Having a smartphone in your pocket can be a surprisingly versatile gaming device, but admittedly, touchscreen controls aren't the best. Luckily, there is a wide range of accessories you can equip your phone with. and this new magnetic case from MCon It looks like it will hit the Goldilocks zone for functionality and compact design. Now available for pre-order for $145 (up from $150), the MCon is designed to mount to “most” phones using magnetic clips.
US$145 (was US$150)
Besides being a pocket-sized device, the MCon comes with some high-end technology. It features retractable handles for ergonomic comfort, analog Hall effect triggers, GameSir non-stick joysticks, and a built-in gyro for motion control. Another cool feature of this controller is that it features a button-activated slider that lifts your phone into a gaming position in one smooth motion. Recoil mode allows you to remove the control panel cover and place the phone in place for a board game.
The controller also supports games played in portrait mode and has all the inputs you'd expect from modern games. The device also has silent face buttons and attaches to the phone using two magnetic washers to keep the camera away from the controller, ensuring a smooth fit. When not in use, the MCon is just 5.67 inches long, 2.67 inches wide, and less than three-quarters of an inch thick, making it easy to store in your pocket. It is available for pre-order in white or black.
MCon was initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign, which surpassed its initial funding goal of $25,000 and raised over $1.7 million in crowdfunding. Part of the device's appeal is that it has a user-friendly design, as manufacturer Oh Snap designed it to be modifiable, upgradeable, and repairable. Smartphone controllers have become popular over the past couple of years, thanks in part to subscription services like Netflix and Crunchyroll offering members access to a library of games, and there are several brands that offer similar high-quality add-ons.
One of the biggest is Backbone, as it currently sells handheld controllers that make mobile gaming more enjoyable. The company recently announced a collaboration with Hideo Kojima's studio to create Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Backbone Controllerbut if you're in a hurry, Backbone One with USB-C connection available for $100, and for older iPhones Backbone One with Lightning connection in stock at the same price.
The Backbone Ones have a solid build, but if you're looking for a more premium controller with better parts inside, the Premium Smartphone Controller is the one for you – Magistral Pro– worth considering, with Hall effect triggers, quiet face buttons and full-size ALPS analog sticks.
