OhSnap's Slimmer MCON Gamepads: Fixing the Bulk, But At What Cost?
OhSnap is addressing the bulk of its MCON gamepad with two new, slimmer versions, the MCON Slim and MCON Lite, arriving in September.
TL;DR: OhSnap is set to release two new, thinner versions of its popular MCON sliding gamepad, the MCON Slim (~$100) and MCON Lite (~$60), tentatively in September. These new models aim to fix the original's frustrating bulkiness and camera obstruction, but they will forgo the unique spring-loaded action for new input methods like touchpads and 3DS-style Circle Pads.
OhSnap's MCON sliding gamepad made quite a splash, captivating mobile gamers with its innovative design and satisfying slide mechanism. It quickly went viral, promising a console-like experience on the go. However, like many promising tech innovations, it wasn't without its Achilles' heel. The primary complaint? Its sheer thickness and the unfortunate habit of obscuring phone cameras, making it highly impractical for everyday attachment. This meant users often had to snap it on and off, defeating some of its 'always-ready' appeal. But it seems OhSnap has been listening intently to user feedback, and the company is already gearing up to address these concerns with two brand-new iterations.
What's New
OhSnap is introducing two new gamepads to its MCON lineup: the MCON Slim and the MCON Lite. Both are designed with a singular focus: reducing the footprint and improving the practicality of keeping your phone attached. The MCON Slim, priced at approximately ~$100, aims for a premium feel with its slimmer profile and the integration of touchpads for control. This could open up new possibilities for gesture-based inputs or more nuanced control in certain games. On the more budget-friendly side, the MCON Lite, expected to retail around ~$60, will feature 3DS-style Circle Pads. This choice suggests a nod to classic handheld gaming, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more tactile, familiar feel for their mobile gaming sessions. Both models are tentatively slated for a September release, giving mobile gamers something exciting to look forward to as the year progresses. The most significant change across both new models, however, is the absence of the original's distinctive spring-loaded action. This design choice, while contributing to the slimmer profile, represents a notable departure from what made the original MCON stand out.
Why It Matters
In the fiercely competitive world of mobile gaming accessories, user experience and convenience are paramount. The original MCON's viral success demonstrated a clear demand for premium, portable gaming controls. However, its practicality issues — specifically the thickness and camera obstruction — held it back from achieving true ubiquity. By addressing these core complaints, OhSnap isn't just releasing new products; it's refining its vision for mobile gaming. The move towards a slimmer design acknowledges that a gamepad should enhance, not hinder, the smartphone's primary functions. The trade-off, losing the spring-loaded action, is a calculated risk. While some users might miss that satisfying 'snap,' the improved portability and camera access could far outweigh that loss for a broader audience. Furthermore, offering two distinct models with different price points and input methods (touchpads vs. Circle Pads) allows OhSnap to cater to a wider demographic, from casual gamers to more dedicated enthusiasts with specific control preferences. This strategic diversification signals OhSnap's commitment to evolving its product line based on real-world usage and feedback, a crucial trait for any tech company aiming for longevity.
What This Means For You
For existing OhSnap MCON owners, the MCON Slim and MCON Lite present a compelling reason to consider an upgrade. If you've been frustrated by the original's bulk or its tendency to block your phone's camera, these new models promise a significantly improved daily experience. Imagine a gamepad that can stay attached to your phone without turning it into an awkward brick in your pocket or blocking your ability to quickly snap a photo. For those new to mobile gaming accessories, or perhaps those who were on the fence about the original MCON, these new options offer a more refined entry point. The MCON Lite, at ~$60, provides an affordable and familiar control scheme, ideal for a wide range of mobile titles. The MCON Slim, at ~$100, offers a more premium experience with its touchpads, potentially better suited for games that benefit from more precise or gesture-based inputs. The tentative September release means you'll have to wait a little longer, but the prospect of a truly practical, always-on mobile gaming controller is an exciting one. This development ultimately means more choice and a better, more integrated gaming experience for smartphone users, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in portable play.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the primary drawback of the original OhSnap MCON viral sliding gamepad?
A: The main issue with the initial OhSnap MCON gamepad was its considerable thickness, which made it impractical to keep attached to a smartphone. This bulkiness not only made the phone cumbersome but also frequently blocked the device's cameras, preventing quick photo opportunities and hindering everyday phone usage without detaching the gamepad. This design flaw significantly impacted its convenience and usability for many users, despite its innovative sliding mechanism.
Q: What are the two new OhSnap MCON models, and how do they differ in price and input method?
A: OhSnap is introducing two new models: the MCON Slim and the MCON Lite. The MCON Slim is expected to cost around ~$100 and will feature touchpads for input, catering to users who might prefer a more modern or gesture-based control scheme. The MCON Lite, on the other hand, will be more budget-friendly at approximately ~$60 and will utilize 3DS-style Circle Pads, offering a more traditional and tactile gaming experience reminiscent of classic handheld consoles. Both aim to be significantly thinner than their predecessor.
Q: When are the MCON Slim and MCON Lite tentatively expected to be released?
A: Both the MCON Slim and the MCON Lite are tentatively slated for release in September. This gives prospective buyers a clear timeframe to anticipate these new mobile gaming accessories. While dates can sometimes shift in the tech world, September is the current target, indicating that OhSnap is well into the development and production phases for these improved gamepads, aiming to get them into users' hands before the end of the year.
Q: Why did OhSnap decide to remove the spring-loaded action from the new gamepads?
A: OhSnap removed the spring-loaded action from the MCON Slim and MCON Lite primarily to achieve a much thinner profile. The original spring mechanism, while distinctive, contributed significantly to the gamepad's overall thickness. By opting for a different attachment and control design, OhSnap could drastically reduce the bulk, directly addressing the main user complaint about practicality and camera obstruction. This design choice represents a strategic trade-off: sacrificing a unique tactile feature for enhanced portability and everyday convenience.
Q: How do the new MCON models aim to improve the user experience compared to the original?
A: The new MCON models aim to vastly improve the user experience by directly addressing the original's core flaws: thickness and camera obstruction. Their slimmer design will make it much more practical to keep the gamepad attached to the phone for extended periods, enhancing portability and convenience. By no longer blocking the camera, users can seamlessly transition between gaming and photography without constantly detaching the accessory. This focus on a more integrated and less intrusive design is central to the improved user experience.
Q: Who are the target audiences for the MCON Slim and MCON Lite, given their differences?
A: The MCON Slim, with its ~$100 price point and touchpads, is likely aimed at more discerning mobile gamers who prioritize a premium feel and potentially more nuanced control options for a wider variety of games. Its higher price also suggests an audience willing to invest more in their mobile gaming setup. The MCON Lite, at ~$60 and featuring 3DS-style Circle Pads, targets a broader, more budget-conscious audience, including casual gamers or those who prefer a familiar, classic handheld control scheme for their smartphone gaming sessions. This differentiation allows OhSnap to capture a wider segment of the mobile gaming market.