Written By Divya
Edited By: Divya | Published By: Divya | Published: Apr 20, 2026, 01:19 PM (IST)
OnePlus Brings Dedicated Gaming Controller for Smartphones
OnePlus has been in rumours for its gaming handheld, but we were all waiting for the official confirmation. And here, the tech giant has confirmed to launch a dedicated gaming handheld along with the upcoming OnePlus Ace Ultra in China. The teasers show how eagerly OnePlus is trying to experiment with mobile gaming with the upcoming controller. Also Read: Top upcoming smartphones launches in May 2026: Check full list
It is basically said to be a controller that turns your phone into a handheld. From what has been revealed so far, the controller, reportedly called Strix, attaches to the phone and gives it a handheld console-like form, a post on Weibo revealed. Instead of relying fully on on-screen controls, you get physical triggers and extra buttons placed where your fingers naturally rest. Interestingly, there are no dedicated joysticks here. So the idea is to combine touch controls with physical inputs, rather than replace them completely. Also Read: OnePlus-Realme Merger: Are these tech giants coming together? What we know so far
If heating during gaming is one of your key concerns, then know OnePlus is focusing on that too. The controller is reportedly supported by add-on accessories like an external cooling fan, which connects via a Type-C port. This suggests it’s designed for longer gaming sessions, not just casual use. On top of that, the controller is said to offer a high polling rate (1000Hz) and low trigger response time, which should help reduce input lag. Also Read: OnePlus Pad 4 launched in India with upgrades, but the price may surprise you
Honestly, OnePlus is doing something interesting here. Instead of building a dedicated gaming phone with built-in triggers and aggressive design, OnePlus is taking a different path with a controller. So you get a regular high-performance phone, and if you want a better gaming experience, you add the controller.
For now, the launch is confirmed in China alongside the Ace 6 Ultra. The Ace series itself has mostly stayed limited to China, so it’s unclear if this controller will launch beyond China or not. But if the idea works, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a global version later. However, there is no official word so far.
A controller like this won’t replace touch controls overnight. But for players who spend hours on shooters or competitive games, it could make things a lot more comfortable.