MCON: 모바일 게이밍 컨트롤러

Many people enjoy mobile games, but are limited by virtual touchpads, leading to high demand for physical controllers. Existing mobile game controllers (e.g., Bluetooth gamepads) are bulky and not very portable, and require separate clamps to attach to smartphones, which is cumbersome. Also, analog sticks or buttons protrude, making them awkward to carry and prone to damage. Dedicated case-type controllers also exist, but they only fit specific phones and make them thicker.

As a result, many users were giving up on using controllers, and there was a demand for acontrollerthat could be carried in a pocket and used immediately when needed.

MCON is designed with an ultra-slim form factor, the same size as a phone, making it as portable as a typical MagSafe power bank when attached. It can be clicked onto magnetic-supported phones like iPhones using the MagSafe magnetic attachment method, and a non-magnetic phone adapter is also provided for versatility.

Normally, it is sleek in the form of a protective cover, but when the deploy button is pressed, thefull-size joystick (based on TMR sensor)and Hall sensor triggers, etc., automatically pop up and lock into place. This automatic deployment mechanism captures both ease of use and a wow factor. In addition, foldable handles unfold on both sides to provide an ergonomic grip for long-term play. When not in use, all controls retract, protecting the buttons/sticks and improving durability.

MCON supports USB wired connection in addition to Bluetooth connection to minimize input lag, and provides a dock mode to connect to TVs and use it as a wireless gamepad. In addition, it adopts a screw-type module structure for easy self-replacement/repair, which is a unique implementation of Right-to-Repair.

In summary, it is a product that captures portability (slim + attachment), immediacy (one-touch deployment), and performance (console-level input device).

B2C gamers are the main customers. It ranges from core gamers who enjoy AAA games or emulators on their smartphones to casual gamers who are interested in controllers. It is especially attractive to iPhone users or gamers who value portability.

It is also useful for streamers when broadcasting mobile games outdoors, so there may be niche demand. For B2B, it is possible to collaborate with smartphone manufacturers to provide it as a bundle, or to supply it as a promotional good for telecommunication companies/game companies. However, it will basically be sold online (own mall, crowdfunding, etc.) as Direct-to-Consumer, and may also be displayed in electronics retail stores.

As the mobile gaming market grows, the demand for accessories is also increasing, so there is great potential for growth. It supports without restrictions on specific operating systems (iOS/Android), and can also accommodate foldable devices, so it is compatible with future form factors. There are no special regulations, but radio certification in each country is required as it is a wireless device.

Industrially, the success of MCON will go hand in hand with the spread of mobile e-sports or cloud gaming. For example, demand will increase as more users play console games on mobile devices with Xbox Cloud or NVIDIA GeForce Now. In addition, there is potential for developing derivative products such as transforming it into a controller for VR/AR devices or an expansion pad for tablets.

Conversely,the popularity of large-screen portable consoles (e.g., Steam Deck)is a variable, but considering the penetration rate of smartphones, the mobile controller market will continue to exist. OhSnap's modular design can also lead to additional sales such as future parts replacements (e.g., longer battery packs, different colored covers), which also increases revenue scalability.

The CES judges called MCON"the most portable serious gamepad"and highly praised it. Winning the Innovation Award means that not only the idea but also the actual product implementation level is high, and it is said that the smooth automatic deployment mechanism and the actual play operation feeling were impressive in the demonstrated prototype. In particular, the adoption of Hall-effect triggers and TMR joysticks was surprising because they are high-end console controller-level specifications, and the careful attention to the Right-to-repair design was well-received.

Some reviewers pointed out that battery life (if there is a built-in battery) or heat generation during long-term use should be checked in the future, but overall, the praise was that it set a new standard for mobile controllers. Market expectations are also high, and it is evaluated that word-of-mouth effects are expected as it has become a hot topic in tech communities such as Linus Tech Tips. Regarding whether it is overvalued, the opinion is that the award is justified because the product is already in the state of imminent release (pre-order in progress) and the actual usage reviews are also positive.