OnePlus’ gaming controller for smartphones features a clever charging trick that you'll appreciate.

      The new add-on does more than simply add buttons; it has the potential to significantly enhance charging and cooling during prolonged phone gaming sessions.

      OnePlus’ latest controller for the Ace 6 Ultra appears to be another effort to convert a phone into a handheld device, but its more innovative aspect is the open space in the center. According to OnePlus, this area is designed for cooling purposes, and promotional images indicate that it's more than just a grip with additional triggers. The design aims to facilitate heat management while providing easier power options at the same time.

      Despite promoting gaming features such as four physical buttons, hybrid touch-and-button controls, micro-switch inputs, a 1 kHz polling rate, and a claimed response time of 1.8 ms, the emphasis on comfort over extended periods is the more compelling selling point, particularly for shooters that penalize awkward hand positions and overheating phones.

      Importance of the center gap

      The central portion is where the design starts to gain clarity. OnePlus’ visuals suggest compatibility with an attachable magnetic cooling system, and the bottom USB-C port is strategically placed to allow charging during gameplay without obstructing hand movements. Additionally, the curved grips bolster the notion that this is meant to feel more like a handheld device than merely a basic phone accessory.

      Gaming accessories for phones often entail some sort of compromise. A charger might protrude, a cooler could obstruct, or the entire setup becomes unwieldy after a short duration. However, OnePlus seems to be attempting to circumvent these issues, although confirmation of compatibility with specific OnePlus or Oppo wireless charging pucks is still pending.

      Focus on comfort rather than specifications

      OnePlus is also marketing this as a serious accessory for shooter games. The promotional visuals emphasize customizable button mapping, a combination of touch and button inputs, and a built-in gaming antenna for enhanced connectivity.

      This is why the layout is more noteworthy than the technical specifications. While quick inputs look appealing on promotional materials, factors such as heat, battery drain, and cable placement typically hinder long gameplay sessions first.

      The significant question ahead of launch

      The controller is currently announced for release in China on April 28, 2026, with no confirmed global availability. OnePlus also mentions that the controller will be sold separately, with additional details expected from official announcements.

      If OnePlus confirms compatibility with its own or Oppo’s fan-equipped wireless charging accessories, this could prove to be an intelligent addition to phone gaming. Otherwise, it remains a thoughtful controller, albeit with a less distinctive reason for appeal.

      ---

      Paulo Vargas is an English major-turned-reporter-turned-technical writer, with a career that has consistently circled back to…

      Intel’s hidden handheld chips might give AMD a run for their money

      Two Intel chips designed for handheld gaming have recently leaked online, hinting at an interesting shift in the market.

      Intel has been quietly developing something intriguing. A recent leak has uncovered two unannounced chips, the Arc G3 and Arc G3 Extreme, specifically crafted for handheld gaming consoles. These chips are projected to debut in Q2 2026 and could significantly disrupt the handheld gaming landscape. Shortly after Intel unveiled its complete Panther Lake lineup, speculation arose regarding two chips that were initially intended to compete with AMD's Ryzen Z2 series, but their launch was postponed for unspecified reasons. Now, one of those chips has re-emerged online.

      ---

      Lego Batman seems to be the best Dark Knight game in years, and gamers are definitely excited about it.

      It’s been more than a decade since Batman: Arkham Knight left players wondering about the future of Batman games. Unfortunately, for years, things have not been particularly thrilling.

      DC fans have been caught in a cycle of "almost there" and "what was that?" ever since. Gotham Knights aimed to transition to a Bat-family RPG, but it never quite captured the essence of being Batman. Following that, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League leaned excessively into live-service chaos, losing sight of what made these characters appealing in the first place. The focus on loot, grind, and battle passes proved to be more suited for spreadsheets than for Gotham.

      ---

      Is Minecraft cross-platform? Here’s the breakdown of Bedrock, Java, and console cross-play.

      Yes, but only if everyone is on the same edition. Bedrock enables extensive cross-play while Java remains confined to its desktop ecosystem.

      Minecraft offers a limitless sandbox for exploring creativity. While it’s enjoyable to play solo, it also ranks among the best co-op games. Collaborating on building bases, battling monsters, and crafting powerful weapons is far more enjoyable with friends. Given that Minecraft is available on nearly all devices with screens, one might assume it allows cross-play with everyone; however, the reality is a bit more complex.

      Playing with friends on a shared server represents one of the finest ways to engage with Minecraft, akin to the experiences offered by Terraria or GTA V. However, in today's diverse gaming ecosystem, the multitude of platforms on which