I love this smart mobile gamepad with Hall effect sticks and clip-on design

In a sea of ​​smartphone gaming controllers with massive grips, obtrusive analog sticks and hard back panels, the MCON from Ohsnap stands out. It’s a gamepad that essentially turns any phone into a supercharged Xperia Play, complete with Hall-effect joysticks, silent buttons and grips that can pop out of its base. It also has armor-style triggers and real armor. When attached to the back of the phone, the MCON creates a slightly chunky but even profile that slides into a pocket without a problem. When you’re ready to start playing, the phone pops out of the gamepad with a satisfying motion.

The MCON communicates with your smartphone via Bluetooth, no cables or tethering required. It uses MagSafe to connect to the iPhone, and for Android there’ll be a MagSafe adapter included in the box — it’s just a 2mm thick disc that sticks to the back of your phone or case. This covers essentially every smartphone on the market, and it’s possible to stack several connecting washers to create room for awkward camera bumps. Ohsnap aims to support iOS, Android, Xbox, PC and Mac, with PlayStation being a dream platform.

Ohsnap and MCON creator Josh King showed off the gamepad at CES 2025 with a near-finalized prototype. The final version will have silicone analog stick tops, a cover for the spring mechanism, and more finesse all around. King said he’s still not completely satisfied with the D-pad. But even in its current form, MCON is a sweet little peripheral. It feels nice—light but sturdy enough to support and throw a full-sized smartphone—and it folds into a compact rectangle that’s satisfying to hold.

Opening it involves pressing two buttons on the top of the controller, behind the connected phone, and requires just the right amount of finger strength and angle. It took me a few tries to successfully place the highlight, largely because I have long manicured nails, but I was able to use my actual nail tips to make the magic happen.

When King spotted my Samsung Z Flip 6, he immediately began looking for ways to make the foldable work with MCON. You just have to move the retaining washer slightly so it can connect to the lower back quadrant of the phone rather than the center hinge, he explained. He was confident he could make it work and said he had already ensured the Galaxy Z Fold was MCON compatible. King’s goal is for MCON to support absolutely every smartphone.

The MCON Kickstarter went live on Jan. 2 and four days later had raised more than $740,000 of its $25,000 goal. King’s concept enjoys little viral fame over the years, and eventually he took the idea to Ohsnap, an established MagSafe-focused accessory manufacturer. With their forces combined, the MCON is on track to ship in August for $150.