PowerA OPS v1: One-minute assessment
The PowerA OPS v1 is a wi-fi PC controller that is additionally appropriate with cellular gadgets and cloud gaming providers. Being a less expensive various to the PowerA OPS v3 Professional, it understandably misses out on a few of that controller’s standout options. These embrace Lumectra RGB lighting, ‘quick-twist’ thumbsticks and the remappable bumper buttons.
That mentioned, the OPS v1 remains to be a good possibility in the event you’re on a finances. Drift-resistant Corridor impact thumbsticks are current right here, in addition to 4 remappable buttons on the rear which could be programmed on the controller itself with a devoted button. You are additionally getting a Turbo button perform and assist for two.4Ghz, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity.
One notably spectacular facet of the OPS v1 is that the textured grips on this controller truly really feel nicer than on the OPS v3 Professional. On the costlier gamepad, I discovered the textured grips to be a contact too tough over longer play classes. Right here, they’re unintrusive and supply the right quantity of grip for snug classes of any size.
The controller itself – and its varied buttons, bumpers and triggers – do really feel fairly low cost general with some slightly flimsy-feeling plastic getting used. It isn’t horrendous by any means, however actually a downgrade when in comparison with the v3 Professional and lots of the finest PC controllers on the market at the moment.
PowerA OPS v1: Value and availability
- $49.99 / £49.99 for the usual mannequin
- Particular Fortnite version for $54.99 / £54.99
- Out there at PowerA within the US and Amazon within the UK
The PowerA OPS v1 launched in August 2024, and is obtainable to buy for $49.99 / £49.99. It is obtainable at PowerA’s personal web site within the US, however these within the UK might want to depend on retailers like Amazon to safe the bag there. A Fortnite version can also be obtainable (pictured all through the assessment) which incorporates a distinct livery. This one is available in barely pricier at $54.99 / £54.99.
That is considerably cheaper than the PowerA OPS v3 Professional which prices $99.99 / £99.99 and is a strong various at half the value. As talked about, the cheaper price level does imply that the OPS v1 is pared again in the case of options, so you might want to maintain that in thoughts when evaluating the 2 fashions.
Admittedly, at this value level, the OPS v1 has some very stiff competitors within the type of the GameSir T4 Kaleid which fits for $41.99 / £41.99. You might be shedding out on wi-fi connectivity with GameSir’s pad, however it’s greater than made up for in glorious construct high quality, excellent micro swap buttons, and a stunning RGB profile.
PowerA OPS v1: Specs
| Value | $49.99 / £49.99 |
| Compatibility | PC, cellular |
| Connection sort | Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB Kind-C) |
| Battery life | 20 hours |
| Options | Corridor impact thumbsticks, 4 remappable rear buttons, three-stage set off locks, textured grips |
| Software program | PowerA Gamer HQ |
PowerA OPS v1: Design and options
- Low cost-feeling construct
- Textured grips are preferable in comparison with the OPS v3 Professional
- Somewhat plain, all-black aesthetic
As a extra budget-friendly controller, you may count on the PowerA OPS v1 to be barely pared again when it comes to design and have set, particularly in comparison with the OPS v3 Professional. Firstly, construct high quality on the OPS v1 is missing as compared, with a less expensive plastic presumably to maintain the gamepad’s prices down.
Very like with the Razer Wolverine V3 Professional, I am additionally not a fan of the plain, all-black aesthetic for the OPS v1’s customary mannequin. The particular version Fortnite model is actually extra eye-catching, although, and is the mannequin I might advocate going with in the event you’re keen to spend 5 bucks additional (and, naturally, in the event you’re a fan of the free-to-play shooter).
One facet of the OPS v1’s design I do actually like is the feel on the rear of the grips themselves, and on the bumpers and triggers. The textured grips on the OPS v3 Professional have been a bit of too tough for my liking. Right here, although, they are a comparatively gentle contact and truly really feel much more snug consequently. The added texture on the bumpers and triggers can also be a very nice contact.
As for options, the OPS v1 exhibits up with the Corridor impact thumbsticks which might be swiftly turning into the usual for third-party controllers. It is now fairly uncommon that I take a look at a controller that lacks Corridor impact, however it’s nice to see extra inexpensive gamepads undertake the know-how. Sony and Nintendo, please take notes.
The OPS v1 additionally shares some options with its pricier counterpart. You are still getting 4 remappable buttons on the rear of the pad, in addition to three-stage set off locks and three kinds of connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired by way of USB-C). The field features a USB-C cable, too. However not like the v3 Professional, there’s sadly no charging dock bundled with the OPS v1.
PowerA OPS v1: Efficiency
- Completely responsive throughout wi-fi play
- A good 20 hours of battery life
- Just like the OPS v3 Professional, set off locks do not work nice
There’s actually not a lot to complain about in the case of the PowerA OPS v1’s efficiency whereas truly gaming. I examined video games throughout all kinds of genres in my Steam library, together with Road Fighter 6, Remaining Fantasy 14 On-line, Cyberpunk 2077 and Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance. All that’s to say the OPS v1 is a superbly sufficient controller it doesn’t matter what form of single-player video games you are into.
A 2.4GHz wi-fi adapter is included within the field, providing 500Hz polling charge which is solidly responsive for wi-fi play. I might nonetheless advocate going wired in the event you’re concerned with enjoying the finest combating video games or the finest FPS video games for peak responsiveness, however you may’t go unsuitable both method right here.
Sadly, as was the case with the v3 Professional, the OPS v1’s set off locks are hit-and-miss. When unlocked, or set to lock midway, the triggers work completely positive. Nevertheless, I discovered that the very best notch merely did not work for any of the video games I examined. That is an enormous disgrace as it is a function that is all the time good to see on cheaper gamepads.
As for battery life, you are getting round 20 hours right here in accordance with the producer. I did discover this to be correct throughout my time testing the controller, as I did must cost up from empty after round per week of play that consisted of 2-3 hour classes every day. Anticipate the OPS v1 to take just a few hours to cost again to full, too, when attached by way of USB-C. For optimum effectivity right here, I might advocate charging with the cable included and doubtlessly leaving it attached in a single day so you do not have to attend.
Ought to I purchase the PowerA OPS v1?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally contemplate…
If the PowerA OPS v1 misses the mark for you, we’ve acquired a few different ideas that we’ve examined and reviewed to your consideration under.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 | Row 0 – Cell 3 |
| Row 1 – Cell 0 | PowerA OPS v1 | PowerA OPS v3 Professional | GameSir T4 Kaleid |
| Value | $49.99 / £49.99 (no AU availability at current) | $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179 | $41.99 / £41.99 / AU$88 |
| Dimensions | 6.14 in x 4.25 in x 2.48 in (156mm x 108mm x 63mm) | 6.14 in x 4.25 in x 2.48 in (156mm x 108mm x 63mm) | 6.14 in x 4.21 in x 2.36 in (156mm x 107mm x 60mm) |
| Weight | 0.6 lb / 272g | 0.6 lb / 272g | 0.47 lb / 212g |
| Connection sort | Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) | Wi-fi (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) | Wired (USB-C) |
| Compatibility | PC | PC | PC, Nintendo Change |
| Software program | PowerA Gamer HQ | PowerA Gamer HQ | GameSir T4k App |
How I examined the PowerA OPS v1
- Examined for one week, 2-3 hour classes every day
- Performed totally on PC throughout all kinds of video games
- In contrast and contrasted to the pricier PowerA OPS v3 Professional
I examined the PowerA OPS v1 over the course of a few week, tackling 2-3 hour gaming classes every day. Throughout my time with the gamepad, I discovered I solely wanted to cost it up as soon as. That complete time lasted round 20 hours, lining up with PowerA’s battery life declare.
I made certain to check all kinds of video games on PC, together with Cyberpunk 2077, Fields of Mistria, Vampire Survivors, Road Fighter 6 and Remaining Fantasy 14 On-line. This can be a mixture of my go-to video games and a few I made up my mind to be an ideal match for the finances OPS v1.
First reviewed September 2024
