Mobile gaming can still be considered a casual pastime, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of action titles out there, like Call of Duty Mobile, Fortnite, Dead Cells, and PUBG Mobile, and you don’t have to settle for fuzzy touch controls. When it comes to close-quarters combat, you’ll want to invest in a good mobile gaming controller, and these are the ones we’d recommend based on quality and price.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller
8BitDo has built itself a reputation for versatile gamepads that can work with a number of systems, from the Nintendo Switch to the Raspberry Pi. And while the Pro 2 is one of our top controllers for the Switch, it’s also a great option for Android and iOS.
The benefit of using these with your phone is that there’s also the free 8BitDo software that gives you extensive customization options for the buttons; it has even more options than what you’ll find on Nintendo’s systems.
Of course, being a Bluetooth gamepad means it’s pretty easy to toss back and forth, making it a good investment for those who have multiple portable devices (like the Switch).
SteelSeries Stratus+
While PlayStation’s DualShock design has gained its share of fans over the years, the Xbox gamepad is the stereotypical image of a gamepad in many people’s minds (along with the Discord logo).
So it makes sense that there are plenty of mobile gaming options with that shape, and the best options come from SteelSeries: the Nimbus+ for Apple-made devices and the Stratus+ for Google-based devices (Android and Chromebooks).
Both controllers are, for the most part, pretty much the same. They have shoulder buttons and triggers, the D-pad is the same, and they both include sturdy phone mounts for attaching your device to the top — the kind that automatically clamps into place.
Unlike a normal company’s clamp, the one SteelSeries ships with both controllers won’t bother you during the process of mounting your phone.
Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller
To be honest, a big reason devices like the Switch are so popular is their form factor. They’re comfortable to hold, they’re balanced and put the screen front and center.
You don’t get that with a phone clamp or table stand. Luckily, Razer’s Kishi is a very affordable option that you can easily slide your phone into – though setup wasn’t as fast as the SteelSeries options for me. But at least its direct connection to the phone using USB-C (or Lightning if you’re on an iPhone) is faster than Bluetooth.
The biggest advantages of the Kishi – besides Razer’s high-end build quality – are its passthrough charging, so you never have to take it apart to charge your phone, and it folds into shape when you remove it from your device. It’s smaller than the SteelSeries controller, making it ideal for stowing in a small bag.
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller
The new Backbone One is similar to Razer’s Kishi and is made specifically for Apple devices, though it costs more (due to it being newer and from a smaller company).
My colleague Matt Smith was a big fan of the One when he tried it out, and in my own use it has some advantages over the Razer device, such as a cleaner design and a more sweat-friendly matte texture. It also has Apple-specific buttons, which are much larger than the Kishi’s buttons and therefore easier to press.
And now that new iPhones support USB-C, the same Backbone One can be used with both iOS and Android smartphones.
The most portable option
If you have big hands, the 8BitDo Zero 2 is definitely not for you, and if you play with this tiny Bluetooth controller for too long, your hands are likely to cramp up.
But for everyone else, it’s definitely worth a look, as it’s small enough that there’s no need to keep it with you at all times in case of an emergency. Not that we can tell you what a gaming emergency is, but you’ll be glad to have it on hand if one comes up.
It’s actually keychain-sized, so you can clip it to your backpack or slide it easily into the Switch carrying case. And we love the bright colors, which are based on the Switch Lite design and should match your spring and summer apparel.