The coolest game controller for your phone is $50 off

The MCON is the closest to a Swiss army knife that a controller can be. No, it doesn’t contain a can opener, but it makes up for it with a surprising array of features. Once you attach your MagSafe- or Pixelsnap-ready phone to the top plate, pressing a button along its top edge satisfyingly pops your phone up to reveal a full suite of controls, including TMR sticks made by GameSir. The MCON launched for $150, but you can get it for $99.99 through its manufacturer, OhSnap — the same amount that backers paid for the “super early bird” discount during the MCON’s 2025 Kickstarter campaign.

I only recently received an MCON controller for testing, but it didn’t take long to appreciate that its button layout is a bit more ergonomically-friendly than other phone controllers I’ve tried. I’m also a fan of the MCON’s two fold-out palm grips because they make it easier to use the shoulder buttons.

You can use the MCON with devices that don’t have magnets, too. OhSnap includes an adhesive-backed ring that you can stick to the back of any iPhone or Android phone.

@verge

The viral Ohsnap MCON spring-loaded pocket gamepad is nearly here and I’m toying with an early sample! The snap is satisfying, the controls are surprisingly great, and gosh can it pair with lots of Bluetooth devices including the Nintendo Switch 2. But it’s also surprisingly thick (due to a big MagSafe pad) and comes with a $150 price tag! I also had slightly peeling magnets on my samples, but Ohsnap says that’s already fixed for mass production. #todayimtoyingwith #ohsnap #mcon #gaming #gametok

♬ original sound – The Verge