9 Best Mobile Game Controllers (2025): iPhone or Android Leave a comment

Different Recreation Controllers We Have Examined

There are a number of different cellular controllers we examined that simply missed out on a spot above or did not make the grade.

Gamesir X3 Pro for $80: This replaces the X3 and stretches open to cradle nearly any Android cellphone (or the iPhone 15 vary) in its rubbery embrace. It feels good, with customizable grips, clicky buttons, and Corridor Impact thumbsticks with different-sized removable caps within the pretty zip-up carry case. The headline characteristic is the large fan on the again able to critical cooling energy, which might turn out to be useful since smartphones can get uncomfortably heat if you’re gaming for a very long time, although I discovered the sound annoying, and the X3 Professional could be very cumbersome. The customization choices are welcome, however the GameSir app is a bit buggy and complicated. For a extra compact sliding possibility, take a look at the GameSir X2 Pro ($80) or the less expensive X2s ($40). I examined each and located them fairly good for the cash.

Asus ROG Tessen for $90: My pleasure on the prospect of a cellular controller from Asus waned fairly shortly after I began utilizing the ROG Tessen. It has a neat folding design, responsive controls, and pass-through charging. I favored the programmable again paddles, and there’s RGB lighting to jazz it up. However the thumbsticks felt uncomfortable fairly shortly, and the buttons proved somewhat noisy. That is additionally Android-only and doesn’t work with any iPhones (even USB-C iPhones).

Gamesir X4 Aileron for $100: This controller has a lot going for it, together with a compact design, RGB lighting, corridor impact sticks, and tactile buttons. It is available in two components, which is nice for folding it away neatly, however means you have to pair one aspect, then the opposite, and it may be finicky. It’s not a foul effort, however there are higher choices above.

CRKD Atom Controller for $20: This teeny tiny controller is tremendous cute and really moveable, with a wrist strap you possibly can connect with a bag. Battery life goes as much as ten hours with a USB-C port for recharging, although I discovered it generally switched itself on in my pocket. It’s not huge or comfy sufficient to make use of for a very long time, however should you want a brilliant moveable emergency controller, it might match the invoice.

{Photograph}: Simon Hill

Turtle Beach Atom Controller for $80: With a intelligent two-piece design, this controller folds away neatly, however feels insecure and not using a again. The clamps on all sides are awkward, significantly with telephones sporting massive digital camera modules. I had bother connecting, and dislike that the suitable aspect must be turned on individually (press B and menu buttons). The precise aspect connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), however the controller connects to your cellphone by way of Bluetooth. It largely labored wonderful for me, however after I performed Jydge, the motion was inverted on the left stick. You get round 20 hours of battery life. It takes about two hours to cost. If portability is your predominant concern, it could be value a glance.

GameSir T4 Cyclone for $40: Comparatively inexpensive, with a grippy end and Corridor Impact joysticks, this can be a stable controller. There are a few programmable buttons round again, rumble motors within the grips, and a useful multi-function button. It additionally helps Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz with an elective dongle, and USB-C connections. However the battery is simply 860 mAh, the GameSir app is flaky, and the LED is annoyingly vivid.

Nacon MG-X Pro for $54: It appears like Nacon lower an Xbox controller in half to insert an extendable cellphone cradle, however if you would like this type of controller the GameSir G8 listed above is what we suggest. The MG-X Professional is barely roomier, however the G8 is superior in each different approach.

PowerA XP Ultra for $130: I like the concept of mixing a great deal of choices right into a controller, and PowerA’s loopy XP Extremely is definitely versatile. It really works wirelessly together with your Xbox, Home windows PC, or Android cellphone, providing stable battery life (as much as 40 hours by way of Bluetooth or 60 hours for Xbox). However the gimmicky mini controller that slides out, Transformer-style, for gaming on the go is just too small and exhausting to grip comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all good, and the clip works wonderful for holding your cellphone, however the D-pad is stiff. All in all, it’s a dear combined bag.

Razer Kishi V2 for $100: The Razer Kishi V2 is okay, nevertheless it’s slower, greater, and fewer polished than the Spine One. It is an extendable cellular controller that is available in Android and iPhone variations. Each can stream PlayStation or Xbox video games and work with Home windows too. However finally, Spine’s superior software program and headphone jack make it the higher alternative. —Louryn Strampe

Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for $40: An MFi-certified controller for iPhone or iPad gaming (older Lightning port units) that boasts pass-through charging, direct Lightning cable connection, and a 3.5-mm audio port. It feels very like an Xbox controller, helps Xbox Cloud Gaming or distant play, and comes with one free month of Recreation Go Final. On the draw back, the cable is a bit messy. The Riot PWR MFi Controller for ($40) is nearly similar, however with out the garish inexperienced styling and coloured Xbox buttons. There’s a USB-C possibility too.

Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $47: Right here is one other Xbox-branded controller that helps Xbox Cloud Gaming and Distant Play and comes with one free month of Recreation Go Final. It feels good in-hand, has a stable cellphone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Home windows. It additionally options some audio enhancements (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a useful Professional-Intention characteristic that reduces sensitivity on the suitable stick for aiming in FPS video games. It is a good improve decide over the PowerA controller listed above, however solely if you would like the additional options.

PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $100: This controller provides all the pieces the XP-5 X does however you too can take away the stand within the heart to fit in your cellphone (my Pixel 6 Professional suits properly). It’s sturdy, provides loads of buttons (solely a screenshot button is lacking), and may wirelessly cost your cellphone. However it’s costly, has a Micro USB port after I’d favor USB-C, and has solely a 2,000 mAh battery, so keep on with the XP-5 X except you really need that spring-loaded cradle to suit your cellphone in.

8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Conjuring recollections of the SNES, this controller works with Android, Home windows, MacOS, and Change. It has built-in rumble, a stable D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.