The Razer Prio mobile controller is built around a simple idea: make a full-layout gamepad easier to carry. Razer introduced the foldable controller on September 1, and the company says it works with both iPhone and Android phones through a direct USB-C connection. Android Central’s hands-on review describes it as a $99 controller that folds to about half its connected size, with the sticks and buttons protected inside the folded body.

Many phone controllers stay attached to a handset or occupy the same long footprint as the phone itself. The Prio folds in the middle, which makes it more practical to keep in a pocket or small bag between gaming sessions. The trade-off is that the hinge and folding mechanism become part of the controller’s feel. Buyers who prefer a rigid one-piece gamepad may still want a conventional design.

Razer’s official announcement says the Prio uses a direct USB-C connection rather than Bluetooth pairing. That removes a battery and a wireless setup step, and it can reduce the number of connections competing for a player’s attention. The controller is intended for compatible phones, so the USB-C port, phone size and case thickness matter. A thick case may need to come off, and not every phone will sit comfortably in the same way.

Android Central reported that the controller weighs about 101 grams and has a full-size control layout despite its compact folded form. The review also highlights the absence of a built-in battery. That can be an advantage for travel because the controller does not need a separate charge cycle. It also means the phone supplies power while in use, so long sessions may have a greater effect on the handset’s battery than a wireless controller with its own cell.

Razer is pairing the hardware with Razer Cortex Mobile, a game-launcher app for iOS and Android. Razer says the Prio includes a button for quick access to the launcher. That software layer is meant to shorten the path from connecting the controller to finding a game, though the actual library and compatibility experience will depend on the phone’s operating system and each game’s controller support.

The Prio is aimed at players who value portability more than extra features. A wired USB-C link means no Bluetooth latency or pairing menu, but it also limits how the phone can be positioned and leaves the handset physically connected to the gamepad. Razer’s design should also be judged over time: a folding controller has more moving parts than a fixed model, and long-term hinge durability cannot be confirmed by a short hands-on session.

The confirmed picture is measured. Razer Prio combines a foldable body, direct USB-C phone connection and support for iPhone and Android devices at a $99 price reported by Android Central. It is a compact option for mobile gaming, especially for people who want a controller that can disappear into a pocket. Before buying, check phone compatibility, case fit and the power draw of a wired controller against your own gaming routine.