After having delivered controllers for PC, PlayStation and Xbox, the firm Nacon is attacking the mobile market with controllers MG-X et MG-X Pro. A controller that I have had the pleasure of using for the past two weeks, and which I have enjoyed, despite some imperfections. Small review!
Upon receipt of the device, we understand its primary interest: to be used to play the many games available on the Xbox Game Pass, using the service xCloud. The famous logo "Designed for Xbox" is present on the packaging, with a small selection of Xbox games, and an Android mention. Fan of the Apple firm, go your way, the controller was unfortunately not designed for the iPhone. A first brake, certainly linked to the many restrictions imposed by Apple, so I pulled out my Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T to connect via Bluetooth and attach my smartphone to the controller.
The connection itself is very simple to make. You must first press the Xbox button, make sure your smartphone is Bluetooth 4.2 compatible and active, then select the MG-X device that appears in the list. The insertion of the mobile will require a little time to adapt. We are first surprised by the resistance of the device when we try to stretch it, then reassured once we see that our smartphone is well blocked and does not slip, even with a rubber shell. The generous dimensions of this extendable controller allow the insertion of a good number of smartphones, as long as the size of the panel is not greater than 6,7". To avoid getting your fingers caught, it is best to place your phone on the right side of the device, then simply pull the left side of the MG-X, until you see your phone insert correctly.
In addition to the controller, there is a small user manual and a USB-A to USB-C cable. At full charge, I was able to use the device for 18 hours before going through the charging box, which is done in less than 2 hours. Nacon announces for its part an autonomy of 20 hours, but specifies that the latter can vary according to the games used. Not enough to brandish the torch of revolt, given that we will rarely play 18 hours in a row, and that no smartphone will last 18 continuous hours in play. Note that the pad does not have a jack input and that the keys are not backlit. The sound output will therefore be via your phone, and by the design of the controller, we end up with a muffled sound.
In terms of handling, it was a nice surprise. If you've ever held a Nintendo Switch in your hand, it looks like it, except that a non-slip grip is present on the entire rear part of the MG-X. The Xbox branded keys will quickly bring you back to reality, as well as the "empty" on the upper part of the device. With my smartphone, I have a gap of 1,5cm at the top, which reveals the non-slip surface and a little vacuum. Again, nothing dramatic, but not very aesthetic. For the rest, it's clean, the keys and joysticks are well positioned and fulfill their functions perfectly. The LT/RT triggers, on the other hand, are very soft and spoil the experience on certain games, especially racing games, such as Dirt Rally 2.0 ou Forza Horizon 4, where it is difficult to accurately gauge the intensity of acceleration and braking. The LB/RB triggers, meanwhile, seem a bit difficult to access, the fault of a starving thickness. For narrative games like Tell Me Why or The Artful Escape, everything runs smoothly, with almost imperceptible Bluetooth latency.
Dragon Quest XI via xCloud, this happiness!
If there is latency, it will come primarily from the xCloud side. Since this is the main interest of this device, difficult not to say two words. Sure, you'll be able to play some games from the Google Play Store, and you'll be fine, but via the Xbox Game Pass app, even though there's been immense progress made since the beta, we find ourselves when even with a bit too much combined latency, especially when playing an action game.
In summary, this device Nacon MG-X nevertheless convinced me, and I will gladly continue to use it. The grip is good, the connection and installation are very simple. We will only especially regret the triggers, which are very clearly below the rest... To see if the MG-X Pro, to be released in October, will do better (the Pro model taking up the ergonomics of a very slender Xbox controller).
Nacon MG-X, already available on the official Nacon store and in stores, at the recommended price of €99,90.
