Revisiting OhSnap's MCON: The Magnetic Game Controller for Smartphones

Final Version Launched After Its Debut at CES Last Year

The MCON, a compact Bluetooth gaming controller by OhSnap, captured attention by seamlessly connecting to smartphones via magnetism, even earning a distinguished CES accolade last year. My experience with its initial prototype was promising, and since then, the MCON has undergone final adjustments and is now officially available as of last month. A recent demonstration at CES highlighted significant enhancements made over the past year.

The MCON continues to attach magnetically to both iPhones and Android devices, including a convenient magnetic ring for Androids lacking Qi2 compatibility. Its control scheme is comprehensive, featuring a quartet of face buttons, a directional pad, twin joysticks, index finger buttons, and full bumpers. The redesigned version boasts a more polished look and robust feel compared to its prototype. Although it can initially seem slightly unbalanced, it did not interfere with gameplay during my brief trial.

Added Features Enhance User Experience

Another stylistic upgrade includes foldable grips that help stabilize the device, coupled with a plate equipped with a kickstand for convenience. Picture this: setting your phone on an airplane tray table and engaging with the controller separately. In essence, the MCON is a versatile, top-tier device, justifying its $150 price tag.

New Accessories Introduced

Expanding their product lineup, OhSnap introduces a $70 TV dock, allowing seamless power delivery and video output from USB-C to HDMI. This dock accommodates any Bluetooth controller linked with your smartphone, not solely the MCON. Additionally, a pocket-sized $30 adapter nests on a keychain, sporting a USB-C connector to interface with your phone; an HDMI cable hooks to its opposite side, enabling gaming broadcasts on any TV while using a controller.

Innovative Design and Portability Distinguish OhSnap

The ingeniously crafted and comprehensive suite of products distinguishes the OhSnap lineup within a crowded field of mobile gaming controllers. Not resting on their laurels, OhSnap is pursuing even more streamlined designs. The MCON Lite and MCON Slim prototypes illustrate forthcoming advancements.

Introducing the MCON Lite and MCON Slim

Reflecting their names, these new variations are notably more compact than their predecessor. The Lite version adopts concave joypads in place of traditional sticks, while the Slim further minimizes form by employing concave touch pads. While slimmer designs might compromise the gaming experience relative to the original, they are appreciably thinner. OhSnap hints that these models will be more cost-effective; the MCON Lite is anticipated this summer, with the Slim targeting a fall release, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 18.