Eternal Progression introduces the M-Con, a revolutionary mobile controller inspired by DIY innovation. Designed for compactness and compatibility with various smartphones using MagSafe technology, it addresses common issues faced by current controllers. The M-Con features ergonomic enhancements and is designed for accessibility and sustainability, with a crowdfunding campaign already exceeding its goal. With Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and a planned mobile app, it aims to deliver a high-quality gaming experience, attracting early backers at a competitive price.
The Dream of the Perfect Mobile Controller
Have you ever envisioned the ideal gadget tailored just for you? Imagining how it would feel in your hands and the impact it would have on your daily life is a common daydream. While the average person might find themselves comparing the latest releases from various manufacturers, a creative mind like Eternal Progression, a YouTube video engineer, takes matters into their own hands to bring that dream to life.
Introducing the M-Con, a remarkable mobile controller birthed from a DIY creation video that captured the attention of many. After months of meticulous design and collaboration with accessory maker Ohsnap!, this innovative product is now ready for its crowdfunding launch. During CES 2025, the creators showcased the M-Con, allowing eager fans to experience it firsthand.
What Sets the M-Con Apart?
The M-Con stands out for its unique concept, which revisits the idea of slider products like the Xperia Play and PSP Go. The main aim is to harness Apple’s MagSafe technology to create a compact, high-performance mobile controller compatible with smartphones, allowing users to conveniently slip it into their pockets while still using their devices as intended.
This design addresses a significant complaint about current controllers. For instance, even the Backbone One struggles to fit neatly in a pocket, limiting its use to gaming only. The M-Con aspires to tackle these challenges while preserving the essential smartphone functions, featuring a design that safeguards the joysticks and prevents snagging when placed in pockets.
During our hands-on experience with a development model of the M-Con, we discovered several positive attributes. When closed, the controller is impressively compact—comparable in size to a small portable battery. The integrated MagSafe circle on top can easily adjust to center any smartphone.
And yes, it’s designed for any smartphone! Although MagSafe is commonly associated with iPhones, Ohsnap! includes two adhesive magnets with the controller to ensure compatibility with a wide range of smartphones. These magnets are cleverly designed to accommodate varying camera placements, ensuring a secure connection without hindering performance. However, it’s worth noting that the final product is slightly thicker than originally envisioned, yet it remains impressively compact.
Opening the M-Con is as simple as pressing two buttons on the top edge, resulting in a satisfying “shlack.” It’s important to mention that our test model had a slightly stiff button mechanism, but this is expected as the product is still being developed.
Once a game is launched, any minor inconveniences quickly fade away. The M-Con’s design provides a comfortable gaming experience, even with devices like the Galaxy Z Fold. The controller’s weight is perfectly balanced with the smartphone, evoking nostalgic feelings reminiscent of the PSP Go. Although the smartphone can shift slightly on its support, this is a trivial issue during gameplay, offering an overall convincing and comfortable experience.
A standout ergonomic feature is the two flaps located on the back, which can be pulled out to support your palms. Fully extending these flaps restores the feel of a traditional controller, while half-extension allows for added comfort when reclining—a thoughtful detail for dedicated mobile gamers.
While the M-Con is impressive, it’s essential to acknowledge that our experience was with a prototype far from its final form. Some aspects, like the digital triggers, felt overly soft, and the D-pad and ABXY buttons were somewhat recessed. Additionally, the texture of the joysticks could use improvement for better grip.
These constructive observations were shared with the team, who took them in stride, recognizing that they are aware of these issues and are committed to enhancements ahead of the official launch, scheduled between June and August 2025.
The M-Con’s uniqueness is deeply rooted in its creator, Eternal Progression. A staunch proponent of DIY culture and repair rights, this mobile controller embodies principles of accessibility and sustainability. 3D models for certain components will be available for those interested in repairing their controllers, and the battery—promising around a week of usage—features a standard connector for easy replacement. Essentially, the M-Con is designed to be a product “by the people for the people.”
In terms of connectivity, the M-Con utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 for minimal latency and energy efficiency, but it can also connect via USB-C for those looking to eliminate latency entirely, perfect for cloud gaming sessions. A mobile app is also in the works, allowing for firmware updates and button remapping without the need for a subscription, unlike other options on the market.
Currently, the M-Con is crowdfunding on Kickstarter, having surpassed its initial goal of $25,000. Early backers can secure the controller for $99, with a retail price of $149 anticipated post-campaign.
While this price point might seem high, it aligns with premium mobile controllers like the Backbone One and Razer Kishi Ultra. This niche market still requires growth to support broader production optimizations.
If the M-Con achieves its promise of delivering a high-quality final product, it will undoubtedly be worth the investment. After meeting the dedicated team behind it, we’re confident that this project is in capable hands.