Several other mobile controllers we’ve tested just missed the spot above or failed to make the grade, and there are still a few we’re eager to test as soon as possible.
Turtle Beach Atom Controller Only $80: This controller has a clever two-piece design that folds away neatly, but doesn’t feel secure without a back. The clips on the sides are awkward, especially for phones with large camera modules. I’m having trouble connecting and don’t like having to open the right side alone (press B and the menu button). The right side connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), but the controller connects to your phone via Bluetooth.It mostly works fine for me, but when I play Jiji, The movement of the left stick is opposite. Battery life is approximately 20 hours. Charging takes about two hours.If portability is your main concern, then possible Worth a look.
GameSir T4 Cyclone for $40: Relatively affordable, with a grippy surface and Hall-effect joysticks, this is a solid controller. There are several programmable buttons on the back, a rumble motor in the handle, and a handy multi-function button. It also supports Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz and USB-C connectivity with optional adapters. But the battery is only 860 mAh, the GameSir app is unstable, and the LED light is annoyingly bright.
GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro for $70: Superseded by GuliKit’s newer model, this controller is a bit cheaper and still a good choice for those who don’t care about rear paddles. It has a Hall effect bar, programmable buttons, and most of the other features that the KK Max 3 has listed above.
Nacon MG-X Pro $88: It feels like Nacon cut the Xbox controller in half to plug into an expandable phone holder, but if you want that style of controller, we recommend the GameSir G8 listed above. The MG-X Pro is slightly roomier, but the G8 is better in every other way.
PowerA Moga XP Ultra now on sale for $107: I love the idea of combining a ton of options into one controller, and PowerA’s insane Moga 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, up to 60 hours on Xbox). But the Transformers-style slide-out mini controller for mobile gaming is too small to hold comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and joysticks are all fine, and the clip holds the phone well, but the D-pad is stiff. All in all, this is a pricey mixed bag.
Razer Kishi V2 on sale for $90: The Razer Kishi V2 is good, but it’s slower, larger, and less refined than the Backbone One. It’s an expandable mobile controller that’s available in Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and also work with Windows. But ultimately, the Backbone’s superior software and headphone jack make it the better choice. —Lauren Stramp
Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition cloud gaming controller is now $25: MFi-certified iPhone or iPad game controller (older Lightning port devices) with pass-through charging, direct Lightning cable connection, and 3.5mm audio port. It feels a lot like an Xbox controller, supports Xbox cloud gaming or remote gaming, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. The downside is that the cables are a bit messy.this Riot PWR MFi Controller on sale ($68) Almost the same, but without the fancy green styling and colorful Xbox buttons. There’s also a USB-C option.
Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for only $59: This is another Xbox-branded controller that supports Xbox cloud gaming and remote gaming, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels great in the hand, has a sturdy phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. It also has some audio enhancements (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a handy Pro-Aim feature that reduces the sensitivity of right stick aiming in FPS games. This is a good upgrade option compared to the PowerA controllers listed above, but only if you need the extra features.
GameSir X3 for $100: On paper, this is an upgrade over the X2, with refined buttons, more joystick options, and a cooling fan on the back. But I recommend the cheaper X2 Pro listed above because the fan adds bulk and weight and requires power via a dedicated USB-C port. (It has a separate USB-C port for pass-through charging of phones.)
PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $85: This controller offers all the features of the XP-5 X, but you can also detach the middle stand to plug in a phone (my Pixel 6 Pro works perfectly). It’s sturdy, offers plenty of buttons (only a screenshot 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 really want that spring-loaded kickstand for your phone.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro sells for $45: This controller evokes memories of the SNES and is available for Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch. It has a built-in vibrator, solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port.