Abxylute, a technology company best recognized for its expertise in developing Android-based handheld gaming devices, has unveiled an innovative and compact mobile controller designed specifically for smartphones. Departing from the conventional approach favored by established brands such as Backbone and 8BitDo—both of which utilize a mechanical expansion or clamping system to grip smartphones securely—Abxylute’s newly developed M4 Snap-On controller adopts an entirely different philosophy. Rather than relying on physical pressure or adjustable brackets, this smaller, lighter model employs a uniquely engineered Q-shaped magnetic mount that allows it to attach effortlessly to compatible mobile devices. This design takes advantage of Apple’s MagSafe magnetic standard as well as the more recent Qi2 charging and attachment protocol, both of which enable seamless alignment and secure connection. Significantly, the addition of Qi2 compatibility now extends support to Google’s latest Pixel 10 lineup, thereby widening the potential user base across multiple smartphone ecosystems.
Although the M4 Snap-On shares some functional similarities with traditional clamp-on controllers—primarily in its intent to transform a smartphone into a landscape-oriented handheld console—it introduces a distinctive ergonomic arrangement that visually and physically sets it apart. Instead of splitting the control modules between the left and right sides of the screen as most portable gamepads do, Abxylute reimagines the configuration by situating the input controls directly beneath the display. This placement evokes a nostalgic yet streamlined layout reminiscent of early handheld consoles while optimizing space efficiency. The controller features a carefully curated selection of input mechanisms: a responsive directional pad (D-pad) for precise navigation, the familiar ABXY action buttons positioned for intuitive reach, a pair of tactile shoulder triggers for gameplay depth, and two compact analog joysticks designed for smooth movement and fine control. Supplementary system and navigation buttons round out the interface, offering users quick shortcuts—including immediate access to the smartphone’s home screen—without interrupting gameplay flow.
According to Abxylute, the M4 Snap-On is powered by a rechargeable internal battery capable of sustaining up to approximately thirteen hours of continuous play, ensuring that even extended gaming sessions remain uninterrupted. The magnetic Q-shaped mount, though integral to its primary smartphone attachment function, is entirely removable. This modularity introduces a level of versatility uncommon among mobile controllers, allowing users to repurpose the M4 as a standalone wireless gamepad compatible with other devices—potentially tablets, PCs, or even certain gaming consoles—depending on future support specifications. While the exact scope of cross-platform compatibility has not yet been disclosed, Abxylute intends to clarify these details when it officially debuts the product through an upcoming Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign scheduled to launch in early November.
As for pricing, early supporters participating in that crowdfunding initiative are expected to gain access to the M4 Snap-On at an introductory cost starting around $39, as initially reported by Notebookcheck. However, The Verge has reportedly contacted Abxylute for confirmation regarding the controller’s eventual retail pricing and broader market availability, promising to update these figures once the company provides official information. In essence, the M4 Snap-On represents an ambitious merger of compact engineering, ergonomic refinement, and magnetic connectivity technology—offering a forward-thinking glimpse into how the boundaries between smartphones and dedicated gaming hardware continue to blur.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/809274/abxylute-m4-snap-on-mobile-wireless-smartphone-controller-magnetic-magsafe
