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Most mobile controllers have two sticks, but this might be the gamepad that finally gets me playing PS2 on my iPhone
The writer hopes Abxylute’s M5 and M6 pop-up controllers will make it easier to play PS2 games on an iPhone while out and about. Their magnetic, slide-up design could keep a full set of controls attached to a phone, making it more likely the writer will pick up classic games during spare moments.
The controllers include two thumbsticks, a directional pad, face buttons, shoulders and triggers; the M5 uses low-profile carbon-film sticks, while the M6 has capacitive sticks and Hall-effect triggers. Both remain in their Kickstarter phase, with early-bird pricing ended. The writer says other mobile controllers often need a separate bag or are too bulky to carry routinely, while the smaller Abxylute M4 is currently 10% off at Amazon.
In short
- Abxylute’s M5 and M6 are designed to stay attached to a phone.
- Both offer the sticks needed for PS2 games.
- The M5 and M6 are still in their Kickstarter phase.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A controller that stays attached to a phone could make handheld gaming more convenient, especially for people who already enjoy older games and have spare moments during the day. The M5 and M6 appear to offer a full set of controls in a compact design, potentially addressing the carrying hassle that can put people off using other controllers.
The case against
The convenience is still a promise: both models are in Kickstarter, so buyers cannot yet judge how well they work in everyday use or when they will arrive. A pop-up controller may still add bulk, and the design or controls may not suit everyone; those who want something available now could prefer an established alternative such as the smaller M4.
Explained simply
The PlayStation 2 was a Sony console released in 2000, and many of its games are now played on newer devices using emulation software, which recreates how an older console runs games. An iPhone can run some emulators, but playing games designed for a console usually means using physical controls.
Mobile game controllers connect to a phone and add controls such as thumbsticks and buttons. Some attach directly, while others are bulkier or need to be carried separately; size and convenience can affect whether someone takes one along for spare moments.
Abxylute is developing the M5 and M6, phone controllers designed to slide up from a compact form and provide a full set of controls. They are still in the Kickstarter phase, so their availability and final experience for players have yet to be established.