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Portable gaming systems are expensive. If gamers want a quality display like the Steam Deck OLED, it will cost them $789 for the base model. Even the cheaper Steam Deck OLED competition will cost several hundred dollars. This doesn’t make sense for gamers on a budget when they already have a device in their pocket that offers resolution, brightness, and refresh rates as good as, or better than, handhelds.
And that’s not to nitpick, but this data is clear: Flagship phones like the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 are easier to see outdoors than most handhelds. That’s why they’re powerful portable gaming systems when paired with the right accessories. For many gamers, the problem with phone controllers is that they are bulky and difficult to carry. Razer offers a solution for gamers looking for a device that slips into a pocket and then opens for gaming on the go. The Razer Prio is about the size of a credit card holder when folded.
It opens into a full-size controller setup, fitting phones up to 7 inches, and it connects via USB-C. There is no pairing issue or separate battery to charge. It’s plug-and-play with USB-C iPhones running iOS 18 and Android phones running Android 14 or later. The Prio supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, PS Remote Play, Razer PC Remote Play, Steam Link, and local gaming, so you can pause “Wolverine” on your PS5 and pick up where you left off on the bus, without having to bring a controller along for the ride.
Handheld gadget gives gamers a more portable controller
Naturally, gamers are concerned about how a handheld controller feels. Android Central called the joysticks “downright miraculous” because they are easy to control, despite their small size. The Prio’s controllers use capacitive sensing, which detects movement through changes in the controller’s electric field rather than physical contact. Other reviewers found the Prio’s controls a bit cramped. Mobile Syrup said it was difficult to use for fast-paced games, although it worked great on slower games.
The price might be an issue for gamers looking for a budget controller, as it’s priced at $99.99. Compare that to the budget-friendly GameSir X5 at $49.99 and the excellent Backbone One at $79.99. Although it is considerably cheaper than the Backbone Pro, one of the best mobile controllers on the market. The Prio has one major advantage over the competition: it’s exceptionally portable. The Prio folds up small enough to fit in a pocket next to a wallet or phone.
The Backbone One, Backbone Pro, and GameSir X5 are telescopic controllers that must be carried in a case. Gamers looking for more portable options for iPhone and Android might consider the $149.99 MCON. It magnetically attaches to your phone, acting as a case, then opens wide to give your hands more space when it’s time to harvest in “Stardew Valley.” Despite the portability of these controllers, it’s hard to ignore the disappearing trick Razer pulls off with the Prio. It’s small enough that you can forget it in your pocket until you’re ready to play.
