7 Best Phone Gaming Controllers
Gone are the days when mobile gaming was limited to simple puzzle games and basic platformers. With the exponential growth in smartphone technology, mobile gaming has evolved into a robust platform, offering immersive experiences that rival traditional gaming consoles.
As the gaming landscape shifts, mobile gamers seek accessories that can enhance their experience and provide a competitive edge. Enter the world of phone gaming controllers.
In this blog post, we will explore the top phone gaming controllers available in the market today, designed to elevate your gaming experience to new heights. From ergonomic designs to seamless compatibility, these controllers cater to the needs of avid gamers across various platforms, including Android and iOS devices.
So, buckle up and get ready to discover the perfect gaming companion that will help you dominate your favorite mobile games like never before!
Backbone One for iPhone
The Backbone One is a game-changer for iPhone gaming, boasting lightning-fast design and compatibility with the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. While it’s a bit pricier than other options on the market, our testing proved it to be a worthy investment.
This controller is more than just a set of comfortable, responsive buttons. Paired with the Backbone app, the Backbone One mobile controller truly transforms your phone into a gaming console. When you add Game Pass Ultimate (which includes a free three-month trial in the package), your smartphone becomes an unstoppable gaming machine.
The Backbone app brings all your Apple Arcade, Google Stadia, Game Pass, and Remote Play titles together in one sleek interface and offers a space to store your captured gameplay (a dedicated button allows easy saving of videos and screenshots). This software is the icing on an already delectable cake.
It’s the little details that make the Backbone One the ultimate mobile controller for iPhones. An additional lightning port lets you charge your phone while gaming, and a 3.5mm jack enables wired headphone use.
Everything works seamlessly right out of the box, not only meeting but exceeding expectations with intuitive features that make you wonder why nobody thought of them before. We effortlessly switched between PS5 remote play sessions and Xbox Game Pass titles, experiencing a level of convenience that felt futuristic.
For PS5 fans, the Backbone One PlayStation edition is worth considering. Designed in collaboration with Sony, this version offers the best Remote Play experience in PS5 white and black, complete with glass face buttons. The price remains the same as the standard model, retailing for $99.99 at Amazon.
Although there isn’t an Android version of the Backbone One currently, numerous options cater to mobile gamers without an iPhone. The Razer Kishi is the most comparable alternative to the Backbone One.
SteelSeries Stratus+
The SteelSeries Stratus+ offers some unique features that set it apart from other mobile controllers on the market, particularly at its $70 MSRP. One standout aspect of this controller is its impressive battery life, providing 90 hours of gameplay on a single charge, which is a rarity among wireless gamepads.
However, the SteelSeries Stratus+ is compatible with Android devices but not iPhones, so Apple users should take note. While it can be used with PCs, it must be connected via a wired connection, which is somewhat disappointing considering its higher price point compared to the HyperX Clutch, which supports wireless connectivity on both platforms. The gamepad also includes a removable mobile clip in the box. Although not as sturdy as the one included with the HyperX Clutch, it still functions adequately.
Some notable features of the SteelSeries Stratus+ include clickable joysticks, which are standard on console gamepads but less common on mobile versions. Additionally, it boasts hall-effect triggers, an innovative design that allows for faster input detection and sustained responsiveness until the triggers are fully released.
PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus
To fully utilize Xbox Game Pass, you need more than just a console or PC. One major advantage is the ability to stream your Xbox games on your phone while on the go. Although Microsoft’s controller offers Bluetooth connectivity for mobile gaming, the PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus enhances your mobile streaming experience even further.
The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus features an Xbox controller layout, ensuring familiarity with button placement and control mapping. It supports both wired and Bluetooth wireless connections, but its unique advantages set it apart from a standard Xbox controller.
The controller includes a phone clip for convenient smartphone mounting, enabling easy viewing and portability. The built-in 3,000mAh battery serves a dual purpose, not only powering the controller but also providing additional charging for your smartphone, extending your gaming sessions.
Furthermore, the controller comes with programmable shortcut buttons on the underside, similar to those on Xbox Elite controllers, adding more versatility for on-the-go gaming.
Razer Kishi V2
The Razer Kishi V2 delivers a significant upgrade from its predecessor. While there are some limitations in the iOS version (such as the inability to use PlayStation Remote Play on your iPhone), the responsive buttons, abundance of extra features, and comfortable grip make for an exceptionally tactile gaming experience.
During our testing, inserting the phone into the USB-C cradle felt secure, and there was ample room to safely remove the device afterward. Although the controller may feel somewhat lighter compared to more robust options, this makes for a lightweight, portable device that won’t weigh down your backpack. Additionally, the Razer Kishi V2 features wider grips than the Backbone One, providing a more comfortable experience during extended gaming sessions.
The standout feature of the Razer Kishi V2 is its microswitch buttons. Quick, satisfying, and precise, these buttons are a delight to use. If you dislike the soft feel of controllers with a longer travel distance, these sharp buttons will instantly appeal to you. Moreover, the controller includes extra buttons on the top, with two programmable macro options placed next to the shoulder buttons.
While the Razer Nexus software might seem somewhat outdated and doesn’t add much to the overall experience, it does cover the basics, offering access to all your games in one place and a few simple settings options.
GameSir X2
The GameSir X2 is a fantastic choice for enhancing your mobile gaming experience on a budget. For under $50, not including additional deals and discounts, this snap-on accessory offers an attractive design and a reliable set of buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers, complete with a programmable button.
Unlike its more expensive competitors, the GameSir X2 features swappable thumbsticks, allowing you to customize the controller according to your gaming preferences or specific titles. It also includes a high-quality storage case. The controller can even accommodate larger phones with reasonably thin cases.
The GameSir X2 is available for both iPhone and Android devices, with Lightning or USB-C connectors for passthrough charging. A Bluetooth version of the controller is also offered for those who frequently switch between iPhone and Android devices.
Turtle Beach Atom
The Turtle Beach Atom gaming controller, with its Bluetooth capabilities, is an excellent choice for users of large-screen Android smartphones. Its ergonomic wireless modules feature robust clamps capable of securely holding most phones, even with a case on. A dependable wireless connection between the modules ensures compatibility with both current and future Android devices.
Each ergonomic module is equipped with a high-quality thumbstick and integrated buttons, forming a standard gaming controller layout. When not in use, the modules magnetically snap together for convenient storage in the included pouch and easy charging.
This arrangement is necessary because although both modules have built-in batteries, only the right one has a USB-C input for charging.
Designed for cloud gaming by Turtle Beach, the Atom controller performed well with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate titles during our tests. The product is available in black with eye-catching teal or yellow accents, as well as a red/black combination.
HyperX Clutch – Gaming Controller
It is only compatible with Android and connects easily via Bluetooth. Included in the box is also a 2.4G connector which allows for wireless connectivity when using the controller with PC.
When testing the HyperX Clutch Wireless controller I found it such an easy experience to connect it to my phone or computer – something which can be extremely complicated and fiddly with other controllers. You receive a removable mobile clip in the box too.
We also regularly see deals on this controller, often making it even better value for money. You get a fully wireless controller with some great features like clickable joysticks, a sturdy mobile clip and an ergonomic grip all in one controller for such a good price.
