YourNextApp might earn an affiliate fee on purchases made by hyperlinks on our web site.
The Gamevice Flex takes a well-recognized components for iPhone-connected controllers and enhances it with one easy function — the flexibility to maintain your iPhone case on throughout use.
Gamevice provided one of many first recreation controllers that took benefit of Apple’s MFi program and connected to the perimeters of the iPhone or iPad. The corporate has since iterated on that concept with a handful of helpful updates.
There are just a few notable variations between the Gamevice Flex (accessible at Amazon) and the cheaper Gamevice mannequin. Nonetheless, essentially the most vital improve is the flexibility to make use of most iPhone circumstances with the controller connected.
Gamevice Flex design
Anybody who used Gamevice controllers previously, or some fashions of the Razer Kishi, shall be immediately aware of the Gamevice Flex. The controller is saved in a compact kind, then might be folded out and “clamped” across the iPhone to remodel it right into a tiny recreation console.
Gamevice Flex makes use of the traditional band and spring technique to attach the controller’s two sides. Every controller conceals a spring mechanism related by bands that meet a strong plastic piece within the center.
When the controller is unfurled, it’s free and dangles by the connector bands. Different trendy controllers use a inflexible sliding mechanism just like the Spine One and the Razer Kishi V2.
General, the design of the controller did not change, although it has larger grips and extra face buttons. Gamevice added a screenshot button and an app launcher button.
What units the Gamevice Flex aside is its means to connect to an iPhone with a case connected. The controller comes bundled with a number of adapters that hook up with the controller to make sure a decent grip on the iPhone.
A measuring device included within the field tells you which ones adapter to decide on for the left and proper sides of the controller. It measures as much as a case measurement of about 0.5 inches thick. It really works with thicker protecting circumstances, however do not count on the thickest circumstances like Otterbox Defender to suit.
The adapters slide into the Gamevice Flex and click on into place. They are often exchanged for various sizes if the consumer switches circumstances.
Utilizing the Gamevice Flex
The Gamevice Flex features like every other iPhone controller of its variety. As soon as the iPhone is connected, it’s related through the Lightning port for zero-lag gameplay enter.
The buttons are clicky and responsive, although not too noisy. The hall-effect triggers really feel nice when pressed and add a component of physicality to some video games like shooters or racing sims.
The screenshot button can be utilized to take screenshots with a double press. A display screen recording begins with an extended press.
The Gamevice button on the proper aspect of the controller launches the Gamevice Dwell app. It really works equally to the Spine One’s launcher, besides it’s missing in just a few methods.
First, the Gamevice Dwell app shouldn’t be optimized for the iPhone 14 Professional lineup. The Dynamic Island covers the UI components on the left sidebar.
Second, deciding on a recreation within the app does not at all times launch it. Normally, it hyperlinks on to the App Retailer or a “the way to play” doc, then the consumer has to navigate from there.
We have discovered that merely navigating to the sport we want to play is way simpler than utilizing the Gamevice Dwell app. It additionally lacks social options or any compelling motive to make use of the app, so the devoted button feels wasted.
The Lightning port permits for passthrough charging whereas enjoying, and the headphone jack permits zero-lag audio. These options are normal on any controller of this model.
Regardless of the horrible app and wasted button, all the things else in regards to the controller is superb. Whereas we want the inflexible sliding mechanism of different controllers, the bands aren’t an excessive amount of of a difficulty because the controller can fold up for storage.
As we mentioned beforehand, the promoting level of this controller is its means to work with a case connected. The one draw back is it’s troublesome to alter the inserts, and you may have to sustain with the field of inserts too.
Different controllers have been constructed to nearly precisely match the iPhone’s form and measurement. The Spine One, for instance, did not account for a rise in digital camera bump measurement and desires an adapter to work. It actually will not work with a case connected, irrespective of how skinny.
Do you have to purchase the Gamevice Flex
Anybody who makes use of a case on their iPhone and needs a controller just like the Gamevice ought to get the Flex, no query. The actual fact it may be used with out eradicating the case greater than makes up for the spring and strap design of the grips.
Nonetheless, this controller bodily connects to the iPhone through the Lightning port. Apple is rumored to be transferring to USB-C within the subsequent yr or two, so preserve that in thoughts.
Those that intend on retaining their present iPhone for a pair extra years will get their cash’s value. Anybody trying to improve their iPhone in 2023 might now not be capable of use the Lightning-based Gamevice Flex or any Lightning-connected controller, for that matter.
Gamevice Flex Professionals
- Attaches to iPhone with out eradicating the case
- Giant grips and acquainted button structure make for snug play
- Devoted screenshot button is helpful
- Headphone jack is a nice-to-have for those who play video games with chat features or want lag-less audio
Gamevice Flex Cons
- Gamevice Dwell app is borderline ineffective, which makes the devoted button a waste
- Lightning-based accent may not be helpful on future iPhone fashions
- Altering out adapters might be troublesome
Ranking: 4.0 out of 5
The Gamevice Flex is a big enchancment from earlier fashions. The rating would bounce up if the adapters have been simpler to alter out.
This machine would get an ideal rating with two particular adjustments. First, transfer to a inflexible slide mechanism as a substitute of the spring and band one. Second, make the Gamevice Dwell app earn the devoted button on the controller.
The place to purchase the Gamevice Flex
The Gamevice Flex is on the market for iPhone and Android, so make sure to buy the appropriate model. It prices $109.95 and is on the market from the Gamevice web site or Amazon.
Evaluate