Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Follow ZDNET:
Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET’s key insights
After an extensive year marked by continual refinement and technical adjustments, Ohsnap has officially begun shipping its much-anticipated $150 Mcon controller. This long-awaited release brings a well-polished product to market, offering both iPhone and Android users a Bluetooth-enabled controller that connects magnetically and functions seamlessly with their devices. Complementary accessories are also being introduced, most notably a new docking station retailing for $70, designed to expand the controller’s versatility and transform the mobile gaming experience.

When spending the first few exhilarating days at CES surrounded by colossal Micro RGB displays and mesmerized by experimental gadgets such as a tri-foldable smartphone, one might assume that few new devices could still manage to impress. Yet even after immersing myself in that sea of innovation, the moment I held Ohsnap’s Mcon controller in my hands, I realized it was something genuinely special — a compact piece of engineering that continued to occupy my thoughts long after I set it down.

Refined Design and User Experience
Interacting with Ohsnap’s Mcon controller is remarkably intuitive. The process begins by simply placing your smartphone — whether an iPhone or an Android model — onto the magnetic surface of the controller. With a gentle outward flick, an intricately constructed set of joysticks and control buttons emerges, ready for immediate gameplay. Imagine the hybrid spirit of the nostalgic Sidekick combined with Sony’s PSP Go — yet made even smarter because, in this case, it is your smartphone itself that powers and drives the entire gaming setup. This clever design not only modernizes portable gaming but also bridges nostalgic familiarity with contemporary technological precision.

Additional Enhancements and Distinctive Features
What sets the Mcon apart from the growing field of wireless Bluetooth controllers is a collection of thoughtful, user-centric design touches. Both sides of the controller extend outward to form ergonomic grips, allowing for extended play sessions without discomfort. For moments when hands-free functionality is desired, an integrated kickstand holds your smartphone upright — even when the controller’s top plate is detached — turning your device into a compact display station. Most notably, a newly developed $70 dock accessory offers yet another layer of convenience by mirroring your phone’s screen onto a larger monitor or television, allowing users to enjoy console-like gameplay from a distance. These enhancements underscore Ohsnap’s commitment to form meeting function in a sophisticated and highly portable way.

Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Timing and Market Relevance
The Mcon’s arrival seems exquisitely timed. In many respects, it echoes the spirit of the Nintendo Switch, yet with one remarkable difference — its entire form factor fits effortlessly into a pocket or sleeve, making it a true on-the-go companion. The surge in popularity of game emulators, along with the expanding ecosystem of cloud-based gaming services, has turned smartphones into legitimate gaming platforms. Moreover, with the recent influx of Android devices supporting Qi2 wireless charging, the Mcon enters the market at a moment when its magnetic and modular capabilities can be most appreciated. Sold at $150 and expected to ship by late January, the device stands as a well-calibrated response to the modern gamer’s need for both mobility and immersive control.

Practical Innovation at CES
CES has always been a curiosity cabinet filled with groundbreaking, extravagant, and occasionally eccentric technologies. Yet among all the dazzling presentations, the standout products are often those that simply work — no convoluted demonstrations or celebrity endorsements required. They reveal their value in seconds, solving real problems with straightforward functionality. That is precisely what defines the Mcon: a pocket-sized yet powerful controller that dramatically improves the mobile gaming experience, not through spectacle but through elegant practicality. It’s not about excess or marketing flair — it’s about design intelligence and technological purpose refined into a tool that feels as natural as it is innovative.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/ohsnap-mcon-hands-on-ces-2026/