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M-Con teased as a modern take on the Xperia Play

controller.jpg

In recent months the retro gaming scene has been booming on iOS as Apple opened their doors to emulation. Though apps like Delta, Folium, and RetroArch have all found their way onto the App Store, one common issue remains: how do you seamlessly play these retro games on the go? Now it’s not as though you don’t have options as things are now. You can carry an Xbox controller and a controller clip, though it’s bulky and cumbersome. You can use a telescopic controller grip like the Backbone One, but you’ve got to find somewhere to store it and remove your phone from its case to use it. For some phones like the Surface Duo, there are even custom-designed consolising cases, but they’re incredibly expensive and very limited in availability. There hasn’t been a perfect solution for the mobile gaming problem since Sony debuted the Xperia Play in 2011, and enthusiasts have been calling for a successor ever since. That successor may yet be here.

​

The M-Con V1, despite me describing it as a modern Xperia Play, isn’t actually a phone at all. Instead, we see an imaginative implementation of the Xperia Play’s best feature: the slide-away controls. Attaching to an iPhone via MagSafe (or any Android phone with a MagSafe case, these do exist!), the M-Con V1 acts as a case for the back of your phone, with the added bonus of accessible sliding controls. The controller connects via Bluetooth and promises to work with the Switch, PC, and Mac, on top of the popular iOS and Android mobile operating systems. Also featuring a built-in kickstand, the controller is able to detach from the case and function by itself.

As of this post, the creator Josh King (Eternal Progression on YouTube) has released a teaser video on YouTube, as well as a form to sign up for more information as it arrives. Is this the controller you’ve been waiting for to give mobile gaming a shot? Is this a better pick for you than a standalone retro gaming handheld? Let me know your thoughts below.

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The Real Jdbye

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Not a phone? :cry:

You had me excited for a second. I missed out on the Xperia Play (and wasn't thrilled about the touchpads in place of sticks) and I'm sad there weren't more devices like it.

It's a cool idea, but I'm not sure I quite understand the point of the sliding mechanism on an addon peripheral? It adds so much bulk that when you're not using it you're just going to remove it anyway. I suppose it's nice to be able to quickly respond to a text without removing the controller, and then get right back to the game.

I do need a new controller for my phone, after the GameSir I had died.
Haven't found quite the right thing yet. I'd love the Backbone if it retracted more so it was smaller to bring around. It has that wide back piece which barely retracts, and for the price, I can't accept that compromise. It's so overpriced that it has to be perfect. GameSir stopped making controllers with integrated phone mounts apparently. I like the ones that attach to either side of the phone, rather than clipping the phone onto the top of it. The latter kind tends to be rather top heavy which makes it a bit uncomfortable to use.
 
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Kioku said:
My issue with it being magsafe is I know I will knock it off, repeatedly. Otherwise, that's pretty cool. I, too, was disappointed to find out it wasn't a phone. Thanks, Scarlet. :hateit:
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Sorry, I'm not trying to disappoint people! This is just in my mind exactly the best way to get an Xperia Play-like experience. The fact it can just go onto any phone as a peripheral and give you that same compact package is what a modern Xperia Play should be.
 
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Seems a pretty cool idea but i love my telescopic one that doesn't need my case removing and it looks like a switch :rofl2:


I will be registering my interest however!
 
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All these gadgets and devices are starting to make less sense given all the options people have now.

Even if you think that's compact, still take into consideration it'll be somewhat thick so won't be that compact.
 
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Honestly I want one. Someone please make a phone this cool! Maybe someday we'll get a good phone case which has a sliding controller exactly like this.
 
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Literally the only form factor that's worth a damn for a handheld since you have to carry your phone everywhere nowadays
 
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Lostbhoy said:
Really want to know the price. If they charge something stupid I'll stick to my telescopic.
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I saw on the Reddit thread they expect it to be in the ballpark of $80 to $100, though nothing set in stone as of yet. With a lot of interest maybe it can go lower.
 
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Scarlet said:
I saw on the Reddit thread they expect it to be in the ballpark of $80 to $100, though nothing set in stone as of yet. With a lot of interest maybe it can go lower.
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I was expecting around that ball park but would still argue it could be cheaper.

Most of these things can be bought for around the 30 to 60 mark dependant on aesthetics but here's hoping!
 
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Ferris1000 said:
I still don't understand why People like to play games with a Hole in the Display.
For me a Phone with a Hole in the Display is defect from Factory...please someone stop this Trend.
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agree. altougth most phones without are too old, too expensive or a huge fucking brick like the red magic 9 pro. so I stick with my defective for now.
 

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