With the OPS V3, Powera has a wireless controller for the PC and cloud gaming. Meinmmo editor Benedikt Schlotmann was able to test the model.
With the OPS V3, Powera has a controller in its range for around 100 euros. “Ops” stands for Overpowered Series. For around 100 euros you get an extensive package of mechanical switches, Hall Effect sticks and plenty of additional buttons.
But is the surcharge worth it compared to the official controller? I tested the controller and explain where the strengths and weaknesses of the controller are.
Powera Ops V3 In the test, quick overview:
What does the scope of delivery look like? In addition to the controller, the scope of delivery of the controller is a USB-C-A-A cable, a wireless adapter and a mini charging station, where you can load the controller and also connect the wireless adapter.
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How is the controller built? That of the OPS V3 is identical to the official Xbox controller on the front: Both models rely on an asymmetrical design and rely on the official Xbox layout. With the official Xbox controller, the control cross is a little more ergonomic.
On the back, however, the OPS V3 differs greatly from the official model: 4 additional buttons are attached on the back, which you can cover with functions or actions. However, Powera does not use so-called paddles, which install many premium controllers on the back. Overall, Paddles would have been the more ergonomic decision.
You can also use two levers how strongly you can impress the trigger: On the lowest setting, you can fully impress the trigger, only easily at the highest level.
On the top of the controller there are two additional buttons (AGL3 and AGR3) between the triggers, which can be freely occupied.
processing
The controller is almost completely made of plastic. In contrast to the official model, Powera relies on Hall Effect sticks in contrast to the official model: these have the advantage that they wear out significantly less than conventional sticks. That speaks for a long shelf life. The mechanical switches are also a plus point under the keys and the control cross.
It is a shame, however, that you cannot remove and replace the battery. Here the normal Xbox controller has a clear advantage in comparison.
In direct comparison to similar controllers, such as the Elite Series 2 or the Razer Wolverine V2/V3, the processing does not appear entirely convincing, since the other two controllers also rely on metal components and on interchangeable components.
software
With the software, the controller relies on the manufacturer’s “PC HQ” app. During the installation, however, I get a warning message from Windows:
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen was prevented from starting an unknown app. The execution of this app is a risk for the PC.
At first, this is not very contrary to trust, but it is not a big obstacle to the installation. The software itself is clear and well structured. You can easily set up the controller via the menus and configure the additional keys.
However, what I don’t like is the font size: it is tiny and cannot be enlarged or scaled. You don’t see it so clearly on my screenshots, but I have my effort to read the writing. Also a disadvantage: the software is completely in English and cannot be switched to German.
The software is well structured, but the texts are tiny.
Ergonomics and weight
Weight: At 366 grams, the controller is somewhat heavier than the official Xbox controller. This weighs around 280 grams with a built -in battery. My partner, who only plays with controller, explained to me that you hardly feel the higher weight in everyday life and it is therefore not annoying.
Ergonomics: The OPS V3 lies well in the hand, which is also due to the rubberized handles. The four additional buttons on the back are easy to reach. For both my big hands and for my partner’s smaller hands.
The two buttons on the top (AGR3 and AGL3) can hardly be reached in normal everyday life, but I have to stretch the index fingers that are otherwise on the triggers, which I find uncomfortable.
Gameplay: Fantastic Feeling thanks to microswitches
How does the controller play? The mechanical switches under the keys and the directional cross feel really crisp. As a result, the feedback of the buttons feels much better than the official Xbox controller, where the keys always look a bit soft and spongy.
I also really like the adjustable trigger depth. This allows you to control the acceleration much more precisely and finely in racing games.
There were no problems on my desktop PC if I had either connected the controller via the dongle or via the charging surge. On my partner’s PC, however, the connection between adapter and controller constantly broke off. At the same time, the Xbox controller, with which my partner played next to me on the same PC, worked without problems.
Account time: Without RGB lighting, the battery lasts around 30 hours and is therefore about as persistent as the official controller. However, the season is significantly shortened with active RGB lighting. After all, the RGB lighting can be easily switched off using a dedicated button on the underside of the controller.
Conclusion: A good controller with many features for 100 euros
Who is the controller worth? If the normal Xbox controller with its standard functions on the PC is not enough for you, then the Powera Ops V3 is a upgrade for around 40 euros more. The mechanical keys in particular feel very precise and exactly and on the PC you get a very good overall package. The price of around 100 euros is very fair for the controller.
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Alternatives:
You can also find other controllers in our purchase advice on controllers for PC and Xbox.