Well this is different… - MCON Controller

Quick Overview

The MCON controller is a compact, magnetic, transforming gaming controller for mobile phones, featuring Hall effect joysticks and a surprising total weight of 197g when paired with a heavy Pixel 10 Pro, making it a highly portable yet functional gaming accessory.

Key Points: The MCON controller attaches magnetically to phones, supporting both MagSafe and adapter bracket connections for Android and iOS. The controller features unique Hall effect joysticks that detect changes in electrical resistance caused by moving a magnet near a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ). The MCON bottom piece weighs 130g (0.29 lb), and the combined unit with a Pixel 10 Pro weighs 197g (0.43 lb), which is lighter than the 210g (0.46 lb) phone alone. The device includes a deployable kickstand for use as a standalone Bluetooth controller, supporting connections to up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth 5.4. The controller features dedicated D-pad, face buttons, analog sticks, and shoulder/trigger buttons (L2/R2). The controller has a spring-loaded mechanism that quickly deploys the controller halves when separated from the phone. The MCON controller costs $149.99 USD and is advertised as being pocketable (Pocketable AF).

Context: The video reviews the MCON, a magnetic, transforming mobile gaming controller sponsored by Ohsnap. The presenter unboxes the device, demonstrating its magnetic attachment system, its unique internal components like Hall effect joysticks, and its overall form factor and weight when combined with a large smartphone like the Pixel 10 Pro, comparing it to traditional mobile controllers.

Detailed Analysis

The video provides a hands-on review of the MCON magnetic transforming gaming controller, sponsored by Ohsnap. The presenter highlights its key selling point: magnetic attachment for phones, supporting both MagSafe and an adapter bracket for broad compatibility across Android and iOS devices. The controller features unique Hall effect joysticks, which utilize Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJs) to measure movement by detecting magnetic resistance changes, offering a low-latency connection via Bluetooth 5.4. Weight comparisons show that the phone (Pixel 10 Pro at 210g) combined with the MCON bottom piece (130g) results in a total weight of 197g, which is surprisingly lighter than the phone alone, though the presenter notes the overall setup is heavy. The controller can also be used detached from the phone as a standalone Bluetooth controller, supporting up to three paired devices simultaneously. The presenter expresses excitement over the spring-loaded mechanism that quickly deploys the controller halves and the integrated kickstand feature. The controller retails for $149.99 USD.