ELO Vagabond Mobile Controller Review: “One Size Fits All If You Can Fit The Adapters”

  • The ELO Vagabond mobile controller offers universal compatibility with a wide range of devices
  • It features a sleek aesthetic with full-sized Hall Effect joysticks and mechanical buttons
  • The adapters take some effort to fit correctly and there is a risk of them breaking due to normal wear and tear.

There are phones, tablets, and phones that transform into tablets—mobile gaming has never been more versatile when it comes to where you play. Coupled with the USB-C compatibility of the latest iPhone models, it’s now easier than ever to switch between gadgets. But with this freedom comes the same amount of overwhelming controller options—thankfully, ELO Vagabond aims to change all that with a solution that works for everyone.

Built to hold mobile devices of all shapes and sizes, with a phone case included, this bold new peripheral aims to be the multi-gadget gamer’s best friend. But is this mobile controller well-equipped to fill this gap in the market, or is it just another gimmick?


Summary:


ELO Vagabond Mobile Controller Design

Unboxing the ELO Vagabond is almost like digging up a treasure chest in an old-school RPG. The box tilts upward as if offering you the controller, and rightly so: the controller itself is a thing of beauty with elegant curves and chunky edges in all the right places. the elo vagabond controller on a table

And it's not all skin deep, because holding it was a pleasure: it fit perfectly in my smaller-than-average hands, which was a surprise since I didn't think there was anything more comfortable to hold than the GameSir G8 Galileo controller.

The USB-C pass-through port and 3.5mm jack (say goodbye to sluggish sounds!) are neatly positioned on the bottom, ensuring that cables don’t get in the way of your fingers while gaming. There’s a grippy feel, too, with grooves on the bumpers and the sticks themselves for sweaty palms. The mechanical buttons are satisfyingly clicky, with full-size Hall Effect joysticks and a handy weight of just 198g.

But perhaps what sets the Vagabond apart from other controllers I’ve reviewed is its flexibility. It can (or claims to) adapt to all sorts of gadgets thanks to its rubber adapters.

rubber adapters in a box with a cardboard size guide

There are six sizes in total, plus you can’t use one at all, and you’ll need to clip each one into designated spots on the controller, depending on the thickness of your phone. This means you can neatly arrange your gadget without having to remove the case, which I’ve always deplored, especially when I’m on the go.

Gaming experience and performance

I have some issues with the adapters themselves, which I’ll get to in a minute. Once you find the right fit for you, which you can check using the included sizing guide, gaming with the ELO Vagabond is a breeze. While it’s similar in size to the Redmagic Shadow Blade Gamepad 2, it doesn’t feel as bulky, but it still has the same comfort factor that’s hard to find in mobile controllers.

From simple controls like in Sonic Mania Plus to more complicated button presses like in Zenless Zone Zero, I didn't encounter any issues while playing (although pass-through charging in my case only reached 13W).

elo vagabond controller next to redmagic shadow gamepad on a table

Like most mobile peripherals, there’s a companion app that lets you tinker with calibration, button mapping, and controller lights. There’s a no-frills library that suggests a quick list of games you can play on your Vagabond, but it’s nothing too mind-blowing. I’d say the app is only useful for firmware updates at the moment, but I guess we’ll just have to see if they add more features in the future.

For more intense gaming sessions, the Vagabond's stability really depends on the adapter and your device – this is where my biggest complaint about the controller comes in.

What's the verdict?

Now, while the adapter’s six sizes might make it seem like it could fit just about any device you throw at it, it’s not quite as universal as it seems. I had to remove the case from my old Samsung Galaxy S21 to fit it, for example, but my iPad Mini could fit both with and without a case. The iPhone 15 and Redmagic 9 Pro also fit perfectly either way, but for my Honor Magic V2, it could only fit folded and without a case (albeit with a bit of a gap due to the camera’s position). a foldable phone nestled on a controller with a space

The thing is, it might have fit open if only the last two adapters had worked. Alas, the rubbers were too thick to fit the controller despite my attempts to get them into place, so they're pretty much useless at this point.

I'm also afraid of accidentally breaking the rubber tips with repeated use, especially in a tropical country where the relentless heat can easily cause rubberized materials to disintegrate into small, brittle pieces over time.



If the prongs break while inserting into the controller, you'll be stuck with the same size forever, effectively throwing the Vagabond's strengths overboard.

While I appreciate the ability to use the controller with multiple devices, it doesn't make it very portable, especially if you're going to be carrying around all those extra adapters. The size guide, by the way, is just a small piece of cardboard that doesn't inspire much confidence when it comes to water or a forgetful friend.

rubber adapters for elo vagabond mobile controller

Overall, I still think the ELO Vagabond is a great mobile controller to use even without its universal compatibility, but when it comes to comparing it to others on the market, price and aesthetics will ultimately make up the difference.

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