Razer's Folding Prio Concept Tackles the Biggest Problem With Phone Controllers

Razer's Prio mobile-controller concept is attracting attention because it focuses on a problem most telescopic phone controllers never solve: where to put the thing when you are not playing. The design folds into an extremely compact form before opening into a more conventional arrangement with directional controls, face buttons, shoulder inputs and analogue functionality.

Full-sized phone controllers can provide excellent ergonomics but are large enough that users often leave them at home, undermining the portability advantage of gaming on a smartphone. A folding design potentially makes physical controls something that can remain in a pocket or small bag throughout the day. The engineering compromises will determine whether the idea works. Smaller sticks, hinges and reduced grip depth can hurt precision and comfort, while moving parts create additional durability concerns.

Nevertheless, Prio explores a more interesting direction than simply making another large clamp-style controller. As phones become increasingly capable gaming machines, truly pocketable input hardware may be the missing component needed to make spontaneous premium mobile gaming practical.