Review: Logitech PowerShell Controller for iPhone
Renowned accessory maker Logitech's first stab at an official Made for iPhone gaming controller features solid construction, but that's about where the positives end for this overpriced, disappointing accessory.
Logitech provided AppleInsider with the PowerShell Controller + Battery for the purposes of this review. The accessory retails for $99.99, and connects to the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, and fifth-generation iPod touch.
It carries the same price as the Moga Ace Power, which we previously reviewed and felt wasn't worth $100 for most consumers. Unfortunately, Logitech's first attempt at a Made for iPhone controller falls short of Moga's product in a number of ways.
The top of the Powershell has two shoulder buttons identified as "L" and "R," while the bottom has a micro USB port for recharging the integrated battery. On the left side is a switch that enables the battery, while the right side features a space where a rather large headphone adapter can be used.
Let's take a moment to talk about the headphone adapter, because we're pretty amazed that a company like Logitech opted for this approach. The blue, elbow-shaped part reaches into the controller to access an iPhone's headphone port, and without it, users will be unable to use headphones with the accessory.
This is different from Moga's controller, which passes audio through the Lightning connector to a dedicated headphone jack on the bottom of that controller.
Frankly, we feel like the adapter is a cheap way to address the issue, and most users are likely to either lose the part, or simply forget to bring it with them when they pack up the accessory. For a $100 accessory, this is unacceptable.
Inside the controller is a Lightning connector that bends outward to allow an iPhone to be inserted. There's also a hole in the back which allows the camera to be used, and also serves as a space where users can push their iPhone out of the case. The Moga controller does not allow for the camera to be used, but frankly we doubt most users will be interested in taking pictures while a big, bulky controller is connected to their handset.
The construction of the Logitech Powershell is great, and we feel like the device is durable and will last for years to come. That's more than we can say for the Moga Ace Power, which feels loose before an iPhone is inserted in the case.
That's about where the advantages for the Logitech Powershell over the Moga Ace Power end. Most importantly, Moga's controller features two joysticks and four shoulder buttons, making it a great option for modern 3D games and first-person shooters. Logitech's D-pad and two shoulder buttons mean it's ideal for classic, side-scrolling type games.
We really enjoyed the feel of the face and shoulder buttons on the Logitech Powershell, but the mushy D-pad is sub-par and not ideal. Still, using the Powershell with compatible games was a vastly superior option than touchscreen-only controls, particularly with complex titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
The integrated battery is also welcome, and adds some thickness to the controller which makes it feel comfortable in your hands. Still, like Moga's controller, the elongated case-style design of the Powershell is awkward and bulky. And while Moga's controller collapses for portability, the rigid and solid construction of the Logitech Powershell means it's a bit more of a hassle to carry.
Strangely, we found that the Powershell's D-pad is analog, which is different from most digital-only controller D-pads. This means a user can lightly press the D-pad, and in a game like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, their character will walk instead of running.
We find this to be a strange choice, since D-pads are usually better suited for classic two-dimensional games rather than complex 3D titles. In addition, softly pressing a D-pad is actually difficult when compared to a joystick, which can be pushed forward as much or as little as the user desires.
Games are indeed better with the Logitech controller, if only by default. Unless a game is specifically made for touch displays, titles that shoehorn touchscreen controls onto a classic-style game are often a frustrating affair.
One great title to play with the Logitech Powershell was Asphalt 8: Airborne, which strangely we could not get to work with Moga's offering. Users could control the game with physical buttons and the D-pad, or use some combination of tilt controls with the buttons.
As we mentioned in our Moga Ace Power review, it's confusing that we can't find out which title is going to be compatible with a specific controller, or even that Made for iPhone games are specified on the App Store. To us, 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.
In comparison, we found the Moga Ace Power at a discounted price of $80 at Best Buy, and we felt that even at that price it wasn't worth the investment for users. The Powershell's lack of input that modern gamers have come to expect is unacceptable.
This controller does make gameplay on the iPhone better. Compatible titles were greatly enhanced by the inclusion of physical controls. And the included battery is great.
The construction is also fantastic. This is a solid product. But unfortunately, the price remains.
While the Moga Ace Power was hard to recommend at a $100 price tag, it's impossible for us to suggest that anyone buy the Logitech Powershell over Moga's offering. Hardcore iPhone gamers who need a controller should choose the Moga Ace Power.
Logitech provided AppleInsider with the PowerShell Controller + Battery for the purposes of this review. The accessory retails for $99.99, and connects to the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, and fifth-generation iPod touch.
It carries the same price as the Moga Ace Power, which we previously reviewed and felt wasn't worth $100 for most consumers. Unfortunately, Logitech's first attempt at a Made for iPhone controller falls short of Moga's product in a number of ways.
Design and feel
The left face of the Logitech Powershell features a D-pad and a "switch" that, when tugged at, moves a physical part that will press a connected iPhone's lock button. On the right side are four face buttons, named "A," "B," X" and "Y," as well as a pause button.The top of the Powershell has two shoulder buttons identified as "L" and "R," while the bottom has a micro USB port for recharging the integrated battery. On the left side is a switch that enables the battery, while the right side features a space where a rather large headphone adapter can be used.
Let's take a moment to talk about the headphone adapter, because we're pretty amazed that a company like Logitech opted for this approach. The blue, elbow-shaped part reaches into the controller to access an iPhone's headphone port, and without it, users will be unable to use headphones with the accessory.
This is different from Moga's controller, which passes audio through the Lightning connector to a dedicated headphone jack on the bottom of that controller.
Frankly, we feel like the adapter is a cheap way to address the issue, and most users are likely to either lose the part, or simply forget to bring it with them when they pack up the accessory. For a $100 accessory, this is unacceptable.
Inside the controller is a Lightning connector that bends outward to allow an iPhone to be inserted. There's also a hole in the back which allows the camera to be used, and also serves as a space where users can push their iPhone out of the case. The Moga controller does not allow for the camera to be used, but frankly we doubt most users will be interested in taking pictures while a big, bulky controller is connected to their handset.
The construction of the Logitech Powershell is great, and we feel like the device is durable and will last for years to come. That's more than we can say for the Moga Ace Power, which feels loose before an iPhone is inserted in the case.
That's about where the advantages for the Logitech Powershell over the Moga Ace Power end. Most importantly, Moga's controller features two joysticks and four shoulder buttons, making it a great option for modern 3D games and first-person shooters. Logitech's D-pad and two shoulder buttons mean it's ideal for classic, side-scrolling type games.
We really enjoyed the feel of the face and shoulder buttons on the Logitech Powershell, but the mushy D-pad is sub-par and not ideal. Still, using the Powershell with compatible games was a vastly superior option than touchscreen-only controls, particularly with complex titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
The integrated battery is also welcome, and adds some thickness to the controller which makes it feel comfortable in your hands. Still, like Moga's controller, the elongated case-style design of the Powershell is awkward and bulky. And while Moga's controller collapses for portability, the rigid and solid construction of the Logitech Powershell means it's a bit more of a hassle to carry.
Usage and games
Though it lacks dual sticks, users can still play first-person shooters by using the D-pad and placing their right thumb on the screen. Unfortunately, with buttons in the way, this means users will need to reach across the controller to touch the display, or awkwardly hold below the controller to reach the screen. Anyone looking to play games that offer camera control should stick with Moga's controller.Strangely, we found that the Powershell's D-pad is analog, which is different from most digital-only controller D-pads. This means a user can lightly press the D-pad, and in a game like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, their character will walk instead of running.
We find this to be a strange choice, since D-pads are usually better suited for classic two-dimensional games rather than complex 3D titles. In addition, softly pressing a D-pad is actually difficult when compared to a joystick, which can be pushed forward as much or as little as the user desires.
Games are indeed better with the Logitech controller, if only by default. Unless a game is specifically made for touch displays, titles that shoehorn touchscreen controls onto a classic-style game are often a frustrating affair.
One great title to play with the Logitech Powershell was Asphalt 8: Airborne, which strangely we could not get to work with Moga's offering. Users could control the game with physical buttons and the D-pad, or use some combination of tilt controls with the buttons.
As we mentioned in our Moga Ace Power review, it's confusing that we can't find out which title is going to be compatible with a specific controller, or even that Made for iPhone games are specified on the App Store. To us, 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
The Logitech Powershell's biggest issue remains its price. At $100, lacking dual joysticks and an additional two shoulder buttons is unacceptable. Throw in the ridiculous headphone elbow adapter, and the product gets even worse.In comparison, we found the Moga Ace Power at a discounted price of $80 at Best Buy, and we felt that even at that price it wasn't worth the investment for users. The Powershell's lack of input that modern gamers have come to expect is unacceptable.
This controller does make gameplay on the iPhone better. Compatible titles were greatly enhanced by the inclusion of physical controls. And the included battery is great.
The construction is also fantastic. This is a solid product. But unfortunately, the price remains.
While the Moga Ace Power was hard to recommend at a $100 price tag, it's impossible for us to suggest that anyone buy the Logitech Powershell over Moga's offering. Hardcore iPhone gamers who need a controller should choose the Moga Ace Power.
Pros
- Compatible games are better with the controller's physical input
- The integrated battery means you can keep playing on the go
- Rigid design feels far more sturdy than Moga's controller
Cons
- $100 price tag makes this accessory way too expensive
- The mushy D-pad is not great
- Elbow-shaped headphone adapter is ridiculous and likely to be lost or forgotten when needed
- Apple needs to identify controller-compatible games on the App Store
Comments
That isn't good for this device being successful but they could list compatible games on their site.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/393053146/powerup-30-smartphone-controlled-paper-airplane
Quote:
That isn't good for this device being successful but they could list compatible games on their site.
What are the games so far that require an external controller? The problem is that while this list may be short now, it will grow as more games require a controller. This will surely grow into a problem, unless Apple does something to officially list which games require an external controller, and which games do not. Perhaps a new sub-category for games in the App Store ('Games Requiring a Controller')?
I personally do not see myself purchasing any in this new category of titles, because of the (considerable) additional purchase now being required to play these titles. And I thought 'Freemium' was a bad concept.
I don't know of any that require the external controller. With iOS 7 there is GameController.framework which allows for a universal connection between games and HW controllers without the need for either vendor needing to interact with each other, and I assume (perhaps falsely) that all iOS games must also be fully playable with touch controls even when supporting the GameController.framework.
They're blowing a great opportunity here by releasing mediocre hardware. Perhaps Apple should make a quality controller. Or better yet, Nintendo.
What are the games so far that require an external controller? The problem is that while this list may be short now, it will grow as more games require a controller. This will surely grow into a problem, unless Apple does something to officially list which games require an external controller, and which games do not. Perhaps a new sub-category for games in the App Store ('Games Requiring a Controller')?
I personally do not see myself purchasing any in this new category of titles, because of the (considerable) additional purchase now being required to play these titles. And I thought 'Freemium' was a bad concept.
So not sure why people would want to buy the Logitech:-
*Less Battery charge 1500mAh over MOGA 1800mAh
*$20 more expensive. $99 over MOGA $79
*Less controller features (no Analog sticks or Triggers)
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If you are thinking of picking up an MFi controller, MOGA is your best option.
Head on over to BestBuy.
[url=http://www.bestbuy.com/site/moga-ios-ace-game-controller/2840007.p?id=1219079081194]Best Buy Link[/url]
What affiliation do you have with MOGA? Not that I have care if you do so long as the specs you state are factual, but it would be ethical for you to note any connection.
No connection here, but the "Analog stick" isn't a slide stick but more of a slide pad similar to the Nintendo DS as opposed to xbox 360 or dual rumble sticks. It seems like if you want to make a joystick case, you should have made real analog joysticks that stick out and pivot rather than slide. I just borrowed a 3DS to play Zelda link between worlds today and I think the only reason nintendo went with the slide pad rather than the joystick is to keep the low profile so it can close clamshell style. But slide pads aren't terrible, but I would have perfered dual joysticks.
My facts are correct as of posting.(that's why i post them publically,i'm asking anyone to check them out/challenge them and correct me if i'm wrong.)
I feel it is ethical that review sites like Apple insider advise the ordinary man on the street what his best options are and keep them upto date with info as it is becomes available,hopefully we can save the working guy a little money in the process.
Honestly after today's news, i can't recommend the Logitech over the MOGA.
I have no affiliation to MOGA, just a crazy game fan who passes on info as he see it.
checkout my fansite @ http://mfi4.gamerz.co/ got a huge list of compatible MFi games so far.
i feel Apple need to add a filter to the App store for 'Mfi Controller Games", but anyway that's another story and something i'm trying to push for, as small as i am.
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i've been following the development of MFi gaming very closely since it was announced at GDC earlier this year, it is something i feel has good potential for pushing the whole mobile gaming scene forward.
So just trying to help honest people interested in iPhone gaming make the right choices that are available for them today.
Right now it's MOGA, tomorrow it could be Logitech, who knows?.
And with my eyes i am not seeing any "Sticks","Pads","Joysticks" or other form of analog control input on the Logitech Powershell controller.
I stand corrected though, and i also agree with you, i too would have preferred "sticks" over "Pads" on the MOGA, but i certainly 100% prefer them over the option of "Nothing at All".
Haha! Another useless piece of junk for junk phone! You iSheep buy anythong. Stop wasting money and buy S4 or wait for Galaxy S5 wich have better games than useless iphone!
News just in, BestBuy's offer on the MOGA Ace power has ended, ;( back to original RRP of $99.99 .
The app also works with the MOGA ACE.