Pixel Labs is developing a controller called the “Phase” that supports multiple use cases, from desktop to gaming on your phone. We’ve come a long way from the brick/box-like original mouse and the various joystick controllers from the ’70s and ’80s to the gamepads, joycons, and advanced gaming mice of the present, so it seems only natural that someone has sought to combine elements for a new controller. The Phase represents such an attempt by being a mouse and a game controller for multiple usage scenarios.
This new user input device from Pixel Labs features up to 18 customizable configurations for its buttons. A capacitive touch strip on the left controller replaces the scrolling wheel to provide precise scrolling when the Phase is in use as a mouse. The Phase can be paired via Bluetooth or an included dongle and can provide up to a 1,000 Hz polling rate via its dongle or 125 Hz BT, and 16,000 DPI.
Specifications:
- PerformancePolling Rate: 1000 Hz (1 ms response)
- DPI Range: 200 to 16,000 DPI
- Sensor Type: High-precision optical sensor
- USB Data Format: 16-bit High-Resolution Input (Dongle Mode)
- Microprocessor: 32-bit ARM core
- Wireless Modes: Bluetooth LE + 2.4 GHz dongle
- Multi-Device Pairing: Supports up to 3 paired devices
- Wireless Range: Up to 10 meters (line of sight)
- Supported Platforms: Windows 10/11 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, Android 8.0+, iOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS, Linux
- Typical Battery Life: Up to 72 hours (combined use), Mouse-Only Mode Up to 90 hours, Controller-Only Mode Up to 52 hours
- Charging Time: ~2 hours via the included USB-C Cable
- Quick Charge Support Not supported
- Dimensions: (Combined) 119 x 82 x 43 mm
- Weight: (Combined)120 g (possible reduction)
- Materials: ABS housing with matte anti-slip finish
According to the official product page, Pixel Labs is hoping to ship the Phase by the end of the year or possibly early 2027. A Kickstarter campaign is set to begin, but be warned, prices are a bit of a shock. The retail price for the controller is said to be $159, and then $188 for the “Phasegrip” phone accessory.
Discussion (2 replies)
Join Discussion →While I like the idea of this, I'm not so into the price for it, not to mention that it could be the better part of a year before it launches. When I was younger I often sought out products which combined ideas but these days, I'm far less inclined to since I simply don't have the extra energy to be a test subject but I do hope it works out well for them. There's never a shortage of need for innovation and definitely some going on here.
Not related, but I was reminded of a video a friend showed me recently: [embedded media]
Crazy.