Key Facts
- ✓ The MCON controller is priced at $150.
- ✓ A $70 TV dock and a $30 keychain adapter are available for TV connectivity.
- ✓ Two new prototypes, the MCON Lite and MCON Slim, are in development.
- ✓ The MCON Lite is scheduled for a summer release, with the Slim coming in the fall.
Quick Summary
OhSnap has finalized and released the MCON, a magnetic Bluetooth game controller designed for smartphones. Originally unveiled at CES last year, the device has moved from a pre-production prototype to a finished product available for purchase.
The MCON attaches magnetically to compatible phones, including iPhones and Android devices. It features a full array of controls, including four face buttons, a D-pad, two joysticks, and index finger buttons. The design has been refined to feel more solid and sleeker than the initial prototype.
Key features include unfoldable grips and a kickstand on the phone plate, allowing for versatile usage scenarios such as plane travel. The device is currently priced at $150. OhSnap has also expanded the ecosystem with TV connectivity options and announced plans for two slimmer controller models.
Design and Functionality
The MCON utilizes a magnetic attachment system to connect to mobile devices. For iPhones, the connection is native, while the company includes a magnetic ring in the box for Android phones that do not yet support Qi2 technology. The controller provides a comprehensive set of inputs, ensuring a console-like experience.
Regarding the physical build, the final version addresses the balance issues found in earlier iterations. While the device can feel slightly top-heavy when attached to a phone, the inclusion of unfoldable grips helps stabilize the unit during gameplay. The attachment plate also features an integrated kickstand.
This kickstand allows users to set the phone down on a surface, such as a tray table, while holding the controller separately. This flexibility makes the MCON a viable option for travel. The overall build quality is described as high, justifying the $150 price point.
TV Connectivity and Accessories
OhSnap is expanding the MCON ecosystem with dedicated accessories for connecting phones to televisions. This allows users to play mobile games on a larger screen while using the controller.
The company introduced two specific products for this purpose:
- TV Dock ($70): A dock that powers the phone and outputs video from USB-C to HDMI. It is compatible with any Bluetooth controller, not just the MCON.
- Keychain Adapter ($30): A small adapter with a USB-C plug that connects to the phone. An HDMI cable can be plugged into the other end, allowing for gaming on the go.
These accessories provide a comprehensive solution for users who want to transition between mobile and TV gaming. The portability of the keychain adapter, in particular, offers a unique solution for gaming outside the home.
Future Prototypes: MCON Lite and Slim
OhSnap is already developing the next generation of controllers, showing off two new prototypes: the MCON Lite and MCON Slim. Both models are designed to be more compact than the original MCON.
The MCON Lite utilizes concave joypads instead of traditional analog sticks. The MCON Slim takes compactness further by using concave touch pads. While these input methods may not offer the same quality experience as the full-sized version, the trade-off results in significantly thinner profiles.
Both new models are expected to be cheaper than the original. The release schedule places the MCON Lite in the summer, while the MCON Slim is slated for a fall launch, potentially coinciding with the release of the iPhone 18.
