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Razer made a $100 controller that lets you use your phone like a Nintendo Switch, but the best feature only works with certain devices

Razer made a $100 controller that lets you use your phone like a Nintendo Switch, but the best feature only works with certain devices

Razer's Junglecat Controller can be used in its compact form, or you can separate the left and right sides to attach them to the Junglecat case.

The case works with four phones: the Samsung Galaxy S10, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, the Razer Phone 2, and the Huawei P30 Pro.

According to a Razer representative I spoke to at a press event, the company would like to make more cases to make the controller fit around more phones, but the phones chosen seem to be the most popular among mobile gaming enthusiasts in the US and abroad.

Because of Apple's strict rules for Bluetooth devices, the controller cannot connect to the iPhone or other Apple devices at all. However, Razer said it hopes to bring MFi (Made for iOS) support to the Junglecat in the future.

Games and apps with native controller support connected to the Junglecat automatically.

Once you've attached the Junglecat to your phone, it feels like you're playing a full-fledged video game console. The joysticks on the Junglecat are also quite similar to the Nintendo Switch, though they're positioned parallel to each other rather than staggered. This makes it a bit easier to use the buttons on the right-hand side, but just a bit tougher to play games that require both analog sticks at once.

The Junglecat case is held in place by basic plastic connections, but I never felt concerned that the phone would fall out or the controllers would fall off. It would be nice to have the satisfying lock mechanic Nintendo uses for the Switch, but the Junglecat is just as easy to slide on and off the sides of your phone.

Carrying the controller around is easy enough, and the case adds a minimal amount of size to your phone. You can use it with PC games, too.

If you do have the right phone and are already an avid mobile gamer, the Junglecat does feel like a more practical option than carrying around a phone clip and controller setup.

The portability and modular design of the $99 Razer Junglecat are impressive, but the limited number of compatible phones limits its long-term value.

You can buy the Razer Junglecat on Razer's official site, or other online retailers.