MCON is the first truly mobile controller that covers all of my gaming needs

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more. MCON is the first truly mobile controller that covers all of my gaming needs 12 hours ago MCON MSRP: $149.99 Check price What we like What we don't like MCON It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than two years since the sliding magnetic controller that we now know as MCON was introduced to the world in a YouTube video . At the time, it was heavily focused on the Apple ecosystem, but now that the device is finally out, it’s turned into so much more. Sure, it still has MagSafe magnets, but now so do Pixel phones. Magnets on phones are here to stay, and MCON is one of the first gaming controllers trying to take advantage of them with a sliding design that calls back to the legendary PSP Go and Xperia Play. After testing it for a few weeks, I have to say it really delivers where it counts. Sure, the sliding part is fun and novel (again), but it’s also one of the most versatile controllers I’ve ever used. A marvel of engineering I’ve tested a lot of gaming devices, from controllers to dedicated gaming handhelds, and I have to say MCON is one of the most overengineered products I have ever seen. And I mean that in a good way. Out of the box, it almost looks like a screen-less phone or wireless battery pack. Nothing about it screams “controller” if you don’t look too closely, and it slips very easily into a pocket or bag. I would never put a telescopic controller in my bag without some kind of case, but I have absolute confidence that the MCON can survive on its own in there. In fact, I’d almost be worried for the rest of the bag’s contents, because this thing is tough. MCON has a rugged build, but a weak magnetic phone case can send your phone flying across the room. Functionally, it’s just a Bluetooth controller , but there’s so much going on behind the scenes. The device attaches to your phone with a magnetic puck. It’s fairly thick, so there’s no worry about it hitting or scratching even the fattest of camera bumps. The puck can also be slipped off and turned vertically, which is handy for Nintendo DS emulation and vertical games. Then, there’s the headlining feature: the slider. There’s a big button on the top of the controller that is just begging to be pressed, and when you do, the controller absolutely flies out. It actually startled me the first time I opened it. It has so much force that the first magnetic case I tried for my Pixel 9 didn’t cut it. There’s a magnetic array sticker in the box, but if you’re using a different magnetic case, make sure you pick one with the full magnetic array plus the line at the bottom (and not just the circle). Otherwise, you might unexpectedly shot put...

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