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Abxylute’s M5 and M6 gamepads want to turn your phone into an Xperia Play
Abxylute’s new mobile controllers are designed to fix the M4’s flaws.
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TL;DR
- Abxylute has launched a Kickstarter campaign for two new mobile gamepads: the M5 and M6.
- The M6 supports Bluetooth 5.3 for a wireless connection, and features capacitive thumbsticks, linear triggers, six-axis gyro control, and more.
- The M5 is designed to be a slimmer add-on than the M6 while still offering console-precision controls.
Abxylute, the gaming hardware manufacturer best known for its mobile controllers, such as the S8, has announced two new mobile gamepads. These new controllers are called the M5 and M6, and Abxylute has launched a Kickstarter campaign for both. Here’s everything you need to know about these two controllers.
The M6
According to Abxylute, the M5 and M6 were designed as a result of the feedback it got after launching the M4. Players reportedly wanted larger joysticks, a fuller grip, and more comfort for longer sessions. Like the M4, the M6 mobile controller is designed to attach to the back of your smartphone (Android or iPhone) via magnets. However, the gamepad is now much larger and made to fit in your hands more comfortably. The company even added an optional magnetic grip attachment, which will allow you to further improve the ergonomics.
Along with the larger design, it features a sliding rail that exposes the face buttons. Abxylute compares the way the M6 opens and closes to the Sony Xperia Play, which also slides open to reveal a full gamepad.
Speaking of the buttons, you’ll see all the usual suspects there, including a D-pad, XYAB buttons, capacitive thumbsticks, and so on. There are also linear Hall Effect triggers that come with a hair trigger mode for shorter travel and quicker in-game responses. However, you’ll also see a Z button tucked away toward the right corner. This button is customizable, but it defaults to being your L3 or R3 button, as needed. This button also supports multi-step macros, so you can perform complex in-game actions with a single button.
For games with motion controls, the M6 features six-axis gyro control. There’s Bluetooth 5.3 support for wireless play, but you have the option to connect the control straight to your device. A 500mAh battery sits inside the gamepad, allowing up to 10 hours of gameplay.
The M5
Both the M6 and M5 are built to bring console-level controls to your mobile experience. However, the M5 is designed for a more pocketable experience. It’s built to be lightweight and measures 8.5mm thick at its thinnest point. Due to the focus on portability, some sacrifices are made.
The M5 is missing the M6’s ambient lighting, motion controls, and battery. That means your phone will need to be physically connected to this controller for it to work. You’re also losing out on capacitive thumbsticks and Hall Effect triggers.
However, there are a few features that this controller offers that the M6 doesn’t. These features are pass-through charging and dedicated L3/R3 buttons.
The Abxy app
Both the M5 and M6 will be compatible with the Abxy app. The app can work as a hub where you launch your emulators, start up your games, or play in the cloud. However, the app can also be used to customize the layout of your controls and adjust thumbstick sensitivity. For the M6, the app will let you use your touchscreen to drag individual screen controls to assign them to a physical button.
Availability
As mentioned earlier, the Kickstarter for both controllers is up right now. The M6 comes with a $89.99 price tag, while the M5 costs $84.99. However, the regular Kickstarter price reduces that to $69 and $65, respectively. Abxylute is currently running an early bird deal that drops the pricing even further, down to $65 and $59. On top of that, the company is offering supporters an M5 Founder’s Edition that features a translucent green shell.
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