The Best Mobile Game Controllers
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Mobile gaming has never been more popular. You can relax with a casual puzzle, indulge your tower defense addiction, or dip into some competitive shooter action. These days, there’s something for everyone. The latest phones can run demanding, graphically impressive titles, so ports of popular PC and console games are increasingly common, but they’re not always fun to play with touchscreen controls. What you need is a mobile game controller.
We tested several of the top smartphone controllers by playing various games for hours at a time to find the very best performers. These are our favorites. We’ve marked which platform each controller officially supports, though there may be others that unofficially work. And be sure to check out our many other guides, including the Best iPhones, Best Android Phones, and Best Mobile Games, to level up your gaming kit.
Updated April 2024: We added controllers from GameSir, GuliKit, and Turtle Beach, expanded the what you need to know section, and updated prices.
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- Photograph: 8BitDo
Best Overall
8BitDo Pro 2With a unique combination of features, a thoughtful retro design, and solid performance, all at a reasonable price, this is the best mobile controller for most people. The D-pad is all too frequently a disappointment in phone controllers, but not here. The buttons are satisfying, and the analog sticks are sensitive. I love the subtly textured back, which adds grip. There are double shoulder triggers with two clever programmable buttons around the back so you can keep your thumbs on the sticks. This Bluetooth controller can connect to four devices, so you can easily jump between a Nintendo Switch, MacBook, Android or iPhone, and Windows PC, or you can connect with a cable using the controller’s USB-C port. Just make sure you snag an 8Bitdo Mobile Clip ($15) to go with it.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 has a rechargeable battery inside that’s good for about 20 hours, but it is removable, and you can swap in two AA batteries if you need. To sweeten the deal further, the 8BitDo Ultimate Software app for Android or iOS lets you remap buttons; tweak the stick, trigger, and vibration sensitivity; and even set up custom macros in your favorite mobile games. All this controller lacks is support for PlayStation and Xbox.
Officially works with Nintendo Switch, Windows (Steam), Mac, Android, and iPhone
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Upgrade Pick
GuliKit KK3 MaxThe latest version of GuliKit’s King Kong controller is the 3 Max. Resembling a Switch Pro controller, it feels durable with a textured finish on the back for enhanced grip. I found it very comfortable, even for long sessions. Silky-smooth joysticks and satisfyingly clicky buttons (not mechanical) make it a pleasure to use, and the D-pad is decent. Just like its predecessor, it has Hall effect electromagnetic joysticks designed to combat drift. There is also a programmable button for Auto-Pilot Gaming (APG), allowing you to record up to 10 minutes of gameplay and tap the button to repeat. The vibration is strong with three modes, and there’s a six-axis gyroscope for Switch games.
GuliKit has added four slots for detachable metal paddles on the rear, and you get three pairs in the box. There’s a plug-in dongle for latency-free gaming on Windows PC, a USB-C port for wired gaming or charging, and Bluetooth 5.3. The GuliKit KK3 Max has a 950-mAh battery (slightly smaller than its predecessor) that’s good for up to 24 hours, but you’ll only get around a third of that with all the bells and whistles turned on. I enjoyed playing Grimvalor on Android and Doom: Eternal on PC. The lack of a companion app is good and bad; there’s a learning curve to calibrating features, and firmware updates must be manual. On the other hand, who wants another app? The controller comes with a snug, molded, translucent carrying case with just enough room for the cable too.
Officially works with Android, iPhone, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, and SteamOS
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Sliding Controller
Backbone OneThe Backbone One (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a delight. Plug the Lightning connector into your iPhone (get the USB-C version if you have one of the newer iPhone 15 range or an Android phone), stretch the controller over it, and play. The buttons and bumpers feel nice and clicky, with super-fast response times, and there's broad support for PS Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Steam Link, as well as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce Now. Even if you don't love mobile gaming, this little controller can turn your phone into a console or PC. The experience might even change your mind about mobile games; I played Stardew Valley for so long I forgot I was playing on my phone. The built-in headphone jack is a nice touch.
What really sets Backbone One apart is its optional app. All of the features are free for the first month. I love the searchable catalog of controller-supported games and the automatically recorded and edited in-game highlights. There's also an interface for seamless voice chat and multiplayer lobbies, as well as one-tap Twitch streaming and support for iOS Gaming Mode. (Note: As the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max have large cameras, Backbone offers an adapter for free; check the box during checkout or order one separately.) —Louryn Strampe
Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, and Steam Link
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Bigger Sliding Controller
GameSir G8 GalileoIf you crave that console feel but want the cradle style to hold your smartphone, the GameSir G8 Galileo could be the one. It’s a good size, is comfortable for long gaming sessions, and feels like a real Xbox controller (with stick and button layout to match). You can slide phones up to 7.28 inches tall into the cradle, and the USB-C connector swivels to make life easier. Because you connect via USB-C, there’s no need to faff with Bluetooth, and it feels very responsive with virtually zero lag. GameSir has packed in a lot, including Hall effect sticks and triggers, pass-through charging, a 3.5-mm audio jack, and two back paddles.
All buttons are fully mappable, there’s a multi-function button, and you can switch between touchscreen mode, Android, and PlayStation mode by pressing the top two buttons. The faceplates are magnetic, so it’s easy to pop them off and switch out your sticks (GameSir provides one each of the small, tall, and dome styles in the box). I played Grimvalor and Call of Duty: Mobile for a couple of hours, and other than my phone getting warm, it was a smooth experience. A quick blast of Cyberpunk proved this is also a solid controller for remote play. On the downside, it is bulky, the GameSir app is flaky, and there are no haptics.
Officially works with Android, iPhone 15 range, PlayStation and Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna
- Photograph: GameSir
Solid Sliding Alternative
GameSir X2 ProThe X2 Pro is wider than its predecessor to accommodate larger Android phones. This controller is compact and doesn’t need much power, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming. It stretches open to cradle virtually any Android phone (or the iPhone 15 range) in its rubbery embrace, accommodating devices up to 7 inches long. The textured sections provide great grip, and you get solid twin joysticks, a D-pad, and plenty of buttons, including two customizable back buttons. The shoulder buttons have been upgraded to Hall Effect analog triggers. It sports a USB-C connector for smooth gaming, with much lower latency compared to Bluetooth controllers. GameSir has tied in with Xbox, so you get an Xbox button layout (the buttons are magnetic so you can switch the layout) and one free month of the excellent Game Pass Ultimate.
I tested it with the Pixel 6 Pro, and it felt tailor-made for twin-stick shooters like Jydge. It also worked well with Xbox Cloud Gaming, and, despite the Xbox branding, you can use it with other cloud gaming services. If you need to map keys, you still have to use the buggy and confusing Gamesir app. I do worry about the long-term impact of the swiveling USB-C connector on my phone’s port, but GameSir has added a USB-C port at the bottom right for pass-through charging.
I also tested the newer and cheaper GameSir X2s ($46). It feels very similar to the X2 Pro, but the design is inspired by the Nintendo 2 DS, the USB-C connector is on the left, and the buttons are non-swappable.
Officially works with Android, iPhone 15 range, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna
- Photograph: SteelSeries
For PC Gamers
SteelSeries Stratus+Replacing its predecessor, the Duo, on this list, the SteelSeries Stratus+ is perfect for flicking between games on an Android device and your PC or laptop. It feels much like an Xbox Wireless Controller, with a similar button layout, although it has symmetrical thumbsticks with a disappointingly mushy D-Pad offset at the top left. You can connect wirelessly to an Android phone or Chromebook via Bluetooth LE 4.1 or use the USB-C port to connect a cable for PC gaming. If you crave wireless PC gaming, the Stratus Duo ($37) is still a better pick, because there’s no Wi-Fi support with the Stratus+, but you do get a smartphone clip in the box, and it’s a clever new design that folds flat for easy storage.
While the Duo was prone to disconnecting from my Pixel 6, my week with the Stratus+ has been plain sailing. SteelSeries says the battery can go for up to 90 hours, and just 15 minutes of charging gets you 12 hours of gameplay. Playing bursts of Jydge through the week, there’s still battery life, and it feels slick and accurate. The Stratus+ also worked well with games in my Steam library without configuration, and it’s a recommended controller for Nvidia’s GeForce Now.
Officially works with Android, Windows (Steam), Nvidia GeForce Now, and Chromebooks
- Photograph: PowerA
For Xbox Remote Play
PowerA Moga XP-5 XIdeal for Xbox Remote Play or Cloud Gaming, this controller will feel instantly familiar to Xbox owners, and it even has an Xbox button in the center, like the official model. It's much lighter, but there are solid standard Xbox buttons, grippy thumbsticks, and a couple of programmable pushers on the back. The only disappointment is the mushy D-pad and the absence of haptics. The clip design is smart, with two adjustable joints and a cradle that expands to accommodate most phones. It even has minimal forked prongs that avoid the power and volume buttons on the side of your phone. The phone connection is a choice between cable and Bluetooth.
With a 3,000-mAh rechargeable battery inside, the Moga XP-5 X boasts long battery life and can double as a portable battery pack. It charges via a Micro USB port in the top, and there’s a USB-A port that can be used to plug a cable into your phone’s USB-C port. (The supplied cable caters to both.) Weirdly, there’s no Xbox support, so you can stream Xbox games from your console to your phone with Remote Play, but you can’t play on the Xbox itself with this controller.
Officially works with Android, Xbox Remote Play, and Windows
- Photograph: Backbone
For PlayStation Remote Play
Backbone One PlayStation EditionCompact and lightweight, the PlayStation edition of the Backbone One might be your best bet for a PS5 remote play session on your phone. I tested the Android version (there is an iPhone version, too) by slotting a Sony Xperia 1 V into the sliding cradle, but it will accommodate just about any phone with a USB-C port. This controller is essentially the same as the Backbone One above, so you get lovely clicky buttons and bumpers and response times zippy enough for the punishing platformer Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection. The Backbone is one of the comfiest controllers around.
What makes this a PS edition is the PlayStation logo and the four clear buttons with Sony’s symbols (it’s a little weird that the joysticks are still Xbox layout with the left one above the D-pad). I played a few PS5 games remotely, which mostly worked great (you need a fast internet connection). Unfortunately, there is no touchpad or even a button to launch the onscreen one, which makes things awkward for games that use it a lot (it was annoying for Horizon Zero Dawn but not insurmountable). It also lacks a PS button for jumping back to the main menu. You won’t find these elsewhere, so this is still your best choice for a PS Remote Play controller. It’s also great for Xbox Remote Play, mobile games, Steam Link, or cloud gaming.
Officially works with Android, iPhone 15 range, PlayStation and Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link, and Nvidia GeForce Now
- Photograph: Simon Hill
For PS5 Owners
Sony DualSense ControllerIf you have a controller as good as the DualSense, you should use it every chance you get. It's a PlayStation 5 highlight that’s highly responsive, refined, and durable. And since it supports Bluetooth, you can pair it with your smartphone just as you would any other Bluetooth device (here’s a pairing guide). It won’t work with every game, and you won’t get the full benefit of the adaptive triggers unless you use it with the PS5, but it makes a great mobile stand-in. If you like the idea of playing PlayStation games on your phone, try the PS Remote Play app for Android or iOS.
Add an Orzly Gaming Clip ($15) to mount your phone, and you are all set. You can also use the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller with smartphones (it pairs via Bluetooth, too.)
Officially works with Android, iPhone, PlayStation, and Windows
- Photograph: Microsoft
For Xbox Owners
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (White)If you already play on Xbox, you may as well use the Xbox Wireless Controller with your phone. We have an easy pairing guide, and it’s a cinch to pair with an iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or tablet via Bluetooth. It may require configuration for some games, and it’s not going to work with everything. If you are an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, find out how to stream Xbox and PC games on your Android phone. Add a PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip ($15) to mount your phone, and game on.
Officially works with Android, iPhone, Xbox, and Windows
- Photograph: Nintendo
For Nintendo Owners
Nintendo Switch Pro ControllerYou can use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with Android, but sadly there’s no official iOS support. To connect to an Android device, simply hold down the sync button on the top of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller until it starts flashing. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to Settings, Connected devices, and choose Pair new device, then select the Pro Controller. Just like the PS and Xbox controllers, it won’t work perfectly with every game.
Officially works with Nintendo Switch and Android
- Photograph: Iogear
For Mouse and Keyboard Fans
Keymander 2 MobileFor some of us, playing a first-person shooter just doesn’t feel right without a keyboard and mouse. This unusual niche device enables you to play on an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone with a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse, but it does so in a confusing, cobbled-together kind of way. You need either the official Sony PlayStation 4 controller or Microsoft Xbox One wireless controller with Bluetooth (specifically Model 1708), and those connect via Micro USB cable to the Keymander 2. It's essentially using the controller support to connect the mouse and keyboard, and you configure them in the K2 Mobile Game Dock app.
The dock is a little flimsy, but it managed to hold my iPad in place, with ports in the side and back for plugging everything in. I struggled to get it all working, as the instructions are not the clearest, but once it was hooked up and configured, playing Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft was a breeze. The Keymander 2 Mobile could also work well for remote play on PlayStation or Xbox or for a streaming service like GeForce Now. Just be aware that only games with controller support work well, and you do need to tweak settings frequently for best results.
Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play
Photograph: Simon HillHonorable Mentions
Other Mobile Game ControllersThere are several other mobile controllers we tested that just missed out on a place above or failed to make the grade, plus a few that we are keen to test soon.
Turtle Beach Atom Controller for $80: With a clever two-piece design, this controller folds away neatly, but feels insecure without a back. The clamps on each side are awkward, particularly with phones sporting large camera modules. I had trouble connecting, and dislike that the right side has to be turned on separately (press B and menu buttons). The right side connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), but the controller connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It mostly worked fine for me, but when I played Jydge, the movement was inverted on the left stick. You get around 20 hours of battery life. It takes about two hours to charge. If portability is your main concern, it may be worth a look.
GameSir T4 Cyclone for $40: Relatively affordable, with a grippy finish and Hall Effect joysticks, this is a solid controller. There are a couple of programmable buttons around back, rumble motors in the grips, and a handy multi-function button. It also supports Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz with an optional dongle, and USB-C connections. But the battery is only 860 mAh, the GameSir app is flaky, and the LED is annoyingly bright.
GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro for $70: Supplanted by GuliKit’s new model, this controller is a bit cheaper and is still a good pick for folks who don’t care about back paddles. It has Hall effect sticks, a programmable button, and most of the other features that the KK Max 3 listed above has.
Nacon MG-X Pro for $88: It feels like Nacon cut an Xbox controller in half to insert an extendable phone cradle, but if you want this style of controller the GameSir G8 listed above is what we recommend. The MG-X Pro is slightly roomier, but the G8 is superior in every other way.
PowerA XP Ultra for $100: I love the idea of combining loads of options into a controller, and PowerA’s crazy XP Ultra is certainly versatile. It works wirelessly with your Xbox, Windows PC, or Android phone, offering solid battery life (up to 40 hours via Bluetooth or 60 hours for Xbox). But the gimmicky mini controller that slides out, Transformer-style, for gaming on the go is too small and hard to grip comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all good, and the clip works fine for holding your phone, but the D-pad is stiff. All in all, it’s a pricey mixed bag.
Razer Kishi V2 for $90: The Razer Kishi V2 is fine, but it's slower, bigger, and less polished than the Backbone One. It's an extendable mobile controller that comes in Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and work with Windows too. But ultimately, Backbone's superior software and headphone jack make it the better choice. —Louryn Strampe
Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for $25: An MFi-certified controller for iPhone or iPad gaming (older Lightning port devices) that boasts pass-through charging, direct Lightning cable connection, and a 3.5-mm audio port. It feels much like an Xbox controller, supports Xbox Cloud Gaming or remote play, and comes with one free month of Game Pass Ultimate. On the downside, the cable is a bit messy. The Riot PWR MFi Controller for ($68) is almost identical, but without the garish green styling and colored Xbox buttons. There’s a USB-C option too.
Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $59: Here is another Xbox-branded controller that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play and comes with one free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels good in-hand, has a solid phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. It also features some audio enhancements (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a handy Pro-Aim feature that reduces sensitivity on the right stick for aiming in FPS games. It's a good upgrade pick over the PowerA controller listed above, but only if you want the extra features.
GameSir X3 for $100: On paper, this is an upgrade over the X2, with refined buttons, more options for the joysticks, and a cooling fan on the back. But I recommend the cheaper X2 Pro listed above instead, because the fan adds bulk and weight and it needs power via a dedicated USB-C port. (It has a separate USB-C port for pass-through charging of your phone.)
PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $85: This controller offers everything the XP-5 X does but you can also remove the stand in the center to slot in your phone (my Pixel 6 Pro fits nicely). It is sturdy, offers plenty of buttons (only a screenshot button is missing), and can wirelessly charge your phone. But it is expensive, has a Micro USB port when I’d prefer USB-C, and has only a 2,000 mAh battery, so stick with the XP-5 X unless you really want that spring-loaded cradle to fit your phone in.
8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Conjuring memories of the SNES, this controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch. It has built-in rumble, a solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.
Photograph: GuliKitWhat You Need to Know
Mobile Controllers ExplainedWith such a wide variety of mobile controllers and the option to use regular game controllers with smartphones, there are a few things worth knowing before you choose which controller to get.
Can I connect a game controller to my phone?
Here are the main ways to connect your smartphone to a controller:
- USB-C, Lightning, or Micro USB port: Connecting this way allows for a more stable connection and lower latency than a wireless connection, with no risk of interference. Plugging in a cable or built-in connector also potentially allows for charging.
- Bluetooth: You may need to press a pair button on the controller and then select it from the Bluetooth menu on your phone, but once paired, the two should automatically connect when you turn the controller on, without the need to plug anything in or manage a cable. The higher the version number of Bluetooth, the newer and generally better it is.
- USB-OTG: Many Android phones support USB-OTG (On The Go), so you can get an adapter like the Anker USB-C to USB 3.1 ($10) and plug a regular USB-A controller into your phone or tablet. Check that your phone supports USB-OTG before you try this (iPhones do not).
Will my mobile games support controllers?
Whatever controller you end up using, you will find that many games on Android or iOS do not officially support controllers. That doesn’t mean they won’t work, but it may take some experimentation to figure it out. Backbone has a handy list of games with controller support.
Can I remap the controls on my mobile game controller?
Many mobile game controller manufacturers offer a companion app that allows you to remap buttons and other controls. There are also several options in the app stores, but be careful, as these kinds of apps need a lot of permissions, and in our experience they often don’t work very well.
If you have an iPhone with a connected game controller, you can go to Settings > General > Game Controller and tap buttons to customize what they do. Tap Add game to set control profiles for specific titles.
What are Hall Effect joysticks?
Named after physicist Edwin Herbert Hall, the Hall Effect observes the voltage difference that magnetic fields exert on moving electric charges in conductors. Hall Effect joysticks and triggers use magnets and electrical conductors to detect movement without any physical contact between parts. Since there’s less wear and tear, Hall Effect sticks don’t suffer from stick drift, which is where your joystick causes unwanted movements in your game, and don’t have dead zones. In short, Hall Effect joysticks are more responsive and accurate, and should last longer than regular analog sticks.
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