While the popularity of mobile gaming has risen dramatically in the last few years, the fact remains that touch controls simply cannot compete with a physical controller when it comes to accuracy and comfort. Mad Catz has put some serious effort into solving the issue, creating a gamepad for Android devices that actually transforms depending you whether you’re using it with a tablet or a smartphone.
Mad Catz provides a companion app with the controller, that lets users tweak settings for …The controller can be splits into two halves to accommodate tabletsThe Mad Catz L.Y.N.X. 9 gamepad controllerThe accessory allows the user to attach a smartphone via a removable clip.
The L.Y.N.X. 9 is a pretty versatile accessory. It allows the user to attach a smartphone via a removable clip, splits into two halves to accommodate tablets, and even folds up small enough to fit your pocket. There’s also a QWERTY keyboard that clips in between the handles, and the purchase price includes a set of BigPlay adapters and cables that let you mirror a smartphone or tablet up to an HDTV.
Mad Catz provides a companion app with the controller that lets users tweak settings for specific apps and games, such as increasing thumb stick sensitivity for first person shooters. The accessory connects to its parent device via Bluetooth, and according to the company, will last up to 30 days on a single charge.
While the focus here is placed firmly upon making mobile gaming a more comfortable experience, the controller can also be used with your PC via Bluetooth, further increasing its versatility.
There is one small downside to the L.Y.N.X 9 – it isn’t the cheapest of mobile gaming accessories, coming in at US$300. It’s available for pre-order now and is set to start shipping in March.