Abxylute M5 – Abxylute has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new M5 and M6 mobile controllers, promising console-grade precision and a nostalgic sliding form factor.
The ghost of the Sony Xperia Play has returned. not as a phone. but as a snap-on controller for the modern era. Abxylute. the hardware maker behind the S8. is betting that mobile gamers are ready to slide their way into console-grade precision with the launch of its new M5 and M6 gamepads via a Kickstarter campaign.
The M6 is the ambitious headliner of the pair. Designed in response to player feedback following the M4—specifically requests for larger joysticks and a fuller. more ergonomic grip—the M6 attaches to the rear of Android or iPhone devices using magnets. Its defining physical characteristic is a sliding rail that reveals the face buttons. mimicking the tactile satisfaction of the classic Xperia Play. For those who need more stability, the company has included an optional magnetic grip attachment.
Inside its expanded frame, the M6 is packed with technical upgrades. It features Hall Effect triggers with a hair-trigger mode for rapid response. capacitive thumbsticks. a customizable Z button capable of multi-step macros. and six-axis gyro control. Connection is handled via Bluetooth 5.3, or a direct physical link, with a 500mAh battery providing up to 10 hours of play. It even includes ambient lighting for a distinct aesthetic.
The M5 takes a different path, prioritizing pocketability over raw features. Measuring 8.5mm at its thinnest point, the M5 is designed to be the lightweight sibling. To achieve this, it sheds the M6’s battery, motion controls, ambient lighting, capacitive sticks, and Hall Effect triggers. It relies entirely on a physical connection to the smartphone for power. However, it gains specific utility that the M6 lacks: dedicated L3/R3 buttons and pass-through charging.
Both devices interface with the Abxy app. which serves as a central hub for launching emulators. cloud games. and local titles. The software also handles the heavy lifting of customization. allowing users to tweak thumbstick sensitivity and map physical buttons to touchscreen areas via a drag-and-drop interface.
The hardware is currently seeking backing on Kickstarter. While the projected retail pricing is set at $89.99 for the M6 and $84.99 for the M5. early supporters can secure them for $69 and $65. respectively. Even lower early-bird tiers are available at $65 for the M6 and $59 for the M5. with a translucent green ‘Founder’s Edition’ of the M5 offered as a special incentive for early backers.
Abxylute M5 Abxylute M6 mobile gaming Kickstarter smartphone controllers handheld gaming