My favourite a part of any main tech occasion is discovering one thing new I might not but seen, or on this case, even heard about. That one thing new is the Ohsnap! MCON, the self-titled “Switchblade of Cellular” controllers, is a super-nifty handheld gaming controller with MagSafe assist, Corridor-effect joysticks, ultra-quiet buttons, and a significantly highly effective sliding mechanism.
The MCON makes transportable gaming ridiculously simple
The Ohsnap! MCON truly first launched again at CES 2025 in January, so this is not a world’s first or breaking information. Nevertheless it’s the primary time I might seen and used it, and I used to be suitably impressed. Ohsnap! truly ran a profitable Kickstarter for the MCON in January, and items are transport out, plus showing in Finest Purchase, Goal, and different shops.
There are a few options that basically set the MCON other than different cell controllers.
One is that the MCON is designed to remain related to your smartphone always. In contrast to different controllers the place you fit the smartphone into the unit or comparable, the MCON’s slimline design means it will probably keep related and nonetheless slip comfortably into your pocket.
The MCON is simply 5.67 inches lengthy and solely 0.72 inches thick. It is particularly designed for players on the go, which, as cringe-inducing as that phrasing is, matches the invoice completely. When you slide the MCON display screen holder down, you might have a barely chunkier smartphone than earlier than, however it’s nothing like the large clip-in controllers I’ve beforehand used.
That the MCON can be MagSafe is one other enormous plus. It features a MagSafe-compatible magnet to snap your gadget to the controller, and as soon as in place, it feels remarkably safe. It slots out with the faucet of a button on the rear of the unit (and does it with some pressure, so watch out there), however it feels sturdy and well-made.
The display screen attachment slides as much as reveal the MCON’s built-in Corridor-effect joysticks and buttons, which sit properly within the controller’s body. The inclusion of Corridor-effect joysticks on a small, transportable gaming controller is a good function, as they permit a lot better precision and incremental actions relatively than the “all or nothing” feeling you could expertise with different controllers.
I additionally discovered the buttons very quiet. I used to be testing the MCON on a busy present flooring at IFA 2025, however I did not actually discover any important clicking or in any other case after I examined the controller. The shoulder pad triggers additionally felt responsive and simple sufficient to make use of, although I can see the marginally smaller L1 and R1 triggers being a little bit trickier as a consequence of their dimension.
On the underside of the MCON are two fold-out ft you could regulate in order that in addition they grow to be a part of the controller. It makes the MCON really feel extra like a PlayStation or Xbox controller, and undoubtedly makes the expertise extra comfy (and hopefully, extra correct in video games).
It isn’t only for Apple units
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So, I am certain the Android gaming fanatics have been studying that and considering, “Meh.” However the MCON can be suitable with Android units by way of the MagSafe adapter, which is included within the field. Alternatively, you may purchase a magnetic smartphone case, which might prevent from having to stick one thing to your precise gadget.
Both method, the choice is there.
Ohsnap! additionally contains two 2.5mm pucks that make it easier to place any telephone on the controller. They act as spacers that basically present telephones with a bigger digicam housing with some clearance. It means your smartphone will really feel balanced whereas connected to the MCON, relatively than having one finish barely raised and off-balance.
The MCON is battery-powered, makes use of Bluetooth, and is repair-friendly
You join your gadget to the MCON utilizing Bluetooth, which works rather well. I did not discover any important lag between inputs after I performed with the MCON. All of it felt properly fluid and correct, which, if you’re gaming, is important. Nonetheless, there may be additionally a wired possibility if that is what you like.
The MCON is not powered by your telephone, although. It has a big battery that may final weeks on a single cost, and I used to be instructed that in sleep mode, the MCON will final for almost a 12 months. Now, I clearly have not had the possibility to take a look at these claims, however given the minimal energy required to run a small controller like this, it looks like it may very well be correct.
Higher nonetheless, the MCON solely takes half-hour to achieve a full cost, so you possibly can plug it right into a USB-C charger earlier than leaving the home and know that it will not run out of juice in your large journey or morning commute.
One other plus level is that the MCON is DIY repair-friendly. The Ohsnap! workforce designed the MCON with us on a regular basis of us in thoughts, and meaning you possibly can take a screwdriver to the controller and repair it should you want. It additionally helps interchangeable elements, resembling the highest plates, grips, and so forth. It is a actually spectacular transfer that I want extra firms would be aware of.
The Ohsnap! MCON controller is on the market for $149, and for that worth, you are getting an incredible little bit of gaming {hardware} that may final you years.
Make sure that to take a look at our greatest of IFA 2025 awards to see the most effective new tech from this 12 months’s present!
