As a seasoned gamer with years of controller-wielding experience under my belt, I must say that the PowerA OPS v3 Pro has left quite an impression. This premium offering for PC gamers is a breath of fresh air, catering to our specific needs with its thoughtful design and extensive customization options.
Among the numerous controllers competing to excel today, PowerA’s OPS series continues to distinguish itself, particularly appealing to enthusiasts of PC, cloud, and mobile gaming. In contrast to the console market flooded with choices, high-quality dedicated PC gamepads are surprisingly scarce. It is in this niche that the OPS v3 Pro truly excels: a top-tier controller designed specifically for PC gamers, standing out in a scarcely populated field.
However, it’s not without opposition. Its toughest rival might stem from within its own lineup. Ranging from the budget-friendly OPS v1 to the Xbox-focused PowerA models like the cost-effective Advantage, the mid-range FUSION 4 Pro, and the premium FUSION Pro Wireless, these are potential contenders. After testing them all, I was intrigued to find out if the OPS v3 Pro could measure up against some of the top PC controllers available.
- Check out the PowerA OPS v3 Pro
Design
The PowerA OPS v3 Pro is a PC controller designed with an Xbox button layout. Now, I personally lean toward the PlayStation style, but I know the asymmetrical layout hits the sweet spot for many. This controller feels like a solid upgrade over the OPS v1, with a refined, premium touch thanks to a textured grip that wraps from the back to the front, making it a better fit for longer sessions. I’d say it was comfortable overall, but it did feel a little heavy, tipping my scales at 0.653 lbs. A few of the button placements feel slightly off as well… more on that in a moment.
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the OPS v3 Pro is stacked with features! It can connect through Bluetooth, a USB cable, or 2.4GHz wireless for versatile gameplay setups. It also boasts multi-zone RGB Lumectra lighting, customizable buttons, adjustable height, and twistable thumbsticks. Add to that Hall Effect joysticks, mecha tactile buttons, three-way trigger locks, dual rumble motors, a Turbo button, a profile switch, and even a charging stand. And if that’s not enough, it comes with a two-year warranty for added assurance.
According to PowerA, their controller boasts a 30-hour battery life, but due to using both wired and wireless modes during my playtime, I didn’t get a chance to fully test that claim. However, based on my past experiences with PowerA controllers, I am confident that the battery life is reliable and likely meets or even exceeds their stated duration.
Here’s a breakdown of my thoughts regarding a few key features:
- The twistable thumbsticks are an improvement on the thumbstick caps of the OPS v1, letting you set three different heights independently. My only worry is whether the twisting mechanism might impact accuracy or contribute to stick drift over time—more on that in the performance section.
- The AGR3 and AGL3 buttons on top are well-placed and easy to reach from the triggers. The back buttons, however, could use a rethink. They’re placed too close together and sit a bit too high, making them tough to reach and prone to accidental presses. On the bright side, they have a satisfying click compared to the rather dull feedback on PowerA’s FUSION Pro.
- Interestingly, the left rumble motor seemed stronger than the right. I’m not sure if that’s intentional, but it’s worth noting for those who like balanced feedback.
- As for the mecha tactile buttons, they give a nice click, but my initial thought was they didn’t bring much more to the table beyond that.
- The trigger-length switches feel good but are a bit softer than those on the OPS v1. This makes them easier to adjust but also a bit prone to shifting mid-game if nudged by mistake. It’s also worth noting the shortest trigger height is incredibly short, reaching only about 0.3 in Gamepad Tester, so it’s ideal if you’re after rapid inputs.
Indeed, regarding the charging station for your controller, I’d say it’s closer to a charging mat than a traditional stand. You simply place the controller on it, and it charges. The magnetic connection is quite strong, ensuring a secure fit, while the non-slip base prevents any unwanted movement. So, no need to worry about it slipping or moving around during charging.
Performance
The OPS v3 Pro generally met expectations regarding performance, although it’s challenging to quantify the impact on my gaming skills such as reaction times and accuracy in games like XDefiant and Fortnite, given the numerous factors at play. I also tested it on FC 25, where certain features seemed excessive for a sports game, but overall, it held its ground.
From my gaming perspective, I dived right into the action with the Turbo button, though I wish I’d had more time to thoroughly test it. As for the wireless connection, it held up impressively, delivering performance on par with a wired setup when it comes to minimizing lag and input delay. PowerA mentions a notable difference in polling rates – wired offers a swift 1000 Hz, while wireless maxes out at 500 Hz. While I didn’t detect a real-time gameplay difference, it’s useful information to keep in mind if you’re weighing your purchase decision.
The tactile buttons on the mecha seem intriguing at first glance. Initially, it appeared they merely added a pleasing click sound without significant improvement in performance. However, PowerA asserts that these buttons respond quicker, a claim I initially found doubtful. Upon using them in FC 25, where rapid button presses are crucial, I detected a subtle increase in responsiveness compared to standard buttons.
Regarding the buttons, I discovered that even with some layout issues, the four back buttons were beneficial in gameplay. I assigned functions like moving and reloading to them, which was a great advantage during intense firefights. However, the AGR3 and AGL3 buttons on top didn’t seem as instinctive to reach; they’re strategically placed but stretching from the triggers wasn’t comfortable for me, so I seldom utilized them while testing this device.
Regarding the adjustable triggers, they stood out as a great feature for me. I had come across complaints that the shortest setting didn’t register properly in-game, but in XDefiant, I encountered no such issues. The shortest setting functioned effectively and seemed to improve my response time by decreasing the distance needed to pull the trigger. It might just be a placebo effect, but I definitely felt more agile during close-range gunfights, where speed tends to trump accuracy.
I too appreciated the versatile thumbsticks that come in three adjustable heights each. Compared to the OPS v1, these height-adjustable sticks on the v3 Pro provide an enhanced control experience. By elevating my aiming stick to its maximum height, I was able to achieve significant wins and high kill-death (K/D) ratios.
Regrettably, the rotatable joysticks weren’t entirely perfect. Although they incorporate Hall Effect technology, I detected an intermittent issue known as stick drift, which seemed inconsistent. At times, it was discernible during gameplay, but on other occasions, it wasn’t perceptible at all.
Initially, the picture displays minimal drifting when both joysticks are at their shortest levels. In contrast, the subsequent image indicates severe drifting that took place within 10 seconds, only with the right stick at its maximum extension after recalibration. Interestingly, after another round of recalibration, the right joystick didn’t exhibit any drifting in-game, even when it was set to its tallest position.
To put it simply, during testing phases, the drifting problem was inconsistent and persisted, but it was seldom experienced in real gaming scenarios. Notably, the OPS v3 Pro had the least amount of drift among all PowerA controllers I’ve tried, which is a considerable enhancement. Additionally, with the PowerA app, you can customize the inner and outer deadzones for each stick, as well as adjust the stick curves, offering a more tailored control experience.
Software
Instead of PowerA’s Gamer HQ for its FUSION series, the OPS v3 Pro utilizes the PowerA PC HQ application, providing a comprehensive toolkit for testing and customizing the controller. This app lets you adjust various settings such as remapping buttons, controlling the turbo function, fine-tuning joystick sensitivity, modifying triggers, and checking the rumble motors. The application further allows users to save up to three customized profiles, which can be switched using a dedicated button on the controller’s underside, and personalize the Lumectra lighting across four different zones, each with individual color and effect options (static, breath, and cycle).
This software appears to be an enhancement over Gamer HQ, offering a sleeker and user-friendly design. The menus are straightforward to maneuver, and as per PowerA, further refinements could still be on the horizon given that it’s currently in beta testing.
I appreciated that the controller gave me an instant update prompt as soon as I connected it, indicating PowerA’s forward-thinking attitude towards regularly updating the controller’s software and resolving any arising problems.
Verdict
The PowerA OPS v3 Pro controller distinguishes itself as a top choice for PC gamers seeking a premium, adaptable gaming controller. Its design incorporates elements such as a textured grip for comfort during long gaming sessions, although I noticed it can be on the heavier side and some button placements may not be ideal. Nevertheless, PowerA has equipped this controller with a range of features, including multi-zone RGB lighting, adjustable thumbsticks that can twist, and customizable triggers, providing ample opportunities for personalization.
As a gamer, I’ve found this controller delivers top-notch gameplay, boasting seamless wireless connectivity and tactile buttons that offer a satisfying response to my presses. Although I noticed minor drift with the twistable thumbsticks at times, it’s still the best I’ve experienced from PowerA in terms of performance. Plus, with customizable deadzones and button mapping available through the PowerA PC HQ app, I can tailor the experience to my preference for a perfect gaming session.
In summary, the OPS v3 Pro stands out as a versatile choice for avid PC and mobile gamers who value flexibility and customization in their gaming controllers. This controller, particularly attractive to those building a feature-rich gaming setup, is priced around $/£100. However, its price of $/£99.99 might be considered high by some, impacting its overall rating.
Where to buy the controller *
- PowerA – $99.99
- Amazon – $99.99 / £99.99
* prices are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change
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2024-10-29 02:12