The Indian gaming controller market has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, with budget-friendly brands like Ant Esports launching feature-rich products at competitive prices. One of the recent entrants is their Ant Esports POWERSTRIKE 5 Wireless Controller, promising a premium next-gen experience, compatible with PS5, PC, Android, iOS, and many more. But does it truly live up to the expectations? More importantly, is it worth buying for PS5 gamers?
In this in-depth review, we break down everything you need to know: features, real-world performance, pros, cons, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Introduction of Ant Esports POWERSTRIKE 5: A Budget Challenger for Multi-Platform Gaming
The Ant Esports POWERSTRIKE 5 enters a price segment where gamers look for more than just basic functionality—good build quality, reliable connectivity, useful extra features, and smooth compatibility, especially with PS5. With a price tag around ₹4,400, the controller promises to deliver a fine balance between performance and versatility.
It supports:
- PS5 / PS4
- PC (Windows),
- iOS & Android devices
- Steam Deck / Nintendo Switch via adapter depending on setup
But the real question is, does it deliver a PS5-level experience?
Design and Build Quality of Ant Esports POWERSTRIKE 5: Stylish but Not Premium
First off, right out of the box, the POWERSTRIKE 5 looks quite attractive: the RGB glow around the touchpad area, the smooth curves, and the color variants make it good to look at. The controller is designed with ergonomics in mind and fits reasonably comfortably in the hand during long gaming sessions.
However, the build quality is not as good as an official DualSense controller. The buttons are lighter, the triggers have less weight to them and less tension in general, and for some users, the joysticks feel “cheaper” despite being Hall-effect sticks.
The positives:
- Lightweight and comfortable grip
- Modern RGB aesthetics
- Buttons feel less tactile
- Plastic quality is average
- Triggers are not solid
Overall, the design is good for a budget controller, but don’t expect premium DualSense quality.
Features in Ant Esports POWERSTRIKE 5: For the Price, Packed with Technology
Ant Esports has included a number of features that you generally don’t see in controllers under ₹5,000. Here’s what stands out:
Hall-Effect Joysticks
That’s a big plus. Traditional analog sticks degrade over time and cause drift, whereas Hall-effect sticks use magnets, have longer lifespans, and are more consistent.
Wireless + Wired Modes
It supports both Bluetooth wireless and USB-C wired modes. Because of this, it is ideal for both PC and mobile gaming.
6-Axis Gyro Sensor
Great for racing and shooting games, especially on PC and mobile, where gyro-assisted aiming is important.
Dual Vibration Motors
Although weaker than DualSense haptics, they still provide decent feedback for casual gaming.
Andreas Turbo Mode
Useful for shooting games and retro arcade titles.
1500 mAh Battery
It also runs for several hours on a single charge, which is decent.
Multi-Platform Support
In fact, this is one of the controller’s strongest selling points.
Real-World Performance on Different Platforms
1. PS5 Performance
This is where most users feel like the controller falls short.
PS5-exclusive features, including advanced adaptive triggers, fine haptic feedback, precise trigger pressure, and a built-in microphone, are either weak or not supported properly.
Many users noticed trigger dead zones, weak or uneven vibration, no proper adaptive triggers, and incomplete support in PS5-exclusive games. That means while POWERSTRIKE 5 works on PS5, it doesn’t represent the full DualSense experience.
2. PC Gaming Experience
It performs much better on PC, though. Most features feel smooth: gyro, Hall-effect wands, wireless connectivity, and turbo mode. For PC gamers, this is a great budget controller.
3. Mobile Gaming (Android/iOS)
The controller is great for BGMI, COD Mobile, Asphalt, and emulators like PPSSPP and Dolphin. Connectivity is smooth and with no lags.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Hall-effect joysticks (no drift)
- Works on almost every platform
- Attractive RGB design
- Strong mobile and PC performance
- Good battery life
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Weak PS5 support (especially triggers and vibration)
- Build quality feels average
- No built-in mic like DualSense
- Adaptive triggers don’t work properly
- Not ideal for competitive gaming
- Buttons feel light and less durable
Is It Good for PS5?
Short answer: Only for casual gaming, not for the full PS5 experience.
If you play games like FIFA / FC 24, Genshin, Minecraft, platformers, or indie games, then POWERSTRIKE 5 is usable on PS5.
But for titles dependent on adaptive triggers and haptics like Spider-Man, Horizon, Returnal, Gran Turismo, and Call of Duty, the controller feels decidedly inferior.
For full PS5 immersion, the official DualSense is still without peer.
Who Should Buy POWERSTRIKE 5?
Buy it if:
- You want a gaming controller under ₹4500
- You play on PC, mobile, and PS5.
- You want Hall-effect joysticks
- You don’t care about strong PS5 adaptive triggers
- You want a stylish controller with RGB
Avoid it if:
- You primarily play PS5 AAA titles
- You want premium haptic feedback
- You want long-term heavy-duty durability
- You play FPS competitively
Final Verdict: Worth It or Not?
The Ant Esports POWERSTRIKE 5 is a feature-heavy budget controller that shines in versatility. For PC and mobile gamers, this can be great value, especially with Hall-effect sticks and multi-platform support.
