You can find this review in full at GBAtemp.net:
https://gbatemp.net/review/powera-moga-xp7-x-plus-bluetooth-controller.2084/

For as long as I can remember I’ve had a fond place for handheld gaming. Growing up in a house with two siblings and parents not keen on seeing yellow rats beating up psychic children, it was always hard to find the right time to hook the GameCube up to the TV. Instead I’d pick up my GBA and go into a world that was entirely my own. It was brilliant, and it was always with me. Times have changed and technology has moved on, but even now I find myself looking ways to keep my gaming on the go. At the highest end I have a gaming laptop, and then a Steam Deck, Switch, and 3DS depending on how much space I have allocated to a given journey. Outside of these gaming-oriented devices though, I like so many others always have a phone. Maybe it’s time to use it to its fullest potential.

So I’m no stranger to mobile controllers, this isn’t my first rodeo. Having previously used a Razer Kishi to middling reception, I’ve played with cheap MFI controllers and grips that wrap around official Xbox controllers for an authentic Xbox feel. Authentic because it’s an actual Xbox controller. Here I have a bit of a middle-ground between the Kishi’s wrap-around design and the form factor of an Xbox controller with PowerA’s latest MOGA-branded controller, the XP7-X Plus.

Taking it out of the box for the first time, I’d be remiss for not mentioning just how odd it looks. It’s like if somebody threw a door wedge in between an Xbox controller, and reminds me of HORI’s Split Pad Pro peripheral to join them together. While it does look odd for its wideness, I am really fond of the overall aesthetic and just how the controller feels to hold. Discounting the wedge, the controller matches almost perfectly to the real deal in terms of size. There’s no real learning curve or hand position to adjust to, if you’ve used an Xbox controller before you’ll feel right at home. It’s not a perfect match though, with there being some good and some bad on show.

Starting with the good, the analogue sticks feel absolutely delightful. They do appear marginally taller than the Xbox Series controller I have on hand, but thanks to the textured thumb grips I do prefer them. The view and menu buttons (I had to Google the actual names for these, I would usually just call them start and select) are much clickier than the Series controller, and the face buttons feel almost identical. I have no complaints with the bumpers, and the controller even features two mappable grip buttons that can be whatever you want them to be. Really my only complaint comes from the triggers. They aren’t satisfying and feel as though I should be able to press them more than I can. It’s very similar to the Kishi’s triggers in that respect. The D-Pad is definitely passable, but a definite downgrade if you’re used to the Series controller, or even the Xbox One pad. D-Pads are very much a thing of preference though. I like very tactile ones with the Series controller being my all-time favourite. This is a bit mushier, but not so much that I wouldn’t use it for a platformer or something similar. The wedge that sits in the middle of the controller also detaches to fit the phone, but it also serves a secondary use as a stand for larger devices. It’s a neat idea but realistically only has two angles it can be positioned in. I wish it were a little more flexible, but it’s nice to have.

Looking at connectivity you can use the XP7-X via Bluetooth, which will realistically be your primary way of using it with your phone, or via Micro USB. While I am really sad to see Micro USB on a 2022 device, it is a neat option to have. You also get an incredibly cursed USB C to Micro USB cable in the box that I can’t help but be amused at.

Probably the most interesting feature on show is the inclusion of a wireless charger within the controller. If your phone supports it, this means you can be keeping it going for longer while you game with no cables required. I adore this as a feature, even if my Android phone of choice doesn’t support wireless charging. I did get to test the wireless charging by throwing my iPhone 13 Pro Max in the grip and it worked perfectly. The controller unfortunately doesn’t work with iOS devices, but I’ll be very interested to try an iOS model should it come out in future. The wireless charging can be toggled so if your device doesn’t support it, it won’t be using the resources unnecessarily.

Perfectly fitting my 13 Pro Max with a relatively bulky case, it’s very likely the XP7-X will accommodate your device. Thanks to the grip being U shaped and leaving the top open, it also handles tall devices really well. Putting this to what I would call the ultimate test, I threw my Surface Duo in and found myself amazingly amused at the monstrosity I had created. Though it looks odd, it did show me how well the controller handled thinner devices. It gripped the phone incredibly well, and didn’t really wobble. I can’t see many other people wanting to put a Surface Duo into this, but it bodes well for people with thin devices.

In actual use, the XP7-X is just as simple as an Xbox controller. Once connected by Bluetooth, everything works out of the box for apps like Game Pass or GeForce Now. Emulators naturally work great too, with the setup being about as simple as any other standard controller. It’s worth saying that the grip buttons can’t be mapped as unique buttons though, them instead having to be one of the available Xbox buttons. This comes down to the fact the button is mapped on the controller itself. It’s not an issue for game streaming, but if you like having hotkeys handy on emulators you might be disappointed.

To me the XP7-X is the best way to transform your phone into an on the go gaming handheld. Between its fantastic form factor, its built-in wireless charging capabilities, and its ability to double as a USB controller, it’s a brilliantly versatile pick for any Android gamer. I’m just waiting for the iOS version now.