The innovative MagSafe gamepad by Josh King is now available at OhSnap and looks incredible.
In two weeks, a Kickstarter campaign will be launched.
A 19-year-old young man, Josh King, has expressed his intention to transform the mobile gaming landscape with a 3D-printed controller, making a direct comparison to Steve Jobs. While this claim initially seemed exaggerated, his project has evolved beyond a simple controller. The company OhSnap, known for its innovative magnetic alternatives to PopSockets, has decided to bring King’s design to life with an innovative accessory that promises to be the most attractive ever created for phones.
This gamepad, which is no larger than an iPhone, is compact enough to fit in a pocket. It features a MagSafe magnet pattern that allows for easy attachment to compatible devices. One of the standout features is that there's no need to remove it for normal phone use, as the gamepad retracts underneath, similar to the sliding keyboards of old phones.
Additionally, the design includes a spring arm that extends with the press of a button, tilting the device towards the user for easier use. OhSnap has also incorporated two analog joysticks, inspired by those of the Nintendo Switch, which are slip-resistant thanks to their Hall effect sensors. Both joysticks function as clickable buttons and are accompanied by a full set of shoulder buttons and triggers.
Recently, Retro Game Corps had a positive impression of a prototype of this device, suggesting that King has been working hard on its development. Despite his efforts to start his own company and attract investors, he faced financial challenges and decided to seek collaboration with OhSnap. While there are no details on the retail price yet, OhSnap plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign on January 2nd to raise funds.
Soon, a prototype is expected to be available for testing during CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where more will be shared about the user experience of the new gamepad.