With the beta version of Project xCloud bringing Xbox game streaming to Android phones and an official rollout scheduled for September, there is a need for a controller that fits the Xbox control scheme but is also compatible with smartphones.

That's where the MOGA XP5-X Plus comes in; licensed by Xbox and developed by PowerA, this controller looks a lot like the Xbox wireless controller, only with a few additional features.

Most notable is a clip that allows a cell phone to be attached to the top of the controller, effectively making it look like a handheld gaming console when there is no convenient surface to place the phone on. While not as ergonomic as the Nintendo-Switch, the use of the phone clip looks much sharper than some of the smartphone controller peripherals we've seen for Android phones in the past.

The clip also has two lockable joints that allow the user to adjust the smartphone screen to a position that suits them when playing games on the go or away from a TV screen.

The MOGA XP5-X Plus also comes with a 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery, unlike standard battery-powered Xbox wireless controllers. In addition, it can also charge cell phones from the battery, making it a power bank.

The MOGA XP5-X Plus also includes two additional buttons that are different from the Xbox wireless controller. These can be mapped to perform different functions and may give an advantage in online multiplayer games.

The product is currently available for pre-order, with pricing yet to be determined. However, the MOGA XP5-X Plus is expected to ship between mid-September and early October.

Given that the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 will offer access to Xbox Game Pass, including Project xCloud game streaming, the MOGA XP5-X Plus is a solid addition to Samsung's next flagship phone It has the potential to be a partner. The combination of tow devices and game streaming services could blow away the iPhone 11 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 12 in terms of gaming.

For those who can't wait or have a spare Xbox wireless controller, there are several reasonably solid clips on the market that can secure the smartphone to the controller and connect the two via Bluetooth. We used one of these to test the Project xCloud beta on Android and found that it provides a pretty good way to play games like Halo: The Master Chief Collection on a smartphone.

There is definitely room for smarter ways to play streamed Xbox games on smartphones, such as clever touch controls or accessories that can integrate controls around the phone. At the moment, however, the MOGA XP5-X Plus and several smartphone clips are helping to pave the way for smartphone-based Xbox and Xbox Series X games.