MCON Review: You Won't Find a More Compact Mobile Controller

"The smartphone should have ushered in the next generation of Game Boy-like handhelds. They're always in our pocket. They're powerful enough to play so many games, past and present. They have pretty screens with high refresh rates (at least the latest iPhones finally do). So what's the problem? Well, part of it is the games (really, the lack of varied, quality original titles). The other issue at play is the awkward touch-based controls eating up valuable screen real estate."

"Earlier this year, the $150 MCON promised a mobile controller that wasfinallyjust as pocketable as your phone itself. That pitch was enough to make the product go viral, and after a successful Kickstarter, the makers at OhSnap are finally starting to ship. Still, there are two things you need to understand about the pricey mobile controller. It's not as pocketable as some may have hoped it would be. Plus, it won't offer the same level of gamepad controls found on home consoles."

"The MCON is easily the most pocketable mobile controller, and that makes it great for playing those few mobile games that support controllers. The MCON is a Bluetooth-only controller. Sure, that means you can connect it to any iPhone and Android (there's a metal ring adhesive for Android phones without built-in magnetic accessory support), as well as the Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac, but it won't feel as ergonomic as the wider clamp on other mobile controllers like the Backbone."

Smartphones have the hardware and displays to serve as handheld gaming platforms but face a shortage of varied, high-quality original titles and obstructive touch controls. The $150 MCON aims to offer a truly pocketable mobile controller that connects via Bluetooth to iPhone, Android (with a metal ring adhesive option), Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac. The MCON prioritizes portability and includes useful, well-functioning features that make it suitable for commuting and supported games. The design sacrifices some ergonomic comfort compared with wider clamp controllers and does not match the full gamepad feel of home consoles. Pocketability depends on clothing and personal tolerance for size and price.

Read at gizmodo.com