Gaming on the go doesn’t have to be done strictly by using your smartphone’s screen to interact with the game. It can work for some instances, but if you really want to get that tactile feel like you would of playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the couch with an Xbox controller, a mobile controller is great to have. The MCON is a handy controller that snaps to your phone bringing all the comforts of home with it.
If you need to game on the go, the MCON includes all the buttons, triggers, and feel of one you’d find from a console. Its small design makes it rather portable, if not rather bulky to fit in a pocket comfortably while sitting down. Instead of connecting to the phone or slotting it into place, the MCON has a magnetic base that snaps to the phone, holding it place. Once snapped on, you press a button to unsheathe it like some sort of medieval sword. It even has a satisfying sound when popped into place.
Once slid open, the thumb sticks and buttons are revealed. To complete the transformation, the left and right grips are pulled forward like Batman pulling out a batarang. Turn on the Bluetooth and connect it to your smartphone and you’re ready to game. The MCON also features Kickback Mode, which allows you to remove your phone and prop it up for tabletop play, like the Nintendo Switch.
I’ve used a few handheld controllers and the MCON may be the best of the lot. It’s great for any gaming including retro and modern titles. With two thumb sticks, you can play anything from Tomb Raider to Indiana Jones. If you’re into retro games or titles like Hollow Knight, it will handle just fine.
I tested it out mainly on Indiana Jones because I wanted it see how it handled on a modern title. With nearly 10 hours of game time logged, the MCON has allowed me to punch fascists in the face, swing around Italy, and sneak about as Indy without an hiccups at all. When I dabbled with Indiana Jones when it released on Xbox, the only difference was the size of the controllers. Xbox is slightly larger, whereas the MCON is smaller, but no less uncomfortable due to its ergonomic design and ease of use.
The MCON also works with any console that has Bluetooth connectivity. I tried it with the Elder Scrolls Online and found it responsive, but also difficult to master. This may be due to me logging early 1,000 hours on Xbox, but it did take a bit to hit the right buttons as they are closer together on its smaller design. The controller is rather pricey, however. At $149.99, it’s a lot to pay for mobile gaming.
If you find yourself gaming a lot on the go, it may be worth the cost. That and its more lightweight build and overall design can take some getting used to. It does beat out using your phone’s screen to play games though. For anyone who wants to play classic titles, mobile games, or even the latest releases, the MCON is a great choice for travel gaming and one that will be in my carry on on my next trip.
The MCON was provided by Ohsnap
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