Game controller for a mobile device

A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.