The M4 controller is currently on Kickstarter<\/a> with just days to go in the campaign. While I wouldn\u2019t normally write about a Kickstarter, the product here is neat enough to warrant my interest, and it has already surpassed its goal with, at the time of writing, over CA$356,000 in backing.<\/p>\n The controller has two main parts. First is a metal ring \u2014 this is the MagSafe component that attaches to compatible phones magnetically, and has a little tab that connects to the controller magnetically. But the ring serves as more than just a magnetic bridge between phone and controller \u2014 it also sports a kickstand, super handy for anyone who wants to prop up the phone on a surface while playing.<\/p>\n The other main part is the controller itself. It connects via Bluetooth to the phone. It sports classic Nintendo-style A, B, X, and Y buttons, a D-pad, shoulder buttons, and even two tiny joysticks. Some models, like the orange one I tried, also feature colourful buttons, and there are versions in the works with a semi-transparent plastic casing for that classic Game Boy look.<\/p>\n While the M4 controller absolutely nails it in the looks department, it\u2019s also extremely portable. The compact size and MagSafe compatibility make it easy to carry around attached to your phone, but if you don\u2019t appreciate the added bulk, you can also easily pop off the controller and\/or metal ring when not in use.<\/p>\n However, the compact size has some drawbacks too, namely ergonomics. The M4 is not the most comfortable controller, especially over longer gaming sessions. I don\u2019t fault it too much for that \u2014 it\u2019s a trade-off for portability, and there are other phone controllers that sacrifice portability for increased comfort. Still, it\u2019s worth mentioning for anyone considering the Abxylute, especially if ergonomics are a concern.<\/p>\n In my testing, the M4 worked incredibly well. It paired easily with my Pixel 10 Pro, and I had no issues using it with games like Diablo Immortal\u00a0as well as emulators. I found I had a tough time playing the likes of\u00a0Immortal\u00a0with the M4, just because it was tough to hold and hit all the buttons on the small form factor, but games with simpler control schemes were much more enjoyable for me.<\/p>\n My only other gripes with the M4 are things that should get ironed out in the final product. For example, the metal ring with my prototype unit arrived scratched to hell, but Abxylute told me it was because it was a prototype \u2014 the final product will use a different manufacturing process and won\u2019t be scratched. I also noticed that the D-pad on my unit wasn\u2019t super accurate, and in some cases would register different inputs. For example, if I press it hard enough going left, I might find my character in-game going up instead. A few tweaks on the D-pad would likely address that issue.<\/p>\n Overall, the Abxylute M4 is a really solid controller. I love the concept, and it\u2019s the perfect size for on-the-go gaming. The Kickstarter project runs until Dec. 22<\/a>, and if you back it, prices start at around CA$54 for one controller. If you\u2019d prefer to wait until the crowdfunding campaign ends, Abxylute will have the M4 available for purchase directly through its website<\/a> starting at US$49 (about C$67.37).<\/p>\n![\"Abxylute](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/abxylute-m4-phone-controller-20251216-angles-scaled.jpg\")
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