Smartphones currently occupy an interesting position in the gaming landscape. They are undeniably the leading gaming devices available, yet their gaming experience often falls short. Although these devices boast the capability to handle demanding games, the absence of integrated physical controls forces many mobile games to compromise on quality. Unfortunately, even the best external controllers tend to be cumbersome, increase the overall size of the phone, and often necessitate the removal of protective cases. Enter 20-year-old YouTube creator Josh King, who together with peripheral maker Ohsnap, is unveiling a game-changing solution: the MCON controller, a device that promises to be a daily companion for gamers on the go.

The MCON ingeniously merges two concepts that surprisingly haven’t been marketed before. Utilizing MagSafe technology, it establishes a steady and reliable connection to your phone—even while it’s encased—alongside a slide-out control setup similar to the keyboards from vintage Android phones. This design effectively minimizes the amount of space the controller occupies when it is not in use.

The MCON controller displayed without a phone.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt

This innovation captures the true spirit of mobile gaming. As a proud owner of Sony’s Xperia Play, which also boasted a slide-out controller, there’s a yearning for that nostalgic experience. The allure of rapidly enjoying a few stages of a platform game or diving into intense shooter matches during free moments is far more appealing than passively playing Candy Crush. However, the mobile gaming industry has evolved past my expectations, consistently delivering more powerful devices that, for many users, lack functionality compared to classic gaming systems like the Game Boy.

Finally, the MCON seems poised to unlock the true potential of smartphones in a way that makes gaming enticing. Although it’s not the first mobile gaming controller, convenience is key. Removing the case each time before picking up a game is impractical, especially for quick gaming sessions. This new device represents a genuine solution to that inconvenience, bringing a sleek design to mobile gaming.

Though the MCON made an appearance at CES, its journey began months earlier. King shared a video highlighting frustrations with the current mobile gaming landscape, expressing his surprise that no one had already created a MagSafe-compatible phone controller. The video quickly gained traction, leading him to connect with Ohsnap to collaborate on turning his design into a reality.

Josh King’s initial MCON design before collaboration with Ohsnap.
Credit: Jake Peterson

Fast-forward to the present, the MCON prototype is showcased at CES with an successful Kickstarter campaign already live.

The enhanced version of the MCON, which was tested with a personal phone while still in its case, encompasses everything desired in a mobile gaming controller. It works seamlessly with cases, equipped with an array of controls, including responsive, drift-free Hall Effect joysticks. While it natively aligns with iPhone MagSafe technology, an adapter is also provided for compatibility with numerous other devices.

This innovative design is straightforward: when the controller remains folded, the MCON resembles a compact MagSafe battery bank, allowing users to connect their phones magnetically. However, with a simple push of the slide-out feature, the full controller emerges, securely accommodating the phone on a magnetic mount. The controller can establish a connection via Bluetooth or a USB-C cable, and it also accommodates vertical mounting of the phone—though this positioning may obscure the controller’s joysticks.

The MCON controller with a vertically mounted phone.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt

The magnetic connection is impressive—the demo revealed it clinging firmly to a tablet without any concerns of detachment during use.

As the MCON is still in the Kickstarter phase, its release is projected for August. This timeline is reasonable; initial impressions indicated some aspects require refinement, as the demo units at CES were prototypes made from 3D-printed components. The final product will employ more traditional manufacturing methods.

The improvements since King’s initial concept are notable. The updated MCON introduces optional flip-out grips and replaces the original iPhone-specific MagSafe plate with a versatile sliding magnetic connector, allowing for the stacking of two pucks to accommodate larger phones. Additionally, it features stacked shoulder and trigger buttons, which were previously absent.

However, there are still enhancements planned for the MCON. The final launch will include the universal sliding magnetic puck, but the team is also working on additional magnetic plates for specific models, beginning with popular phones such as the iPhone. A slim variant with shorter joysticks and a potential pro version are also in the discussion stage, though details remain under wraps.

Moreover, once released, Ohsnap intends to provide free 3D printing resources for modders, fostering community support for the MCON. While the initial offering will be limited to black and white, additional color options may be explored post-launch.

For now, the focus is on bringing the product to market. Backers on Kickstarter can pre-purchase the MCON with a pledge of $99, with the final retail price expected to range between $99 and $150—a figure still under negotiation. This package will include the controller, two magnetic pucks, and a MagSafe adapter for non-MagSafe compatible devices.

The MCON represents a practical approach that embodies the essence of innovation featured at CES. For mobile gaming enthusiasts, it could transform gaming on the go, offering a compact solution that runs demanding titles like the latest Assassin’s Creed directly from a pocket-sized device. For those who find it impractical to carry bulky gaming options or cumbersome traditional controllers, the MCON presents an exciting new possibility.