Gaming on smartphones has gotten significantly better over the years as the internal components of our devices grow ever stronger. The Nintendo Switch is a testament to just how much power we can get out of a handheld device, and our iOS and Android phones are no slouches when it comes to offering vast libraries of enjoyable games. But, tapping around wildly on the screen without any tangible or tactile controls can make for a frustrating experience that would be easily remedied with a controller.
Lucky for us, iOS and Android smartphones support a whole host of excellent gaming controllers. Some controllers are supported over the nearly universal Bluetooth connection, while others rely on USB-C or Lightning connections while delivering extra fast response times. With these gaming controllers, you can have a much richer gaming experience while also seeing more of the games you're playing, since you won't be covering up half of the screen with your fingers. So, if you're ready to get your game on, here are our picks.
TL;DR – These are the Best Phone Controllers:
- Razer Kishi
- SteelSeries Stratus+
- Backbone One
- GameSir X2
- Sony DualSense
- 8BitDo Pro 2
- Razer Raiju Mobile
- Xbox Core Controller
- PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus
1. Razer Kishi
Best Phone Controller
You can pair a lot of standard controllers with a phone, but few will feel as perfectly built for mobile gaming and portability as the Razer Kishi. This controller effectively turns your Android phone into a Nintendo Switch-like handheld, as it clamps controls onto each side of your phone's display. This controller supports a wide array of Android phones as long as they use USB-C and are between 145.3mm and 163.7mm tall, 68.2mm and 78.1mm wide, and 7mm and 8.8mm thick. There's also an iOS version that'll support everything from the iPhone XS or newer, except the iPhone SE 2. Razer also has a Microsoft xCloud specific model.
The Razer Kishi provides dual, clickable analog sticks, as well as AXBY buttons, triggers, shoulder buttons, a D-pad, and a few navigation buttons. Don't worry if you need to charge your phone while you're playing either, as the controller can pass charging power through. And, when you're not gaming, the sides of the Razer Kishi can squeeze together into a more portable form factor.
2. SteelSeries Stratus+
Best Budget Phone Controller
The SteelSeries Stratus+ is an upgraded version of the Stratus Duo, and just like its predecessor, it's a straight shooter for budget-friendly Android gaming. You can snag this for under $60, but it offers everything you’d expect from a controller made with mobile gaming in mind. It offers a familiar layout blending the stylings of Xbox controllers and Sony’s DualShock by opting for symmetrical thumbsticks. Hall effect magnetic sensors offer a great feel on the triggers to ensure precision and consistency. You'll have an edge in shooters with this weapon. There’s even an included slim phone mount, making it simple to get gaming anywhere.
It’s important to note that the only way to connect the SteelSeries Stratus+ wirelessly to devices is through Bluetooth LE. You do lose the 2.4GHz wireless dongle that came with the original. But, it’s designed for Android and Chromebook devices, so you should experience fuss-free support with them. This also enables the gamepad to offer a wild 90-hour battery life, so it's the perfect travel companion, as it will last the entire duration of your journey and beyond. And if you forget to charge it up before you go, a mere 15 mins will give it 12 hours of juice. Of course, a wired USB option is available to use the Stratus+ with your gaming PC.
3. Backbone One
Best iPhone Controller
The Backbone One mobile gaming controller basically lets you turn your iPhone into a Nintendo Switch-like portable gaming platform. The controller serves as a flexible dock for your iPhone with extensive support for every version of the iPhone from the iPhone 7 up to the latest iPhone 12 Pro Max, including all the various sizes like the iPhone 12 Mini as well as the iPhone SE 2nd Gen — just make sure you’re updated to iOS 13 or later. For the new iPhone 13 Pro Max, Backbone Labs released a special adapter you can 3D print at home or get as a free extra.
The Backbone One holds onto your phone and connects to it over the Lightning port to deliver lower latency than you’ll get from Bluetooth connections. With the Backbone One connected, you’ll get your main gaming controls for both hands while freeing up the screen to see clearly. The controller will let you charge while you’re playing by plugging a Lightning cable into the right side of the controller. Plus, you can use a wired headset (including those with microphones) using the 3.5mm jack on the left side of the controller. To help you take full advantage of the controller, Backbone is even throwing in a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
4. GameSir X2
Best Android Phone Controller
If you’re committed to playing games on your Android phone, go for the GameSir X2. This controller is built to comfortably hold some of the biggest Android phones out there, even the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Pixel 6 Pro. The device slides open and lets you slot your phone in for a setup that’s very much akin to the Nintendo Switch, except that you get to use the extra sharp display on your phone and access the wealth of games available directly on Android and through cloud gaming platforms.
The controller connects using USB-C, so you don’t have to worry about another device that needs to be kept charged up. It also means you can get faster response time from the controls than you would from a Bluetooth controller. GameSir has used micro switch buttons with a 3-million press lifespan, and an included case will help keep the whole unit safe while you’re on the move.
5. Sony DualSense
For Team Sony
The Sony DualSense steps up the controller game in a big way. It features a new design that does more than just look pretty. The DualSense delivers an ergonomic shape with textured grips (styled after the PlayStation buttons if you look closely enough).
Inside the DualSense is the heart of the experience: its haptics. The DualSense derives its name from Sony's impressive haptic feedback, which can give an extra layer of immersion in games. Sony has also introduced adaptive triggers that can adjust their resistance to go even further in connecting you to the in-game action. It may be a while before games on mobile actually tap into those features of the controller, though.
6. 8BitDo Pro 2
Best Multiplatform Phone Controller
The 8BitDo Pro 2 is awesome. It's got the retro stylings of a classic SNES controller, but that's just the face of it. Taking a closer look, you'll find the 8BitDo Pro 2 is every bit the pro controller you need to get serious in your games.
The controller doesn't let its nostalgia-inducing design limit its ergonomics or functionality. 8BitDo has built girthy hand grips onto this controller with a textured finish to help you hold on in the tensest moments. If you peek around back, you'll also find that the controller has two macro buttons for the kind of pro-level input you'd want out of a controller. 8BitDo's customization software will let you not only customize those two buttons but also remap all the controls, swap sticks, invert axes, and adjust dead zones, vibration, and trigger actuation distance. All that capability paired with Bluetooth connectivity make it a great mobile gaming controller, but it can do just as much for you on PC, Mac, or even a Nintendo Switch if you want a versatile controller.
7. Razer Raiju Mobile
The Everything Package
As another of the more established names on this list, it’s no surprise to see Razer turn in one of the more “elite” mobile controllers on our list. It can connect over Bluetooth or wired via one of the USB-C cables that Razer bundles in the box.
The controller also has a built-in dock for your phone, which slides upwards and should have no problem handling most Android handsets. Our favorite bit is the companion app, which lets you map buttons and adjust the sensitivity of the analog sticks. The downsides: it’s an expensive controller, one we’d only recommend for the most ardent of mobile gamers. Android only.
8. Xbox Core Controller
Best Ergonomic Phone Controller
Microsoft's Xbox Core Controller doesn't change much from the previous Xbox One controller. It has a slightly different look to it, but otherwise features all the same buttons and controls, though the D-Pad has been slightly redesigned in a style more like the Elite Controller's concave pad. That's not to say there are no improvements.
Microsoft has changed how the controller will feel in your hands. The shape is unchanged, but the controller features textured grip in more places, including the triggers, to give you a better hold while you're playing. There is one key upgrade that makes this a strong mobile option, and that's the upgrade to Bluetooth LE for a lower-power connection with smartphones and tablets.
9. PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus
Best Xbox Game Pass Controller
If you're trying to take full advantage of Xbox Game Pass, then you can't just play on console or PC. One of the big perks is the option to take your Xbox games on the go with you and stream to your phone. While Microsoft's own controller is a handy mobile controller on account of its Bluetooth connectivity, the PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus takes things up a notch for an even better mobile game streaming experience.
The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus has the layout of an Xbox controller, so all the buttons and controls will be right where you're used to. The face buttons are also mapped properly, so you won't struggle to learn the controls of a new game. And, the PowerA controller can support both wired and Bluetooth wireless use. So far, it might not sound like a much different experience from an Xbox controller, but here's where it specializes. The controller has a mounting point for an included phone clip that'll hold your smartphone for easy viewing and portability. The built-in 3,000mAh battery isn't just for the controller either. You can use the controller to give your smartphone extra juice to extend your play period. The controller also features programmable shortcut buttons on the underside akin to those on the Xbox Elite controllers. That's a ton of capability for on-the-go play.
What You Need to Know About Mobile gaming controllers
Compatibility: First things first, make sure the controller works with your mobile device. A lot of mobile controllers are Android-only, but there are plenty of iPhone options too. And pay special attention to the version compatibility, especially if you’re running an old version of Android or iOS, as some controllers will need newer versions to work.
The games: Some games are better suited to specific control types, so you need to think about the types of games you tend towards. More of a touchscreen puzzle player? A mobile controller might sooner find itself in a draw collecting dust. But if you play a lot of first-person shooters or find yourself longing for more precision in your platformers, then chances are your gaming experience will improve vastly with something more tactile.
Mounting: If you’re playing with a mobile controller, then you’ll need something to hold up your phone or tablet. Some controllers come with a mount, some don’t. You could also get a stand for the phone, which is great if you have a surface to play it on, but less helpful when you’re trying to cram in a quick game of Fortnite on the bus. A mount, either built-in or attachable, is recommended.
Hugh Langley is a tech journalist who’s fascinated by wearables, health tech, the smart home, and more. You can find him tweeting (often nonsense) over at @hughlangley.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
