Josh King and OhSnap: A Game-Changing Partnership in Mobile Tech

A Revolutionary Idea Takes Shape

When Josh King, a 19-year-old aspiring inventor, unveiled his vision of redefining mobile gaming with a sleek, 3D-printed gamepad, the industry barely raised an eyebrow. His ambitious claims, peppered with comparisons to Steve Jobs, felt like a stretch. But today, those initial prototypes have evolved into something truly remarkable, thanks to a strategic partnership with OhSnap, a company renowned for its magnetic phone accessories.

The result? The OhSnap Mcon, a MagSafe-compatible gamepad that might just revolutionize mobile gaming.

The Sleekest Gamepad Yet

The OhSnap Mcon doesn’t just look cool—it’s a marvel of compact engineering. Unlike many bulky gaming accessories, this gamepad is designed to seamlessly integrate with your phone. At first glance, it appears no larger than a standard iPhone, making it pocket-friendly. But beneath its slim exterior lies an innovative sliding mechanism that’s as practical as it is nostalgic, reminiscent of old-school slide-out keyboard phones and even the PlayStation Phone.

With a push of a button, the Mcon transforms: a spring-loaded arm emerges, angling your device toward your face for an optimal gaming experience. This clever hinge mechanism allows you to use your phone as a regular smartphone without needing to detach the gamepad—no small feat in the world of gaming accessories.

Feature-Rich and Future-Ready

What sets the OhSnap Mcon apart isn’t just its size or sleekness. It’s the sheer thoughtfulness packed into its design. Consider the analog sticks: modeled after the Nintendo Switch, these joysticks feature drift-resistant Hall effect sensors, a significant upgrade over traditional potentiometer-based sticks. Hall effect sensors use magnetic fields for input detection, ensuring smoother and more reliable performance over time.

These joysticks also double as clickable buttons, adding another layer of functionality. The Mcon doesn’t stop there—it’s equipped with fold-out grips for enhanced ergonomics, making it feel like a full-sized controller when fully deployed. Shoulder buttons, triggers, and a full range of inputs ensure this device is ready for any gaming genre, from fast-paced shooters to casual platformers.

From Prototype to Production

The journey from Josh King’s original 3D-printed prototype to the polished OhSnap Mcon hasn’t been easy. In a recent YouTube video, King detailed the rollercoaster ride of trying to turn his concept into reality. After attracting initial interest from investors and even manufacturing a few circuit boards, King hit financial roadblocks. It was at this juncture that he approached OhSnap for a partnership.

OhSnap, known for its innovative PopSocket alternatives, saw the potential in King’s design and stepped in. Together, they’ve turned his fledgling idea into a product that’s not only functional but market-ready.

Customization and Kickstarter Campaign

The OhSnap Mcon will initially launch in classic black and white color options, but the company has bigger plans. According to King, they’re working on mix-and-match colorful components, allowing users to customize their gamepads to suit their personal style. Whether you’re into vibrant hues or sleek monochromes, the Mcon is shaping up to be as stylish as it is functional.

OhSnap plans to fund the initial production run via a Kickstarter campaign set to launch on January 2, 2025. Early adopters can sign up now to be notified when the campaign goes live. While pricing details remain under wraps, the crowdfunding approach suggests a tiered system with potential discounts for early backers.

The Mobile Gaming Revolution

Mobile gaming has long struggled with the trade-off between portability and playability. Touch controls, while functional, lack the tactile feedback and precision of physical inputs. External controllers have attempted to bridge this gap, but many are too bulky or cumbersome to carry around.

The OhSnap Mcon might be the perfect compromise. Its MagSafe attachment makes it effortless to attach and detach, while its compact design ensures it doesn’t disrupt your phone’s everyday usability. With features rivaling full-sized controllers, the Mcon has the potential to elevate mobile gaming to new heights.

Looking Ahead: Hands-On at CES 2025

As a self-proclaimed gadget enthusiast, I’m thrilled to see the Mcon in action. OhSnap has promised to showcase prototypes at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, and I’ll be there to test it out. Early reviews, such as those from Retro Game Corps, suggest that the device is already impressive in its prototype stage. But seeing it in its final form, complete with OhSnap’s refinements, will be the ultimate test.

Will the OhSnap Mcon live up to its hype? Can it truly redefine mobile gaming? These are questions I hope to answer in January.

Final Thoughts

Josh King’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. What began as a teenager’s 3D-printed experiment is now a product poised to disrupt the mobile gaming industry. With OhSnap’s backing, the Mcon combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design, offering a glimpse into the future of portable gaming.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the OhSnap Mcon is one device to watch in 2025. Keep an eye on that Kickstarter campaign—you won’t want to miss it.

And as always, I’ll keep you updated with the latest developments, reviews, and insights. Stay tuned!