Today’s retro handheld recreations nail the Game Boy’s charm its look, feel, and portability. But there’s one catch: my pockets are already spoken for by a mobile supercomputer, a 6.3-inch slab of glass that holds my entire life. If my phone already packs a powerful processor and a gorgeous AMOLED display, why shouldn’t it double as my gaming device on the go? That’s the promise of MCON, a pop-out controller hyped by young engineer Josh King and brought to market by phone-peripheral maker OhSnap. It might finally convince me to leave my dedicated handheld at home.
I first encountered the $150 MCON at CES 2025, back when it was just a rough 3D-printed prototype. Even then, I walked away impressed by its clever collapsible design. Fast-forward to IFA 2025, where I hunted down OhSnap’s tiny booth to get my hands on the production model. The final version sleek black and clear plastic felt far more polished, and it’s now on track to ship later this year after a successful Kickstarter.
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MCON has surprisingly great-feeling controls
Most modern phone controllers whether it’s the Backbone, an 8BitDo mobile pad, or the Razer Kishi boil down to the same formula: split an Xbox controller in half and wedge a phone in the middle. Some even stretch wide enough to cradle a 13-inch iPad. Slim as they are, these controllers still aren’t pocket-friendly.
MCON, by contrast, is roughly the size of a phone itself. It’s compact enough to slip into cargo-pant pockets or a small bag, though I wouldn’t risk stuffing it into skinny jeans unless I wanted a hole in my thigh. It snaps onto a phone with a MagSafe magnetic mount and connects via Bluetooth instead of a physical USB-C plug.
Think of MCON as a Nintendo DS or PSP Go, only without its own screen or PCB. Collapsed, it matches the footprint of a typical phone. Press a button, and a spring-loaded faceplate launches forward to reveal twin thumbsticks, four face buttons, and a D-pad.
Two fold-out wings extend from the base, giving it a more traditional controller feel though you can play without them if you’re nostalgic for the cramped ergonomics of early Game Boys. A bonus: the design props your phone at an upward angle, which feels more natural for seated play than the flat-held posture of a Switch 2 or Steam Deck.
The unit I tested was a near-final prefab build, but it felt close to production quality. Its full-size, drift-resistant tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks never felt cramped, even recessed into the chassis. The buttons had a shallow, satisfyingly clicky feel though in the chaos of a convention hall, I couldn’t gauge their loudness.
The biggest surprise was the triggers: despite their slim profile, they offered surprising travel. I wanted a bit more resistance, but I still preferred them to the harsh, clicky triggers you’ll find on many DS-style devices.
Time to work out the kinks
I only had the chance to try MCON with Warped Kart Racers, a game that handles acceleration automatically. That’s not exactly the best showcase for a dedicated controller. Most backers are probably eyeing it for titles where touch controls fall short—or for cloud gaming, provided you’ve got reliable Wi-Fi. The bigger draw, though, might be retro emulation. MCON’s MagSafe dock can slide out and rotate vertically, making it ideal for old-school handhelds like Game Boy titles on iOS emulators such as Delta.
The pop-out mechanism itself felt quick and smooth, but collapsing it was another story. Pushing the magnetic plate back into place required two hands, and the rails grated against each other in a way that wasn’t exactly satisfying.
OhSnap assured me they’re working on refining that action before production ramps up. It matters this is the sort of device built for zoning out on your daily commute, and it should be easy to collapse one-handed when it’s time to stash it away.
OhSnap says MCON is on track to launch in late October. If it delivers, my phone may finally double as the Game Boy replacement I’ve been waiting for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCON?
MCON is a pop-out controller that attaches to your smartphone, transforming it into a pocketable handheld gaming device.
How does MCON connect to a phone?
It connects via Bluetooth and attaches magnetically using a MagSafe mount, eliminating the need for cables or USB-C plugs.
What phones are compatible with MCON?
MCON is designed for smartphones with MagSafe compatibility, primarily iPhones, though OhSnap may expand support to other devices.
How portable is MCON?
Collapsed, MCON is roughly the size of a phone and can fit in cargo pockets or small bags. Fold-out wings extend for a more traditional controller feel.
Can I use MCON for cloud gaming?
Yes. MCON works with any game that supports controller input, including cloud gaming services, provided you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Is it good for retro gaming?
Absolutely. The controller’s pop-out design and vertical rotation make it ideal for retro emulators like Game Boy titles on iOS emulators such as Delta.
How does the pop-out mechanism work?
A spring-loaded faceplate launches forward to reveal the buttons and joysticks. Fold-out wings provide a more traditional layout, and the phone is propped at an ergonomic angle.
Conclusion
MCON represents a clever fusion of retro handheld nostalgia and modern smartphone convenience. Its compact, pop-out design makes it one of the most portable controllers on the market, while the drift-resistant joysticks, responsive buttons, and ergonomic layout ensure a satisfying gaming experience.Though minor kinks remain like the two-handed collapsing mechanism OhSnap is actively refining the design ahead of its anticipated late October 2025 launch.