Matthew is the Games and Apps Editor at Android Police. With two precision analog sticks, a directional pad, menu button, and four action buttons, youre pretty well covered whatever game youre playing. Tap the floating "Add Device" button in the bottom-right corner of the screen. If you are an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, find out how to stream Xbox and PC games on your Android phone. Razer has latched on to the dock form factor, and theyve made significant improvements with the V2. And be sure to check out our many other guides, including the Best iPhones, Best Android Phones, and Best Mobile Games, to level up your gaming kit. However, if you play a lot of FPS games like Call of Duty: Mobile, we recommend investing in a controller like the Razer Kishi V2 that has additional features suited to shooters, like hair-trigger mode (for quick-firing) and options to decrease the thumbstick sensitivity for more accurate shots. From the Android TV Home screen, scroll down and select Settings . Your options extend well beyond Microsoft and Sony. Individual buttons make it easy to jump between your phone, computer, laptop, and Nintendo Switch. You can use an Android phone as a controller when you're playing PC games. It's all plastic, and it's light in hand for those long gaming sessions. Since it uses the USB-C port, you cant charge your device while gaming, and if your device lacks a headphone jack, it means you cant attach headphones either. Updated December 2022: We added new controllers from GameSir and Riot PWR and an honorable mentions section with several entries,and we updated prices and links throughout. The D-pad is made to feel like a retro D-pad, such as on an NES controller, so its ideal for retro games or fighting games. A create button is present to help you share content and go live on streaming platforms. If you don't have a controller, don't worry. Razer has borrowed heavily from Backbone's design. . Here are a few reasons why it is beneficial: If you're wondering what an accelerometer or gyroscope can do in games, you can find that in our guide on smartphone sensors. The 600-mAh battery is an inevitable downside, but it delivers up to 10 hours of gameplay, and you can recharge via the USB-C port. Those minor negatives aside, this is a great controller. Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ with Type Cover -- $700, was $930 Open the app on your computer and click on the, Once the QR code is available on your screen, head to the mobile app and tap on the. You don't have to use the clip, but it sure is handy since the controller is corded. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. There are double shoulder triggers with two clever programmable buttons around the back so you can keep your thumbs on the sticks. Free Postage. I'll try game controller 2 touch since it utilizes root permissions. Process gamepad button presses. The vibrate is strong, and theres a six-axis gyroscope for Switch games. Save yourself some time and check out our roundup of the best Android games to play right now, updated monthly. The Best Budget Phone Plans to Ditch the Big Carriers. It even has minimal forked prongs that avoid the power or volume buttons on the side of your phone. I just options to adjust size of the buttons and d-pad, and another option to move the d-pad anywhere you want on the screen. Sonys DualSense controller is built for the PlayStation 5. All this controller lacks is support for PlayStation and Xbox. The only significant complaints were a lack of USB-C charging, an oversight in this day and age, and a slightly mushy D-pad. It also worked instantly when plugged into our Red Magic Phone, and didnt require any remapping in the games we tested. Pairing is easy via Bluetooth 5. It is sturdy, offers plenty of buttons (only a screenshot button is missing), and can wirelessly charge your phone. Yes, you can. 1. onscreen gamepad with: - multi-touch (depends on device and OS) - 4/8-way d-pad, up to 12 game buttons, 2 analog sticks - resizable and customizable buttons layout - fully configurable buttons. Keyboard devices. The wireless controller even has a couple of extra buttons in the back of the handles, which are entirely programmable. You get a reasonable balance of reliability, latency, and power consumption, beaten only by playing wired. It's also Steam-enabled, so you can play any controller-enabled Steam game without any additional drivers or software. WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Map If youre the kind of gamer whos used to backlit keyboards, this controller from GameSir is a great choice with its semi-transparent cover, matte finish, and adjustable colored LED-backlit action buttons and right joystick although it does look a little strange having just one side of the controller lit up. All of the features are free for the first year. Ad Choices. If you're on the hunt for a new controller to get you through titles like Stardew Valley and Dead Cells, you've come to the right place. Besides which, if you're using a device that's so old it's running a version of Android that's well over a decade old, it's strongly likely that it's going to struggle with any game that'll benefit from a controller anyway. Next, select the three-line hamburger menu icon in the top-left corner to open the menu. What's nice about the clip is that it's easy to use, thanks to the inbuilt slot to attach it to the controller. This unusual niche device enables you to play on an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone with a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse, but it does so in a confusing, cobbled-together kind of way. Its familiar ergonomic design features injected rubber grips and feels super comfortable in your hands. Yes, they are. Tap "Allow" to begin. This new design makes inserting your phone much easier, and that ease means you're much more likely to reach for your controller when you boot up Diablo Immortal or Call of Duty. The affordable $60 price, the versatility of its connections, and the fact it feels great in hand are the top reasons why the Steelseries Stratus+ is not one to miss. Try one of these WIRED-tested controllers for your iPhone or Android instead. The only negative thing we have to say on this one is that the directional pad can sometimes be a little unreliable. The only disappointment is the mushy D-pad and the lack of any haptics. It also worked well with Xbox Cloud Gaming, and, despite the Xbox branding, you can use it with other cloud gaming services. (The supplied cable caters to both.) I struggled to get it all working, as the instructions are not the clearest, but once it was hooked up and configured, playing Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft was a breeze. When picking the best Bluetooth controller for yourself, your first consideration should be the device(s) youll be using it with. Since the controller is a new release, we've been lucky enough to go hands on with the unit, and even though the external RGB fan may seem a little silly, it does help to keep things cool when playing demanding games. That's why we're here to help. Bluetooth controllers offer a solid value for the money now, packing in tons of functionality at affordable price tags. It stretches open to cradle virtually any Android phone in its rubbery embrace, accommodating devices up to 7 inches long. For some of us, playing a first-person shooter just doesnt feel right without a keyboard and mouse. Buy a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and get $100 in Samsung Instant Credit, Android's best games that offer controller support, Get a close-up look at how Motorola's rollable phone works, Galaxy Tab S9 to get feature that finally puts it on par with rest of Samsung's lineup, The USB-C port swivels for easy insertion, micro-switch buttons feel great and are incredibly responsive, USB-C in for passthrough charging as well as headphone support, Two extra buttons and they are programmable, No USB connection, only Bluetooth (causes latency), No back, slightly flimsy as two separate pieces, Versitile connectability with bluetooth, wifi, and USB-C support, Built-in battery won't be easily replaced, Center thumb sticks may not be for everyone, All four shoulder buttons are on a single row, Familiar comfort and feel for any Xbox players, Works best with Android over bluetooth, corded is hit and miss, Inherent delay with bluetooth connection. Ginger also offers the standard grammar and spell check capabilities, as well as predictive text. This is definitely worth the money. If you like the idea of playing PlayStation games on your phone, try the PS Remote Play app for Android or iOS. Instead of the folding rear of the previous model, there's a sliding tube that sits behind the phone, which is how the Kishi V2 can easily fit large phones. Links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. It feels good in-hand, has a solid phone clip, and works with Android, Xbox, and Windows. Wireless gaming keyboard with high Sensitive Gamepad:3 operating modes are available - Android mode (BFM), Traditional PC mode (Analog), and Xbox (PC360) mode, you can play games easily without buying a professional game controller. So whether you're interested in playing native Android games over Bluetooth or are looking to cut down on latency for game streaming on GeForce Now and Stadia, the HyperX Clutch Wireless has you covered. Theres a USB-C port and Bluetooth for wired or wireless connections. With a unique combination of features, a thoughtful retro design, and solid performance, all at a reasonable price, this is the best mobile controller for most people. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Razer Kishi V2 for $100: This popular extendable mobile controller comes in Android and iPhone versions. The WIRED conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our livesfrom culture to business, science to design. How to Pick the Right Backpack Size for You, Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller ($70), how to stream Xbox and PC games on your Android phone. The HyperX Clutch Wireless, not to be confused with the HyperX Clutch, is an Android and Windows controller that offers many similarities to the SteelSeries Stratus+, but it's often on sale. If you don't want to spend too much money to get a game controller for your PC, then you can use Monect's PC Remote to turn your Android phone into a joystick. You get all the features you need, and theyre industry standards on which other gamepads are modeled especially the Xbox layout. So when the app works, it's great. GameSir has tied in with Xbox, so you get an Xbox button layout (the buttons are magnetic so you can switch the layout) and one free month of the excellent Game Pass Ultimate. This email address is currently on file. if you can get the vendor and product number for your gamepad, then name the file accordingly, and you've got it. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and work with Windows too. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. Louryn Strampe, Officially workswith iPhone, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox and PlayStation Remote Play, and Steam Link. Here are some of the best Samsung Galaxy S23 cases to protect your amazing new smartphone from damage. Tap on the name of your desktop, and the phone will be ready to use as a gamepad. Menu. Were not fans of the app, it has no headphone jack, and passthrough charging is pretty slow. Play PC games and emulators using your Smartphone or Tablet as gamepad, joystick or racing wheel. The best Bluetooth game controllers 8Bitdo Pro 2 Xbox Core Sony DualSense DualShock PS4 controller SteelSeries Stratus Duo PowerA MOGA XP7-X Plus Razer Kishi V2 8Bitdo M30 8Bitdo Zero 2 Gamesir. Xpadder is among the small and straightforward window applications and gives its users the freedom to choose gamepad. It feels great in your hands with side grips, excellent control sticks, and responsive triggers. What's really nice is that all buttons use Kailh switches for a pleasing clicky feel that's both tactile and incredibly responsive. GameSir X3 for $100: On paper, this is an upgrade over the X2, with refined buttons, more options for the joysticks, and a cooling fan on the back, but I recommend the cheaper X2 Pro listed above instead, because the fan adds bulk and weight and it needs power via a dedicated USB-C port. Battery life is low at 8 hours, but thats probably enough to last a long flight or train trip. Ideal for Xbox Remote Play or Cloud Gaming, this controller will feel instantly familiar to Xbox owners, and it even has an Xbox button in the center, like the official model. This gives your device a Switch-like console touch, and the handles are both ergonomic and console-quality. Some games play better on a controller, even if youre a PC or mobile gamer. If youre not a fan of the cradle style and dont mind just propping your phone up to play, this tiny controller is a pocket-friendly option. There is also a programmable button for Auto-Pilot Gaming (APG), allowing you to record up to 10 minutes of gameplay and tap the button to repeat. Before you choose a controller to use with your Android smartphone or tablet, it is important to know about the compatibility issues you might encounter. PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $100: This controller offers everything the XP-5 X does but you can also remove the stand in the center to slot in your phone (my Pixel 6 Pro fits nicely). Below, we've picked out the best phone deals currently available so you can quickly find the ideal deal for you. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. One of this controllers best features is its two mappable Advanced Gaming buttons on the base, which are great for changing button assignments on the fly. Just make sure to read through the pros and cons of each to settle on which device is best for your needs. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T could be overkill for your needs. If your Android phone has a smaller battery, it's best to choose a controller with its own battery. Choose between a Bluetooth or wired USB connection, great for gaming at home or on the go, and charge your controller with the included Micro USB cable. Download Ginger Keyboard. This model fits more phones, has excellent buttons, and has convenient programmable M2 bumpers. The customizable Turbo button is handy for some games, enabling you to automate single or group button presses. 8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Conjuring memories of the SNES, this controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch. Now, you'll need to make sure that the receiving device is in Bluetooth pairing mode. This responsiveness is key since the controller connects over USB-C (no wireless), which is ideal for low latency, making the controller an excellent choice for those who play competitive games or enjoy game streaming services like Stadia and GeForce Now. How to Use Your Smartphone to Counteract Vision Loss. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mobile Gamepad Keyboard Mouse Converter Adapter Dock For Android For IOS NEW at the best online prices at eBay! I love the translucent design and the internal RGB lighting that highlights the buttons. Theres an integrated 480mAh battery for up to 18 hours of gaming, and you get a USB cable in the box too, so you can use Bluetooth or a wire connection with a variety of devices including your Android phone and Nintendo Switch. With Universal Touch Mapping you can use Mantis to play any Game on Android with a Game Controller. And, as usual, Samsung has created some of the most desirable smartphones in the business. I did a search earlier over google play for key mapping apps and just based them on their ratings, thinking that those apps are not fully working/optimized. For starters, the D-pad is now rounded and more agile. While playing a Deltarune port, I keep missing attacks and sometimes my thumb goes off the d-pad. Android supports a variety of keyboard devices including special function keypads (volume and power controls), compact embedded QWERTY keyboards, and fully featured PC-style external keyboards. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Download GamePad for Android to the only 100% FREE Gamepad keyboard for playing games. Android devices running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (or Android 3.2 Honeycomb) or newer support game controllers natively which is likely to be pretty much every single Android device out there now. All rights reserved. Matthew is a furious nitpicker and something of an (albeit amusing) curmudgeon, a writer that can instantly find fault in just about anything, yet he chooses to wield this power for good from the comfort of his armchair to ensure the best Android games and apps aren't lost to obscurity. Mantis Gamepad Pro is the most Modern & Safe Gamepad Keymapper App for Android. 1. onscreen gamepad with: - multi-touch (depends on device and OS) - 4/8-way d-pad, up to 12 game buttons, 2 analog sticks - resizable and customizable buttons layout - fully configurable buttons mappings 2. re-map physical keys 3. save key/button mappings to profiles 4. full qwerty keyboard First of all, you need to figure out what phone you want. The Kishi V2 brings all the bells and whistles youd expect from a high-end controller, and then some. You get solid ergonomics and an outstanding level of customizability, including the ability to adjust the joysticks for different heights, and use two styles of D-pad. It has a 120Hz refresh rate, some top-quality cameras, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor powering it all. Still, if you have the cash to splash out, the Razer Kishi V2 is our premium pick precisely because it's great but expensive. Specifications Brand: GameSir Platform: Android Battery: No. The emulator helps in improving the accessibility of gaming. With 4G and 5G connections, the quality of service you experience depends on your providers network quality. However the only thing that makes this pretty un-enjoyable is the layout of the buttons. That is the biggest problem- the keyboard is pretty good, and the gamepad, while I would like it to have more buttons, and a higher button margin for the d-pad, it does the job. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Backbone One Android for $100: The Android version of our favorite mobile controller for the iPhone is out now, but we have not had a chance to test it yet. It sports a USB-C connector for smooth gaming, with much lower latency compared to Bluetooth controllers. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 -- $1,000, was $1,100. Process joystick movements. If you love the retro look, then its probably worth the money. Plus, it has the added benefit of removable pads for phone models that are extremely thick or house large camera bumps. The Stratus Duo is best paired with a phone stand or SteelSeries SmartGrip when playing mobile games. Charging is another factor to consider. The buttons and bumpers feel nice and clicky, with super-fast response times, and there's broad support for PS Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play, and Steam Link, as well as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and GeForce Now. Reminiscent of an Xbox controller, this controller features advanced analog sticks, four action buttons, and two different D-pad covers with a magnetic design. Shopping for a new phone can be an ordeal. One negative: Its smaller and less ergonomic than modern controllers, so you may have issues using it over long gameplay sessions. Learn more. To connect your phone and your PC, you need to install two apps. If you're looking for a new phone, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed with options. It is the essential source of information and ideas that make sense of a world in constant transformation. The controller feels weighty in the hand, clocking in at 244g, bordering on a premium feel, with thumbsticks that are side by side, just like a Playstation controller. Officially workswith Android, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna. I love the searchable catalog of controller-supported games and the automatically recorded and edited in-game highlights. Octopus is the most. 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