The best controller options for turning your smartphone into a portable gaming system.
In fact, you probably already own a great controller that’ll work with your phone.
Specs
In our experience, the best smartphone controllers are grip-style controller cases.
While there are many such devices out there, our favorite is the Backbone One.
Despite the visual differences, both work with all cloud gaming apps and many native phone games.
It features an extendable design similar to the Backbone One, which snugly cradles your smartphone between the handles.
The conventional handle shape gives it excellent ergonomics and feels very similar to using Microsoft’s first-party pad.
This makes the transition to using the XP7-X Plus as your Xbox Cloud Gaming controller seamless.
It also comes with a handy removable play stand that can be used for tabletop mode.
It also supports pass-through charging and has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The GameSir X2 Pro is a grip-style controller for Android that’s officially licensed by Xbox.
The X2 Pro is compatible with a variety of Android smartphones, including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t support iOS devices.
That said, Android users can use the X2 Pro to play pretty much everything.
It even comes with a one-month free subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
That’s a pretty solid package for a phone controller at this price range.
The Xbox Wireless Controller can connect via Bluetooth to iOS 14.5 phones and Android phones.
It’s also roughly three times as expensive as the standard Xbox controller.
It’s certainly our go-to for Pro-style controllers on Android or iOS.
You may just not want to bring it with you on your commute.
This edition features the same premium build without the extra accessories, including the paddles and interchangeable analog sticks.
8BitDo’s Pro 2 Bluetooth controller is an evolution of the company’s SN30 Pro and Pro+ controllers.
Even better, the latest model sports anti-drift Hall Effect thumbsticks.
8BitDo’s Bluetooth controllers have earned a reputation for being top-of-the-line, and the Pro 2 is no exception.
The DualSense is now available in three colors: white, Midnight Black, and Cosmic Red.
