Razer Prio makes mobile controllers genuinely pocketable

Razer has introduced the Prio, a foldable mobile gaming controller designed to solve one of the most obvious problems with conventional phone gamepads: they are often almost as bulky as the phone itself. The Prio collapses into a significantly smaller shape for transport and then expands around supported iOS and Android devices. Mobile controllers have become more relevant as smartphones gain console-quality games, cloud streaming and powerful emulation capabilities.

Apple's push into higher-end games and the growth of services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming have also increased demand for physical controls. Touchscreens work extremely well for games designed around them, but analogue sticks and shoulder buttons remain superior for many action, racing and console-derived titles. Razer already competes in this category with larger controllers, making the Prio a practical extension rather than an entirely new market.

Portability may ultimately be more important than another small improvement in button technology. A controller that actually fits comfortably into a jacket pocket has a better chance of travelling with the phone instead of remaining at home.