And this is partly because I am a big fan of a nonsensical opening to a review and partly because (for reasons that will become apparent) the bulk of the review itself is not very long.
Back to September 2021. It was a time of lockdowns and consequently opportunities to indulge in al fresco Xbox gaming were not plentiful.
Despite this, I gave a score of 9/10 to the NACON MG-X, an Android controller that basically turned your phone into a mini Xbox.
It was a solid product that delivered on its promise and though I mainly used it sat on my sofa, I could see the potential for use in the great outdoors (internet connection permitting…)
On paper, the Pro doesn’t appear to differ much from its lesser sibling. The stats read the same. Similar, chunky 20-hour battery life (USB-C charged, like your Xbox and probably your phone too) and the capacity to work with phones with screens up to 6.7in. And, like the standard version, the Pro connects easily via Bluetooth, making linking it to your phone very simple.
As I touched on in the last review, where controllers like this have the edge over separate ones is that placing the screen in the middle gives you a more immersive experience. And with the MG-X Pro, this was the case once again, really drawing me into the action.
So, why shell out on a Pro? Well, it's really all about ergonomics. Where the standard MG-X has comfortable rounded sides, the Pro is essentially an official Xbox controller that you can put a phone in the middle of. By that I mean it has the same shaped sides, they’ve enlarged the buttons, and improved the thumbsticks too, making them the equal of those found on Xbox controllers.
The other improvement is a small cutaway in the Pro means that a phone has a small slot at either end to keep it more securely in place.
The limitations of this device are not down to the device itself but are worth noting. Firstly, you’re limited by your phone’s screen size. Some games with a lot of detail or small text might not be viable options, but the majority I tried were just fine (even managed to do ok in a few rounds of Call of Duty DMZ – a challenging prospect at the best of times). The other issue is connectivity. You are a slave to the connection that your phone has. Wi-Fi or a good signal and the experience is great. Without that, it’s a non-starter.
The only minor quibble I’d have with this controller (and ones like it I imagine) is that after extended use, it did prove more tiring on the wrists/arms than a standard controller, due to the added weight of the phone and larger size overall, and the fact that your arms are further apart, which adds a little extra effort.
SUMMARY
In short, what we have here is a hefty upgrade on what was already a top-notch device. Not only that, but the price difference is not that great.
At time of writing, the MG-X is available for around £70-80 and the Pro from around £90 (though the lovely textured camo review model I have costs about £95).
Given the substantially higher cost of a Steam Deck or Switch Lite, if you own an Xbox, this is a cost effective way of bringing your gaming off the sofa while retaining a high quality experience.
The NACON MG-X PRO is compatible with Android and retails from £89.99
Second opinion (Britt):
I agree with everything Max has said in the above article, I have been using the iOS version of the NACON MG-X Pro over the last couple of weeks and the build quality, battery life, comfort, design and robustness have all impressed me.
That twenty-hour battery life is a keeper, and the absolutely minimal lag, and accessibility of the controller and features make this feel like the definitive device for mobile gaming, I’d be very surprised to come across another that surpasses the NACON MG-X Pro, highly recommended from us both here at GF.
PURCHASE LINK:
https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/mg-x-camo-urban
No comments:
Post a Comment
Like what you see in the Games Freezer?
Why not tell us what you think with a few well-chosen comments? :)
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.