MCON Phone Controller Revolutionizes Mobile Gaming
A groundbreaking innovation in mobile gaming has emerged with the introduction of MCON, a pop-out phone controller designed by young engineer Josh King and brought to market by OhSnap. This game-changing peripheral transforms an iPhone into a slim-form gaming handheld, redefining how we experience mobile gaming on-the-go.
At CES 2025, Barr first encountered the early prototype of MCON, which impressed him with its collapsible design using 3D-printed parts. Later, at IFA 2025, he had the opportunity to hold the new black and clear plastic MCONs that will be shipping later this year after a successful Kickstarter in February.
"The MCON has surprisingly clicky controls," Barr noted. "It's hard to believe it's just a phone peripheral." King, the engineer behind MCON, shares Barr's enthusiasm: "We're not just creating a controller; we're changing the way people interact with their phones."
Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many gamers opting for handheld consoles like Nintendo Switch. However, these devices often come with their own set of limitations and costs. MCON offers a more affordable and convenient solution, allowing users to repurpose their existing iPhone as a dedicated gaming device.
The MCON's design is both functional and sleek, featuring a compact form factor that fits easily in a pocket or purse. Its collapsible mechanism allows for seamless transition between phone mode and handheld mode, making it an attractive option for gamers on-the-go.
OhSnap, the company behind MCON, has seen significant interest in their product since its Kickstarter launch in February. "We're thrilled to see how MCON is resonating with gamers," said a spokesperson for OhSnap. "Our goal is to make mobile gaming more accessible and enjoyable for everyone."
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, innovations like MCON are poised to shape the future of mobile gaming. With its potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our phones, MCON is an exciting development that promises to bring about a new era in mobile gaming.
Background
Mobile gaming has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with the global market projected to reach $128 billion by 2025. However, traditional handheld consoles often come with their own set of limitations and costs, making them inaccessible to many gamers.
Additional Perspectives
Industry experts predict that MCON will not only disrupt the mobile gaming market but also have a broader impact on the way we interact with our phones. "MCON is more than just a controller; it's a game-changer," said Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert in human-computer interaction. "It has the potential to redefine the boundaries between phone and console gaming."
Current Status and Next Developments
MCON is set to ship later this year after its successful Kickstarter campaign. OhSnap plans to continue refining the product based on user feedback, with future updates expected to further enhance the MCON's performance and features.
As the mobile gaming landscape continues to evolve, innovations like MCON are poised to shape the future of gaming on-the-go. With its potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our phones, MCON is an exciting development that promises to bring about a new era in mobile gaming.
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*