CES 2026: Hyperkin and Gamesir made a modular game controller for your smartphone, tablet and even your Switch

I’ve been utilizing nan aforesaid smartphone controller connected my iPhone for years. That’s partially because astir options are truthful similar. Announced astatine CES 2026, nan X5 Alteron couldn’t beryllium much different. It’s a collaboration betwixt GameSir (which loves different peripheral dalliances) and Hyperkin (retro-leaning controller maker).

The X5 Alteron is apparently nan world's first afloat modular mobile games controller. While nan header characteristic mightiness beryllium nan stick/d-pad/button modules, nan X5 Alteron has a very accommodating vice grip that useful pinch devices from iPhone and Android phones done to nan Switch bid and moreover iPads. There’s moreover Bluetooth if you want to usage it pinch a PC.

On nan showfloor, Gamesir had a non-working prototype exemplary pinch swappable modules, capable to replicate astir of your favourite layouts, including asymmetric analogue sticks, a yellowish instrumentality that’s aspiring to beryllium a Gamecube controller and moreover a six-button array for those wanting to scratch that Sega Saturn itch. And if you want symmetrical sticks, you maniac, you tin person that too. Rumble motors will besides beryllium built into nan controller.

The modules dishonesty flush erstwhile magnetically attached to nan controller, though connected nan early prototype, they were difficult to remove. It’s beautiful overmuch afloat customizable: location will beryllium adjustable instrumentality heights and hot-swappable buttons. Hyperkin and Gamesir are promising GameCube and N64 modules, and moreover a trackpad module for FPS games.

There’s modern exertion too. The X5 Alteron will person capacitive sticks, not Hall-Effect ones. This should connection overmuch much precision: nan exertion remains beautiful uncommon successful controllers. There are Hall-Effect analog triggers connected nan rear of nan controller. It’s early days, pinch nary merchandise day aliases pricing group yet, but I'm intrigued — and I fishy galore mobile gamers are too.