Controllers offer superior feedback, and you don’t need a console to use one.
With a controller connected to your phone or tablet, youll never return to the touchscreen again.
How do you know your pick will even work with your phone?
Ideally, you want to focus on compatibility, features, and comfortpreferably in that order.
Being sure the controller is compatible is of the utmost importance.
Take the Razer Kishi V2, for example.
What kind of features should you consider?
Fitting your phone is certainly important, especially if it accommodates your case.
Having a headphone jack is useful, otherwise youll have to switch towireless earbuds.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
Lastly, the best mobile controllers tend to provide comfort and feedback.
Look for rounded edges, clicky buttons, and textured grips.
That kind of ergonomic design goes a long way if you plan on gaming regularly on your phone.
GameSir
We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise.
The extra two back buttons are a welcome addition, as is the grippy texture around the handles.
The GameSir G8 Galileo essentially took the best parts of a console controller and molded it to fit smartphones.
It even features hall effect joysticks and triggers for unmatched responsiveness.
The 8Bitdo Pro 2 has quite the list of features.
For starters, the Hall Effect joysticks are fantastic.
Backbone
Like the GameSir G8 Galileo, they are designed so that drifting isnt an issue.
The 8Bitdo Pro 2s best feature is arguably its compatibility.
Why stop at mobile gaming?
Razer
Grab 8Bitdo’s official phone clip and that experience goes truly mobile.
Of course, the Backbone Ones buttons are the crowning jewels here.
It makes it incredibly easy to transition to mobile gaming if youre familiar with consoles.
Sergio Rodriguez / How-To Geek
Aside from the buttons, the Backbone Ones case support has also been massively improved over the first-generation model.
Backbone has also greatly improved case support, so you could game without sacrificing protection.
Luckily, theRazer Kishi V2has a solution: just remap the touchscreen controls to the controllers buttons.
The GameSir G8 Galileo essentially took the best parts of a console controller and molded it to fit smartphones. It even features hall effect joysticks and triggers for unmatched responsiveness.
Speaking of buttons, the clicky feedback of the microswitches is wonderful.
The rounded edges and shape also fit nicely in the hands and theres a texture underneath to prevent slipping.
Overall, the Razer Kishi V2 is far sturdier and doesnt bend nearly as much as the first generation.
Jordan Gloor / How-To Geek Jordan Gloor / Review Geek Jordan Gloor / LifeSavvy
Theres even some extra room if your Android has a thicker case.
The Razer Kishi V2 says goodbye to touchscreen controls by letting you map them to the physical buttons.
Coupled with a direct connection, latency is a thing of the past.
Jason Montoya / How-To Geek
FAQ
What controllers work with my mobile unit?
For controllers, it’s on a case-by-case basis.
Some controllers, like the GameSir G8 Galileo, support both Android and iOS.
Bertel King / How-To Geek
Others, like the Razer Kishi V2, have separate models configured for both operating systems.
Can I use a PS5 controller with my phone?
Yes, on Android and iOS!
Can I use an Xbox Core controller with my phone?
Will phone controllers also work with tablets?
It depends on the controller.
The 8Bitdo Pro 2, for example, has Bluetooth and can connect to devices using a cable.
