Our Top Picks
Best Mobile Gaming Controller
Photograph: Simon Hill
Backbone
One
0 (20% off) Amazon (USB-C)
Backbone (USB-C or Lightning)
(22% off) Walmart (USB-C)
0 (41% off) Amazon (Lightning)
The Backbone One is as easy to recommend as it is to use. Slot the connector—either USB-C or Lightning—into your phone and stretch the controller over the back. The buttons and triggers are clicky and responsive, and the controller feels comfortable for hours-long gaming sessions without being too bulky. It also has pass-through charging, a screenshot or screen recording button, a mute button, and a headphone jack.
Part of what makes all Backbone controllers so great is the manufacturer’s software and additional features. The controller supports a number of gaming apps and services, and the companion app is fantastic (though not required). My favorite bit is the list of recommended games with controller support. You can also use the app to message and party chat with your friends, stream directly to Twitch, record and edit videos in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and more. Some of these features are locked behind a Backbone+ membership, which costs per year. The subscription is nice, but you don’t need it to have a great experience. The controller is also available in some limited-edition styles or platform-dedicated versions like PlayStation Edition, but the differences are cosmetic.
Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link
Best Upgrade Mobile Gaming Controller
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Backbone
Pro
0 0 (18% off) Best Buy
0 0 (18% off) Target
0 Backbone
0 0 (18% off) Amazon
0 0 (18% off) Target (Cozy Edition)
The Backbone Pro expands on all of the features I loved about the Backbone One. The Pro is slightly chunkier, grippier, and more comfortable, and although my hands are small, I can imagine this is easier to hold for folks with larger hands. It has a quieter, more premium feel, and it still has the headphone port and pass-through charging capabilities of the One. The Pro feels just as ergonomic to me as a console controller, with no drawbacks or compromises. I liked the full-size joysticks, programmable back buttons, and Hall-effect rear triggers.
The Backbone Pro also has Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can use it with your phone, tablet, laptop, VR headset, and compatible smart TVs. You can connect to multiple devices simultaneously and switch between them with just a tap. If you’re serious about mobile gaming, or you want a comfortable controller that can swap between your devices seamlessly, I recommend the Backbone Pro. I think it’s worth snagging a carrying case like this one, though, to store it.
Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, Amazon Luna, and Steam Link
Best Magnetic Mobile Gaming Controller
Photograph: Simon Hill
ohsnap! Mcon Mobile Gaming Controller
0 Best Buy
0 2 (25% off) Ohsnap
The Mcon controller from Ohsnap has some quirks, but its general concept is neat. The MagSafe controller attaches to the back of your iPhone or Android phone (a magnetic ring is included for Android users, though Ohsnap recommends using a MagSafe case). Press the Eject button to pop out your phone, almost like you would with an old-school T-Mobile Sidekick, and reveal the D-pad, joystick, and buttons below. You can also pop off the entire magnetic component and use the built-in kickstand to prop up your phone while controlling it with the separate controller half of the device. There are hand grips you can pull down and out for added stability if you’d rather have a more traditional design than playing with a rectangular controller. The Mcon pairs with your phone via Bluetooth and has minimal latency, with recessed thumbsticks and buttons that feel satisfying to press.
There are myriad Mcon accessories that are neat, like the Key Cast or Dock, which can charge your controller (via USB-C) and cast your phone screen to a monitor or TV. I could see this device especially coming in handy for travel, given its compact size that you can slip it in your pocket—which is not true for many of the controllers in this guide. It’s also a great option if you’d rather play on your phone but not while you’re holding your phone.
Officially works with iPhone, Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Steam Link, Xbox and PS Remote Play, and Nvidia GeForce Now
Best Hall-Effect Mobile Gaming Controller
Photograph: Simon Hill
GameSir G8 Galileo
Amazon
0 (20% off) Walmart
If you crave that console feel but want the cradle style to hold your smartphone, try the GameSir G8 Galileo. 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-millimeter 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 2077 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. —Simon Hill
Officially works with Android, USB-C iPhone, PlayStation and Xbox Remote Play, Steam Link, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna
Best Mobile Game Controller for Tablets
Photograph: Simon Hill
Razer Kishi Ultra
0 0 (27% off) Amazon
0 Best Buy
This sliding controller is similar to the GameSir G8 Galileo in that it feels like a regular controller split in half with a cradle in the middle for your phone to connect via USB-C. The reason to spend more on a Kishi Ultra is for the extra space for very large phones or, even better, an iPad Mini or small Android tablet (up to 8 inches). It is a comfortable controller with clicky microswitch buttons, a circular D-pad, and full-size offset thumbsticks (though they should be Hall effect for this price). I prefer back paddles to the double triggers on the shoulders, but it does have 3.5-millimeter headphone and USB-C charging ports. There’s also customizable RGB lighting (via Razer’s Chroma RGB software) and decent haptics.
I found the Kishi Ultra supremely comfortable for third-person games, and it is far less cramp-inducing than compact controllers, but that does mean it is seriously chunky. Ultimately, I prefer the Backbone for its portability and the G8 for its back buttons, but the Kishi Ultra is ideal for small tablets, helping them rival dedicated handheld gaming consoles. You can remap buttons and customize other bits and pieces in the Razer Nexus app and remote play from your PC using Razer’s PC Remote Play software. You can also use the Kishi Ultra as a wired controller for your PC or laptop. It’s a shame that it lacks official PS5 remote play support. —Simon Hill
Officially works with iPhone and iPad (USB-C), Android, and Razer PC Remote Play
Best Traditional Controller
Courtesy of 8BitDo
8Bitdo Pro 2
Amazon
Walmart
With a unique combination of features, a thoughtful retro design, and solid performance, all at a reasonable price, this is the best traditional mobile controller for most people. The D-pad is all too frequently a disappointment in phone controllers, but not here. The buttons are satisfyingly clicky, and the analog sticks are sensitive (make sure you get the latest version with the Hall-effect sticks). 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, 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 to go with it.
The 8BitDd Pro 2 has a rechargeable battery inside that’s good for about 20 hours, but it is removable, allowing you to swap in two AA batteries if you prefer. 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. —Simon Hill
Officially works with Nintendo Switch, Windows (Steam), Mac, Android, and iPhone
Best Upgraded Traditional Controller
Photograph: Simon Hill
Gulikit KK3 Max
Amazon
The 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 notably 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 Nintendo 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. —Simon Hill
Officially works with Android, iPhone, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, and SteamOS
Best Mobile Gaming Controller for Smart Glasses
Photograph: Simon Hill
Viture x 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller
Amazon
(25% off) Viture
The battle for the big TV can be a real pain point for gamers, but the best smart glasses offer expansive virtual displays. Since Viture makes the best smart glasses for gamers, this partnership with 8Bitdo caught my attention. The two have previously collaborated on the Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller, but this cradle design is a big step up, enabling you to plug in your phone via USB-C and plug your Viture glasses into a separate USB-C port. There’s another USB-C port for pass-through charging. Gaming is a breeze with these Hall-effect triggers and joysticks, and there are two back buttons and a solid D-Pad. Everything feels satisfying and responsive, with a pleasing clicky feel.
I found the Viture x 8Bitdo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller comfortable for a long session of Asphalt 9, and it worked great with Diablo Immortal, but you might run into issues with some games. You can use 8Bitdo’s software to map and customize the feel, and Viture offers a game launcher called GamePal. You will need an Android device running Android 13 and up and with DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP over USB-C) to use this controller with Viture’s glasses, but you can use it just as a mobile controller if the device supports USB-C OTG. —Simon Hill
Officially works with Android (13 or later)
More Controllers We Tested
Gulikit Elves 2 Pro for : The shape is reminiscent of old Sega controllers, but the vintage similarities end there. Gulikit packed this Bluetooth controller with Hall-effect joysticks, nine levels of vibration, and six-axis gyro motion control. The shoulder buttons are nice and clicky, and the floating 8-way D-pad is decent for fighting games and platformers, though it and the four face buttons use a membrane. It’s compact, so I found it a little uncomfortable to use for extended periods, though I have big hands. —Simon Hill
Asus ROG Tessen for : My excitement at the prospect of a mobile controller from Asus waned 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 thumbsticks felt uncomfortable quite quickly, and the buttons proved a little noisy. This is also Android-only and doesn’t work with any iPhones (even USB-C iPhones). —Simon Hill
Gamesir X4 Aileron for 0: This controller has plenty going for it, including a compact design, RGB lighting, Hall-effect sticks, and tactile buttons. It comes in two parts, which is great for folding it away neatly, but means you must pair one side, then the other, and it can be finicky. It’s not a bad effort, but there are better options above. —Simon Hill
Crkd Atom Controller for : This itty-bitty controller is gimmicky, but it does work. It’s cute and pocket-size with a 10-hour battery life. If you want to be prepared to hop on the game at any given moment, its keychain size might be a good fit.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro for : Conjuring memories of the Super Nintendo, 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. —Simon Hill
Frequently Asked Questions
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