PowerA OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller

PowerA OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller

Feature

Controller or Keyboard


As a PC gamer, I'm primarily a keyboard and mouse user. The added accuracy from the mouse and the ability to bind keys to my liking gives gamers such as myself full customisation. However, there are times when I sit on the couch with the rest of the family and have to resort to using a controller with some of the co-op games that they prefer to play.

With that in mind, controllers have improved in recent times. Gone are the days of fixed controls with rumble features. Controllers these days are almost as customisable as a mouse. With the range of buttons that can be binded according to your preference. One such controller is the PowerA OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller - a device that has a heap of functionality built into its compact frame.

Features and Performance


The controller features rubberised grips where the palms grip the controller. These definitely reduce slippage when gaming for lengthy gaming sessions with sweaty palms. However, the grips do have one disadvantage - they attract dust quite easily when not in use. A quick wipe with a wet cloth can quickly clean off any dust though.



Like the hand grips, each of the front and underside buttons feature a similar textured pattern, giving the controller more of a tactile feel. The top facing buttons however, have the standard smooth styling. Most of the buttons have mechanical switches, providing gamers with an audible response whenever pressed.

As briefly mentioned earlier, the OPS v3 Pro comes with six extra buttons that are fully customisable, allowing gamers to choose a setup that feels more comfortable. There are two extra buttons near the triggers and four more on the underside of the controller. I must admit that I did find them awkward to use at times, and I rarely used those on the left side when I was using the thumbstick.

Speaking of the thumbsticks, another feature that was new to me was the 'quick-twist' thumbsticks. These allow the player to quickly raise or lower the height of the thumbsticks. It only adjusts the height about 3mm, but it is enough to make a difference. Combined with the hall effect feature, these thumbsticks provide a more accurate gaming experience.

When gaming on the couch at home, occasionally have trouble with tripping over the cables when someone goes for a quick break. The OPS v3 Pro has no such issues, with the wireless functionality. The controller connects via a USB transmitter, which when not in use can be stored away in a neat little compartment on the charging base. As well as that, if you're running low in USB ports on your PC, you can connect via Bluetooth. This Bluetooth connectivity also allows gamers to connect to a smartphone, Smart TVs or even compatible handheld devices such as a Steam Deck.

Battery Power


The battery on the controller (at full charge) will provide gamers with around 30 hours of playtime before requiring a recharge. This is more than sufficient for your favourite couch co-op or online EA Sports FC 25 or NBA 2K25 competition. However, if you feel that you're going to run out of charge during a session, you can always plug in the USB cable and use the controller as a wired device.

Like most peripherals on the market, the OPS v3 Pro comes with RGB, allowing gamers to add a touch of colour as they game. Whether gamers have favoured colour scheme, or want to add something new, the OPS enables full customisation. The controller has 4 individual lighting zones and 3 lighting modes for thousands of colour combinations. A small LED on the underside of the controller can be used to cycle through these different RGB zones.

The OPS v3 Pro also comes with three levels of trigger lock on the underside of the device. At times, I did find that the setting which allows the shortest press did not always work as intended. I didn't seem to have any issues with the second setting.

Verdict


The PowerA OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller has been packed full of functionality and style. With the RGB and the mappable buttons, the controller can be customised according to each gamer’s particular style. When using the wireless options, the controls are responsive and the battery will be unlikely to run out during a gaming session. The tactile nature of the mechanical switches in the buttons further enhance the accuracy. But this is primarily a PC controller, as it does not contain an audio jack, so for Xbox gamers wishing to plug in a headset, you'll be disappointed. And although the OPS v3 Pro won't replace a keyboard and mouse combo, with the six mappable buttons, it is the next best thing.

PowerA OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller


In the Box:


Controller
2.4GHz USB Adapter
Charging Base
USB Cable
Quick Start Guide


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