Can a Tiny OtterBox Accessory Transform Your Smartphone Into a Gaming Console?
There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.
On Trial: OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip for Xbox Controllers
The Tester: Stefan Vazharov, a passionate mobile gamer
The Brief: At CES 2021, OtterBox unveiled an exciting lineup of mobile gaming accessories, created in partnership with Microsoft. The new products included OtterBox's Mobile Gaming Clip ($30), which is tailor-made for Xbox wireless controllers. Being an avid smartphone gamer, I was eager to test the gadget the moment that I learned about it.
The Mobile Gaming Clip is designed to snap directly onto the controller, so setting it up takes only a few seconds. It works with all original Xbox wireless gaming controllers, including the range-topping Elite 2 variant, and it has adjustable arms to accommodate all smartphones, regardless of their size. I was able to see this for myself by testing it out with several devices — from the compact iPhone 12 mini, all the way to the big-screen Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
One of my first impressions of the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip after unboxing it was how durable it is — this is hardly a surprise, considering the brand’s long history of making excellent smartphone cases. It can easily hold big-screen, heavier phones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G in place without feeling unwieldy. Its grip has a rubber finish, which, by preventing the attached smartphone from moving sideways, also helps to avoid accidental button presses.
Thanks to versatile arms, the accessory makes achieving a perfect weight balance between the Xbox controller and your phone as easy as it gets. The same goes for finding the perfect viewing angle for the smartphone’s display. I spent hours gaming with the accessory on the couch, at the dining table, as well as in bed, and enjoyed being able to effortlessly adjust the view with one hand.
The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip's smartphone arms are detachable, doubling as a convenient viewing stand that works just about anywhere. I enjoyed being able to leave my phone with the clip on a side table next to my armchair, and kick back holding only my Xbox controller.
Being able to use wired headphones and earbuds while gaming is another helpful feature of this product. Unless you're using a phone with a standard audio jack, you can plug in via USB-C cable, Lightning cable, or a compatible adapter. The gaming clip weighs just a tad above 2 ounces, so it won’t add unnecessary bulk — it even folds flat when not in use for easy storage.
Before switching to the OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip, I used the snap-on Razer Kishi controller for mobile gameplay. While I still think the experience it delivers is good, it doesn't quite compare to gaming with an original Xbox controller.
Closing Argument: I highly recommend the Mobile Gaming Clip to anyone who’s into mobile gaming. The product allowed me to enjoy gameplay with legit console quality anytime, anywhere, so it’s well worth its $30 price tag. OtterBox also backs all of its gaming accessories with a lifetime warranty.
Shop OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip
Read More:
Our Favorite Smartphones for the Best Gaming Experience
The Best Consoles for Every Type of Gamer Out Today
The Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds to Tune Out Distractions
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