The Junglecat Controller for the Razer Phone?

Unofficial Slideout Controller Case Concept

5 min readNov 1, 2018

I have always been a fan of the idea with Razer Junglecat when it first releases for the iPhone 5. An MFi controller case that still stays connected to your phone and slides down the controller part when you need it. I think it’s better than most fixed size controller cases where you might be unable to keep them in your pocket.

Razer has already released their second phone, and there isn’t a Junglecat for the phone yet. Yes, there is the Razer Raiju Mobile, a pro controller you might not want to carry it around with you all the time. Moreover, yeah it does come with excellent ergonomics and remappable extra buttons.

However I would trade some of the ergonomics for convenience, in this case, pun intended. So I have the craziest idea just for that, to make the ultimate “Junglecat” concept for the Razer phone.

Android OS

First off we take a look at the Android OS, if you happened to have the latest phone with a USB-C connection, chances are you will be able to plug in a USB-C hub and work with most devices! Extend your display to an external monitor via HDMI port. Connect a USB mouse, and a cursor appears or USB keyboard, and you can start typing away. Finally, still charging the phone with all those connected. It’s quite versatile. Just like Samsung did with all the Samsung Dex and still offering desktop UI.

So in this little project, imagine you have a hub that connects to a power bank, Xbox controller, HDMI output, USB port, and an audio jack, you get the idea. Now we need to squeeze them into an all-in-one sliding case.

Sliding Mechanism

The sliding mechanism looks cool back then…

Today, there are only a few phones that use that mechanism, like the Blackberry Priv that slides out a physical keyboard and Xiaomi Mix 3 that slides out a front-facing camera. I wonder would any phone makers make a dedicated built-in slide-out controller? Also, it’s going to be a thick phone. However, in our project, it’s still a phone case that you can remove it anytime you want.

You might be wondering why use a slider mechanism then? A phone call came in while you were gaming, slide the controller back, rotate your phone and you are good to go. Alternatively, you are undecidedly switching between games like Clash Royale (seriously no controller required) and Fortnite, chances are you don’t need to remove the controllers with this project. Slide it away.

Try answering the phone…

The Controller

Based on the Xbox Controller layout. Of course, the buttons and joysticks got to be flush with the surface for the sliding mechanism to work. Just look at how GPD make their WIN and XD, and maybe Nvidia Shield Portable. Even though they are designed in a clamshell form factor, but it still works pretty well in practice. Not the best controls you would find, but it does the job.

Printed out to see how big is it in person

What is crazier than throwing in a detachable wireless USB dongle, connect it to a PC or Xbox One and start using it like a regular controller. Launch the case app, and you could use the digital keyboard along with the controller.

Power Bank

In my illustration, it’s twice thicker than the Razer Phone, since there’s also a 5000mAh battery to act as a Power Bank for the phone and other devices through the USB port.

Steam Link

PC gamer? With Steam Link on Android, you can enjoy your PC games anytime so long your phone and PC stays connected to the same home network. Like moments when you are in the toilet, and you only have your phone. Slide the controls out, launch Steam Link, connect to your PC and run some controller based games! I wonder how long are you going to 💩 in there?

Tech Specs

Dimensions — Closed: 178.5 x 82 x 30.6 mm
Dimensions — Open: 178.5 x 142 x 30.6 mm
USB-C connections to phone
USB-C charging port and wired connection as USB controller
Detachable wireless USB dongle for the controller
Physical Controller (Based on Xbox Controller)
Physical Android Buttons and Media Buttons (The buttons are there as you can see in my illustration, the Razer Phone volume buttons are in an uncomfortable position to be pressed)
5000mAh to charge the phone
Audio Jack (For those who are still clinging on to it like me)
HDMI output
USB port (For charging other devices or connecting other USB devices like a flash drive or power a USB fan)

Edit: March 22, 2019

Google announces Stadia, their big game streaming platform, I was like, perfect! Thinking if they could release a “gaming” phone like this! Built-in slide-out controller. I think I’m going crazy with this sliding mechanism.