Gamevice Flex controller allows gamers to keep their cases on

We’ve got an exclusive first look at the Gamevice Flex, the upcoming game controller for iOS and Android that fits almost any phone while still retaining a protective case.

Gamevice has been around for several years, making accessories that attach to your phone or tablet, turning it into a portable gaming machine. They started out as options tailored to the needs of a particular phone. For example, Gamevice for Samsung Galaxy phones was different from Gamevice for Google Pixel phones.

Then with the Kishi, which was made by Gamevice but sold under the Razer brand, the company managed to make its design more adaptable. However, as phones — and especially Android phones — have continued to grow, the need has arisen for an even more versatile controller.

Ahead of its launch this fall, the people at Gamevice were kind enough to show us what they have in store for their next premium controller for iPhone and Android. Since this is still an early prototype of the controller, you will see some rough edges and inconclusive design that won’t be in the final version this fall.

At first glance, the Gamevice Flex looks a lot like the popular Razer Kishi controller, but a closer look reveals many improvements. To better understand what’s changing, I spoke with Philip Hun, CEO of Gamevice. He explained that when developing the next generation mobile controller, Gamevice focused on three core principles: muscle memory, compatibility, and portability.

For portability, the Gamevice Flex retains the foldable design of previous models, making it easy to toss the controller into your bag until you need it. It’s still too big to carry in your pocket unless you’re a short cargo fan, but it’s much more portable than many competing controllers.

3.5mm and Lightning ports

At the heart of the Gamevice Flex’s design is the idea of ​​”muscle memory” – more specifically, the ability to play on your mobile device with the same level of skill as with a traditional console controller. With the advent of cloud gaming allowing gamers to play a game on their Xbox at home and continue the same game on their phone with Game Pass Streaming, it’s never been more important to make your mobile controller feel just like your main controller.

To that end, the Gamevice Flex has a slightly larger and more rounded design, with room for your hands to comfortably hold and wrap around it. The company has also made sure that the buttons are less “clicky” and the d-pad is less soft.

The same idea applies to the new Hall effect triggers, which are now much smoother and similar to what you’ll find on an Xbox controller. Your games can even sound just like at home as the Gamevice Flex has the right 3.5mm port to plug in your favorite headset.

These settings, along with many others, go a long way in creating the perfect controller for use on the go, turning your iPhone or Android into the equivalent of a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita or Steam Deck. During my early prototype testing of the Gamevice Flex, I found it to be as comfortable and accurate as a regular Xbox controller.

But where this controller differs from the competition and earns its “Flex” name is that it can be adapted to fit your phone and its case. The main disadvantage of most mobile game controllers is that they are designed and optimized for phones without a case. Unless you’re using an obviously small phone or an ultra-slim case, it will generally not fit properly into the grip controller while it’s still in the case.

Everyone’s experience is different, but I personally wore out my Pixel 6 Pro case in less than a year by putting it on and taking it off with different controllers. Even ignoring the potential damage to the case, your phone becomes more prone to damage when it’s in the controller, and you’ll also need somewhere to hide the case while you’re playing.

Gamevice engineers have come up with a solution, although it may be too clever. The Gamevice Flex will come with a collection of specially designed pads. Depending on your phone and the thickness of the case you are using, you will insert two spacers into the controller, one on the left and one on the right. In addition, softer protective pads are included for those who don’t prefer using a case.

Suitable for very large cases such as OtterBox

Essentially, these pads provide a secure grip on your Gamevice Flex phone with minimal wiggle room, while also ensuring that the Lightning or USB-C connector is at the right depth. To help you customize your favorite case, the company lists the recommended pads for the most popular cases for different iPhone and Android devices. And if your phone and its case haven’t been tested yet, it only takes a minute or two of trial and error to find the right model.

More importantly, unless you’re the type of person who changes their case frequently, the Gamevice Flex only needs to be set up once. Every time after that, your phone is simply popped into place, and in a few seconds you are ready to start playing.

However, it should be noted that wide foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold won’t fit in the Gamevice Flex due to the design of the controller. Instead, the company has focused its attention on the traditional smartphones that most people have today.

Gamevice Flex is coming out this fall for both Android and iPhone, and pre-orders for both are available now. The iPhone model (MFi certified) will cost $109.95, while the Android version will be slightly more affordable at $99.95.

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