If you are an Android user you are likely frustrated by trying to play emulators and casual games with the on-screen controls. Half of your meaty hands are in the way of the screen, and put simply the fidelity just isn’t there. It can take an otherwise awesome game experience and make it rather throw-away. If that’s you, I’ve got good news for you! PowerA has announced the oddly-named MOGA controller – a Bluetooth powered dual stick console-level controller! Now, the proof is always in the pudding, right? Well to prove the tech, PowerA has worked with Sega and NAMCO to bundle in two free games – Sonic CDTM and PAC-MAN! Neither of those would be possible without a great controller, so it’s good that they are putting their best foot forward right off the bat. On the development side, PowerA is providing an SDK for folks to retrofit their products to take advantage of this unit, and they’ve already secured support from heavy hitters like Remedy, Gamelot, Atari, and more. Here is the nibble:
To empower this advance in mobile gaming, MOGA combines three key innovations into a single powerful system. The MOGA Controller is the first state-of-the-art, full-featured controller designed specifically for mobile devices. Pocket-sized, portable and connected via Bluetooth®, the MOGA Controller features the controls that console gamers and developers demand: dual analog sticks, two shoulder buttons, four action buttons and standardized start and select buttons. In addition, the MOGA SDK provides mobile game developers with greater precision, robust control and enhanced display abilities while enabling fast, efficient development of rich new game titles and MOGA enhancement of existing titles. Finally, the MOGA Pivot App enables gamers to easily browse, find and play a library of MOGA Enhanced games in one convenient location. MOGA Pivot App will be available free via Google Play.
You’ll need Gingerbread or better to use this device. The release date is October 21st, and we’ll be getting up close and personal with it soon. Stay tuned and get ready to FINALLY be able to play something beyond a word jumble game on that powerful phone of yours!
Ron Burke is the Editor in Chief for Gaming Trend. Currently living in Fort Worth, Texas, Ron is an old-school gamer who enjoys CRPGs, action/adventure, platformers, music games, and has recently gotten into tabletop gaming.
Ron is also a fourth degree black belt, with a Master's rank in Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū, Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do, Universal Tang Soo Do Alliance, and International Tang Soo Do Federation. He also holds ranks in several other styles in his search to be a well-rounded fighter.
Ron has been married to Gaming Trend Editor, Laura Burke, for 28 years. They have three dogs - Pazuzu (Irish Terrier), Atë, and Calliope (both Australian Kelpie/Pit Bull mixes), and an Axolotl named Dagon!
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