This Foldable Gadget Is A Video Game Controller In Your Pocket

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Handheld game systems are pricey. If gamers want a quality screen like the Steam Deck OLED, it'll cost them $789 for the base model. Even the Steam Deck OLED's lower-priced competition will run several hundred dollars. It doesn't make sense for budget gamers when they may already have a device in their pocket that packs resolution, brightness, and refresh rates as good as or better than handhelds.

And not to nitpick nits, but that data is clear — flagship phones like the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 are easier to see outdoors than most handhelds. It's why they're powerful portable gaming systems when paired with the right accessories. For many gamers, the problem with phone controllers is they're bulky and a pain to carry around. Razer has a solution for gamers looking for something that'll tuck into a pocket, then open up for some gaming on the go. The Razer Prio is about the size of a credit card holder when folded.

It twists open into a full-size controller layout, fitting phones up to 7 inches, and it connects via USB-C. There's no pairing hassle or separate battery to charge. It's plug-and-play with USB-C iPhones running iOS 18 and Android phones running Android 14 or later. The Prio offers support for Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, Razer PC Remote Play, Steam Link, and local games, so you can pause "Wolverine" on your PS5 and pick up where you left off on the bus, without having to pack a controller for the ride.

Of course, gamers are concerned with how a portable controller feels in their hands. Android Central called the joysticks "downright miraculous" because they're easy to control, despite their small size. The Prio's thumbsticks use capacitive sensing, which detects movement through changes in the stick's electrical field rather than physical contact. Other reviews found the Prio's controls a bit cramped. Mobile Syrup said it's difficult to use for fast-paced games, though it works great on slower-paced games.

The price might be an issue for gamers looking for a budget controller, as it's priced at $99.99. Compare that to the budget-friendly GameSir X5s at $49.99 and the excellent $79.99 Backbone One. Though it is considerably cheaper than the Backbone Pro, one of the best mobile controllers on the market. The Prio has one major advantage over the competition: it's exceptionally portable. The Prio folds down small enough to fit in a pocket next to a wallet or phone.

The Backbone One, Backbone Pro, and GameSir X5s are telescoping controllers that should be carried in a case. Gamers looking for more portable options for iPhone and Android might consider the MCON at $149.99. It magnetically snaps to your phone, acting like a case, then opens up wide to give your hands more room when it's time to harvest in "Stardew Valley." Despite the portability of these controllers, it's hard to look past the disappearing trick Razer pulls off with the Prio. It's small enough that you may forget it's in your pocket until you're ready to game.