Review
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By Neil Hughes
Friday, December 20, 2013, 01:10 pm PT (04:10 pm ET)
The Moga Ace Power is compatible with Apple's iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, and fifth-generation iPod touch. It, along with the Logitech PowerShell Controller, is one of the first two Apple-certified Made for iPhone gaming controllers available.
Both devices are priced the same, at $99.99, though that's largely where the comparisons end. While far from perfect, and not a particularly great value, the Moga controller is a better value and a more full-featured controller for traditional gamers, and is our recommendation for those deciding among the two.
Design and feel
The real selling point of the Moga controller is that it's currently the only truly full-featured modern gaming controller available for the iPhone. Like all current major game consoles, the accessory features two joysticks (though these are 'circle pads' like on the Nintendo 3DS rather than full joysticks), a D-pad, four face buttons, and four shoulder buttons.
The unique design of the Moga controller allows it to be collapsible, making it easier to throw in a bag and carry around. Once stretched out, the controller can be 'overstretched' to squeeze in a compatible iOS device.
The Moga Ace Power sports an integrated Lightning plug, which serves a variety of purposes. Most importantly, it allows the buttons on the device to work with compatible games on the iPhone, but it also allows the integrated battery to recharge a connected device.
Notably, the Lightning connector also allows for audio passthrough, making it easy for users to plug a set of headphones into the controller itself. This is an important distinction from Logitech's offering, which requires what is quite frankly a ridiculous 'elbow' adapter included with the product for headphone use.
On the front of the left side of the controller are the left joystick, D-pad, a pause button, and a switch to enable the battery for charging. Another button is included to physically press the lock button atop a connected iOS device to lock the screen.
On the right side are four face buttons, labeled 'A,' 'B,' 'X,' and 'Y.' A battery status button lights up four red LEDs to show how much charge is left in the integrated battery, and a right analog stick allows for camera or aiming controls in applicable games.
Up top, four shoulder buttons can be found: Two regular buttons named 'L1' and 'R1,' and two trigger-style buttons labeled 'L2' and 'R2.' A micro-USB port for recharging the battery is also available.
Finally, on the back of the device is a locking switch, which ensures the iPhone cannot be removed from the controller when activated, as well as a hole where a pin can be inserted to reset the controller.
Unfortunately, the construction of the Moga controller does not feel solid when you first get it in your hands. Its collapsible design is somewhat wobbly and flimsy, though this may be by design.
We say this because once we inserted our iPhone 5s, the whole controller became rigid and solid. It's possible that some of the 'give' to the controller could be to accommodate iPhones of different sizes.
That said, the design of the Moga Ace Power could use work in future iterations. The wobbliness when unplugged from an iPhone does not inspire confidence in its build quality, while the buttons are a hit-or-miss affair.
The circle pad joysticks are serviceable, but don't feel as comfortable as the comparable style flat joystick on the Nintendo 3DS. The face buttons and '1' numbered shoulder buttons have appropriate give, but the '2' numbered shoulder buttons feel somewhat 'mushy' and are not satisfying to pull.
Another button that gave us some concern was the 'lock' mechanism, which, again, physically presses the button atop the iPhone. When the button is pressed when an iPhone is not inserted, the bending plastic elbow reminded us of components on other accessories that were prone to bend and break over time. That said, it worked fine for our brief test period.
Usage and games
When connected to an iPhone, the Moga controller certainly looks goofy. With the buttons located to the left and right of the screen, the controller is long and appears unwieldy. With its questionable iPhone-free construction and particularly elongated appearance once attached, the Moga does not make a good first impression.
Perhaps its most direct comparison is the PlayStation Vita, a single-screen mobile gaming device with dual joysticks and a large touchscreen. An iPhone 5s with the Moga Ace Power attached is significantly wider than the Vita.
Thankfully, we found that once we connected an iPhone and started to play games, most of those concerns over the form factor melted away. Plugging in the controller to an iPhone 5s was quick and easy, and no setup was required for the accessory to begin working with supported games.
Dual-stick control in a title like Dead Trigger 2 felt natural, and after using the Moga Ace Power, it's hard to imagine going back to playing such console-style games with touch-only controls.
The inclusion of dual joysticks is particularly important, as it means that modern 3D games —in particular first-person shooters —can be played the way that 'hardcore' console gamers have become accustomed to.
There is absolutely no question that a game like Dead Trigger 2 or Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is infinitely better with physical controls. The debut of Moga's Ace Power means that titles, and new ones to come, like this can become more full featured, and be viable options for serious, more traditional gamers.
That said, there are still improvements to be made on the software front. Not all games make it entirely clear when a player can select items on the screen with the controller, and when they must actually touch the display.
Navigating the main menus in Galaxy on Fire 2 HD, for example, requires users to use the touchscreen to navigate menus. Most other games allow menu control via physical input.
Let's take a few moments to talk about Galaxy on Fire 2, because it's a prime example of what's wrong with Made for iPhone gaming controllers at launch.
Since it's difficult to know exactly what games support physical controllers, we searched online and found that Galaxy on Fire 2 HD was supported. So, we searched the App Store and installed the free game Galaxy on Fire 2.
To our frustration, we could not get the Moga Ace Power to work with Galaxy on Fire 2. Nothing appeared in the game's options menu, and there was no indication that a controller was connected.
Then we realized our own folly: The Moga Ace Power is supported by Galaxy on Fire 2 HD, which is a completely different download on the App Store from Galaxy on Fire 2 (non-HD). Installing Galaxy on Fire 2 HD solved the issue.
And in our tests with another game, Asphalt 8: Airborne, we could not get the title to work with Moga's controller. The game would actually detect the controller, but navigating to the controls settings just showed a placeholder of '(Text)' for all of the button function descriptions.
However, when Logitech's Made for iPhone controller is plugged in, Asphalt 8 works perfectly fine with that peripheral. This leads us to believe that Moga's dual-joystick design is incompatible with the title, while Logitech's D-pad-only form factor is not. This is particularly disappointing because the Moga controller has analog triggers that would be better suited for adjusting speed while pressing the virtual gas pedal in a racing game.
To be fair, these issues fall squarely on Apple. Without a dedicated section in the App Store identifying Made for iPhone controller-compatible games, it's impossible to know for sure what works. And even then, a title may be compatible with a controller other than the one you own. At the moment, it's too confusing.
That is to say that the experience so far is decidedly un-Apple. It's not intuitive or easy to figure out, and casual gamers will come away especially frustrated.
Conclusion
We bought the Moga Ace Power at a discounted price of $80 at major U.S. electronics retailer Best Buy, which made the purchase slightly more palatable. But even at $80, it's hard to recommend this accessory to all but the most extreme of mobile gamers.
In contrast, a new Xbox One controller or a PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller are both sold for $60. Like the Moga Ace Power, they include integrated batteries. And unlike the Moga Ace Power, they also include wireless connectivity to pair them to their respective consoles.
Why do the first Made for iPhone controllers cost so much? Perhaps it's associated with Apple's licensing. Perhaps it's the cost of being first to market. We don't know the answer, but regardless, we can't recommend either the Moga or Logitech offerings at $100 retail. At $50, the Moga would be an easier recommendation —but that's half of its current retail price.
At this point, there is also the question as to whether a 'case' style design for a gaming controller is ideal for the iPhone. We can't help but think that a wireless controller might be a better form factor for many gamers. Such an accessory could feature a clamp that could hold an iPhone up top, while also allowing users to connect to the iPad for gaming on a bigger display.
Moga's first outing, in contrast, is an iPhone-only affair, despite the fact that most top-tier iOS titles are available on both iPhone and iPad.
Apple's Made for iPhone controller rules do allow for entirely wireless controllers, so it's only a matter of time before those start to hit the market. Of course, such accessories won't have the integrated battery functionality offered by the Moga Ace Power, which is a distinct advantage when playing taxing 3D games on your iPhone on the go.
But that's the beauty of choice: Users will be able to decide whether they want a case-style controller with an integrated battery, or a wireless one that could connect to iPhone, iPad, and potentially a future Apple TV with game support.
There's a lot to like about the Moga Ace Power, and we were surprised how much we enjoyed the controller after its flimsy plastic construction and squishy shoulder triggers left us with a poor first impression out of the box. The truth is this accessory makes playing games on the iPhone a lot more fun, and a lot less frustrating.
If you're a die-hard, dedicated iPhone gamer who doesn't mind the high price tag, you'll likely be satisfied with the Moga Ace Power. It does what it sets out to do.
For everyone else, though, we can't recommend this product at $100. There aren't enough games available, Apple's efforts to identify such games on the App Store are currently nonexistent, and the high price tag doesn't justify putting up with either.
Score: 2.5 out of 5
Pros
- Console-style games are vastly superior with physical controls
- The unique collapsing design makes it slightly portable, though its wobbly construction when the iPhone is removed doesn't inspire confidence
- Integrated battery means you'll keep gaming on the go for longer
Cons
- We can't recommend spending suggested price of $100 for this accessory
- iPhone-only. Sorry, iPad gamers— you'll have to wait for wireless controllers to arrive
- Where are the games? No, seriously —Apple, tell us. We don't know.
Where to buy
The Moga Ace Power retails for $99.99, but it's currently on sale at Best Buy for $79.99, a $20 savings. Other retailers such as Apple also offer the iPhone accessory for its regular retail price.
Review
By Neil Hughes
Sunday, November 30, 2014, 06:14 am PT (09:14 am ET)
The Moga Rebel is available direct from the manufacturer, as well as through Apple's online store and at its retail locations. It sells for $79.95, and features the full array of inputs that hardcore gamers expect: two joysticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, two triggers, and two bumpers.
Inside the box, the Moga Rebel comes with the controller itself, as well as a micro USB cable for recharging.
And unlike Moga's last attempt at an iOS gaming controller, the Ace Power, this accessory is an entirely wireless affair via Bluetooth. That means that the controller can be easily used with both your iPhone and iPad, and also won't become quickly outdated by a new iPhone design.
That's an important point because last year's Moga Ace Power simply won't fit the new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. But the new Moga Rebel features a secure clamp dubbed the 'S.M.R.T. Lock Arm' that can hold not only an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, but also previous-generation iPhones and even the iPod touch.
Design
In the hands, the Moga Rebel feels very much like a modern home console gaming controller, such as for Microsoft's Xbox One. Admittedly it does not feel as premium as an Xbox One controller, however, with triggers in particular that feel too springy.
While the construction of the Moga Rebel isn't as premium as an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 input device, it does feel solid. We wouldn't be concerned about throwing the Moga Rebel into a bag and having it survive a trip.
The joysticks feel great. Having dual, full joysticks on the face makes a huge difference when playing a number of modern-style games on iOS, like the recently released port of popular first-person shooter BioShock.
The joysticks do lack the ability to click in, for gameplay input methods like zooming when aiming a weapon, which are found on other consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. But this is a flaw of Apple's controller specifications, so we can't place the blame on Moga.
The D-pad on the Moga Rebel will be adequate for most gamers, though it's not worthy of any praise. We'd put it about on par with the Xbox 360 D-pad, which served a generation of gamers but wasn't well received by serious critics.
The face buttons— A, B, X and Y —all feel good when pressed. Unfortunately the bumper buttons are mushy and lack the satisfying 'click' found on the Xbox One controller.
The best feature of the Moga Rebel, in our view, is the extendable arm which holds an iPhone into place. Securely locking our iPhone 6 into the arm made for a great mobile gaming experience, allowing the full control of a console-style controller while still providing a portable package.
We do wish that the arm could be snapped back a little bit farther to allow for more viewing angle options when holding the iPhone. But we didn't find that the angles hurt our gameplay experience in any way.
When playing on an iPad, the arm can be folded down into the center of the controller. And an on-off switch for the accessory is hidden in this compartment as well.
While we take a critical eye to the feel of controllers, we'll admit that many of these concerns began to melt away when it was time to jump into a game.
Usage
For a blockbuster title like BioShock, the truth is a touchscreen is never going to cut it. Connecting the Moga Rebel to our iPhone and iPad made all of the difference.
As soon as we were set up, we found ourselves electrocuting and shooting splicers in the world of Rapture with ease, just like we did years ago playing BioShock on our Xbox 360.
A similar comfort came from playing other console-style 3D games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. And even retro-style 2D games like the Metal Slug series were vastly improved by their support for physical controllers.
It should be noted that when we first bought our Moga Rebel, our 2013 iPad Air running iOS 8.1 did exhibit some connection issues, while our iPhone 6 did not. The recently released iOS 8.1.1 update appears to have addressed this problem. We chalk this up to the plethora of Bluetooth-related bugs that were introduced with iOS 8.
The truth is, most of our problems with iOS gaming controllers fall on Apple. For starters, there is no easy way to find a list of games that support controllers on the App Store.
Thankfully, Moga has attempted to address this with the Moga World app available for iOS. In addition to a button test mode compatible with both the Moga Rebel and Moga Ace, this app also features a list of controller-enabled games available on the App Store.
It was thanks to Moga's app, and not Apple's listings on the App Store, that we discovered a bundle of four Metal Slug games available to purchase for $7.99.
Even then, Apple doesn't have a special icon or signifier to show that a title has controller support. While Game Center gets its own icon and note in App Store listings, users must check the text app description and see if the developer has made note of controller support.
The competition
Moga's previous effort, the Ace Power, was a unique first attempt, using a Lightning connector, internal battery, and collapsible design to achieve convenience and portability. But this year's attempt feels like a huge improvement.
There's also the Logitech PowerShell Controller, but like the Ace Power, this only fits the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5, and won't work with the newer and more capable iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. It also lacks joysticks, providing control only through a D-pad, which makes it best suited for two-dimensional games.
We also took a look at the SteelSeries Stratus, which has a very unique ultraportable design. But the diminutive controller will likely be too cramped for many, and it offers no place to hold an iPhone while gaming.
SteelSeries also recently launched a new $70 Stratus XL controller compatible with iOS —a full-size accessory much like the Moga Rebel. While we haven't tested the SteelSeries Stratus XL, we'll note that it too lacks a way to hold an iPhone while gaming, making it better suited for using with an iPad and stand. We'd prefer the Rebel's lock arm for the extra $10.
Finally, there's also the Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i Mobile Gamepad, which we also have not yet tested. Like the Moga Rebel, it features a travel-ready adjustable clip that can be used to hold an iPhone.
To us, the biggest selling point of the Mad Catz product is its price —the Micro C.T.R.L.i costs just $49.99, compared to the $79.95 price point of the Moga Rebel. The Moga Rebel is sold direct by Apple online and in its retail stores, while the Mad Catz product is not.
Conclusion
While Apple has a long way to go in supporting and promoting controller-compatible games on the App Store, Moga has made the first controller we've tested that we feel comfortable recommending to gamers looking for physical input on their iOS device.
If you walk into an Apple Store looking for a controller to use on the go with your iPhone, and also with your iPad, we can safely say that the Moga Rebel is your best option.
The $80 price point, however, remains a sticking point. A year ago, iOS gaming controllers were all priced at $100 —a level we found to be unacceptable. Now, most of them have dropped to around $80, which is an improvement, but we still feel is too high.
Moga Rebel Premium Ios Gaming Controller Iphone Ipad Ipod Macbook Pro
For example, more premium Xbox One and PlayStation 4 controllers sell for $60. Controllers for Apple's iOS platform should at the very least match that pricing, and in the case of some products it should be undercut.At $50, we feel like the Moga Rebel would be an easy recommendation to almost any iPhone gamer. At $80, it's a solid recommendation for hardcore iOS gamers who are actively on the market for a controller.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Pros- Full-size controller with complete array of buttons for modern 3D games
- Great joysticks and face buttons drastically improve gameplay for compatible titles
- Extendible 'lock arm' holds an iPhone of any size securely in place while gaming
- Bluetooth connectivity guarantees both iPhone and iPad support into the future, regardless of Apple design changes
Cons
- $80 price point still feels too high, particularly compared to $60 premium home console controllers
- Apple needs to enhance visibility of controller-supported games on the App Store
Where to buy
The Moga Rebel is available direct from the company, while its exclusive retail partner is Apple, which sells the controller for $79.95.
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