Other Game Controllers We’ve Tested There are a few other mobile controllers we’ve tested that either just missed the top spot or failed to make the grade. Photo: Simon HillGamesir X3 Pro for $80: It replaces the X3 and is open to run almost any Android phone. (or iPhone 15 range) in its rubbery embrace. It feels great, with adjustable grips, click buttons, and a Hall Effect toe with removable covers in different sizes in a stylish zip-up bag. The headline feature is a big fan on the back with serious cooling power, which is useful because the smartphone can get really hot when you’re playing games for a long time, although I found the noise annoying, and the X3 Pro is very. bulky. The customization options are welcome, but the GameSir app is a bit confusing and confusing. For a more compact sliding option, check out the GameSir X2 Pro ($80) or the cheaper X2s ($40). I tested both and found them pretty good for the money. Asus ROG Tessen for $90: My excitement at the prospect of a mobile controller from Asus decreased quite quickly when I started using the ROG Tessen. It has a neat folding design, responsive controls, and pass-through charging. I liked the programmable back paddles, and there’s RGB lighting to jazz it up. But the thumb feels uncomfortable quickly, and the buttons are a little noisy. It’s also Android only and doesn’t work with iPhones (not even USB-C iPhones). button. It comes in two parts, which is great for folding neatly, but it means you have to attach one side, then the other, and that can be fiddly. Not a bad effort, but there are better options above. CRKD Atom Controller for $20: This tiny little controller is super cute and super portable, with a wrist strap you can attach to your bag. The battery life goes up to ten hours with the USB-C port for charging, although I found it sometimes turned itself on in the pocket. It’s not big or comfortable enough to use for long periods of time, but if you need a super portable emergency controller, it fits the bill. Photo: Simon HillTurtle Beach Atom Controller for $80: With a clever two-piece design, this controller folds away neatly, but feels not safe without a back. Clamps on each side are awkward, especially with phones sporting large camera modules. I’m having trouble connecting, and don’t like that the right side has to be turned on separately (press B and the menu key). The right side connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), but the controller connects to the phone via Bluetooth. It usually works fine for me, but when I played Jydge, the movement was reversed on the left stick. You get about 20 hours of battery life. It takes about two hours to charge. If portability is a major concern, it’s also worth considering. GameSir T4 Cyclone for $40: Relatively affordable, with a grippy finish and Hall Effect joysticks, this is a solid controller. There are several programmable buttons on the back, a rumbling motor in the grip, and a handy multi-function button. It also supports Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz with optional dongle, and USB-C connection. But the battery is only 860 mAh, the GameSir app is flaky, and the LED is annoyingly bright. Nacon MG-X Pro for $54: It feels like Nacon cut the Xbox controller in half to attach an extendable phone cradle, but if you want. This style of GameSir G8 controller is listed above what is recommended. MG-X Pro is slightly roomier, but the G8 excels in every other way. PowerA XP Ultra for $130: I like the idea of combining many options into the controller, and PowerA’s crazy XP Ultra is certainly versatile. It works wirelessly with your Xbox, Windows PC, or Android phone, providing 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 games on the Go is too small and hard to hold comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and signature are all good, and the clip works well to hold the phone, but the D-pad is stiff. All in all, it’s an expensive mixed bag. Razer Kishi V2 for $100: The Razer Kishi V2 is good, but it’s slower, bigger, and less polished than the Backbone One. This is an extendable mobile controller available in both Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and work with Windows as well. But in the end, Backbone’s superior software and headphone jack make it the better choice. —Louryn StrampeRiot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for $40: An MFi-certified controller for iPhone or iPad gaming (old Lightning port devices) that features pass-through power, a direct Lightning cable connection, and a 3.5mm audio port. It feels like an Xbox controller, supports Xbox Cloud Gaming or remote play, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. On the left, the cables are a little messy. The Riot PWR MFi Controller for ($40) is almost identical, but without the garish green design and colored Xbox buttons. There is also a USB-C option. Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $47: This is another Xbox brand controller that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play and comes with one free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels great in the hand, has a solid phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. It also features some audio enhancements (when attached), programmable buttons, and a Pro-Aim feature that can reduce the sensitivity of the right stick to aim FPS games. It is a good upgrade option over the PowerA controller listed above, but only if you want extra features. PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $100: This controller offers everything XP-5 X does but you can also remove the stand in the middle. for the slot on the phone (my Pixel 6 Pro fits well). It’s sturdy, offers plenty of buttons (the only picture button is missing), and can charge your phone wirelessly. But it’s expensive, has a Micro USB port when I prefer USB-C, and only has a 2,000 mAh battery, so stick with the XP-5 X unless you want a spring-loaded cradle to fit your phone. 8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Reminiscent of SNES memories, this controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch. It has built in noise, a solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.
9 Best Mobile Game Controllers (2025): iPhone or Android
