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Thursday

MOGA Pro, MOGA Hero Controller Impressions

Touchscreen controls have come a long way, but some mobile games work better with traditional buttons. MOGA realizes this, and last year released a pair of controllers that made it much easier to play racing and action games.
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At PAX Prime in Seattle this past weekend, MOGA brought new Android controllers to the show, and we had a chance to stop by and check them out.
First up is the MOGA Hero, the smaller controller of the two. This is more comfortable than the previous model, easier to grip thanks to a smoother design. It also comes with an improved analog stick, instead of a nub.
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In addition, the Hero comes with a dual-battery system, which not only keeps your controller powered while you play, but also the Android device attached to it. Once it runs out of juice, you'll be able to recharge it through USB. It also comes with built-in lights that highlight which player you are during a multiplayer match, and also an indicator that displays remaining battery power.
If you prefer something a little meatier, the MOGA Pro Power is the way to go. Like the Hero, it too has a sleeker build, making the controller easier to hold when it comes to long gameplay sessions. It also has buttons that feel control pad quality, as well as analog sticks that "click in" for extra functionality, like Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
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On top of that, it features a dual-charging system, so you can keep your device charged while connecting to the controller. Best of all, you can extend the holder if you have a larger Samsung Android device, ideal for the newer Tab models - not the tablets, mind you.
When it comes to synching, both controllers work just as well as the previous models, and they felt really comfortable. We experienced no lag with Riptide GP2, for example. Although a full list of compatible apps wasn't available, MOGA will make sure a majority of games support these devises.
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With their improved designs and charging capabilities, the Hero and Pro Power could be MOGA's best peripherals yet. We'll find out when they release next month, with the Hero going for $59.99 and the Pro selling for $79.99.