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Other game controllers we’ve tested
There are several other mobile controllers we’ve tested that just missed a spot at the top or failed to make the grade
Photo: Simon Hill
Gamesir X3 Pro for $80: It replaces the X3 and expands to cradle virtually any Android phone (or the iPhone 15 range) in its rubbery embrace. It looks good with detachable cap in different sizes in nice zip-up carry case with customizable grip, clicky buttons and hall effect thumbstick. The headline feature is the huge rear fan capable of serious cooling power, which can come in handy as smartphones can get uncomfortably warm when you’re gaming for long periods of time, although I found the sound annoying, and the X3 Pro would welcome more heavy customization options. But Gamesy’s app is a bit buggy and confusing. For more compact sliding options, see GameSir X2 Pro ($80) or much cheaper X2s ($40). I tested both and found them to be pretty good value for money.
Asus ROG Tessen for $90: When I started using the ROG Tessen my excitement about the potential of a mobile controller from Asus quickly faded. It has a neat folding design, responsive controls and pass-through charging. I loved the programmable back pedal, and the RGB lighting to jazz it up. But the thumbsticks felt uncomfortable quite quickly and the buttons proved a bit noisy. It only works with Android and no iPhones (not even USB-C iPhones).
Gamesir X4 Aileron for $100: This controller has a lot going for it, including a compact design, RGB lighting, hall effect sticks, and tactile buttons. It comes in two parts, which is great for folding it neatly, but it means you have to attach one side, then the other, and that can be fiddly. It’s not a bad effort, but there are better options above.
CRKD Atom Controller for $20: This little controller is cute and very portable, with a wrist strap you can attach to a bag. Battery life goes up to ten hours with a USB-C port for recharging, though I found it occasionally turned itself on in my pocket. It’s not big or comfortable enough to use for long periods of time, but if you need a super portable emergency controller, it might fit the bill.
Photo: Simon Hill
Turtle Beach Atom Controller for $80: With a clever two-piece design, this controller folds up nicely, but feels insecure without a back. The clamps on each side are awkward, especially on phones with large camera modules I’m having trouble connecting, and hate having to launch the right side separately (press B and menu buttons). The right side connects wirelessly (2.4 GHz), but the controller connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It mostly worked well for me, but when I played jeez, The movement was to flip the left stick. You get around 20 hours of battery life. It takes about two hours to charge. If portability is your main concern, this is it may be Be worth a look.
Gamesar T4 Cyclone for $40: Relatively affordable, with a grippy finish and Hall Effect joystick, this is a solid controller. There are a few programmable buttons around the back, rumble motors on the grips, and a handy multi-function button. It also supports Bluetooth, 2.4-GHz with optional dongle and USB-C connections. But the battery is only 860 mAh, the GameSir app is flaky, and the LED is annoyingly bright.
Nacon MG-X Pro for $54: It looks like Nacon cut an Xbox controller in half to insert an extendable phone cradle, but if you want this style of controller the GameSir G8 listed above is what we recommend. The MG-X Pro is slightly wider, but the G8 is superior in every other way.
PowerA XP Ultra for $130: I love the idea of combining loads of options into one controller, and PowerA’s crazy XP Ultra is certainly versatile. It works wirelessly with your Xbox, Windows PC, or Android phone, offering solid battery life (up to 40 hours via Bluetooth or 60 hours for Xbox). But the gimmicky mini controller that slides out, Transformers-style, is too small for on-the-go gaming and hard to grip comfortably. The buttons, triggers, and sticks are all good, and the clip works well for holding your phone, but the D-pad is stiff. All in all, it’s an expensive mixed bag.
Razer Kishi V2 for $100: The Razer Kishi V2 is OK, but it’s slower, bigger and less polished than the Backbone One. It is an extended mobile controller that comes in Android and iPhone versions. Both can stream PlayStation or Xbox games and also work with Windows. But ultimately, Backbone’s superior software and headphone jack make it the better choice. –Lauryn Strapp
Riot PWR iOS Xbox Edition Cloud Gaming Controller for $40: An MFi-certified controller for iPhone or iPad gaming (older Lightning port devices) that boasts pass-through charging, a direct Lightning cable connection, and a 3.5-mm audio port. It feels a lot like an Xbox controller, supports Xbox Cloud Gaming or Remote Play, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. On the downside, the cable is a bit messy. D Riot PWR MFi Controller ($40) Almost identical, but without the stylish green styling and colorful Xbox buttons. There’s also a USB-C option.
Turtle Beach Recon Cloud for $47: Here’s another Xbox-branded controller that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play, and comes with a free month of Game Pass Ultimate. It feels good in the hand, has a sturdy phone clip and works with Android, Xbox and Windows. It has some audio enhancement (when plugged in), programmable buttons, and a handy Pro-Am feature that reduces the sensitivity of the right stick for aiming in FPS games. It’s a good upgrade choice over the PowerA controller listed above, but only if you want the extra features.
PowerA Moga XP7-X Plus for $100: This controller offers what the XP-5 X does, but you can also remove the stand in the center to slot in your phone (fits my Pixel 6 Pro nicely). It’s sturdy, offers plenty of buttons (only a screenshot button is missing), and can charge your phone wirelessly. But it’s expensive, has a micro USB port when I’d prefer USB-C, and only has a 2,000 mAh battery, so stick with the XP-5 X unless you really want a spring-loaded cradle to fit your phone.
8BitDo SN30 Pro for $45: Reminiscent of the SNES, this controller works with Android, Windows, MacOS, and Switch. It has built-in rumble, a solid d-pad, good battery life and a USB-C port.
