Nacon MG-X Pro Mobile Controller

TechRadar’s Dashiell Wood delivers a largely critical assessment of the Nacon MG-X Pro mobile controller, highlighting its many shortcomings despite a few redeeming qualities. While praising the controller’s comfortable, Xbox-style design and notably strong battery life—lasting close to 20 hours—the review underscores significant flaws such as poor build quality, an imprecise D-pad, and a lack of key features like passthrough charging and headphone jack. The controller’s Bluetooth connectivity offers some appeal, but its high price point and compatibility issues with recent iPhones, including a loose fit on larger models, severely limit its value. The sparse and basic MG-X Series app further disappoints, lacking customization options common in competitors. Wood’s hands-on testing across multiple games and devices reveals that, unless heavily discounted, the Nacon MG-X Pro struggles to justify its cost compared to better alternatives like the Backbone One 2nd Gen or Scuf Nomad. Overall, the review conveys a cautious, mostly negative sentiment tempered by a few practical positives.

Dann Sullivan from PocketGamer.com highlights the Nacon MG-X Pro Mobile Controller as an almost perfect device for mobile gaming, especially for Xbox Game Pass enthusiasts. He praises the redesigned console-style grips that enhance comfort and robustness compared to its predecessor, the MG-X, while retaining key strengths like fast Bluetooth pairing, excellent trigger feedback, and compatibility with large phones. Sullivan notes the controller’s aesthetic shift toward an Xbox-like design, though subtle differences in button shape suggest licensing constraints. While the wider, shallower face buttons are a minor disappointment compared to the previous model’s smaller, more precise buttons, the tactile feedback remains satisfying. The absence of a companion app is seen as a double-edged sword—simplifying use but limiting customization options. Unique to the MG-X Pro is its accommodating grip design that supports folding phones and phones with cases, setting it apart from competitors. Overall, Sullivan regards it as arguably the best mobile controller for Xbox Game Pass gaming in 2022.

Jennifer Locke from Android Central praises the Nacon MG-X Pro Mobile Controller as a near-perfect Android gaming accessory that skillfully blends Nintendo Switch and Xbox controller design elements. She highlights its ergonomic grips, balanced weight distribution, and well-spaced buttons that closely mimic a traditional Xbox controller, making it comfortable for extended play sessions. The controller’s Bluetooth connectivity supports a wide range of phones up to 6.7 inches, and its secure clamp design keeps devices firmly in place, even with cases. Battery life is solid at around 20 hours, comparable to competitors. While Locke notes that Bluetooth 4.2 is less reliable than USB-C connections found on rivals like the Razer Kishi, she finds the occasional lag minimal and mostly tied to cloud streaming rather than the controller itself. Overall, she enthusiastically recommends the MG-X Pro for Android gamers seeking a wireless, traditional-style controller, cautioning only those who prefer wired connections or want to avoid the near-$100 price tag.

Jez Corden from Windows Central highlights the NACON MG-X Pro as a significant improvement over the company’s previous efforts, praising its near-official Xbox controller design and exceptional ergonomics. He emphasizes the controller’s comfortable spacing, well-crafted triggers, and responsive sticks, which make it ideal for extended Xbox Cloud Gaming sessions on Android phones. The clamp design accommodates a wide range of devices, including larger phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 3, though it’s less suited for tablets or very large devices due to balance issues. Setup is straightforward, and battery life is generous. The main drawback is the reliance on Bluetooth connectivity, which can introduce latency compared to USB-C wired options, potentially affecting highly latency-sensitive games. Despite this, Corden finds the Bluetooth performance solid and stable. He positions the MG-X Pro as arguably the best Xbox Cloud Gaming controller currently available in Europe, outclassing competitors like the Razer Kishi and GameSir X2 in comfort and compatibility, making it a top recommendation for mobile Xbox gamers willing to accept Bluetooth trade-offs.

Tabitha Baker from GamesRadar+ highlights the Nacon MG-X Pro as a comfortable, ergonomically designed Xbox-style mobile controller that excels in long gaming sessions thanks to its larger grips and lightweight 350g profile. However, she critiques its simplicity and lack of advanced features expected at its $99.99 price point, such as passthrough charging and audio passthrough, which are standard on competing models like the Razer Kishi V2 and Backbone One. The wireless-only connection also drains phone battery quickly, limiting extended play. Button feel is a notable downside, with mushy face buttons, a spongey D-pad, and deep-travel triggers that hinder fast-paced shooter gameplay, though the triggers offer nuanced control in racing titles. While the MG-X Pro performs well for casual Game Pass streaming and Apple Arcade use, Baker suggests it falls short for gamers seeking a more feature-rich, responsive experience, recommending competitors for better value and functionality on iOS.

Khari Taylor from CGMagazine highlights the Nacon RIG MG-X Pro Wireless Mobile Controller as a bold and faithful Xbox-themed mobile gaming grip that stands out for its full-size, premium design and authentic Xbox controller ergonomics. Praising its sturdy build, comfortable handling, and near-identical button layout, Taylor emphasizes how the MG-X Pro delivers a familiar and satisfying experience for Xbox gamers on Android devices up to 6.7 inches. The review notes excellent performance with local games and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud streaming, though input lag affected some titles like Forza Horizon 5. Unique insights include the controller’s Bluetooth-only connection, which broadens device compatibility but sacrifices USB-C pass-through and wired headset support. While the controller’s size limits portability, Taylor sees it as ideal for seated play and Xbox owners invested in cloud gaming. Overall, the MG-X Pro is celebrated as a premium, niche accessory that brings the Xbox feel to mobile gaming with only minor trade-offs.

Mack Ashworth from GameRevolution highlights the Nacon MG-X Pro Mobile Controller as a thoughtfully designed device that prioritizes comfort and ergonomics over extreme portability, resulting in a chunkier but more enjoyable gaming experience. He praises the straightforward setup, reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connection, and seamless compatibility with popular game-streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now. Despite initial concerns about wireless latency, Ashworth found no noticeable lag during gameplay, and he appreciates the controller’s independent battery that spares the iPhone’s power. The MG-X Pro’s design closely mirrors a standard Xbox controller with full-size thumbsticks and large face buttons, delivering a near-console feel, though the D-pad showed slight wobbliness on his unit. While the $99.99 price is positioned at the premium end and might benefit from a modest reduction, Ashworth concludes that the controller offers a fantastic mobile gaming experience with solid build quality and performance, making it a strong contender for serious iPhone gamers.

Dominic L from TheSixthAxis highlights the Nacon MG-X Pro as a high-quality mobile controller that elevates Android gaming, especially for Xbox Game Pass streaming. Praising its solid build, ergonomic design, and responsive, premium-feeling buttons and sticks, the review emphasizes how the controller transforms a smartphone into a near-dedicated handheld gaming device. The MG-X Pro’s spring-loaded phone cradle fits even larger phones comfortably, and its lightweight design supports extended play sessions. Bluetooth connectivity offers convenience but introduces limitations, such as no passthrough charging or wired audio support, which may affect longer gaming sessions. Despite a slightly higher price than competitors, the controller delivers superior control and comfort, making it a strong choice for mobile gamers seeking precision and versatility. The review balances enthusiasm for its performance and build quality with measured critique of connectivity constraints, ultimately recommending the MG-X Pro as an excellent option for serious Android gamers, particularly those invested in Xbox’s ecosystem.

Sean Smith from GodisaGeek.com highlights the Nacon MG-X Pro Mobile Controller as a premium, well-built option for iOS users streaming Xbox Game Pass and other compatible games on their phones. He praises its comfortable ergonomics, excellent button spacing, and impressive D-Pad—potentially even better than the standard Xbox controller. The controller’s clip-free design securely holds phones up to 6.7 inches, with a long 20-hour battery life and reliable Bluetooth connectivity that avoids draining the phone’s battery. While noting the lack of rumble feedback and no headphone jack access as minor drawbacks, Smith emphasizes the controller’s smooth performance with cloud streaming, minimal lag, and surprising compatibility with PS5 Remote Play. He also appreciates its value given the competitive pricing and near-official Xbox feel. Overall, Smith presents the MG-X Pro as a versatile, comfortable, and affordable choice for mobile gamers seeking a high-quality controller experience.