Best Mobile Game Controllers to buy in 2022

Mobile gaming is getting the popularity it has always deserved. You can play a variety of games on your smartphone. From shooting and combat games to candy crush and other such games, you can enjoy all of them during your free time. 

Right now, there are lots of games for everyone to enjoy and some of the latest smartphones also run amazing visual graphics and some of them are always fun to play with touchscreen controls. 

However, you do need a mobile game controller for most of the games like this. In this article, we’re are going to discuss a variety of gaming controllers for smartphones. 

These controllers were tested by some of the best gaming experts around the globe and we’ve marked which platform each controller officially supports. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look at some of the best smartphone controllers to buy in 2022.

Top 11 Best Mobile game controllers

8BitDo Pro 2

Price: $39.99 USD

In our humble opinion, the 8bitDo Pro is one of the best mobile game controllers for most people. It has got a unique combination of features, a beautiful retro design and quite a solid performance. 

The buttons are very satisfying and the analog sticks are also quite sensitive. The subtly textured back adds a lot of grip and you would also get double shoulder triggers with two clever programmable buttons around the back that allows you to keep your thumbs on the sticks. 

Also, you need to keep in mind that this Bluetooth controller can basically connect to four devices. Therefore, you can easily jump between a Nintendo Switch, MacBook, Android or iOS phone and Windows PC. You can also connect with a cable using the controller’s USB-C port. You also need to make sure that you snag an 8Bitdo Mobile Clip to go with it. 

You will get this clip in around $15. It also has a removable and rechargeable battery that works for like 20 hours at least. 

You can also swap in two AA batteries if you need. Last but not the least, the 8BitDo Ultimate Software app for Android or iOS will allow you to remap buttons and tweak the stick. It can also be used for triggering and vibration sensitivity. Also, you can set up custom macros in your favorite mobile games. This controller does not support PlayStation and Xbox.

GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro

Price: $59.99 USD

With some extremely classic looks and quality feels, the KingKong 2 Pro somehow resembles the Switch Pro controller. It also has a contrasting silver shoulder buttons and a black finish. 

The grip of this controller is quite comfortable in the hand for long sessions and it is also textured for an enhanced grip. It has silky-smooth joysticks and the clicky buttons are also quite satisfying. It also packs a very decent D-pad. 

One of the main talking points of this device is the electromagnetic joysticks that are specially designed to combat drift. 

You would also get a programmable button for Auto-Pilot gaming (APG) that allows you to record up to 10 minutes of gameplay and tap the button to repeat. The vibration is also quite strong and you would get a six-axis gyroscope for Switch games.

The battery life of this machine is also quite strong and its 1,000 mAh battery will last up to 24 hours. You would also get a USB-C port and Bluetooth for wired and wireless connections. It is important to mention that the individual buttons are going to make it easy to jump between your phone, computer, laptop and Nintendo Switch. There is no companion app, however; the controller comes with a snug, molded, translucent carrying case that can only accommodate a single cable.

Backbone One – For iPhone Gamers

Price: $99.99 USD

The Backbone One is a delightful option as far as mobile game controllers are concerned. You can simply plug the lightning connector into your iPhone, stretch the controller over it and enjoy playing. 

The response times are super-fast and the buttons and bumpers do feel nice and clicky. You would also get a broad support for PS Remote Play, Xbox Remote Play and Steam Link. It is also compatible with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Google Stadia and GeForce Now. 

Overall, if you have love mobile gaming then this nice little controller will turn your phone into a console or PC. Moreover, it also offers an interface for seamless voice chat and multiplayer lobbies along with one-tap Twitch streaming and support for iOS gaming mode.

SteelSeries Stratus+ – For PC gamers

Price: $52.59 USD

The SteelSeries Stratus+ is another splendid option for flicking between games on an Android device and your PC or laptop. It sort of gives a feeling of an Xbox Wireless Controller and gives you a similar button layout as well. 

However, it has symmetrical thumb-sticks with a disappointing mushy D-Pad offset at the top left. This controller gets wirelessly connected to an Android phone of Chromebook through Bluetooth LE 4.1 or USB-C port. 

The port can also be used for PC gaming and charging the controller. If you’re looking for a true wireless PC gaming experience then the SteelSeries Stratus+ for less than $60, is a fantastic option. You are not going to get any WiFi support, however; you do get a smartphone clip in the box. The design is quite clever and folds flat for easy storage.

The company claims that the battery life of this controller is expected to last around 90 hours and after charging it for 15 minutes, it gives you back at least 12 hours of gameplay. It is an extremely recommended controller to buy in 2022 if you are looking for a nice mobile game controller.

Keymander 2 Mobile – For Mouse and Keyboard Fans

Price: $79.95 USD

There are lots of people on this planet that don’t like the first-person shooter games without a keyboard and mouse. For this reason, this unusual device was built and it allows you to play on an iPhone, iPad or Android phone with a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse. However, the overall process is a bit flagged and perplexing.

You must have either the official Sony PlayStation 4 controller or Microsoft Xbox One wireless controller with Bluetooth (preferably Model 1708) and they will connect through a MicroUSB cable to the Keymander 2. 

For more clarity, let us tell you that it is using the controller support to connect the mouse and keyboard. You can also configure them in the K2 Mobile Game Dock app.

We must make it clear that the dock looks a little flimsy, however; it manages to hold an iPad in place. There are ports in the side and back for plugging everything in. People have faced major struggles to get it all working because the commands haven’t been clearer.

It is also quite suitable for remote play on PlayStation or Xbox or for a streaming service like Stadia. Therefore, we highly advise you not to tweak settings frequently because the only games with controller support are going to work well.

GameSir T4 Mini

Price: $28.79 USD

The GameSir T4 Mini is another commendable option for all those looking to just pop their phone up and play. It is a magnificent pocket-friendly option with large hands and customers are going like the feel of it. 

It has offset twin stick that are smooth and the buttons are also quite responsive. It has shallow triggers and the D-pad is only passable. The translucent design is splendid and the internal RGB lighting that highlights the buttons is extremely good. It is easily pairable through the Bluetooth 5.

The battery life is quite average at only 600 mAh and it is clearly one of the loopholes of this controller. It can deliver up to 10 hours of gameplay and can be reached through the USB-C port. 

It will take at least three hours to charge completely and it has vibration motors and a gyroscope that makes it a good option for playing on the Nintendo Switch. It also boasts a customizable Turbo button that is handy for some games and allows you to automate single or group button presses.

GameSir X2 – For Android gamers

Price: $59.99 USD

If you are looking for a controller that does not need much power and gives you an aesthetic Nintendo Switch button layout, then you must take a look at the GameSir X2. It is an ideal choice for on-the-go gaming. 

It has a rubbery surface that stretches open to cradle virtually any Android phone and it helps in accommodating devices up to 6.8-inches long and 0.39 thick. It can also hold newer devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.

You will get a great grip with the textured sections and you’d also get solid twin joysticks along with D-pad and plenty of buttons. It has some basic shoulder trippers and also packs a USB-C connector for smooth gaming. Furthermore, you would also get much lower latency compared to Bluetooth controllers.

There is no power button and you wouldn’t want to leave your phone in it all the time. This is perhaps one of its discrepancies. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic option for Android gamers. 

Sony DualSense Controller – For PS5 Owners

Price: $69 USD

The DualSense controller by Sony is another splendid option. It is basically designed for PlayStation 5 users because it is highly responsive and durable. 

You can also pair it with your smartphone through the Bluetooth support, however; it is not supposed to work with every game. 

Also, you would not get the full benefit of the adaptive triggers unless you use it with the PS5. Overall, it’s a great mobile stand-in and if you like the idea of playing PlayStation games on your phone, this controller has to be on your go-to list. You can also try the PS Remote Play app for Android or iOS.

Xbox/Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (White) – For Xbox Owners

Price: $77.99 USD

This one is for the Xbox users. All of Xbox users must have Xbox Wireless Controller with their phone. The pairing guide is quite easy and it’s a cinch to pair with an iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet via Bluetooth. 

You might need configuration for some games, however; it is not supposed to work with everything. You can always find out how to stream Xbox and PC games on your Android phone if you the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber. Also, you can add a PowerA MOGA Mobile Gaming Clip ($10) to mount your phone and play your favorite games.

PowerA Moga XP5-X – For Xbox Remote Play

Price: $29 USD

This particular controller is an ideal choice for Xbox Remote Play. It is very common among the Xbox owners and it also comes with an Xbox button in the center. The weight is much lighter and it also has a solid standard Xbox button with grippy thumb-sticks and a couple of programmable pushers on the back. 

There is only one loophole in this controller as it comes with a mushy D-pad and the absence of any haptics. It also comes with a smart clip design and two adjustable joints with a cradle, that upsurges to accommodate most phones.

This device also offers minimal forked prongs that avoid the power or volume buttons on the side of your phone. It also means that the connection to your phone is a choice of cable or Bluetooth. 

Moreover, this phone controller also gives you a 3,000-mAh rechargeable battery and its overall battery life can also double up as a portable battery pack. The charging is done through the MicroUSB port in the top and you would also get a USB-A port that can be used to plug a cable into your phone’s USB-C port. 

To our surprise, we haven’t seen the Xbox support therefore, you need to stream Xbox games from your console to your phone with Remote Play. However, you won’t be able to play on the Xbox itself with the help of this controller.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – For Nintendo Owners

Price: $69.92 USD

There is no lie in the fact that the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller can be used with Android phones as well. However, you won’t see any official iOS support. 

If you want to connect to an Android device, you simply need to hold down the sync button located at the top of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller until it starts flashing out. 

Then, you need to turn on Bluetooth on your phone and go to Settings, connected devices and choose pair new device. After that, select the Pro controller like the PS and Xbox controllers. However, you need to keep in mind that it is not supposed to work perfectly with every game.

Conclusion: Best Mobile Game Controllers

Well, to be honest. We haven’t had the best of experience as far as mobile game controllers are concerned. For this reason, we kept this list long enough to leave it to the people to decide their fate. 

We have clearly mentioned controllers suitable for different gaming consoles so you can choose your option wisely. There are more than 10 mobile controllers in this list and you can choose according to your requirement and budget. 

That’s it from our today’s piece. Write it down in the comments below if you’ve any queries. We shall try and answer them as soon as possible. See you soon in our next analytical piece. Until then, goodbye and good luck with whatever you choose.