The Best Phone Controllers
The "grab and go" nature of mobile gaming appeals to kids and teens who are always on the move to find the next hottest game. Unfortunately, gaming on smartphones comes with some potential problems. Unlike traditional gaming consoles, there are no buttons or handles to hold onto. Touchscreens are handy, but they can only get you so far in the competitive world of online gaming. Luckily, there's a whole product line dedicated to making your mobile gaming experience easier and more intuitive. With a phone controller, you can hook up your phone to a video game controller and get a leg up on the competition. Read on to discover our picks for the best phone controllers on the block.
GameSir T4 Pro Wireless Phone Controller
Game on the go
Mobile games have come a long way in the past few years. It’s a shame that we still have to fumble around with touch screens to play. Luckily, with GameSir’s T4 wireless phone controller, you can have all the functionality of your console controller during mobile gaming. The GamSir connects via Bluetooth and takes the mobile gaming experience to an entirely different level. This impressive phone controller even features LED light-up features along with a rumble pack for in-game vibrations. If you’re unsure which phone controller can bump up your mobile gaming experience, you shouldn’t be anymore.
Pros:
- Universal smartphone compatibility via Bluetooth
- Also compatible with PC
- LED lights and rumble pack
Cons:
- The controller is a little bulky
Opolar Wired Gaming Phone Controller
Game on
Mobile gaming is in dire need of better control features, and this wired phone controller from Opolar is here to fill that need. This phone controller connects to your smartphone via a wired adapter and allows you access to its wide array of buttons, joysticks, and triggers. Mobile games have improved exponentially in the past few years, and phone controllers like this one from Opolar are helping to make mobile gaming even better. Opolar’s wired phone controller has universal compatibility among smartphones, PCs, and tablets. However, it will not work with consoles such as Xbox, Nintendo, or Playstation.
Pros:
- Sturdy, reliable phone controller
- Universal smartphone compatibility
- Long USB cord
Cons:
- Many prefer a wireless controller, though we find it doesn’t get in the way
Rotor Riot Gaming Phone Controller
The screen saver
Rotor Riot’s phone controller is the kind of pick that calls out to the adventurer. This is a product that practically begs for travel, the open road, and new experiences. With Rotor Riot’s front-facing screen holder, you can take your game anywhere you want, with optimal control functionality. Many of these gaming phone controllers are plagued by lags, latency, and other pesky software bugs, but the Rotor Riot is clean as a whistle on that front. One of our favorite features is that the Rotor Riot actually charges your phone while you play. You heard that right, folks. With Rotor Riot, you can bid farewell to those pesky red lines and mid-game shutdowns. In conclusion, this phone controller has got it all.
Pros:
- Sturdy screen holder
- No latency or lags
- Charges while you play
Cons:
- Not wireless
Razer Kishi Gaming Phone Controller
Comfort is key
There are a lot of features for gamers to consider when deciding on a gaming controller. The debate may rage on forever among gamers, but for us, it’s indisputable that comfort and ease of use come first. That’s why we’re so in love with this innovative and impressive Razer Kishi phone controller. At first glance, the controller looks like a ball, but when extended, the controller reveals ample space to place a phone inside. With buttons, joysticks, and triggers at each hand, the Razer Kishi offers the most console-like gaming experience that we’ve seen in this product line. If you’re looking for a phone controller that will mimic the feeling and shape of a console controller effortlessly, the Razer Kishi is the pick for you.
Pros:
- Highly ergonomic and comfortable
- Closest to the console gaming experience
- Portable when not in use
Cons:
- Pricier than most of the phone controller market
Coobile Gaming Phone Controller
Compact controller
With so many products boasting so many intense features, it’s very refreshing to see an effectively minimalist design like the one on offer from Coobile. Coobile’s phone gaming controller offers a simple screen holder along with a couple of gaming triggers to enhance gameplay. Coobile’s phone controller is an excellent companion to first-person shooter games that require a steady hand and smooth actions. The well-placed handles on the Coobile phone controller offer a highly ergonomic gaming experience that’s sure to bring your game to the next level. What’s more, this impressive little beauty has universal compatibility among all smartphones (iOs and Android). If you’re on the hunt for a simple mobile gameplay solution that’ll make some of your favorite mobile games a bit more enjoyable and accessible, the Coobile gaming phone controller is the pick for you.
Pros:
- No-frills, universally compatible smartphone gaming controller
- Great for first-person shooters
- Provides gaming triggers for enhanced gameplay
Cons:
- It is not compatible with other gaming systems like PC or tablets
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these phone controllers compatible with PC or tablet gaming?
Most phone controllers are universal, meaning they can be used on other devices beyond smartphones. You might not be able to use them on consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, but PC and tablet gaming shouldn’t be a problem.
Are these phone controllers compatible with every kind of smartphone?
Some of these phone controllers have specific screen size restrictions. Be sure to check that the dimensions of your phone are compatible with the phone controller before making a purchase.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.