# Well this is different… - MCON Controller

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVv7j_S1h74
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/FVv7j_S1h74
Generated: 2025-11-18T22:02:21.721+00:00

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## 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).

![Screenshot at 00:24: The MCON controller is shown fully assembled with a smartphone attached, demonstrating its clamshell-like configuration with dual analog sticks and face buttons, ready for mobile gaming.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-00-24.png)

**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.

### Unboxing and Initial Impressions

- The unboxing reveals the main controller unit, a Quick Start guide, an Android Ring for magnetic attachment, a USB-C cable, and a safety guide. The presenter notes the white limited edition unit is particularly cool looking, contrasting with the standard black version.

### Core Technology and Features

- The controller utilizes Hall effect joysticks based on Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJ) for input detection, which the presenter praises as a desirable feature. It includes a D-pad, four face buttons, dual analog sticks, and L2/R2 shoulder triggers.

### Weight and Portability

- The Pixel 10 Pro weighs 210g; the MCON bottom alone is 130g. Combined, the setup is 197g, which is better than the phone alone, although the overall weight is still substantial. The device is marketed as 'Pocketable AF' when detached.

### Usage Modes and Connectivity

- The MCON connects magnetically (or via an adapter bracket) and supports Bluetooth 5.4, allowing pairing with up to three devices simultaneously. A kickstand allows the phone/controller assembly to function as a standalone console for games like Super Mario World, although the presenter notes the gyroscope aiming feature is less useful when the heavy phone is attached.

### Ergonomics and Design

- The controller folds up for storage, protecting the buttons except for the shoulder triggers and L2/R2 buttons. The presenter finds the ergonomics decent, especially with the wings deployed, despite the overall bulk.

![Screenshot at 00:00: The video begins with the presenter introducing the sponsor, Ohsnap, before transitioning to the main product review.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-00-00.png)
![Screenshot at 00:04: A product shot displays the MCON magnetic transforming gaming controller attached to a smartphone, showing its portable console-like form factor.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-00-04.png)
![Screenshot at 00:19: A graphic illustrates the magnetic attachment mechanism, emphasizing the 'QUICK LAUNCH' feature where the controller attaches without needing to plug into the phone's port.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-00-19.png)
![Screenshot at 00:30: The presenter unboxes a clear/white version of the controller, showing the internal circuitry through the transparent casing.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-00-30.png)
![Screenshot at 00:53: A note overlay explains the joystick technology, confirming they work by detecting resistance changes via a Magnetic Tunnel Junction \(MTJ\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-00-53.png)
![Screenshot at 01:11: Close-up view of the controller's inputs, showing the D-pad, analog sticks, face buttons, and the clear mechanical structure.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-01-11.png)
![Screenshot at 02:28: An overlay displays Linus Torvalds' image, mentioned in passing as someone who visited the office, humorously suggesting the controller's design is complex.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-02-28.png)
![Screenshot at 04:08: A digital scale shows the weight comparison: Pixel 10 Pro \(210g\) vs. MCON Bottom \(130g\), illustrating the weight distribution.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-04-08.png)
![Screenshot at 04:54: The controller is in use, playing Super Mario World in horizontal orientation, demonstrating the immersive handheld experience.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-04-54.png)
![Screenshot at 05:59: The presenter demonstrates the controller's kickstand feature, allowing the phone/controller combination to stand on a desk for tabletop play.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/FVv7j_S1h74/00-05-59.png)
