MOGA-XP Ultra Controller Review – Mobile Gaming Made Great

MOGA-XP Ultra Controller Review

Admittedly, I’m not a fan of mobile gaming. I’ve never been able to get a groove for touchscreen controls. And the games themselves usually leave me wanting more. I’ve always loved the idea of playing my favorite titles on the go, but inevitably in practice, things fall apart. Sure, Xbox and PlayStation remote-play apps have helped bridge the gap that’s kept me on the other side of a proverbial mobile river. But the lack of dedicated hardware to make these apps as seamless as possible has been lackluster.

Enter the MOGA-XP Ultra (MXPU) controller. It is built with care and attention to detail and features one of the best cellphone attachments I’ve ever seen on a controller of this ilk. A couple of minor issues keep it from feeling as good as an official Microsoft Xbox controller, but for all intents and purposes, the MXPU is a fantastic option for gaming on the go.

Built to Last

For what it’s worth, the first thing I noticed about the MXPU is the stellar packaging it comes in. From the moment I laid my hands on the box, I could tell this would be a premium product. Also included is a month’s worth of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a solid USB-C cable with a lovely braided texture. Though, the lack of instructions was somewhat jarring. The “quick” setup guide it comes with does a decent job of explaining things through its use of images, but a written description of the steps would have been much appreciated.

Once you’re connected, the MXPU is mostly a dream to use. It feels similar enough to an Xbox Series X/S controller, though, with enough of its own style to distinguish itself. The analog sticks are ultra-smooth and a pleasure to control characters with. The concaves don’t feel quite as good as they do on Microsoft’s controller, but I haven’t had any problems with my thumbs slipping off the sticks. If you prefer D-pads for movement, the MXPU’s is snappy and responsive, feeling every bit as wonderful as an official controller.

The face buttons are also near-identical to those found on a regular controller. They feel as if they travel a bit further than you’d typically find, but they feel great nonetheless. Where the MXPU differs the most, however, is in the shoulder buttons. LB and RB feel entirely serviceable, but I haven’t quite been able to get comfortable with the triggers. The shape and travel are far too different than what you’d find on a Series X/S controller and don’t feel nearly as tight as I was hoping they would.

Feeling So Right

The MXPU also features two programmable buttons on the back, akin to those found on the Dualsense Edge or Xbox Elite Controller. The placement is somewhat awkward, as they’re housed a bit too far from the controller’s center. Though, after a slight adjustment period, they were working well enough.

Arguably the main feature of the MXPU – the phone clip – is the best I’ve ever used. Granted, I don’t have a ton of experience with these, but the MXPU’s clip is utterly solid. Two separate dials work to tighten the clasp and clip’s rotation. I haven’t experienced even the slightest bit of movement during my testing period, and I expect the MXPU and its detachable clip to last for years to come.

The MOGA-XP Ultra is the best mobile-centered gaming controller I’ve ever used. It feels highly familiar while still maintaining its own style. The clip is tremendous and will hold any phone in place with rock-solid consistency. If you’re in the market for a controller to throw in your backpack or bag to have with you on the go, the MXPU should be at the top of your list.

***The MOGA XP-Ultra was provided for this review***