Gamevice FLEX for iPhone
The Gamevice FLEX provides a secure, flexible controller accessory for iPhone users. The design is spot-on and even though the adapters can be a little hard to install or pull out, the controller is very easy to use. The price is higher than a standard wireless gaming controller but is still worth the investment.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
Gamevice FLEX enhances the mobile gaming experience.
With the growing popularity of mobile versions of major gaming titles such as Call of Duty or Fortnite, there has also been a growing demand for controllers that work in tandem with mobile phones. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to try out several of these accessories including
- RiotPWR Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for iOS
- PowerA MOGA XP5-i Plus Bluetooth Controller
- GAMESIR X3 Type-C Cooled Mobile Gaming Controller
- Backbone One iPhone Mobile Gaming Controller
- RiotPWR ESL iOS Gaming Controller
- GameSir X2 Lightning Mobile Gaming Controller
Each type of controller has its own unique feel for gaming and if you prefer a certain console controller, you might favor one style over another. Personally, I prefer Xbox controllers so I tend to lean towards the controllers that are “made for Xbox.” One of the most recent entries into that group is the Gamvice FLEX, which is available for Android or iOS devices.
About Gamevice & FLEX
Gamevice was one of the original mobile gaming accessory manufacturers. They entered the industry in 2012 as Wikipad and in 2014, Wikipad announced its new controller called “Gamevice.” It was a detachable controller with a classic D-pad, twin triggers, A, B, X, and Y Buttons and dual analog sticks. In January 2017, a new Gamevice controller was released to work with the iPhone 7.
Gamevice is one of the industry leaders for mobile gaming accessories and over the years, they have really improved their designs. Through their efforts, Gamevice has literally transformed mobile devices into full-fledged portable gaming platforms. Their latest release, the FLEX, takes the popular design of the Razer Kishi, which was designed through a partnership between Gamevice and Razer, and modifies it so that it will accommodate phone cases.
The Gamevice FLEX launched officially in late October this year. It’s designed specifically to work with your iPhone — with or without a case on it. This is a HUGE differentiator between the FLEX and pretty much every other mobile gaming controller on the market. Another big feature the FLEX offers is the ability to fold up into a very compact package — rather than being a large rigid controller. Many mobile gaming controllers end up being approximately the same size at the Nintendo Switch. That can be rather inconvenient when you are traveling.
Main Features
- Use with or without a phone case
- Comes complete with an adapter kit to ensure the phone fits snuggly inside the FLEX
- Low-latency direct connection
- Console level controls
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Pass-through charging using a Lightning connector
- Collapses for portability and storage
- Works with Remote Play (XBox, PlayStation, or Steam Link)
- Free Trial of Xbox Game Pass included
- GameVice app gives users access to Xbox, GeForce NOW, Stadia, PlayStation, Luna, and iOS games in one place
Pricing & Availability
The FLEX controller is available for purchase through gamevice.com or Amazon. The list price is $109.95 for the iPhone version of the controller.
User Experience
The controller comes in a thick retail box. There is an image of the device on the front of the box in use along with proper branding. Since the Gamevice FLEX is available for both iPhone and Android mobile phones, there is a label (in both English and French) that dictates the controller is for the iPhone. Another piece of branding on the box is from Xbox. This controller is designed to be used with Xbox content and it is sort of designed as a companion to a traditional Xbox controller.
When you open the box, you’ll find a small cardboard piece strapped across the top of the controller. There is a QR code printed on it labeled “Quick Start.” This QR code links to Gamevice’s website and tutorials on how to install your phone in the controller. The reverse side of the card has an illustrated guide for installation using the phone and case adapters.
The case adapters can get a little confusing. When it comes down to it, it’s really a trial-and-error game. Gamevice does include another card that is designed to help the user determine which adapters will work best with your phone and its case. I have the Nomad Sport Case on my iPhone 14 Pro so it was a little difficult to find a good fit. The case is on the thicker side and I found that it was sort of in-between sizes on the card.
I found the appropriate adapters and snapped them into place. After that, I slid the iPhone into the Lightning port side and then stretched the opposite side of the FLEX controller around the top of the phone/case. In my case, the fit was secure but there was still some room on either side of the phone since the FLEX is designed to be a universal fit for all iPhone models. Even though there was a little bit of wiggle room, I didn’t have any issues with the phone sliding out of the controller.
I found the controller to be very responsive while I was playing. I tested it out with a couple of games — Lego Star Wars and Call of Duty Mobile. The former is more action/adventure while COD Mobile is a first-person, multiplayer combat game. Both mobile games are designed so that a player can utilize on-screen controls to maneuver in the game, but I have found that adding a mobile controller — like the FLEX — helps the experience quite a bit.
The FLEX is remarkably similar to an Xbox controller, with many of the same features and design elements. Those who have used the Razer Kishi v1 before will find the FLEX to be very familiar, as the two controllers share a lot of the same characteristics. The FLEX is designed with ergonomics in mind, and its comfortable grip and intuitive layout of the buttons and sticks make it easy to use.
Since it connects to the iPhone using a Lightning connection, it allows you to play your favorite games without any lag or stuttering. I would say that the FLEX is now my favorite mobile gaming accessory.
Conclusion
Overall, the FLEX is an excellent controller that provides a great gaming experience. I love that it folds up to be compact for travel and you don’t have to worry about charging it since it gets power from a direct Lightning connection to the iPhone. I’ve found that my gaming experiences are greatly improved thanks to using the FLEX.
Learn more about the Gamevice device.
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