Buzz
Gaming on phones is currently in an odd place. While they are undeniably the most widely used gaming platforms, the experience often falls short. Despite their capability to handle graphically intensive games, the absence of physical controls leads to significant compromises in game design. Additionally, most phone controllers are cumbersome, increase the device's size, and typically necessitate removing your phone case. Enter 20-year-old YouTuber Josh King, who, in collaboration with Ohsnap, has introduced the MCON—a phone controller that’s sleek enough to carry every day.
The MCON merges two innovative concepts that, surprisingly, hadn’t been explored before. It utilizes MagSafe for a secure and effortless attachment to your phone, even with the case on, and features slide-out controls reminiscent of the slide-out keyboards on older Android devices, ensuring the controller remains compact when not in use.
This phone controller resonates deeply with me. As one of the rare owners of Sony’s Xperia Play, which also had a slide-out controller, I’ve longed for something similar. The idea of diving into a platformer or a quick shooter match during downtime appeals to me far more than mindlessly playing Candy Crush. Yet, I felt left behind as the industry focused on increasingly powerful phones that, in my opinion, fell short as gaming devices compared to classics like the Game Boy.
The MCON feels like the first device that truly unlocks my phone’s potential for gaming. While it’s not the first phone controller, it’s the first one I’d actually use daily. Removing my phone case every time I want to play isn’t practical, especially for quick gaming sessions. The MCON solves this elegantly, and its sleek design is a bonus.
Although I tested the MCON at CES, its journey began seven months ago when King shared a video on his YouTube channel. In it, he echoed my frustrations, expressed surprise that no one had created a MagSafe phone controller, and demonstrated how he built his own prototype. The video went viral, and after being impressed by Ohsnap’s manufacturing expertise, he partnered with them to bring his design to life.
Today, the MCON has a new prototype showcased at CES and an already funded Kickstarter campaign that launched during the event.
The latest version of the MCON, which I tested today with my own phone and case, delivers everything I desire in a phone controller. It’s compatible with your phone case, features a complete set of controls, including clickable, drift-resistant Hall Effect joysticks, and supports iPhones with MagSafe as well as other devices via an included adapter.
The concept is straightforward: When the controller is retracted, the MCON resembles a portable MagSafe battery pack, allowing you to attach your phone magnetically. However, with a simple slide-out mechanism, it transforms into a full-fledged controller, securely holding your phone above it. The controller connects via Bluetooth or USB-C, and there’s even space to mount your phone vertically, though this position may obstruct the joysticks.
The magnetic connection is impressively robust—during my demo, I witnessed it securely attaching the MCON to a tablet without any concerns about it slipping off.
Since the MCON is still in its Kickstarter phase, King and Ohsnap mentioned that its release is slated for August. This timeline makes sense, as the demo units at the show felt somewhat unfinished, which is expected given they were prototypes with 3D-printed components. The final version will utilize more traditional manufacturing methods.
The MCON has evolved significantly since King’s initial video. The updated model introduces optional flip-out grips and replaces the original iPhone-exclusive MagSafe plate with a universal sliding magnetic puck, which can be stacked to accommodate thicker phones. It also now features stacked shoulder and trigger buttons, addressing a limitation of the earlier prototype.
However, there are still a few improvements in the works. While the final product will include the sliding magnetic puck, the team plans to offer optional magnetic plates tailored for specific phones, starting with popular models like the iPhone. A slim version with shorter joysticks and a potential pro version are also in development, though details on the latter remain undisclosed.
Additionally, upon release, Ohsnap plans to share free 3D printing files for enthusiasts, enabling the community to contribute to the MCON’s ecosystem. Initially, the MCON will be available in black or white, but other color options are under consideration.
Before anything else, the device needs to launch. Kickstarter backers can secure an MCON with a $99 pledge, and King estimates the final retail price will range between $99 and $150, though this is still being finalized. The package will include the controller, two magnetic pucks, and a MagSafe adapter for non-MagSafe devices.
While it’s a modest device, that’s part of what makes CES exciting for me. For my personal needs, the MCON is undoubtedly my top pick so far. It’s the first device that makes me genuinely want to game on my phone, effectively turning it into a portable console capable of running demanding titles like the latest Assassin’s Creed. As someone who can’t fit a Switch in my pockets and prefers not to lug around a bulky controller, phone case, and phone, the MCON fulfills my nostalgic love for handhelds like the Game Boy and Nintendo DS.
