Logitech Powershell

Game SupportLike all iOS controllers—at least those that aren't just joysticks and buttons you stick on the screen—the PowerShell has limited game support. The supported iOS 7 games list has some excellent titles like The Walking Dead, Bastion, Limbo, and King of Fighters-I 2012, but beyond the 40-something titles explicitly compatible with the PowerShell, you'll have to deal with spotty and inconsistent controls. This is a problem with all iOS controllers that connect to the device through either the Lightning connector or Bluetooth, but the list of supported games for iCade controllers like the iCade and 8-Bitty is nearly three times longer. The iCade in particular supports many more classic arcade titles, but lacks big, compelling names like Bastion and The Walking Dead. Apple iOS 7 gamepad support will hopefully result in broader and more consistent physical control integration for the PowerShell and other controllers in the future, compared with the haphazard gamepad support of previous iOS versions. This depends on game programmers now; with iOS 7 out the tools are there but the games still have to be written to use controllers through them.

DesignThe PowerShell is longer than the iPhone or iPod Touch it's designed to hold, but not much wider or thicker. It measures 7.9 by 2.6 by 0.7 inches (HWD); it's rectangular and slightly curved, with an iPhone-shaped hole in the middle complete with Lightning connector. The PowerShell weighs just 4.2 ounces without an iOS device in it, accounting for both its physical controls and built-in battery. The back holds a G-shaped logo that glows blue when active or red when low on power, along with a large cut-out for the iPhone's camera (and for easily pushing the iOS device out of the PowerShell when you're not using it). Another cutout on the bottom gives access to volume controls, while a tab to the left of the device slot triggers the iPhone or iPod Touch's power button. Finally, the lower right-hand corner of the PowerShell holds a micro USB port for charging, a power switch, and a lanyard hole.

The PowerShell's controls are sadly minimalist. It has no dual analog controls, and even its analog direction pad feels more like a digital direction pad that something that can be used for precise movements. The front has four small face buttons arranged in an Xbox-style A/B/X/Y configuration, with a Pause/Start button recessed below them. Two shoulder buttons round out the PowerShell for a disappointing total of one directional control and six buttons (not counting the Pause/Start button). The motion controls on iOS devices are ostensibly supposed to alleviate the need for analog sticks or pads, but my frustrating time with StormRaiders proved that there just aren't enough controls to play most 3D games well.

STOP SNACKING. START DEVOURING.

The iPhone® game controller you always wanted.

IOS 7 GAME SUPPORT

CONSOLE-STYLE CONTROLS

Advanced games, advanced control

INTEGRATED 1500 MAH BATTERY

Game on and on

SLIM PROFILE

Streamlined for quick-draw gaming

COMFORTABLE DESIGN

Form-fitted gaming grip

EASILY ACCESS PHONE FEATURES

Surf, snap, chat, watch, listen, and play

HEADPHONE ADAPTER

Sound completes the picture

Playing GamesThe first-person shooter Dead Trigger plays better, but still underscores the need for dual analog controls. You use the direction pad to move in the game, and then swipe over the screen with your thumb to aim. Like all touch screen controls, this means your thumb will be blocking part of the screen most of the time. Physical controls for both moving and aiming separate from the screen would have made the PowerShell much more useful.

Side-scrolling and fixed-camera games benefit much more from the PowerShell than first- or third-person games. LEGO Lord of the Rings played pretty well with the PowerShell, though the wiggly direction pad didn't quite offer the precision of a conventional analog pad or stick or the responsiveness of a digital direction pad. Muffin Knight also benefitted from the PowerStick, and both games felt more satisfying to navigate and attack with the direction pad and face buttons than any on-screen controls would offer.

BatteryThe built-in 1,500mAh battery can keep your phone charged for about as long as its own built-in battery, which is a nice touch even if the PowerShell is bulkier and has less capacity than non-gaming battery cases. Even with the battery drained and not charging the phone, the PowerShell works as a controller.

The Logitech PowerShell is a good idea done haphazardly. With just one wiggly direction pad that's allegedly analog but really just feels unresponsive and six control buttons, it's underequipped for the sort of games it wants to control. At $100, unless you love retro games and don't mind dealing with awkwardness with 3D games, the PowerShell is a pricey novelty that fails to live up to its potential.

Whether in the air, on the road, or between classes, PowerShell opens a new world of mobile gaming with powerful console-style controls. Plus, an integrated 1500 mAh battery increases the available power capacity of your iPhone 5®, iPhone® 5s or iPod touch® (5th gen).

Both groundbreaking new games and timeless classics can take advantage of iOS 7 and PowerShell's analog console-style controls. *With controller-compatible games, there's no extra software to install. Just download a favorite and go. A list of currently compatible iOS7 games is available here. Check the App Store frequently for the latest controller-compatible game releases.

Use powerful, precise console-style analog controls to dominate your favorite iOS games - and your opponents - more easily than using on-screen controls. Plus, the analog d-pad, shoulder triggers and button cluster move your hands away from the screen for the clearest view of the action.

Intense gaming can strain your device's battery. PowerShell backs you up with a 1500 mAh battery, increasing the available power capacity of the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s or 5th generation iPod touch. When the external battery indicator shows power is low, use the included micro-USB cable to top up both your device and PowerShell.

Whether you're in the air, on the road, or just between classes, the lightweight, slim PowerShell goes with you anywhere. The streamlined shape means PowerShell fits easily into your pocket, bag, or backpack. Games are always within easy reach.

PowerShell is designed for more than casual gaming-on-the-go. Its comfortable curves and subtly textured, soft rubber surface offer a sure – but comfortable – grip for hours of gaming.

Gaming isn't the only thing you do when you're on the go. PowerShell adds great gaming features without stopping you from snapping pictures, making calls, or listening to music. And volume up/down buttons, ring/silent switch, and power/sleep button all remain fully accessible.

Stay plugged-in for great game sound, or for making a call. PowerShell includes a 3.5mm headphone adapter with an angled design to keeps cords safely away from the action.

3-year Limited hardware warranty

iPhone 5, iPhone 5s or iPod touch (5th generation)

iOS 7

Controller