Gaming on mobile is a paradox. On one hand, the screen and processors on mobile devices have become incredible - rivalling home consoles from the past.
However, while the power of these devices is no longer the issue, their biggest limitation is their compact size. Basically, on-screen touch controls suck.
They are cramped, they blow your already limited screen size as well as your hands getting in the way and lifelong gamers will react much slower than on a controller as you have years of muscle memory when using a controller.
French gaming accessories maker Nacon has done the impossible and made me actually enjoy streaming games on my mobile, with the release of their new controller the MG-X Pro.
While you could use several other controllers with your device, including the Xbox One, the MG-X Pro with its split housing design, brings your device more in line with portable devices like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck.
I’ve dabbled in mobile gaming in the past using my 8bitdo controllers, which felt a little awkward. I even had an ugly Moga Pro controller many years ago, which was a basic version of a controller with a built it mobile clip.
These experiences left me with low expectations for the MG-X Pro. However, I’m delighted to say it blew me away, making mobile gaming much more appealing.
The MG-X Pro is an official Xbox accessory and made in the image of an Xbox controller with the same button layout and look, as well as asymmetric joystick positions and the inclusion of the Xbox Nexus button making it a familiar experience for existing Xbox players.
With a height of 11.7cm, a width of 25.7cm and a depth of 7cm, the ergonomic design of the MG-X Pro feels very close to a standard Xbox controller.
It fits perfectly in the hand and is comfortable to hold thanks to the textured rear grip.
With a weight of around 350g despite its chunky build, it is light and easy to carry, however, as it’s the Pro model I wish it came with a carry case, as this is supposed to appeal to gamers on the go.
The MG-X feels solid, well-built, and balanced in the hand. The A, B, X and Y buttons are slightly enlarged making them easier to see and press which is a Nacon staple as well as clicky but quick.
The concave thumbsticks felt comfortable for long sessions as well as helped me aim slightly more accurately.
Its analog triggers were great with some travel but not too much distance and were very responsive.
The D-pad slightly curved surface felt great for fighting and classic 2D games, it was not squishy or soft at all but not completely rigid either, balancing precision and comfort.
While it feels strange at first, the telescopic housing in the centre feels stable and comfortable once you place a mobile phone in there. I tried several different devices and the MG-X Pro held them all securely.
Devices are not only clamped in place, there’s also a textured rubberised grip in place as well as some of the controller hooks around the device just enough to add more stability.
Just be careful when placing or removing a mobile as the extending plastic can spring back and catch your hand.
The device is held in place, there’s even some space to accommodate some phones with rather large cameras.
I tested a few different phones with this device, but I did most of my gaming on either my Honor 50 with a 6.78” display or my Samsung S20 with a 6.2” screen.
Obviously, it supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing Game Pass members to stream games directly to the device, I’m delighted to say playing Halo and many of the other compatible Game Pass games was a blast.
But that’s not all, I also used it with Google Stadia which was amazing with the MG-X PRO
especially as I never like using any game streaming services on my phone previously, it felt crazy playing Cyberpunk2077 with a console-quality controller meant I was getting a near-perfect console experience on the go.
I even tried out some Nvidia GeForce Now for some Metro and Death Stranding and I never felt any lag or latency issues.
Native Android games were great due to them running directly off the phone, I was playing GTA Vice City and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic. Sadly, Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile aren’t currently supported.
However, playing emulated games made up for this. All of these made the controller a very versatile tool in my gaming arsenal.
The controller is simple to connect to your device wirelessly, using Bluetooth 4.2 for a low powered but stable connection. Once paired for the first time it was easy to just turn on and select on my mobile.
Unlike many other similar devices that use a USB connection or the later Bluetooth 5.0 for lower latency, the Bluetooth 4.2 low energy works surprisingly well and never disconnected in my tests or cause any lag or latency issues.
Your device will require Android 6.0 or later and is not compatible with iPhones at all.
Unlike an Xbox controller, Nacon made the smart decision to have the MG-X Pro use a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery instead of AAs, this battery lasts around 20 hours and charges in just under 2 hours via a standard USB-C and it comes with a cable.
I was surprised to discover that the MGX- Pro doesn’t feature any sort of vibration or force feedback. I also noticed there’s also no accompanying app for tweaking and customising your controller like on Nacon’s Revolution X controller.
Verdict
The Nacon MG-X Pro is well balanced with its traditional Xbox design, this controller does a remarkable job of feeling like a standard Xbox controller.
Buttons are accurate and responsive, and I felt little to no input lag on several games and different streaming services.
It’s incredibly versatile working with games streaming services like Xbox, Stadia and GeForce Now as well as native Android games and many emulators right out of the box, giving you a vast library of games, you can play in a near console-like experience.
I do wish it had more to differentiate itself from the standard Nacon MG-X with this being a Pro edition, like a case, app or vibration.
That said the Nacon MG-X Pro has done such a great job it’s made me seriously reconsider mobile gaming and given how stubborn I am, I can’t think of higher praise.
Securely holding your device and featuring a great battery life, and is solid yet still lightweight making it a great choice for gamers on the go who don’t want to compromise their favourite games.
The Nacon MG-X Pro is available now from Argos for £79.99
