There are a number of different cell controllers we examined that simply missed out on a spot above or didn’t make the grade, plus a number of that we’re eager to check quickly.
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 either side are awkward, significantly with telephones sporting giant digital camera modules. I had hassle connecting, and dislike that the proper facet needs to be turned on individually (press B and menu buttons). The best facet connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), however the controller connects to your telephone by way of Bluetooth. It principally labored high-quality for me, however once 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 price a glance.
GameSir T4 Cyclone for $40: Comparatively reasonably priced, with a grippy end and Corridor Impact joysticks, it is 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 barely 860 mAh, the GameSir app is flaky, and the LED is annoyingly vivid.
GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro for $70: Supplanted by GuliKit’s new mannequin, this controller is a bit cheaper and continues to be decide for folk who don’t care about again paddles. It has Corridor impact sticks, a programmable button, and a lot of the different options that the KK Max 3 listed above has.
Nacon MG-X Pro for $88: It looks like Nacon reduce an Xbox controller in half to insert an extendable telephone cradle, however if you’d like this fashion of controller the GameSir G8 listed above is what we advocate. The MG-X Professional is barely roomier, however the G8 is superior in each different means.
PowerA Moga XP Ultra for $107: I really like the thought of mixing a great deal of choices right into a controller, and PowerA’s loopy Moga XP Extremely is actually versatile. It really works wirelessly together with your Xbox, Home windows PC, or Android telephone, 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 simply too small and laborious to grip comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all good, and the clip works high-quality for holding your telephone, however the D-pad is stiff. All in all, it’s a dear combined bag.
Razer Kishi V2 for $90: The Razer Kishi V2 is ok, however it’s slower, larger, and fewer polished than the Spine One. It is an extendable cell controller that is available in Android and iPhone variations. Each can stream PlayStation or Xbox video games and work with Home windows too. However in the end, Spine’s superior software program and headphone jack make it the higher alternative. —Louryn Strampe
Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for $25: An MFi-certified controller for iPhone or iPad gaming (older Lightning port gadgets) 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 ($68) is nearly equivalent, however with out the garish inexperienced styling and coloured Xbox buttons. There’s a USB-C choice too.
Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $59: 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 telephone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Home windows. It additionally options some audio enhancements (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a useful Professional-Purpose function that reduces sensitivity on the proper stick for aiming in FPS video games. It is a good improve decide over the PowerA controller listed above, however solely if you’d like the additional options.
GameSir X3 for $100: On paper, that is an improve over the X2, with refined buttons, extra choices for the joysticks, and a cooling fan on the again. However I like to recommend the cheaper X2 Professional listed above as a substitute, as a result of the fan provides bulk and weight and it wants energy by way of a devoted USB-C port. (It has a separate USB-C port for pass-through charging of your telephone.)
PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $85: This controller provides every thing the XP-5 X does however you too can take away the stand within the heart to fit in your telephone (my Pixel 6 Professional matches properly). It’s sturdy, provides loads of buttons (solely a screenshot button is lacking), and may wirelessly cost your telephone. However it’s costly, has a Micro USB port once I’d choose USB-C, and has solely a 2,000 mAh battery, so persist with the XP-5 X until you really need that spring-loaded cradle to suit your telephone in.
8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Conjuring recollections of the SNES, this controller works with Android, Home windows, MacOS, and Swap. It has built-in rumble, a stable D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.
