The iPega PG-9055 is the latest Bluetooth controller in the company’s growing stable. Titled “Red Spider”, it features the usual full set of controls, but also offers adjustable handgrips and the ability to stretch – allowing it to fit pretty much every phone you can throw at it.
I want to say thanks to GearBest for sending me a sample to review.
Use coupon “HDVG1” to get it for just $24.99.
Check Price at GearBestiPega PG-9055 Technical Specifications
- Bluetooth Version: V3.0
- Range: Approx. 8m
- Battery: 300mAh
- Charging time: Approx. 2 hours
- Working Time: Approx. 12 hours
What’s in the Box?
Inside the box, you get:
- iPega PG-9055 Bluetooth Controller
- Micro USB Charging Cable
- English Instruction Manual
iPega PG-9055 Review
The IPEGA PG-9055 looks like a futuristic take on a typical controller – apart from the gaping hole in the center which I’ll get to later. It uses the familiar black and red color scheme that is a staple of iPega controllers.
There’s a full set of controls here, with dual analog sticks, d-pad, 4 face buttons, 4 shoulders buttons as well as Start and Select. L3 and R3 are also supported by clicking down the thumbsticks.
The face buttons follow the Xbox 360’s XABY layout and use attractive colored labels inside clear resin buttons.
There’s also a button to check the battery status, a slider to toggle between Android and iOS modes and 4 status LEDs. These show the battery status and which mode the controller is in.
The handgrips themselves are quite comfortable and sit nicely in the hand. They’re also adjustable, with the small screws in each handgrip allowing you to extend their length.
That said, whilst the adjustable grips is a great idea in theory, it’s not so great in practice. I found that my fingers sat inside the groove created. Combined with the harsh angles of this expanded section, it’s not particularly comfortable so I tended to keep these sections retracted.
The iPEGA PG-9055 is one of the few controllers designed to accommodate huge devices in its integrated holder.
The controller opens up using telescopic sliders. They’re spring-loaded too, keeping your device in place and automatically closing the controller when not used. Supporting devices from 2.2 – 6.3 inches, it’ll hold most devices pretty comfortably.
That said, whilst it does a good job holding everything in place, the sliding mechanism does have some play in it, slightly twisting the more it’s extended, though I didn’t find it to be an issue when gaming. Also, unlike the iPega PG-9023, it’s not big enough to hold a tablet in landscape mode which is a shame but most large smartphones (such as my Samsung Galaxy S7) fit perfectly in landscape.
iPega PG-9055 Review: Using It
Using the controller is as easy as powering it up by holding down the Home button for a few seconds and selecting the iPega PG-9055 from your smartphone’s Bluetooth menu.
Android and iOS modes are changed via the switch on the side. In Android mode, there’s a number of additional modes (Gamepad/Keyboard/Mouse) that can be toggled by holding down one of the face buttons when you turn the controller on i.e. X+Home activates the Android controller mode. The controller reconnects pretty quickly too.
iOS mode only supports the iCade standard unless you’re using a jailbroken device though I couldn’t get it to work. Given developers are moving towards Apple’s MFi controller standard, the iPega PG-9055 is probably not the best option for iOS gamers.
The Android experience was excellent, with most games I tested automatically configuring themselves for the controller.
The face buttons and d-pad has a nice tactile feel. The L2/R2 triggers do feel a little soft however. They’re also not analog, despite their appearance, which is a shame.
The controller’s deadzones are quite good according to Game Controller Tester, leading to precise movement. Games such as GTA: San Andreas and Dead Trigger 2 worked perfectly though I did struggle with Modern Combat, despite turning down sensitivity to the minimum, though I feel like it’s more of a game issue.
Bluetooth range was good, with the controller all working all across my lounge room.
Battery life also seems to be good, quoted as being around 20 hours. After several hours of gameplay, the controller was still going.
There are a couple of minor annoyances though. If you’re using the controller with your phone mounted in landscape mode,you won’t be able to charge the phone as the grip blocks the charging port though this isn’t an issue if you use your phone in portrait mode.
Also, on Android, holding down the Home button to turn the controller off send the held “Home” command before it powers off. This kept bringing up Google Now before the controller powered off. It’s slightly annoying but not a major problem.
Verdict
The iPega PG-9055 is another solid Bluetooth controller from the company. Though the sliding mechanism could be more rigid and the controller has a few design quirks, the controller itself worked well and is also one of the only controllers that will let you use your phone in portrait mode which is a massive plus for retro gamers.
If you’re looking for a flexible controller that gives you that portable console feel, the iPega PG-9055 is great entry.
Where Can You Buy The iPega PG-9055?
The iPega PG-9055 is available from GearBest for around $25.
Use coupon “HDVG1” to get it for just $24.99.
Check Price at GearBestAlternatively, it’s available from GeekBuying, Banggood, Amazon and AliExpress.
>> They’re also not analog, despite their appearance, which is a shame.
Sorry, I didn’t get that part. Which buttons/controllers are not analog?
And why is it a same? ie, I don’t understand much about the subject, but what is another option to make them better?
Thank you
Hi Mickael,
The L2/R2 triggers aren’t analog so they’re either pressed or not. On most controllers, the harder you press the analog trigger, the more response you get. Think of it like the accelerator pedal in a car.
That said, it mainly impacts racing games but I always want you, my reader, to have the full story so you can make the best choice when buying gadgets.
Ahhh… thanks for that. I didnt know about that. Cheers!