Preorder the Slick Magnetic Phone Controller Now
â–¼ Summary
– The MCon is a new magnetic smartphone gaming controller case designed for functionality and a compact design, currently available for preorder at $145.
– It features high-end gaming technology including Hall-Effect triggers, anti-stick drift joysticks, a gyroscope, and deployable grips for ergonomic comfort.
– The controller includes unique features like a button-activated slider to raise the phone for play and Kickback Mode for tabletop gaming, supporting both landscape and portrait orientations.
– Successfully funded through Kickstarter, raising over $1.7 million, the MCon is designed to be user-friendly, moddable, upgradeable, and repairable by manufacturer Oh Snap.
– Backbone is a major competitor offering portable smartphone controllers like the Backbone One for $100 and the premium Backbone Pro with enhanced components for improved gaming.
While smartphones offer incredible gaming potential, their touchscreen interfaces often fall short for serious play. A new wave of accessories bridges this gap, and the MCon magnetic smartphone gaming controller stands out by combining high-performance features with a remarkably slim profile. Now available for preorder at $145, a slight reduction from its original $150 price, this device uses magnetic clamps to securely attach to the majority of modern phones.
The MCon packs sophisticated technology into its compact frame. It boasts deployable grips for enhanced ergonomic comfort, ensuring your hands don’t tire during long sessions. For precision control, it utilizes Hall-Effect analog triggers and GameSir anti-stick drift joysticks, while a built-in gyroscope adds motion-based input. A particularly clever feature is the button-activated slider, which smoothly elevates your phone into the perfect viewing angle with a single press. For tabletop gaming, the Kickback Mode lets you detach the control cover and use it as a stand. The controller is fully compatible with portrait-oriented games and includes all the standard inputs required for contemporary titles. Its silent face buttons prevent disruptive clicking, and the attachment system employs two magnetic pucks. This design cleverly accommodates camera bumps, guaranteeing a flush, level fit against your device. When stowed away, the MCon measures a mere 5.67 by 2.67 inches, with a thickness under 0.75 inches, making it genuinely pocket-friendly. It is currently available for preorder in classic white or black color options.
The product’s journey began on Kickstarter, where it far surpassed its initial $25,000 goal, ultimately raising over $1.7 million from enthusiastic backers. A significant part of its appeal lies in a forward-thinking design philosophy. The manufacturer, Oh Snap, built the MCon to be user-serviceable, upgradeable, and repairable, extending its lifespan and reducing electronic waste. The rising popularity of such controllers is partly driven by subscription services like Netflix and Crunchyroll, which now include extensive game libraries for their members, creating a greater need for quality physical controls.
Backbone stands as a major player in this competitive market, known for its portable controllers that significantly improve the mobile gaming experience. The company recently revealed a partnership with Hideo Kojima’s studio to create a special edition Death Stranding 2 controller. For those seeking an immediate solution, the standard Backbone One is available for $100 with either a USB-C or a Lightning connector for older iPhones. While the Backbone One models offer a solid and reliable design, gamers looking for a top-tier option might consider the Backbone Pro. This premium version features high-end components like Hall Effect triggers, quiet face buttons, and full-sized ALPS analog sticks for an uncompromising gaming session.
(Source: GameSpot)
