Playtiles can turn smartphones into gaming handhelds for just $14
Playtiles offers gamers a new way to add a particularly compact controller to their smartphone. This gadget weighs just 0.2 oz and sports a D-pad as well as A/B buttons. It can be attached to the smartphone display without adhesive in order to use software buttons, which the corresponding app displays in the correct place.
The buttons are designed to provide better haptic feedback compared to touchscreen controls for a relatively low price. Furthermore, it measures 2.68 x 1.57 x 0.08 inches, which is smaller but slightly thicker than a credit card and should be easy to carry in a wallet. Playtiles offers a total of twelve games that can be ordered along with the accessory. However, the app also allows users to play any games developed with GB Studio. Over 1,000 compatible games are already available on Itch.io, many of which can be played directly in a web browser.
Price and availability
Playtiles is now available for preorder on the official product page, with shipping expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025. The so-called "Lagoon Pack", which includes a blue controller but no games, costs €12 (about $14) including VAT and shipping. Alternatively, the red "Crayon Pack" with twelve games is priced at €23.50 ($27.50), while the "Sunglow Pack" with both yellow and black controllers and twelve games costs €46.70 ($54.70). Playtiles is compatible with Apple iPhones and Android smartphones.
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