The Gamevice Flex is an iPhone game controller that mimics the design of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con with the controls on either side of the screen. Similar iPhone controllers make you take the case off your handset to play, but the Flex wraps around the handset even when it’s in a protective case.
The wired controller includes a full set of buttons, sticks, bumpers, etc. so you can enjoy games like Fortnite from Xbox Cloud Gaming or similar services, or almost anything from Apple Arcade.
I spent quite a few hours testing Gamevice Flex – this is why I like it so much.
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Gamevice Flex review
A game controller is not required for iPhone gaming, but you can certainly make playing a lot more enjoyable. Touchscreen controls are fine for simple, casual games, but can be frustrating for complex RPGs or other action titles.
Using the left stick to run, the right stick to aim and the X button to shoot is easy with a controller. And services like Xbox Cloud Gaming give you access to tons of games that use all of these controls and more.
Gamevice Flex places the controls on either side of the iPhone, similar to a Joy-Con. It’s a setup that works well and takes up less space than a traditional controller.
And, unlike rival iPhone controllers with similar designs, there’s no need to take the case off your handset to play. Plus, it connects to the handset via the Lightning port, so there’s no kidding with Bluetooth.
Turn your iPhone into a Nintendo Switch with Joy-Con
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Gamevice Flex starts out as a 5.5-inch by 4.0-inch by 1.7-inch package. This is small enough to be fairly portable and can easily fit in a backpack. But take it easy – no game controller is really robust.
Pull a few tabs on the back and the two halves of the Flex are separated, but with a stretchy center strip to hold them together. Place one half on either side of the iPhone and you’re ready to play.
While setting up the controller, plug in the Lightning connector. I prefer this kind of wired connections. Pairing with Bluetooth is no problem and multiple people can easily share the accessory. Just plug the Flex into an iPhone and you’re ready to play.
And you never have to charge the controller because it gets power from your iPhone.
Gamevice also built a Lightning port into the bottom of the Flex. Plug in a power cable here and the iPhone will charge while you play. I love to end a long gaming session with a full battery.
With a headphone jack, you can keep the game audio to yourself so that grandma won’t be bothered by it.
In case that
I’m a fan of the Backbone One, which uses a design somewhat similar to the Flex. But it cannot be used with the iPhone in a case. The Gamevice Flex can.
The left and right sides of the controller are designed so that the handset is housed in a thick cover. It also comes with adapters so slimmer cases will fit too. Or no matter at all. It’s a nice system. A bit of a hassle to set up the first time, but after that your iPhone just fits.
The Flex’s design also accommodates various iPhone sizes. It fits my 6.1 inch iPhone 13 easily and can also handle a Pro Max. However, the iPhone Mini models are too small.
Let’s play
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Gamevice Flex has all the expected buttons, left and right sticks, bumpers, triggers… everything is there. The buttons are nice and clicky and the full size sticks are responsive. I tested it just to be sure.
I spend hours a week using different game controllers, so I know their feeling very well. And for me, the ABXY buttons are a little closer to the right stick than I prefer, and the triggers aren’t as long as I’d like. I got used to them in a few minutes, and you might prefer them if you have smaller hands than I do. It seems Gamevice designed the Flex to be as portable as possible, and here’s the result.
There are many games to play. Support for this type of accessory is built into iOS, although not every iPhone game supports the external controllers. Still, there are many titles to choose from, especially serious action games. Plus, almost the entire catalog of the Apple Arcade subscription service is controller-friendly. I activated a few of my favorites when testing the Flex. It was fun.
Gamevice includes a one month free trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with purchase. This way you can try Xbox Cloud Gaming at no extra cost. If you are new to this online service, console games will be played on a remote server and the action will be streamed to players as video. All your handset needs to do is display video from a remote session and send commands from the game controller to the server.
I’ve used Microsoft’s online game service quite a bit and the Flex handles it easily. If you need help getting started, I’ve written a “how to” on setting up an iPhone to play Fortniteone of many games available through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
And the accessory is also compatible with Amazon Luna and Nvidia GeForce Now. (Google Stadia too, not that that matters anymore.)
Gamevice has developed a handy, free app that allows you to find games that support controllers.
Gamevice video
Watch this short ad to see the Flex in action:
Gamevice Flex final thoughts
There is a wide selection of iPhone games with controller support available between cloud gaming services, Apple Arcade and mainstream iOS developers. Take the hint – play them with a physical controller. Trying to play a top RPG with on-screen controls is frustrating.
The Flex works well and is quite portable. And it’s the only Joy-Con impersonator I know of that works with iPhones in bulky cases.
★★★★
As noted in the review, some of the buttons, sticks, and triggers are just a little tight, which prevented me from giving the product high marks.
Prices
Gamevice Flex is now available for pre-order – it will be released on October 25th. The cost is $109.95.
Buy from: game vice
Buy from: Amazon
Those who pre-order before October 14 will receive a second free one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate voucher. This can be combined with the one that comes with the controller for two free months.
If you want to shop around, the rival Backbone One ($99.99) is a strong contender. And the GameSir X2 Lightning ($69.99) also uses the same general design. Neither controller is as portable as the Flex, and both require you to remove your iPhone case.
Game vice provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. Check out our review policy and see more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
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