ELO Vagabond mobile controller review – “One size fits all if you can get the adapters to fit”

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ELO Vagabond mobile controller review - "One size fits all if you can get the adapters to fit"

  • The ELO Vagabond mobile controller features universal compatibility with a wide range of devices
  • It features a sleek aesthetic with full-sized Hall Effect joysticks and mechanical buttons
  • The adapters need a bit of wrestling into place, and there’s a risk of them snapping off due to regular wear and tear

As someone who’s been juggling between smartphones and tablets for years, I can honestly say that the ELO Vagabond mobile controller has become my new best friend in the gaming world. Unboxing it felt like unearthing a treasure chest in an old-school RPG, and once you get past the initial fuss with the adapters (which, to be fair, could use some refinement), this sleek beauty is a game changer.

There are phones, there are tablets, and there are phones that unfold into tablets – mobile gaming has never been this versatile when it comes to where to get your game on. More than the USB-C compatibility of the latest iPhone models, it’s now easier than ever to switch from one gadget to another. But with that freedom comes the same amount of overwhelming options where controllers are concerned – thankfully, the ELO Vagabond aims to change all that with a one-size-fits-all solution.

Designed to accommodate devices of various sizes, even your phone case, this innovative accessory aspires to become a valued companion for multi-gadget users. However, one may wonder if this mobile controller truly fills the need in the market, or if it’s merely another novelty item.

Unboxing the ELO Vagabond almost feels like unearthing a treasure chest in an old-school RPG. The box tilts up at an angle as if offering the controller to you, and rightly so – the controller itself is a thing of beauty with its sleek curves and badass edges in all the right places.
I do have some issues with the adapters themselves, which I’ll get to in a minute. Once you’ve found the right size for you though – which you can check using the included sizing guide – gaming on the ELO Vagabond is a breeze. While it’s similar in size to the
, it doesn’t look as chunky, but it still has that same comfort factor that’s hard to find in mobile controllers.
Now, while the six adapter sizes might make it seem like it can fit pretty much any device you throw at it, it’s not exactly as universal as it seems. I had to take the case off my old Samsung Galaxy S21 for it to fit, for instance, but my iPad Mini could fit both with or without a case. The iPhone 15 and the
fit great either way too, but for my
, it could only fit while folded and without a case (albeit with an unstable gap because of the camera position).
If the prongs happen to snap off while fitted inside the controller, then you’ll be stuck with one sizing forever, effectively chucking the Vagabond’s USP out the window.

Although I find it convenient to use the controller across various devices, its portability isn’t enhanced significantly due to the need to carry additional adapters along. Furthermore, the size guide, which is just a small piece of cardboard, doesn’t instill much trust in terms of water resistance or if you have a forgetful friend.

ELO Vagabond mobile controller review - "One size fits all if you can get the adapters to fit"

To sum up, I firmly believe that the ELO Vagabond remains an excellent choice for a mobile controller, regardless of its lack of universal compatibility. However, when considering other options available on the market, it’s the cost and appearance that ultimately influence your selection.

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2024-09-23 18:18