I like this intelligent cellular gamepad with Corridor impact sticks and a snap-up design

In a sea of smartphone gaming controllers with chunky grips, obtrusive analog sticks and inflexible backplates, the MCON by Ohsnap stands out. It’s a gamepad that basically turns any cellphone right into a supercharged Xperia Play, full with Corridor impact joysticks, silent buttons and handles that may prolong out of its base. It additionally has bumper-style triggers and precise bumpers. When it’s connected to the again of a cellphone, the MCON creates a barely chunky however uniform profile that slides right into a pocket with out fuss. While you’re prepared to start out taking part in, the cellphone pops up from the gamepad with a satisfying flick.

The MCON communicates together with your smartphone by way of Bluetooth, no cables or plugging in required. It makes use of MagSafe to hook up with iPhones, and for Androids, there shall be a MagSafe adapter included within the field — that is merely a disc 2 millimeters thick that sticks to the again of your cellphone or case. That covers basically each smartphone on the market, and it’s potential to stack a number of connecting pucks to create house for awkward digital camera bumps. Ohsnap’s purpose is to assist iOS, Android, Xbox, PC and Mac, with PlayStation as a platform pipe dream.

Ohsnap and MCON creator Josh King confirmed off the gamepad at CES 2025 with a virtually finalized prototype. The ultimate model may have silicone tops on the analogue sticks, a canopy for the spring mechanism and extra finesse throughout. King mentioned he wasn’t fairly happy with the D-pad but, both. However even in its present type, the MCON is a candy little peripheral. It feels good — light-weight however sturdy sufficient to assist and fling a full-size smartphone — and it folds right into a compact rectangle that’s satisfying to carry.

Snapping it open includes urgent two buttons on the highest of the controller, behind the connected cellphone, and it requires simply the correct quantity of finger energy and angling. It took a couple of tries for me to efficiently deploy the pop, largely as a result of I’ve lengthy manicured nails, however I used to be in a position to make use of my precise nail tricks to make the magic occur.

When King noticed my Samsung Z Flip 6, he instantly began troubleshooting methods to make the foldable work with the MCON. You’d simply have to maneuver the attaching puck over barely, so it may connect with the decrease again quadrant of the cellphone relatively than on the central hinge, he defined. He was assured he may make it work, and mentioned he’d already ensured the Galaxy Z Fold was appropriate with the MCON. King’s purpose is for the MCON to assist completely each smartphone.

The MCON Kickstarter went stay on January 2 and, 4 days later, it’s collected greater than $740,000 of a $25,000 purpose. King’s idea has loved a little bit of viral fame through the years, and he ultimately took the concept to Ohsnap, a longtime MagSafe-focused accent producer. By their powers mixed, the MCON is on observe to ship in August at a worth of $150.