MFI Gaming - Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i Review / Mobile Gaming Rant
- Ryan Hammoud
- Dec 17, 2016
- 4 min read
I am a big gamer and I really want to be able to play games on the go. I love the idea of being able to throw a portable console into my backpack whenever I am preparing to travel or commute, and passing the time doing what I love most.
The two main portable gaming consoles on the market now are the PS Vita (however, I am not sure about the availability of the PS Vita) and Nintendo 3DS/2DS.
However, I have issues with both of the devices.
Whilst I do like Sony's second iteration of mobile gaming, I still believe the PS Vita is too expensive. Yes, it checks all my 'mobile gaming' boxes. It is portable, with decent battery-life, and supports a nice library of 'triple-A' games. A few of which I have played/would want to play (e.g. Assassin's Creed Chronicles, God of War, Mortal Kombat, Uncharted). However, I find it hard to justify paying £140 (Amazon UK marketplace price, I couldn't find it available anywhere else) for the system itself, and approximately £20 per game, for something that will not be my main gaming machine, and will only be used when I am travelling.
I used to own the first-gen Nintendo DS. Whilst I enjoyed the nostalgia of playing Super Mario 64, and my Gameboy Advanced games on my DS, I can't seem to recall any DS games that really stuck out to me (granted, there are many DS games which I did not play). I loved its portability and design. So I am immediately attracted to the idea of owning a 3DS. Except, it suffers from the same expensive issue as the PS Vita (£179 for the 3DS XL). I think the PS Vita seems like a more attractive bargain, at a lower price, with prettier graphics. The 2DS is more competitively priced with the PS Vita, however, I think the design is horrible, and shares the three main issues as the 3DS. Underpowered hardware, unattractive displays, and uninteresting games. I think that if I liked Pokémon and Super Mario enough, then this might be the system for me. However, whilst I used to be a fan of Nintendo first party games, (e.g. Pokémon, Mario, Zelda etc.) I am no longer interested in these type of games (not sure why).
The only logical step would be to use the device I carry around with me everywhere, that is portable, has an attractive screen, and has an endless number of games. My iPhone.
The touchscreen controls of iPhone games have always annoyed me. So I needed a controller. I was trying to decide which MFI (made-for-iphone) controller to get, and since I wanted something that was very portable, small enough to put in my backpack without taking up too much space, I was stuck between getting the SteelSeries Stratus and the Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i.
(After watching UnboxTherapy's review of the Gamevice MFI controller, that would have been the one I really wanted, however it is definitely not worth £79.99)
I was a bit worried that the Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i controller would be too big to carry around all the time, but I also really wanted the iPhone clip that holds up the phone. I loved the SteelSeries Stratus portability, but I didnt want to have to carry around an iphone stand with me to be able to play games on it, and I cant really stand up my phone anywhere when sitting on a train.
So i took the plunge on the Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i instead of the Stratus. I'm very happy with my decision. The controller is the perfect size. It has a small footprint, but still comfortable to use, and has that clip that holds up my iPhone. (see photo comparison on the left. Xbox One Controller vs Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i)
I read some bad reviews about the clip breaking very easily. Since it is quite tough to attach or remove it from the controller, and the plastic feels like it could easily break with that amount of pressure, I take caution whenever I move it. If that plastic clip breaks, then the controller would be useless for me (essentially wasting the £30 I paid for it). I think the main downside to the product is that it may seem a little fragile. I really am afraid the clip will break, and one of the little plastic things on the battery door already broke while i was initially putting the battery in, but this didnt REALLY make a difference for me. If there was some sort of protective case for this controller, a lot of my worries would disappear.
I have been using Afterpad.com to see which games are compatible with MFI controllers, and I have spent a lot more money on apps since getting it. When games properly support MFI controllers, the Micro C.T.R.L.i is simply amazing. I can waste away many hours playing Crashlands, with its intuitive controller support. This experience is just what i was looking for. Anyway, I would highly recommend this controller for anyone who wants to game on the go!
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