However, the rectangular candy bar form factor and touchscreen interface don’t lend themselves well to immersive gaming. So what’s the solution to this? A gaming controller! There are a lot of options available in the market, at different price points and in all shapes and sizes.
Here are the best smartphone gaming controllers available today.
Q: Can I Use My PS4 Controller on My Android Device?
Yes, you can use your PS4 controller on your Android phone or tablet.
In case your phone runs low on power, you can charge it through the passthrough USB-C port on its lower-right hand side. When you’re not using it, it collapses into a small, compact form. This means you can easily carry this around without adding bulk and weight to your bag.
The clickable analog sticks offer tactile feedback, offering a more immersive smartphone gaming experience. The only downside is that this controller can only be used on smartphones—the USB-C design with the phone cradled between the two sections means it’s not compatible with tablets or iPhones. Razer offers an iPhone version of the Kishi, but it’s sold separately.
This means you won’t have difficulty connecting it to your Apple device. If you get this controller, you’ll also get up to four free months of Apple Arcade. In the box, you’ll find the controller and an iPhone mount, ensuring you can game on your smartphone as soon as you get it.
The controller also has a lightning port, so you can charge it using your iPhone’s cable and charging brick. The SteelSeries Nimbus+ features clickable joysticks as well as L3 and R3 buttons. This offers more flexibility across a range of smartphone games. Whether you’re a casual gamer or prefer more intense gameplay with Battle Royale games, this smartphone gaming controller is versatile and affordable.
And since it’s fully analog, the game will not detect that you’re using a controller. This ensures you retain your advantage over your opponents when playing.
This controller has built-in slots allowing you to charge your phone and use a headset, even as you game. And for those extended matches, this controller has a built-in fan, ensuring your phone won’t overheat and performs optimally.
With those controls having their dedicated triggers, you can now move around and do those actions simultaneously. This improves your agility and control, giving you an advantage over one-on-one firefights.
Since this is an all-analog device, you don’t have to worry about power and charging. Furthermore, it’s small and compact, meaning you can easily slip it into your pocket when you’re not gaming. With this controller, you can enjoy your playing your games almost anywhere.
The GameSir G3s offers you many connection options. You can pair it to your phone via Bluetooth or attach it via the 2.4GHz dongle to your computer. And if you want to charge it while playing, you can use the included micro-USB cord.
For additional immersion, the controller has dual vibration motors, responding to your every movement. And when you factor in its 18-hour battery life, you know you will enjoy your game for a long, long time.
It can help reduce tiredness for players, especially those that have extended matches and gaming sessions. The controller even has a built-in phone clip, ensuring you can focus on your game no matter what.
The controller’s textured grips ensure ultimate gaming comfort. And if you’re sweating during a fight, this feature guarantees the controller won’t slip—allowing you to give 100% focus on your game.
It also features a durable internal spring. This ensures it won’t loosen as you spend hours playing on it. Each button is also solidly made and is designed to last up to three million button presses.
To ensure cooling, the controller has a built-in gap when you install your phone. That way, your device can perform optimally even after hours of gaming. And once you have achieved victory, you can quickly record it with a press of the dedicated screenshot button.
First, you need to turn on your Android device’s Bluetooth connection. You should then press and hold the PS and Share button on your controller until its light starts blinking. Your phone should then detect your controller in the Bluetooth menu as Wireless Controller.
Tap on Wireless Controller on your device to connect to it. Tap OK on the pop-up confirmation window. Your controller should now be connected to your Android phone or tablet.
Q: Can I Turn My Phone Into a Bluetooth Controller?
Yes, you can. There are several Bluetooth controller apps available on the Google Play Store which lets you do that. However, do note that you may need to install additional software or drivers on your computer for the app to work.
Q: Can I Connect a USB Game Controller to Android?
Yes, Android devices generally recognize plug-and-play USB controllers. However, if your controller has a USB-A plug, you may need a USB-C OTG adapter to connect it to your USB-C or micro USB device.