Best Controller for iPhone and Android in 2023
Today’s mobile phones have become a popular gaming tool and a tool for checking social media. iPhones and Android devices can provide an enjoyable, visually impressive game experience, exclusively or via streaming. With popular games like Diablo Immortal, Into the Breach, and Shovel Knight Dig already available on mobile, it’s a great time to start a mobile gaming career. Many games are ported from console and PC platforms and are almost no different from their console counterparts, but these touch screens still lack something!
There are different types of controllers or joysticks on the market that you should be familiar with, from official pads that require mobile phone controller clips to those that don’t. Fortunately, there are now great joysticks that are likely to be compatible with your phone and the official Xbox wireless controller, PS5 DualSense, and even Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons that can connect to your Android phone or iPhone via Bluetooth.
However, you might want a joystick explicitly designed for phone gaming. These controllers have a lot of variety, some are directly connected to the USB-C port of your phone, and others are Bluetooth. Some of these joysticks attach to the sides of your phone to look like Joy-Cons, while others look like traditional console controllers with a phone clip on top. There’s even an option to connect your large iPad to a controller.
The following will introduce some examples of the best mobile joysticks you will enjoy playing with.
1-Razer Kishi: the best joystick for Android phones
Advantages
- It is compatible with most phones, including Android and iPhone.
- It has analog sticks that give the gamer a good feeling during the game.
- Analog triggers work great with all games.
- The USB-C connection enables gaming with less latency.
- No need to charge.
- It has a USB-C port for charging the phone.
Disadvantages
- The USB-C port does not work with USB-C headphones.
- The many crowded buttons make the gamer not want to work with it compared to other Razer joysticks.
The Kishi Joystick makes your phone look like a Nintendo Switch and is compatible with many phones. While other Razer phone joysticks connect via Bluetooth, the Razer Kishi plugs directly into your phone’s USB-C port (or Lighting port on iOS). All you have to do is adjust the strap, connect your phone to the case, and start playing. Kishi does not need to be charged and does not drain your phone’s battery. Fortunately, it has a unique port allows you to charge your phone while playing.
Kishi has the same capabilities as a traditional console joystick, including analog triggers. Button presses and the D-pad aren’t as satisfying as the Razer Junglecat’s and are a little loose, but it still offers good performance with most games. Razer Kishi analog sticks are similar to a standard controller, which means that working with them is a little more accurate and convenient. The Kishi isn’t as superior as Razer’s other gamepads, but overall, it’s still the best mobile controller we’ve tested for features and compatibility. Before buying, choose the style you need, i.e., iPhone or Android.
Razer recently released the Razer Kishi V2. This updated model looks more like the Backbone One thanks to its one-piece design with a pop-up bridge that connects the left and right controllers. Another pair of programmable buttons have been added to the V2. This joystick is available for iOS and Android. Considering that the price of this Kishi version is twice the original version, those who will buy a joystick for their phone for the first time probably want to use the original version.
2-Backbone One: the best joystick for iOS devices
Advantages
- The Dedicated Backbone application acts like a cohesive user interface.
- You will feel good when working with the analog stick and buttons.
- No need to charge.
- The lightning port output allows you to charge the iPhone while playing.
Disadvantages
- Only compatible with iPhone.
- The D-pad is a bit too stiff for platforming or precision jumping.
Backbone One is made for the iPhone, and like the Razer Kishi, it makes your phone look like a Nintendo Switch. As a result, it has many advanced Kishi features, such as a port for low-latency gaming (instead of Bluetooth), a port for charging while gaming, and a solid joystick design across the board. Since this controller is designed only for iPhones, it has a strong and safe spring mechanism. But the most crucial advantage of Backbone One is the exclusive Backbone program.
This program allows you to play all your favorite games in a single interface similar to what you see on Xbox or PlayStation. Large bold icons and the ability to add other games to your collection will be available simply by pressing the Backbone button from within them. The face buttons allow you to quickly capture screenshots or gameplay clips and share them with the Backbone community. This app serves as a hub for other popular featured videos. This experience is much more beautiful than manually scrolling through the programs.
The Backbone One currently comes in a PS5-themed white model explicitly made for remote gaming.
3-PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus: the best joystick for Android phones
Advantages
- We are officially licensed.
- It has stellar ergonomics.
- It has excellent analog sticks.
- It has programmable back buttons.
- It can also be used as a joystick for personal computers.
Disadvantages
- It is a bit bulky.
- Not compatible with iOS.
- It uses micro USB, not USB-C.
The Moga XP7-X Plus PowerA is the newest mobile joystick on this list, and it’s also one of the best we’ve tested. Xbox officially licenses the XP7-X Plus and basically looks like an extended Xbox joystick. The regular shape of the handle makes for excellent ergonomics and feels like using Microsoft’s first-person joystick. This form makes using XP7-X Plus as an Xbox Cloud Gaming controller possible.
The XP7-X Plus is excellent because of the quality buttons, triggers, sticks, and D-pad. The best we can describe the XP7-X Plus is that it feels more like you’re using a first-person Xbox controller. In addition, a pair of programmable back triggers is an additional advantage for this joystick.
The XP7-X Plus features an expandable design similar to the Backbone One and Kishi V2, allowing you to fit your Android smartphone between the handles easily. It also has a removable gaming stand that can be used for desktop mode. Another great advantage of this controller is that it works as a PC controller. It might seem broad for this purpose, but it works well and helps you limit the number of controllers you want to take when you’re on the go.
XP7-X Plus connects to Android devices and PC via Bluetooth or USB. The downside of the wired connection is that it uses microUSB instead of the more modern USB-C. Therefore, it also uses micro-USB for charging. It should be noted that this product has a USB-C cable with a microUSB adapter, so there is no need to carry USB-C and microUSB cables to charge the phone or joystick. But alas, the XP7-X Plus isn’t available for iOS, as it would have been perfect for those with larger hands who thought the Backbone One was too small. This is one of the best mobile controllers for Android and comes at the same price as the Kishi V2.
4-PowerA Moga XP5-x Plus: the best joystick for iPhone phones
Advantages
- It has an ergonomic touch grip.
- It is highly compatible with iOS devices.
- It has a strong game clip.
- Buttons, triggers, and rear inputs are great.
- It charges your iPhone’s internal battery.
Disadvantages
There is no mentionable problem.
Moga XP5-i Plus is the first PowerA mobile controller for iOS. This prolific accessory maker has made some great Android controllers, so it’s no surprise that its first controller for the iPhone has been an enormous success.
The Moga XP5-i Plus is very similar to the XP5 above for Android. It has the same appearance as the official Xbox controller. It has tactile grips that help the gamer to make the handles ergonomic for long games. The sticks have excellent traction, the D-pad feels good when playing, the buttons and triggers work well enough, and the programmable triggers on the back are where your middle fingers can easily reach. have access.
The joystick also has an expandable game clip that attaches to the base and secures your phone. This device can accommodate small and large phones, including the latest iPhone Pro Max devices. If you have a relatively compact frame, you don’t need to firmly take your phone out to fix it in the controller.
The Moga XP5-i Plus has a built-in 3000 mAh battery that charges your phone while playing. The only downside of this feature is that you have to use a USB-C to USB-A adapter, which is included in this controller’s accessories. You can also Bluetooth sync the controller with your iPad or Apple TV.
The Moga XP5-i Plus is perfect for Apple Arcade and cloud-based gaming on your favorite service.
5-Riot PWR Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller: The best regular iPhone joystick
Advantages
- It is well made and of high quality.
- It has excellent analog sticks and D-pad.
- It has an exciting design.
- It has dedicated buttons for streaming and recording the game.
Disadvantages
It may be too light for some users.
If you are looking for a traditional joystick for iOS, RiotPWR’s latest product is the best option. It also works well for streaming Xbox games. The RiotPWR Xbox Cloud Game Controller features an attractive white and green color scheme that retains the familiar look and feel of the Xbox controller.
The difference is that RiotPWR has added dedicated buttons, including a dedicated Xbox button, a share button for streaming, and video gameplay for iOS mobile phones. It is also compatible with Ludu Map.
This joystick connects to your iPhone through the Lightning port and has a headphone jack, so you can easily use your favorite wired gaming headsets. While some users prefer Bluetooth controllers, the RiotPWR Xbox Cloud Game Controller’s wired connection helps eliminate input lag.
The included clip attaches to the front of the controller. It becomes a sturdy holder for your iPhone, making the RiotPWR Xbox Cloud Game Controller a great multi-purpose mobile gaming and streaming package.
6-PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus: The best joystick for Xbox cloud-based games
PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus
Advantages
- The phone clip is detachable.
- It has an affordable price.
- It has a power bank that charges both the controller and the phone.
- It has programmable buttons.
Disadvantages
There is no significant defect.
Android phone owners looking for an affordable joystick for Xbox cloud-based gaming need to look no further than the Moga XP5-X PowerA. The feeling it creates for you while playing is like a standard Xbox wireless joystick. It includes a phone dock and connects to your phone via Bluetooth or USB-C. It is also officially licensed by Xbox for use with Game Pass streaming.
XP5-X has advanced game buttons that can be programmed as desired. It also has an integrated power system that is easily and quickly charged through a USB cable. XP5-X is the first joystick for mobile, which is not a joystick that Xbox exclusively released for mobile.
7-Razer Junglecat: compact and portable mobile joystick
Advantages
- It has an attractive design similar to Nintendo Switch.
- It is compact and portable.
- It has suitable buttons.
- Connects to Bluetooth quickly and easily.
- Its battery life is more than 100 hours.
Disadvantages
- The frame of this joystick is only compatible with a limited number of phones.
- Digital trigger buttons don’t work well for some games.
- It is small and may take some time to get used to.
Unlike the Razer Kishi, which connects to an Android phone through a USB-C port, this joystick connects to the sides of the phone’s case (like the Switch’s Joy-Con) and then connects via Bluetooth. When you click this device on your phone for the first time, reconnecting it will be quick and easy.
The Razer Junglecat joysticks are similar to the Joy-Cons, mainly the analog sticks we see on the Switch. Although the D-pad of this Countdown Thriller is divided into four different buttons, it looks more like a DualShock. Buttons and shock absorbers, and triggers have an interesting clicking sound. Of course, they are challenging to get used to, and unfortunately, the triggers are not analog.
Although Junglecat controllers are functionally compatible with any phone, they only come with cases that fit a limited number of phones and are worse than Kishi! Last, Razer Junglecat is compatible with Razer Phone 2, Samsung Galaxy S10+, and Galaxy Note 9.
