OtterBox announces Xbox Accessories for games on the go

OtterBox announces Xbox Accessories for games on the go

OtterBox is well known for its phone cases, but it has never dabbled in gaming accessories, and during CES 2021, OtterBox announced a significant lineup of mobile gaming gear, including clips, cases, and controller shells. Thanks to cloud gaming services like Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now, and of course the Xbox Game Streaming app, Xbox One and Xbox Series X controllers are more convenient than ever for mobile gaming.

This year, the Xbox One and Xbox Series X controllers are more convenient than ever for mobile gaming.

With no physical CES show this year, Tom's Guide met with OtterBox digitally to learn all about the company's first foray into mobile gaming. Generally speaking, the accessories offered are a bit on the expensive side, but they are intended to solve problems that cheaper mobile gaming gear cannot. If these accessories are anything like OtterBox's standard cell phone cases, they will be pretty hard to kill.

The Gaming Clip is the backbone of a mobile gaming setup because it allows you to attach a cell phone and a controller to one fixture. The OtterBox Mobile Gaming Clip allows you to attach an Xbox controller and any type of cell phone to either It looks convenient because it can be attached to both an Xbox controller and any type of cell phone without blocking the charging port of either. The clip's arm can also be adjusted to prevent buttons from being pressed and causing volume problems or accidentally ending a session altogether. The clip can also be used to prop the phone up on a table if you prefer to hold only the controller. The clip costs $30.

If all you need for a mobile gaming session is a controller and a cell phone, the OtterBox Gaming Carry Case should have you covered. The case has enough room for an Xbox controller, cell phone, clips, and cables. There is a fold-down stand at the top of the case, so as long as you have a stable place to play, you can play without the clips. A cable runs through the case, so the controller can be charged while being carried around. The case costs $45.

The OtterBox Easy Grip Controller Shell provides a grip pad for the handle of the Xbox controller and not much else, according to OtterBox. According to OtterBox, the skin "protects against scrapes and scratches," but theoretically a case would be more effective. It is worth noting that this controller shell costs $40 and is available for both Xbox One and Xbox Series X configurations, but sales appear to be tight. This could be a good way to repurpose an old Xbox One controller as a phone accessory.

OtterBox is a phone case company, so it is not surprising that the gaming lineup includes the OtterBox Easy Grip Gaming Case. The "gaming" part of this plain black case is in the textured ridges on the back, which theoretically make the phone easier to grip. It also theoretically allows heat to dissipate quickly. But for the most part, this is essentially a durable case for the iPhone 12, 11, or SE, with an Android version coming later. The price is $55.

The OtterBox Gaming Glass Privacy Guard is half screen protector, half privacy screen. Essentially, it prevents passersby from seeing what you are playing while keeping your screen scratch-free. It is also compatible with OtterBox cases, so you don't have to worry about whether to protect the front or the back of your phone. Unlike most privacy screens, this screen is optimized for a horizontal placement, which is ideal for gaming. However, at $50, it is quite expensive, so use your own judgment in making your choice.

All of the above products will be available for pre-order on January 25 and will begin shipping around mid-February. As for whether these devices can justify their relatively expensive price, it depends on how much mobile gaming you do and how long you want your gear to last.

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