Moga XP5-X Plus review - An Xbox One controller but better and made for phones - Android

If you want a gaming controller for your smartphone, there are literally hundreds from which to choose. For a controller to really rise to the top, it needs every important feature and to come in at a reasonable price. As we’ll talk about in this Moga XP5-X Plus review, this controller does all that — and more.

However, there is the problem of “too much of a good thing,” and that might be the ultimate downfall of the XP5-X. Although I’d be hard-pressed to point you to a more powerful, all-around controller on the market, I might not recommend the XP5-X to casual gamers.

Read on to find out what I mean!

What is the Moga XP5-X Plus?

If you quickly glanced at the Moga XP5-X Plus, you might think it’s just an Xbox One controller. In a way, you’d be correct, as this product is an officially-licensed Xbox product designed to work with Microsoft xCloud, the game-streaming service. As such, it looks and feels like a real Xbox controller and even features the classic Xbox green color palette.

Related: Xbox Series X: Everything you need to know

However, the Moga XP5-X Plus is not designed for use with an Xbox console. In fact, it doesn’t work with Xbox consoles, which is interesting. Instead, it works with smartphones, tablets, and PCs either through Bluetooth or wired connections.

The big differences between the XP5-X Plus and a regular Xbox One controller are as follows:

• More buttons: The XP5-X Plus has a total of six additional buttons and switches.
• Rechargeable battery: The Xbox One controller operates with AA batteries out of the box. You can buy a rechargeable battery pack for it, but the Moga XP5-X Plus has a 3,000mAh battery built right in. It is technically replaceable, but you’d need to take the whole thing apart to get to the pack, which we don’t recommend.
• No extension or 3.5mm ports: Because the XP5-X Plus doesn’t work with Xbox consoles, there’s no need for the extension port that’s on the bottom of Xbox One controllers. There’s also no headphone jack, as your phone or PC will handle audio duties. There is, however, an additional full-sized USB port on the back.

Who is the Moga XP5-X Plus for?

In years past, mobile gaming was very simple — think Angry Birds or Candy Crush. Nowadays, mobile gaming phenomenons like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite are more complex and players might demand something better than on-screen controls. Those gamers will love something like the Moga XP5-X Plus.

Related: The 15 best Android games available right now

Additionally, the power of flagship Android processors is finally allowing for console emulation that can go toe-to-toe with entry-level PCs. With all the standard buttons of console controllers, as well as even more re-mappable triggers, emulation fiends will adore this setup.

Finally, the primary reason this controller exists in the first place: Microsoft xCloud. Microsoft’s game streaming service acts almost like a Netflix-for-games. For a flat monthly fee, you can stream dozens of Xbox games from Microsoft’s servers directly to your phone. If you plan on using xCloud, this controller is what you’re looking for: it works with the service out-of-the-box.

What’s in the box with the Moga XP5-X Plus?

Inside the North American retail box of the Moga XP5-X Plus, you’ll find the following:

• The controller: At the time of this review, the only colorway available is the one you see above, with a matte black top, light gray grips, and green accents.
• Smartphone clip: Unlike a lot of clips designed to snap a phone to a controller, this one is dual-articulating. That’s a fancy way of saying that you can adjust the positioning of the clip in two different ways, which gives you ample freedom to play the way in which you are most comfortable.