RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller: iOverpriced

Put merely, the RiotPWR delivers much less, and prices extra.

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Concerning the RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller Professional Wi-fi

• Value: $70
• Connectivity: Wired Apple Lightning connector, USB-C (with adapter)
• Dimensions: 6 inches x 4.8 inches x 2 inches
• Weight: 10 ounces
• Colours: White, black
• System compatibility: iOS
• Materials: Plastic
• Particular options: Zero Gravity cell phone holder, iOS-specific dwelling button, Corridor Impact triggers, built-in DAC

The RiotPWR’s characteristic checklist is moderately restricted. The wired Apple Lightning Controller stands out, as does the “Zero Gravity” smartphone grip. There’s a definite lack of options that may assist in gameplay, like set off locks or rear paddle buttons. It does, nonetheless, characteristic a 3.5mm headphone socket and built-in DAC.

The RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller, like so many fashionable recreation controllers, could possibly be mistaken for an Xbox Wi-fi Controller at a look. It presents the same design with offset thumbsticks and an similar face button format. Sticking to the ABXY Xbox format is a secure alternative that doesn’t ask gamers to retrain their muscle reminiscence.

However there’s one quirk that units this controller aside: a rubber flap within the middle of the gamepad. It may be eliminated to safe RiotPWR’s “Zero Gravity” gadget holder, a plastic clamp that turns a related iPhone into an all-in-one cell gaming gadget.

RiotPWR locations the clamp within the middle of the gamepad’s face, which makes the general format barely extra compact than options just like the Steelseries Nimbus Plus and funds HyperX Clutch.

In contrast to most cell controllers, the RiotPWR doesn’t join wirelessly. It as a substitute makes use of the Apple Lightning connector to attach with an iPhone and older iPads. A offered USB-C cable extends connectivity to newer iPad fashions which have a USB-C port (and future iPhones as soon as Apple switches over). The controller doesn’t work with MacOS, nonetheless, or with different units and recreation consoles.

Choosing a wired Lightning connector makes setup easy: simply plug and play. You received’t have to fret about battery life, however the wire can tangle and will snag in your bag if saved with a tool hooked up.

Versatility is proscribed, too, because the controller can solely be used with iOS units. RiotPWR does toss in an iOS dwelling button which may open the Recreation Middle, however there’s in any other case little iOS-specific performance for the controller to hook into.

Residence button apart, the controller’s different buttons work as anticipated and really feel good whereas taking part in. The face buttons have a barely mushy throw however activate firmly, not not like an Xbox Sequence X|S controller. The thumbsticks appear exact, the triggers function easily, and the D-Pad supplies competent management in old-school video games.

Nevertheless, it lacks further options. Most gamepads on this worth vary supply some further spice. The Guilkit KingKong 2 Professional Wi-fi has Corridor Impact joysticks and helps extra platforms, Sony’s DualSense has a built-in touchpad, and PowerA’s Fusion Professional 2 has 4 further rear paddle buttons. RiotPWR’s Cloud Gaming Controller presents not one of the above.

RiotPWR not less than supplies pressure-sensitive Corridor Impact triggers. They’ll be most helpful when streaming titles from Xbox Recreation Cross or different cloud providers, or distant play. Apple Arcade titles have a tendency to not use this characteristic, and lots of don’t use the triggers in any respect.

Do you have to purchase the RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller?

Possibly, in the event you’re hardcore into Apple Arcade

The RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller may make sense in the event you’re a devoted Apple Arcade gamer who solely performs on an iPhone or iPad. Regardless of its limitations, the controller’s wired Lightning connector presents assured connectivity. Simply plug it in and go.

Pricing, nonetheless, seals the RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller’s destiny. It retails for about $70 solely via the Apple Retailer. The HyperX Clutch, which additionally helps iOS (plus PC and Android) and in addition has a smartphone grip however sells for simply $50. And in the event you’re after portability, spending an additional $30 on the Spine One or Razer Kishi could be a greater thought.

When you don’t recreation on an Apple gadget, nonetheless, the RiotPWR’s attraction falls off a cliff. The controller received’t work with different recreation consoles in your house or with a PC or Mac, and even Android. That’s an enormous downside. Most gamepads that help these platforms additionally work with iOS. Put merely, the RiotPWR delivers much less, and prices extra. That’s a shedding proposition.
Purchase the RiotPWR Cloud Gaming Controller

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Costs had been correct on the time this text was revealed however could change over time.

Meet the tester

Matthew S. Smith

Contributor

@Matt_on_tech

Matthew S. Smith is a veteran tech journalist and general-purpose PC {hardware} nerd. Previously the Lead Editor of Critiques at Digital Traits, he has over a decade of expertise overlaying PC {hardware}. Matt typically flies the digital skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator and is on a quest to develop the right heirloom tomato.

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