7 Top Phone Controllers & Triggers for Mobile Gaming

Mobile gaming offers endless options for players, whether looking for fast-paced shooters or casual, lowkey experiences. Your gaming experience can be whatever you want it to be, regardless of your device. iPhones and Androids each provide similar offerings, now that gaming has entered the cellular space. 

There are just a few elements holding back mobile gaming from being all that it can be. One of these is the controller. 

Keeping your hands as close as many games require may cause imprecise movements, especially in competitive games. For gamers with large hands relative to the size of their phones, it can be especially tricky navigating complex controls. 

All of these issues can be addressed with the right mobile gaming controller. Today, we’ve gathered a few of the best offerings on the market. These options will suit gamers of all kinds, regardless of their needs. 

Join WTFast as we highlight the best modern controllers for your gaming build.

Sony Dualsense

If you’ve managed to get your hands on a Playstation 5, you’ll have a Sony Dualsense on hand. Of the current-generation options, the Dualsense controller is the one that excites us the most. Its ergonomic design and compatibility with both Samsung and Apple devices make it a real winner.

The D-Pad is partially contained below the left body of the controller. The end result is four discrete, hexagonal buttons. The classic square formation of square-triangle-circle-cross that defines Playstation controllers is on full display here. The thumbsticks feel good and have the classic PlayStation feel.

The most special part of the Dualsense gamepad, however, is the haptics involved in the controller. The controller more accurately changes sensation in response to specific stimuli. 

In some shooters, the shoulder buttons take more force to push in with certain guns. The vibration of the controller is more subtle and nuanced than others, as well. 

While the controller can do many remarkable things, few games take full advantage of this. With mobile games coming out that have started development post-PS5 launch, we may see specialized controller support soon.

Starting with Android 12 and iOS 14.5, the Sony Dualsense is natively supported as a Bluetooth controller. This worthy successor to the Dualshock deserves its place in both console and mobile gaming. 

Though the console shortage continues, you can get your hands on an impressive controller in the meantime.

8BitDo Pro 2

The worldwide gaming controller market is expected to reach a value of nearly $3 million by the end of 2027. This growth is driven by non-console streaming services, enabling a rich third-party controller market. Our first insight into this is the 8BitDo Pro 2.

This pro controller takes the retro appeal of the SNES controller and makes it ergonomically modern. The face shape mimics a SNES controller, while the grips give it the shape and functionality of a Dualshock. 

The controller has pure versatility, with both a USB-C port and Bluetooth capability. It is compatible with iOS, Android, and even the Nintendo Switch. 

The versatility of the controller extends far beyond what you can play it on. The buttons are remappable, for ease of use with button-intensive games like Call of Duty. Even the analog stick can have its sensitivity adjusted.

The end result is that the 8BitDo Pro 2 is a stylish retro option to meet all your gaming needs.

Razer Kishi

All of the controllers on this list improve your gaming ability on mobile devices. Few totally transform your phone the way the Razer Kishi does. 

The Razer Kishi features a controller that clamps directly onto your phone, transforming it into a hybrid handheld console. The left side features a top joystick and d-pad, while the right side features a top ABYX button and joystick.

For those who use the Switch, the joysticks and layout will make the controller instantly easy to use. The standard version of the Razer Kishi supports Android phones that utilize USB-C. Versions that are compatible with Apple devices are also available. The only downside is that some of the biggest phones may not be totally compatible with it. 

This controller features reduced latency and input lag and also eliminates the battery problem from phones. The controller allows for charging power, so you won’t have to worry about energy consumption. 

Gamesir X2 

The Gamesir X2 is primarily for Android users, though iOS-supporting versions now exist. As far as hybrid controllers go, this one is the most affordable of the lot. It’s also sized to handle larger Android phones that other controllers may struggle with. 

The Gamesir X2 comes with a unit case, at the cost of being a good bit bigger than many other controllers on the list. It also has smaller trigger buttons and lacks an audio jack. 

These downsides come with a silver lining. The Gamesir X2 is still durable, and its USB connectivity reduces latency. The end result is a budget option that’s well worth your time.

Backbone One

The next controller is one exclusively for iPhone users. The Backbone One also features a clamp-on controller that resembles that of a Nintendo Switch. It works flexibly with all phones up to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. 

It also allows for two wired connections at once. One lets you plug in a charger so that you’ll never be caught on low battery. The other lets you plug in a headphone jack, so you can use your favorite headset. Play discreetly, or use voice chat to give callouts to your friends and teammates. 

The downside of the Backbone One is its price: $100 plus an additional monthly or annual fee if you want to access special software features. This may scare off all but the most dedicated mobile gamers.

The Backbone One also comes with a free Xbox Game PAss Ultimate subscription. This can be further upgraded for online gaming when paired with WTFast’s route optimizer for a seamless online experience. 

Xbox Elite Series 2

We couldn’t include Sony on this list without giving personal attention to Microsoft as well. The wireless controller is compatible with all Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Its compatibility isn’t just limited to Xbox Series consoles, either. 

It pairs well with Bluetooth to Apple and Android devices perfectly fine. This may result in slightly increased latency, but if you have an Xbox wireless controller around it will work well.

The controller features a specially textured grip to provide a more comfortable feel on the hands, and shorter trigger stops. The shoulder triggers are built with a more concave shape to provide a natural place to hold your fingers. 

You can also remap any button using Xbox accessories, and adjust the tension and other dynamics for your perfect gaming experience. It also provides a sense of security through a carrying case including a dock stand. The end result is a highly supported, highly luxurious controller. 

PowerA Moga XP5-X

In shape and design, the PowerA Moga XP5-X is made to replicate a standard Xbox One controller. It’s perfect for streaming Xbox games to your phone for ideal Android gaming. Its size allows it to fit most phones. 

It is also highlighted by the imposingly long battery life. The piece uses rechargeable batteries with an average life of between 12 and 15 hours. The only downside is that you can’t switch out the controller and use it for console gaming. This is tempered by the low price point, especially compared to true-blue Xbox controllers.

Accessories to Help You Game

We’re going to close out our list of the best controllers to highlight accessories that can seriously upgrade your build. These are small ways that you can subtly enhance your gaming experience. 

Many of the controllers above act as built-in stands. If you’d rather a closer, more controlled experience, gaming clips can attach discrete controllers directly to your phone. This way, you can game even when you don’t have anything to prop your phone on. For Xbox and Playstation users, a phone clip can be an invaluable tool.

Another accessory that may have an essential need here is the power bank. Mobile gaming uses a lot of battery power. Depending on your particular setup, you may find yourself losing charge over time. A power bank can help you in this situation and offer a convenient aid in daily life. 

Our last suggestion is to bring gaming gloves to your mobile gaming. Compression gloves are medically used to alleviate pain from arthritis and carpal tunnel. For gamers, they can reduce the pain and soreness that long sessions can sometimes have. 

Better Mobile Gaming

Remote play isn’t just about picking a controller or an accessory and calling it a day. It’s about picking the right option for you in particular. Across decades of video games, there have been countless controller designs. 

The Sony Dualshock and Xbox Elite Series 2 are both the latest evolution of a storied controller series. The 8BitDoPro blends the retro style of SNES and the comfort of Sony offerings. Others ply their own spin on Switch or Xbox designs. Whatever you choose, WTFast is ready with up-to-the-minute analysis on everything gaming.

Sources:

Sony Misses PS5 Sales Targets Thanks To Endless Supply Shortages I Forbes

Global Gaming Controller Market Forecast to 2027 | Business Wire

Arthritis Gloves: Do They Help With Pain & Swelling? I WebMD