The Nacon MG-X Xbox mobile controller is the latest addition to the third-party cloud gaming mobile market. Securely holding a player’s phone while offering similar buttons, a D-pad, and triggers to a normal Xbox controller, the device makes for a compact all-in-one Xbox gaming device.
The size of the Nacon MG-X Xbox mobile controller, when in use, will depend on the make and model of the phone it’s used with. Thanks to the extendable panel that holds the phone, a wide range of Android mobiles are compatible. The controller supports Android phones up to 6.7 inches in screen size, extending the controller’s width accordingly. Using a Samsung S20, the controller came in just slightly longer than a Nintendo Switch Lite, but shorter than a Nintendo Switch with Joy-Cons attached. Without the phone, the device is roughly the size of the PlayStation Vita, though its buttons and thumbsticks are larger. The controller isn’t too heavy, meaning using it for extended play sessions doesn’t become uncomfortable. The size and weight of the controller make it perfect for handheld gaming, being neither too large, small, nor too heavy.
Setting up the Nacon controller is swift and easy, as it simply connects to a mobile phone via Bluetooth (4.2). Actually placing the phone into the device is a little more tricky, requiring users to pull apart the sides of the device to slot the phone in. This gets easier with practice, but as the Nacon controller is meant to securely hold the phone, there’s some tension when widening it to place the phone inside which can make it awkward to insert. Thankfully, the console’s gripped areas make the process easier and prevent potential phone damage. Any sort of phone cases or Pop Sockets should ideally be removed before use, which could be a deal-breaker for some users.
The Nacon controller’s buttons feel high-quality, though there are some differences when compared to a standard Xbox controller. The ABXY buttons and D-Pad are less “clicky” than the official controller, and are a little smaller. All the buttons hold quite a lot of tension, something which is especially noticeable with the Nacon MG-X’s triggers. Holding down LT and RT for extensive periods of time, such as when driving to the finish line in Forza Horizon 4, can get uncomfortable due to the springs, which could also make fast-paced shooters a little tougher. The added resistance is worth bearing in mind for anyone with any sort of pain in their joints, fingers, or hands.
Nacon MG-X is sleek, stylish, and feels like a premium piece of kit. Without a phone, its rounded edges are reminiscent of the PlayStation Vita, though it does feel very much like a Nintendo Switch when a phone is attached. The Nacon logo is discreetly added in a number of places, including the back across the texture grip and the right thumbstick, but isn’t a loud design addition. The controller’s back grips give the device a luxurious feel, while the inside gripped area, used to secure the phone, feels premium and protects the phone while in use. The design is simple, but a timeless classic.
Nacon’s controller has an ample battery life, offering up to 20 hours of play on a single charge. The Nacon MG-X Xbox mobile controller comes charged straight out of the box, adding to its ease of use when first setting up. The Samsung S20 used for testing didn’t overheat when using the controller, and the phone’s battery life didn’t drain too quickly despite the Bluetooth connectivity. As expected, charging the device (via USB-C) doesn’t simultaneously charge the phone being used, as the two are connected via Bluetooth. It’s also worth noting that headphones aren’t outright supported by the device.
The Nacon MG-X Xbox mobile controller is a fantastic solution for those who get their use out of Xbox Cloud Gaming, but don’t want to deal with complex peripherals designed to clip a phone to a controller, or those who’ve failed too many times to balance their phone on their bedsheets while making the most of cloud gaming. In lieu of a handheld Xbox console, this is the next best thing, bringing Game Pass favorites into the palms of players, without the misbalanced, confusing, or hard-to-set-up pitfalls of other Xbox cloud gaming controllers or clips.
Priced at £89.90/€99.90, the device is fairly placed in the Xbox handheld gaming market, but may be too pricey for the more casual gamer. Players will not only need an Xbox Game Pass subscription, but also a good internet connection, and adding the price of the controller makes the overall handheld gaming experience an expensive one. As one of the better-looking and more stylish models on offer, the Nacon MG-X is a worthwhile purchase for those already in the market for a mobile controller adapter, though it’s not an essential purchase for Game Pass subscribers who won’t make use of cloud gaming. Despite some tension in the trigger buttons, the Nacon MG-X Xbox mobile controller is a solid and price-worthy premium gaming device and an essential purchase for anyone devoted to playing Xbox games in handheld.
The Nacon MG-X is available now for £89.90/€99.90. A sample controller was provided to Screen Rant for the purpose of this review.