out a reasonably quick method. Since both devices are using the controller via a weird workaround this isn't really surprising.
So today I went looking again and found 2 new options. A while back Gamestop announced they would be carrying 'Gaming Tablets' and as part of it they were going to be selling a wireless gamepad. Well apparently they have started getting them and I found one in stock on my commute home. First impressions were that the device feels cheap. At the $40 I paid it's already a bit overpriced but that according to the website is a discount from the original price of $99 which would be highway robbery. Though the button layout is essentially the same as a PS3 controller the device doesn't feel anything like a DS3 or a 360 controller. It's much lighter. The plastic is cheap and I'm sure with use, will begin to creek. It just feels like cheap Chinese construction. I'm not sure but I think the device is all digital, in fact I think all they did was essentially wrap a gamepad around a bluetooth keyboard. The triggers are digital for sure but the 2 sticks might be analog though I don't think so. They do feel decent with a good resistance on the springs. The D-pad is less exciting and feel mushy. The other buttons are serviceable, nothing particularly good or bad about them. They are two shoulder buttons on each side with 2 of them shaped like triggers and then the four normal face buttons (labelled 1-4 instead of the square, triangle etc as in the product page image). There are also four other buttons on the face which are the power button, the pair button, escape and enter. The power button is obvious but it should be noted the device powers on and off in a second or 2. The pair button is likewise pretty normal. The escape and enter buttons seem to be like the back button and action respectively in android which is kind of nice. It lets you use the controller as a general purpose remote for your tab. This is particularly nice if you want to use it for media on a TV with HDMI. What this means is that you don't really have a start and select button on the face. The left stick seems to be mapped to standard keyboard arrow keys while the right stick and the D-pad are mapped to letters or numbers. The device has a rechargeable cell which is nice and this is charged from a standard USB port. I'm not sure yet about battery life but it seemed to get a full charge after about half hour.
Considering the lack of other dedicated options for tablets this device isn't all bad. It does what it should. It requires no apps or setup other than pairing up to your device which takes seconds. It also powers on and off in seconds and each reconnection is near instant. Also it should be noted that this should work with any BT enabled android device. I don't think there are any version restrictions.
I have tested it with a snes emulator which it works perfectly with. I also tried GTA3 for Android, in which I was able to run around, grab a car and drive by default. I could probably get it working well enough if I took some time to config the controls in game.
All in all this device is a bit of a tough sell at $40 especially if you have a PS3 controller already and don't mind the relatively minor hassles that entails. If you can find one for $20 or even $30 its would be much more reasonable.
I was thinking the device might be mod-able due to it being so light. I have seen some people get things like the MSI BT controller fit into a snes controller frame. Unlike those devices though this is essentially one large PCB with the button contacts right on it except for the shoulder buttons and analog sticks. This would limit options. Maybe someone will find some good options but that will only increase the cost of course.
Product page:
http://www.gamestop.com/android/accessories/tablet-wireless-bluetooth-controller/97838
The second option I found today is much sexier but a little pricier. It is the Onlive Universal Wireless Controller which I have high hopes for. Everything I have read about it seems to indicate the level of material quality is much higher. Also it requires Honeycomb or ICS which means it isn't just a BT keyboard. Full Onlive support is obvious and again according to my reading it comes with a BT dongle for use with the PC but I'm hoping it will work with my standard dongle for simplicity. The device even comes with a rechargeable pack and a AA cartridge just like the 360 controllers which is a nice feature. When connected to a PC you can use up to 4 of them with one dongle which is nice. Perhaps the tablet will be able to support multiple controllers as well but I haven't read anything about that yet, There are also a number of media buttons on the controller which could prove convenient. I'm hoping this will let me replace both the Gamestop controller for my tab and my DS3 for my PC while being able to switch easily between them.
http://www.onlive.com/controller
Anyway, I ordered one tonight and I'll probably write something up about it next week.
Nice review. I was considering the Gamestop controller but now might wait.
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I'm looking forward to your onlive controller review. at $50.. that's definitely a hard sell, but given the service you pair that with.. negligable.
Subscribing.. thanks for this!
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Don't forget, zeemote is another option for a compact bluetooth controller.
lordgodgeneral said:
Don't forget, zeemote is another option for a compact bluetooth controller.
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I have seen that device. It just seemed like with only directional and one (maybe 2) buttons the device doesn't really support much. I'll have to look into it more. Maybe if I can find one cheap I'll grab it and take a look.
PS My Onlive controller should arrive tomorrow so I'll get something written up on it likely by the end of the week.
btate0121 said:
I'm looking forward to your onlive controller review. at $50.. that's definitely a hard sell, but given the service you pair that with.. negligable.
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$50 is a bit steep but for me anyway I'll probably be able to sell off my PS3 controller which I just use for my PC now and use the onlive controller. If I get $40 for the PS3 it turns out to be pretty much a wash. I know that's probably not the case for most but it may help some. Anyway we'll see how good it is soon
Looking forward to the review of the OnLive controller!!
I have a PS3 and 2 controllers but the kids use them (nearly) every day so I really can't use one of those and switch it around all the time.
Also I don't believe the PS3 controller can be paired with 2 different Android devices at the same time. Eh, I don't mean real-time concurrency, I mean I don't think I can have it set up on both my Bionic and Xoom and switch between them without having to set it all up again on the PC. If I'm wrong about that please correct me! If the OnLive controller can do that I'll be sold!
I want one of these
http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/10/2...n-iphone-android-gamepad-controller-announced
beowolfschaefer said:
$50 is a bit steep but for me anyway I'll probably be able to sell off my PS3 controller which I just use for my PC now and use the onlive controller. If I get $40 for the PS3 it turns out to be pretty much a wash. I know that's probably not the case for most but it may help some. Anyway we'll see how good it is soon
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I agree that $50 for just any old regular controller is robbery. LOL. I refuse to buy brand new xbox controllers for that reason. But one controller that can be used on multiple platforms.. meh.. i can mentally justify that.. though I'd rather not ya know? LOL.
in the meantime i discovered an app called "BT Controller" that lets you use one android device to control the other. so I'm going from my GS2 to the Xoom
Ad supported - https://market.android.com/details?...GwsMSwyLDEsImRyb2lkYmVhbi5idGNvbnRyb2xsZXIiXQ..
Paid version ($1) - https://market.android.com/details?...DEwOSwiZHJvaWRiZWFuLmJ0Y29udHJvbGxlcmZ1bGwiXQ..
it's not PERFECT but it works.
Looks like the app uses airpush avoid like the plague.
(Doesn't even mention it supports the xperia play which would be the obvious choice).
beowolfschaefer said:
Anyway we'll see how good it is soon
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Not that I'm trying to rush you or anything..... But did ya get it yet? Did ya?! Did ya?! Did ya?!
I completely forgot about the onlive controller. I got a promotional email a few days ago from onlive where if you pre purchased their new soccer game 39.99 full play pass, they were actually giving away the entire gaming system for free. I just checked offer expired today. That really sucks, I was so.busy last week I only glanced at the offer. Basically for 40$ you'd get the game which came out today and the wireless controller setup along with their consule box to hook up to any TV. Which costs 99.99 alone, I should of jumped at the offer instead of waiting. Let me know how it work, so I can kick myself for now I'll have to pay 50 just for the controller
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Wiimote?
I used a Wiimote with Gensoid today using the Wiimote Controller app from the marketplace, didn't realise it was so easy - worked straight off with only minor hassle of having to switch between Wiimote and Keyboard input manually. Great for those old 3 and 2 button controller games!
mowgli.je said:
I used a Wiimote with Gensoid today using the Wiimote Controller app from the marketplace, didn't realise it was so easy - worked straight off with only minor hassle of having to switch between Wiimote and Keyboard input manually. Great for those old 3 and 2 button controller games!
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I downloaded it and tried it out based on your post, works great with nesoid! I had a few setup and mapping issues but once I got those sorted everything is working fantastic.
Dual Shock all the way
I am also impressed with the gaming capability of the Xoom and I have been enjoying playing Modern Combat 3. Using a decent controller makes all the difference and my controller of choice is the Dual Shock controller from my PS3.
It is true that it cannot be paired with two devices at once, which is a bit annoying, but it works really well. I cannot I imagine why anyone would pay $50 for a controller that is not as good. Just buy a Dual Shock controller and the SixAxis application and you're all set.
This is a review of MOGA Pro wireless game controller: http://www.mogaanywhere.com/about-moga/moga-pro-controller/
Let me start with a disclaimer: "I'm not a big fan of video games. Period." A short while ago after reviewing a pair of wireless headphones someone asked me about delay in sound through bluetooth conection when you pull a trigger, and suggested to try Dead Trigger as a test game. I was very impressed with a graphics of that game on Note 2, but got frustrated very fast with on-screen controls. Playing Solitaire on touch screen is one thing, but when you want to play and to experience the excitement of a real game on a smart phone of any size, or a tablet, or either of those connected to your big screen tv - the best choice is narrowed down to MOGA Pro.
Before jumping into the review, I wanted to mention about packaging of this controller. The box it came in was top quality with an eye popping graphics which gets you excited ahead of what's inside of it. Definitely a premium quality retail package that captures your attention right away. Once you unpack it, you find MOGA Pro game controller, usb charge cable (a regular micro-usb connector), a very nice tablet stand, and a coupon for a free game (with a suggestion sticker on the box cover for free download of N.O.V.A. 3). PAC-MAN came standard free with a controller as well. Since I mentioned that I'm not big into playing games, I don't have too many comparison references, but the build quality of this wireless controller was beyond any other gadget/accessory I ever reviewed. This lightweight (6.7 oz -> 188g) device is built rock solid. Rubberized grip handles add to a fantastic ergonomics with every possible controller options right under both of your thumbs and index fingers. You get dual analog sticks, directional pad, shoulder buttons and triggers, select/start buttons, 4 action buttons, LED illumination button (for action buttons), and a power switch to select between enhanced MOGA mode and HID enabled mode. Controller is rechargeable so there is no need to worry about batteries or their additional weight. The built-in MOGA arm flips open with a spring loaded latch that extends to handle a smart phone up to 82mm in width. For my testing I used Zerolemon extended battery with it's TPU case which is 85mm in width that got fitted without a problem. One thing to note, in this particular case with Note 2 and ZL ext battery, MOGA arm served as resting kickstand rather than a secure grip that will hold phone tightly. This wasn't a show stopper for me playing various games, using touch-screen in-between, and being able to find a comfortable sitting position with a best viewing angle of the Note 2 screen. Under an additional heavy weight of ZL ext battery, I wouldn't recommend tilting this controller during the game play. But a naked Note 2 or any other 5" or smaller smart phone would get a much better grip with moga arm. You do have to keep in mind, playing video games will put a toll on your battery. Therefore a smart phone with an extended battery is a realistic setup, and I happy to report that even in extreme case with the biggest smartphone/phablet equipped with the largest extended battery - MOGA Pro was still able to handle it without a sweat! Oh, and if you read the latest announced from E3 conference, the next gen of MOGA controllers will feature "boost" technology with a built-in battery charger to keep charging your phone while you are playing.
If you want to use this controller with a tablet, a very sturdy tablet stand will be able to accommodate any tablet even with a case and up to 10" without a problem. The ultimate setup will be connecting your phone/tablet to tv and using controller from across the room thanks to bluetooth pair up. With moga arm conveniently folded back, MOGA Pro becomes a regular wireless controller. Pair up with Note 2 went flawlessly thanks to MOGA Pivot app you download for free. This app will guide you to a list of all the available games supporting enhanced play mode with MOGA Pro where you can select to download (free) or to buy them depending on your selection. It also scans through your already downloaded games and sorts them in the list for easier access. I haven't tried it, but after doing a bit more research found a number of people skipping Pivot app in favor of Universal Driver app to run a lot of other games in HID game mode. I believe that's more appropriate especially with ROM emulators which are obviously not supported by native MOGA app. Either way, you have options to cover you for any game!
Since I already had Dead Trigger and Beach Buggy, it automatically showed up in the list of my games. PAC-MAN was available for download as a free bonus; I also downloaded free version of SG DeadZone, and used my coupon to get free N.O.V.A 3 (which I have to warn you requires additional download of 1.6GB of data). What can I say? Using separate game controller opened up my eyes and cleared up 5.5" screen to a full visibility without hovering with my fingers to reach for controls. I couldn't pulled myself away from playing these games. You definitely get a full standalone gaming experience with this mobile gaming system. What is amazing, it supports even old Android phones with 2.3. So if you still have your old Droid X, dust if off and put it to a good use Switching to play in a setup with Nexus 7 was another great experience where I was able to be less careful with moving the controller since my tablet was up on the included stand. Next week I'm getting a new HDMI adapter, so the gaming will move to tv!
Overall, if you enjoy playing games on your smartphone or tablet and want to have the best gaming experience with one of the best built mobile gaming controllers - for $49.96 shipped free from Amazon and with included 2 year warranty there is no other choice but to go with MOGA Pro. If anybody was hesitant about fitment with Note 2, I hope my pictures below can demonstrate that it can extend to host even Note 2 with Zerolemon battery, although you will have to restrain your excitement while playing so you don't slide the phone out of the moga arm. I will actually go as far as recommending MOGA Pro as one of those must have accessories!
Here are the pictures:
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Thanks V, I just pulled the trigger on this one.
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I visited powera, the makers of the Moga Pro, at E3. They are coming out with a moga pro that will also charge phones while in use. No specifics on charging rate, amount, battery life affects on the moga, etc as they had the prototypes on display but thought u guys would want to know.
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jyan_osu said:
I visited powera, the makers of the Moga Pro, at E3. They are coming out with a moga pro that will also charge phones while in use. No specifics on charging rate, amount, battery life affects on the moga, etc as they had the prototypes on display but thought u guys would want to know.
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Yep, I did mention it in my write up above, announcement about MOGA boost @ E3, containing battery/charger
I know it's a long write up and some of you just skip to pictures
I certainly skip to the pictures.
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LittleRedDot said:
I certainly skip to the pictures.
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You'll miss some important info in there
Good review. I like the controller except it doesn't work with all games. Just the ones in the Moga library. I would love to use it playing "Real Racing 3" for example.
fozzir said:
Good review. I like the controller except it doesn't work with all games. Just the ones in the Moga library. I would love to use it playing "Real Racing 3" for example.
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Have you tried Universal Driver app? I haven't tried it myself but heard it suppose to be truly "universal".
Great write up.
Has anyone used emulators with this moga controller? Wondering how well the game play is. .
thanks was looking for a good controller for my note 2
simply dave said:
Great write up.
Has anyone used emulators with this moga controller? Wondering how well the game play is. .
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I use the universal app and it works for every game I have tried. Also super nes emulator and moga works great.
nice write up and pictures.
I forgot about the universal app. Since I had a PS3, and had gotten Sixaxias Controller app when I had the Evo4G, I went with the GameKlip and Clingo Neklit. Both appear to to have same portability. The way went, makes since if you already have a PS3 controller, otherwise it'll cost more than the Moga.
Dead Trigger, SG Shadowgun, and Shodowgun are a lot more enjoyable experiences with a controller. I would add in GTA3 and GTAVC too.
The bad part, some mobile games just aren't great with controllers because there is no native gamepad support and can't program controls or use touch profiles such as NFS or Dead Space. It's just limits to the games.
Not as robust, but works well with emullators is Wiimote app with a Wiimote. I've used it with the classic controller attached.
where to get this for the uk?
only game.co.uk has it listed and that store is notorious for under stocking (sure enough its out of stock).
do any of the usa retailers ship to the uk?
I ordered now from a usa retailer but I have to wait 48 hours to find out shipping fees.
chrcol said:
where to get this for the uk?
only game.co.uk has it listed and that store is notorious for under stocking (sure enough its out of stock).
do any of the usa retailers ship to the uk?
I ordered now from a usa retailer but I have to wait 48 hours to find out shipping fees.
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Don't pull a trigger on original Moga Pro yet. They are coming out in October/November with a new "Power" version that will have built-in external battery to charge your phone while playing and also a new improved latch that will accommodate Note 2 even with Defender case (thus will work with Zerolemon battery/case). It will be a bit more pricey, but in my opinion these improvements worth it.
Engadget done a quick write up about it already: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/powera-moga-power-controllers-hands-on/
Keeping my fingers crossed to get review sample as well whenever it's available.
vectron said:
Don't pull a trigger on original Moga Pro yet. They are coming out in October/November with a new "Power" version that will have built-in external battery to charge your phone while playing and also a new improved latch that will accommodate Note 2 even with Defender case (thus will work with Zerolemon battery/case). It will be a bit more pricey, but in my opinion these improvements worth it.
Engadget done a quick write up about it already: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/powera-moga-power-controllers-hands-on/
Keeping my fingers crossed to get review sample as well whenever it's available.
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That does look interesting but trigger still pulled, for few reasons.
1 - If I wait they then may have another improvement in pipeline when I go for the other and then I wait again (and again)?
2 - I will also use this as a holder for the phone in landscape mode (I have my dock for portrait), but will controller be heavy enough to act as a holder, as this review indicates probably not, still probably better than if no holder at all.
3 - I am impatient.
Its possible I wont like this product and resell it right off, I dont even use my phone fo rgaming at all as I find touch controls for gaming counter intuitive. As well as gaming on a small screen. However I am not against small gaming devices, as there is no doubt it saves a ton of space over eg. a full sized console.
So I ordered this controller alongside a hdtv adaptor (which I hope works on a hdmi monitor), but cant test yet due to the hdmi cable not arrived yet.
The combo in use would mean the hdtv adaptor is using the usb port on my phone which is another reason, as that then means I cant use the charge whilst play feature anyway.
I have now found a uk vendor tho and they have shipped game did get in stock quick as it turns out, cancelled the order from powerA as a result.
can this controller work on despicable me 2 or temple run? so I can use this rather than swiping on the screen.
does it work with all games?
romdroid. said:
does it work with all games?
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Look at the post #11 above. With universal app for Moga it works with every game, including super nes emulators and other emulators.
vectron said:
Look at the post #11 above. With universal app for Moga it works with every game, including super nes emulators and other emulators.
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I feel the need to chime in here now I have this device.
First of all the device is very light weight, some have compared it to a 360 controller, its much lighter and smaller than a 360 controller.
Second in mode A it takes an age to sync to my phone, mode B its faster.
Third even with the universal app at least for me it doesnt work in every game, that app has no documentation that I can find in how to setup touchscreen emulation, it just says how to activate the driver. No idea how everyone else got it working but I cant find documentation on how to setup profiles, it certianly isnt plug and play, so its not the case of install app, activate driver and play any game, thats tripe.
At the moment the controller is an expensive brick for me as I can only get it working on official moga games, after waiting 2+ mins for it to sync.
Using the Zero Lemon case, does it come off quickly when the controller got tilted?
I like to play while lying in my bed. Will it come off and smack on my face? LOL
l have always used a PS3 controller on my phones and tablets,
To those into all those different Android specific ones, are there any advantages to switching over to them?
If so, what is a good, Inexpensive one?
1 have seen $15 to $80 ones and that upper range is insanely priced. I will be using mostly for emulators
I use a moga power pro which can be hand for around 30 bucks online. The advantage is alot of games are pre programmed for it but even if a game isn't you can use the controller in mode b then use key mapping if said game supports controllers in general. Another advantage of the moga power pro is that it can charge your phone while you play. The moga pads are good and I've heard the nyko play pads are good too i cannot speak on the others.
gcforreal said:
I use a moga power pro which can be hand for around 30 bucks online. The advantage is alot of games are pre programmed for it but even if a game isn't you can use the controller in mode b then use key mapping if said game supports controllers in general. Another advantage of the moga power pro is that it can charge your phone while you play. The moga pads are good and I've heard the nyko play pads are good too i cannot speak on the others.
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Thank You