abxylute S9 controller review | Pocket player

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  • One of the best designed controllers I've ever used
  • Pretty simple in some parts but it works
  • A controller for all seasons

While touchscreen controls on phones work surprisingly well for most games, I admit that years ago I was skeptical that a good controller is sometimes necessary. Like on Rocket League Sideswipe, I swear the own goal was the touchscreen's fault and not an obvious skill issue. It's a big market and one that Abxylute is launching into with the S9.

While this is Abxylute's first mobile controller, they have experience in the portable world with the C6 wireless controller and their portable cloud gaming console. I tested the S9 before its launch and I have to say that you get the feeling that the team are already professionals. It's a phenomenal device.

A solid design in exchange for easy portability

I'll start with that attribute being a double edged sword; its size. The abxylute can stretch to accommodate 8.8-inch tablets, which is certainly impressive, but makes it a little bulky. At least you won't be carrying it in your pocket, which is why I prefer a modular approach.

The size gives the team a big canvas and they certainly made the most of it. You can really feel the quality of the buttons, they have a satisfying click and are very reasonably sized for a mobile controller. The same goes for joysticks too. Comfort-wise, it feels about the same as an Xbox Series

controller with your phone

Another benefit of the design is the ability to hold your device. Once connected it doesn't move. I held it upside down and shook the controller and it didn't lose grip once. I have a phone with a noticeably protruding camera, and that too sat comfortably without any worries.

An app you might forget

After plugging it in and shaking it a few times, your first stop will be the Abxy Game app. This will be your new hub for launching titles and the best thing I can say is that it works. It offers a quick way to jump into Cloud Gaming like Game Pass, and you can add your own library for centralization, but it's not really an attractive place to be.

abxy game application

I found myself wishing it was better organized more than anything. There are some categories like New Arrivals and maybe three genre choices. It works perfectly well but is rather lackluster. To be fair, though, you get all the features, including controller mapping, without a subscription, unlike some companies.

Incredibly versatile device

As for actual gaming, the S9 leaves you spoiled for choice. It features numerous modes to use depending on what you are playing. Want to use PlayStation's Remote Play feature? Switch to PS, Game Pass or GeForce Now mode? Try Xinput mode. There's also a Nintendo Switch mode if you plug it in.

It's a versatile kit, which led me to find another use that I can't help but share. You can connect your phone to the S9, switch to Bluetooth mode, connect to your PC or console, and then play games while watching something on your phone or viewing guides. Maybe read some articles from your favorite mobile gaming site? It's like a PlayStation Portal, only good.

No-nonsense controller mapping that works perfectly

Let's get back to the actual use of this controller; mobile games. One of the best features of the S9 is controller mapping, which is something you'd hope for these days. You have the ability to set it up for any game that doesn't natively support controller use, and it's pretty easy to use. Choose the buttons, drag them, resize them and you're good to go. It's simple, but you don't need a sophisticated interface and it works perfectly.

controller mapping screen

At the time of writing, I'm using a pre-launch S9, so features may have been added, but I can only review what I have. And right now, I have two main complaints with the mapping. First, you can't map combo buttons, like RT+A. Sure, for the most part, you never really need that many input commands, but it's nice to have this option.

Secondly there are the system configurations, the saveable profiles of what you have mapped where. Right now you can only have one, which for something like Honkai Star Rail is a pain since you switch between Exploration and Battle with incredible frequency. Hopefully they will add the feature for more, and when they do, I beg Abyxlute to add a quick switch feature. The GameSir X4 Aileron spoiled me with its instant switching between profiles, I also need the S9 to have this.

Probably the best way to play mobile games

The S9 has some rough edges, but here's the main thing; when you pick it up to use it, none of them matter. I've tested the likes of Forza Horizon 4 on GamePass, Rocket League Sideswipe with controller mapping, and Final Fantasy XIV on Remote Play, and the S9 was flawless. There was no input lag, plus when the streaming quality dropped to campaign levels, I never felt particularly uncomfortable and the sensation is something else.

The button presses are so solid and satisfying to click while the joypads have a nice weight behind them, they almost feel useful when you're using them. It strangely makes you feel like you're walking towards your goal as you play. I genuinely prefer the feel of the S9 over console controllers, which is why the price is an incredibly pleasant surprise.

s9 and xbox controllers

This is not an advertisement, we are not making money, it's just facts. If you back the S9 on Kickstarter you can now grab one for $59.00 in the Early Bird sale. Lose it and you can still get it for $69.00. Don't enter it either and you'll only have to spend $99.99 to get it at full price. I'm just saying, it's definitely a lot of money, but it's a nice benchmark for mobile controllers. And the S9 is far from your standards.

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