HyperX ChargePlay Clutch for Mobile Review

Recently we had a chance to do some extensive testing on the HyperX ChargePlay Clutch charging controller grips for mobile. The goal of this product is to provide a better level of comfort and grip while also acting as a wireless charger via its Qi-certified charging system. It does not offer any type of joystick or extra buttons. It’s very flexible with size and should not have issues being mounted to any type of phone. The HyperX ChargePlay Clutch retails for $59.99.

HyperX is a triple AAA company that makes quality-built products with the highest-grade materials. It feels comfortable in your hands the back of the grips have a textured pattern engraved into the material. We were able to mount the device to an iPhone 11 and a Google Pixel 4XL into it with no issues. I do however wish there were a locking mechanism, I did find myself nudging it up a bit when rotating the phone. Your phone is supported by a foam back which is excellent for not damaging it but once again does allow a bit of movement in some situations. Its lightweight at 233 grams but the battery is attached by a magnet so I can be removed in an instant then weighing only 129 grams. It has an extra USB-C port so you can dismount the battery and plug it into a hard line for charging. Your battery also has multiple ports a USB Type-C, Qi Wireless input, and a USB Type-A, Qi Wireless output with a smart LED system that tells you how much power remains and when the device is on or charging.

Does it make you better? I think the main benefit here is comfort, I can honestly say that it helps. First off, the familiarity of the grips makes you feel like you are on a console controller. Depending on what screen size your phone has sometimes your hand can obscure your vision with your fingers when playing on a phone alone. I think the distance the grips add makes it easier to press the buttons and move when using the device along with your phone. This device absolutely makes your mobile gaming experience better which in turn, of course, boosts your in-game performance. I have seen tons of mobile controller devices at the Consumer Electronics Show, some with built-in buttons and joysticks or even an actual controller with a mounting mechanism for the phone above it but they all seem a bit awkward to hold. I think not having any added buttons, joysticks, or shortcuts on the device is the secret, it has a great center of gravity and feels really natural in your hands.

We did discover a massive engineering flaw, unfortunately. While the HyperX ChargePlay Clutch is Qi-certified but only has a 5W maximum output which can not rapidly charge most phones in current times. Our Google Pixel 4XL requires 11W for rapid charging so when we used the device while gaming the phone would lose power. It did, however, lose power at a much slower rate than it would with the device not being connected while playing a game. It did gain power slowly when not in a game and connected to the device. Our iPhone 11 requires 7.5W to fast charge and ran into the same situation as the Google Pixel 4XL but not as dramatic. Most phones in current times are going to require much more than 5W of power output to rapid charge. I would also say people who play games like KartRider Rush+ or Call of Duty: Warzone mobile which require much more resources then your little casino games will most likely have powerful devices. Maybe they did not want to drive the price up? You can get an 18W portable power bank for around $79 which will charge any phone or table rapidly. It does, however, perform as advertised; it will “extend” your battery life while gaming. If you were going to a convention or traveling for extended hours you would need to bring an extra power bank if you wanted to get your phone back up to 100% quickly. I would pay an extra $20 or $30 for a charging system capable of rapidly charging my phone. Logistically I am not sure what engineering challenges that would impose but adding to much more weigh or battery size could throw off the balanced natural feel the device currently features.

Maybe HyperX has another model in the pipeline coming soon with a rapid charging system. Anything is possible though right?