Playtiles wants to transform smartphones into compact gaming handhelds, as the controller simply mounts onto the display and makes the smartphone just slightly thicker. With the corresponding app, it’s primarily designed for Nintendo Game Boy titles.
Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 🇩🇪
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.
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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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher – Senior Tech Writer – 18131 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.
Translator: Enrico Frahn – Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer – 4834 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021
My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.
Hannes Brecher, 2025-07- 7 (Update: 2025-07- 7)
