If you’ve been hunting for a versatile and modular wireless controller that facilitates a solid gaming experience wherever you go, then the PowerA XP-ULTRA controller might be for you. I’ve been fortunate enough to test this stellar and chunky peripheral, and I’ll say one thing – you can colour me impressed.
It’ll set you back a pretty penny, but this is a 4-in-1 device that works with your needs. Do you want a travel-sized Bluetooth controller? It does it. Perhaps you want a full-sized wireless controller with extra inputs for your Xbox Series X – not a problem. Oh, you need a mobile gaming controller with a clipping function? It can do it.
Read on to check out our full PowerA XP-ULTRA controller review.
Ultra By Name and Nature
The PowerA XP-ULTRA might take a little getting used to aesthetically on account of it looking like it could be used to prop up a house, but under the hood sits a lot of fancy features that make this controller well worth the investment.
It has everything you’d expect from an immersive controller – rumble motors, impulse triggers, and a handy 3.5mm headphone jack to boost the device’s functionality. The analogue sticks are responsive and smooth, but best of all, they’re very grippy – which makes the controller perfect for longer gaming sessions or a competitive spree.
This is where things start getting exciting.
Talking about going competitive, the PowerA XP-ULTRA boasts mappable back buttons that you can configure in seconds, giving you the upper hand on your opponents. It’s worth stressing that they’re only available when you’re using the full controller layout with the detachable grips.
The USB-C charging port provides fast power capabilities and it also allows you to run it as a wired controller, if you so desire. And on the topic of batteries, you’ll get up to 60 hours of play when running it wirelessly, and 40 hours when playing with Bluetooth switched on.
As a side note, I’ve used the controller on a fair few games across mobile and Xbox and from a single full charge I’m yet to have the battery die. Perhaps I’ll update you when that happens.
The Game Pass Connection
PowerA has marketed the XP-ULTRA as the ‘ideal wireless controller for Game Pass Ultimate’, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re streaming Xbox games through the cloud to a laptop, playing them on a mobile device, or just going the old-fashioned route and sitting down in front of an Xbox console, the XP-ULTRA does what you need.
It’s licensed, which makes things a little more official.
It’s also an indicator that Microsoft is willing to put a stamp of approval on the XP-ULTRA. That’s also why the controller comes with a one-month free trial for Game Pass Ultimate in the box.
Feel and Function
The PowerA XP-ULTRA is perfect for me as I have larger hands, which means the size that might be daunting to some is fantastic for me. On the flip side, the smallest form of the controller – the grip-less mobile unit – is pretty tough for me to use, so I rarely took off the grips.
Everything on the controller is laid out as you’d expect, and the buttons feel tactile and satisfying – particularly the ABXY face buttons. Pairing the controller with your desired device takes seconds, and there’s a handy battery indicator front and centre to keep you informed without needing to worry about your levels.
The detachable clip that facilitates mobile gaming is intuitive and easy to use, and I found that it effortlessly supported a Samsung S24 Ultra – one of the heavier, larger phones on the market at the time of writing.
It’s tough to find a fault with the XP-ULTRA, but I’d like to have seen some rubber on the grip portion of the controller. That’s just because I find the base plastic somewhat abrasive, but perhaps that’s just me being too sensitive.
If you want to invest in the PowerA XP-ULTRA wireless controller, you’ll be paying around $99.99, which as I said is a pretty penny. However, what you’re getting for that heftier price tag is decent, and everything from the packaging to the proprietary PowerA Gamer HQ App on PC is well-made and welcoming.
If you’re in the market for a premium wireless controller that works on multiple fronts, consider checking out the PowerA XP-ULTRA.
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