Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people turning to their smartphones for gaming on the go. As a result, there has been a surge in the market for mobile controllers, providing a more immersive gaming experience for these mobile gamers. In this article, we will review and compare several mobile controllers, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, to help you choose the best one for your needs.
One of the mobile controllers we tested is the Turtle Beach Atom Controller, priced at $80. This controller has a clever two-piece design that allows it to fold away neatly, making it highly portable. However, we found that it felt insecure without a back, and the clamps on each side were awkward, especially with phones that have large camera modules. Additionally, we encountered trouble connecting to the controller, and disliked the fact that the right side had to be turned on separately. Despite these drawbacks, the controller mostly worked fine during gameplay, although there were some issues, such as inverted movement on the left stick while playing certain games. On the positive side, the Turtle Beach Atom Controller offers around 20 hours of battery life and takes only about two hours to charge.
Another mobile controller we tested is the GameSir T4 Cyclone, which is relatively affordable at $40. This controller has a grippy finish and features Hall Effect joysticks, providing a solid gaming experience. It also offers a few programmable buttons, rumble motors in the grips, and a multi-function button for convenience. The GameSir T4 Cyclone supports Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz with an optional dongle, and USB-C connections, providing versatility in connectivity options. However, we found that the battery life was only 860 mAh, which is relatively low compared to other controllers. Additionally, the GameSir app proved to be flaky, and the LED on the controller was annoyingly bright.
The GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro, priced at $70, is another mobile controller worth considering. This controller is slightly cheaper than GuliKit’s new model, but it still offers a good gaming experience for those who don’t care about back paddles. With Hall effect sticks, a programmable button, and most of the other features found in the KK Max 3 model, the GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro provides a solid gaming experience. However, it may not be the best choice for gamers who specifically want back paddles.
The Nacon MG-X Pro is a unique controller that feels like Nacon cut an Xbox controller in half to insert an extendable phone cradle. However, we recommend the GameSir G8 over the MG-X Pro if you are interested in this style of controller. While the MG-X Pro is slightly roomier, the G8 surpasses it in every other aspect.
The PowerA Moga XP Ultra is an interesting mobile controller that offers a wide range of options. It works wirelessly with your Xbox, Windows PC, or Android phone, providing solid battery life of up to 40 hours via Bluetooth or 60 hours for Xbox. However, the gimmicky mini controller that slides out for gaming on the go is too small and hard to grip comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all good, but the D-pad is stiff. Overall, the PowerA Moga XP Ultra is a mixed bag and may not be worth its high price.
The Razer Kishi V2 is another popular mobile controller, but in our testing, we found that it fell short compared to the Backbone One controller. It is slower, bigger, and less polished than the Backbone One, making it a less attractive option. While the Razer Kishi V2 is an extendable mobile controller that comes in Android and iPhone versions, offering the ability to stream PlayStation or Xbox games and work with Windows, the Backbone One outperforms it with superior software and a built-in headphone jack.
The Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller, priced at $25, is a certified controller for iPhone or iPad gaming. It boasts pass-through charging, direct Lightning cable connection, and a 3.5-mm audio port. It feels similar to an Xbox controller and supports Xbox Cloud Gaming or remote play. Additionally, it comes with one free month of Game Pass Ultimate. However, the cable can be a bit messy. If you prefer a less flashy design, the Riot PWR MFi Controller is nearly identical to the Xbox Edition version but without the garish green styling and colored Xbox buttons. There is also a USB-C option available.
The Turtle Beach Recon Cloud is another Xbox-branded controller that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. It comes with one free month of Game Pass Ultimate and offers a solid phone clip, making it a good option for gamers who want to play Xbox games on their smartphones. It also features audio enhancements, programmable buttons, and a Pro-Aim feature that reduces sensitivity on the right stick for more precise aiming in FPS games. Overall, it is a good upgrade from the PowerA controller mentioned earlier, especially if you want the additional features.
The GameSir X3 is an upgraded version of the X2, offering refined buttons, more options for the joysticks, and a cooling fan on the back. However, we recommend opting for the cheaper X2 Pro instead, as the additional bulk and weight added by the fan may not be worth it for most users. The X2 Pro also provides a dedicated USB-C port for pass-through charging of your phone.
The PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus is a versatile controller that offers everything the XP-5 X does, but with the added ability to remove the center stand to slot in your phone. This makes it compatible with a range of phones, including the Pixel 6 Pro. It is a sturdy controller with plenty of buttons and the ability to wirelessly charge your phone. However, it is quite expensive and features a Micro USB port instead of the more modern USB-C. Additionally, it has a relatively small battery capacity of 2,000 mAh.
Finally, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro is a controller that conjures memories of the SNES. This controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch, offering compatibility with a wide range of devices. It features built-in rumble, a solid D-pad, good battery life, and a USB-C port for convenient charging. Overall, it is a reliable option for gamers looking for a retro-style controller.
In conclusion, there is a wide range of mobile controllers available on the market, each with its own set of features and drawbacks. In our testing, we found several controllers that stood out, including the Turtle Beach Atom Controller for its portability, the GameSir T4 Cyclone for its affordability and solid performance, and the GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro for its overall value. However, it is important to consider your own personal preferences and gaming requirements when choosing a mobile controller. Whether you prioritize portability, battery life, or specific features, there is likely a mobile controller that will suit your needs.
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