Initial impressions of the RYG (Raise Your Game) Thumbslip were a tad confusing. Having never seen anything quite like it before I was confused as to how it could possibly enhance my gaming on a touchscreen let alone improve my scores. However, after just an hour or so of playing with it on a number of different games my mind was made up. It is quite simply one of the best accessories available presently on the market!

Constructed out of 100% genuine leather and with a Teflon coated joystick the RYG Thumbslip is indeed simple in its design. However, the design itself oozes its distinct style; from its contrast stitching (four colours available at present along with a camouflage pattern design) to its blind embossed logo sunk into the leather, the RYG Thumbslip really does have an ‘executive gadget’ feel.

Available in three different sizes (I used a medium one) and available for both a left and right thumb the RYG opens up the world of games that are played with a virtual D-Pad. So how does it work?

Well the, flat bottomed, joystick component acts as the ‘middle man’ from the gamers thumb and the screen itself.  The fact that it is Teflon coated allows it to slide across the screen with ease whilst also minimising scratches to the screen (the designers still recommended using a screen protector despite this to be on the safe side although I had no issues with it). However, the joystick also has a dual role. By raising the thumb off the screen it eliminates that bug bear of the ‘sticky screen’ and also claims to feel more like a home console controller.

In reality, it feels more like using a PSP thumbstick than a PS3 controller, however, it is a much more comfortable position for longer gaming sessions. Its main purpose though is fully realised. Through eliminating the smudgy screen and taking away the issue of friction the gamer really does start to see more accuracy and superior control over their characters/cars etc within their game. I used a single, left, Thumbslip on a number of sports games with a virtual D-Pad including football, ice hockey and basketball as well as adventure games such as Tomb Raider and on all of these I felt and saw the difference. Quicker stopping, faster turns and more accuracy when controlling my player/character were just some of the benefits I witnessed.

Furthermore, I briefly tried out two Thumbslips on a couple of First Person Shooters and was impressed with the general level of accuracy and enhanced feel they brought to the game.

I would recommend these to anybody reading this review as they really do what they’re designed to do. Touchscreens are a portable device and as such you need portable accessories. These can be folded over and slipped into a pocket with no big bulge like you currently find with other accessories attempting to do the same role.  Sure your initial impression may be one of confusion by its looks, however, I’m old enough to remember a time where nobody would be seen dead wearing Bluetooth headsets and now look at the majority of drivers out there. Give it a chance and reap the rewards!

Overall I would give the RYG Thumbslip 9 out of 10. It drops a mark as I’d like to see more contrast stitch colours available and also it might benefit from having a keyring loop on as it’s so portable I keep losing it in my pocket. May be that’s just me though!

Happy gaming!

Check back tomorrow I will be posting a Competition to win a RYG Thumbslip.

To purchase visit the developers website RYG